Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver
 

Can anyone tell me something about the area where Lakeside Amusement Park is located? Any decent lodging or restaurants nearby?

Jayne, It's been at least 5 years since I have been to Lakeside but it's not my favorite area. Are you interested in this location just to go to Lakeside or are you visiting someone? Honestly I would just suggest staying in downtown Denver unless you have other reasons for being close to Lakeside. It's approx. less than 10 miles from downtown. Lots of lodging options and restaurants downtown.

I am going to Lakeside and wanted to spend the night closeby. I didn't know if there were any good options right around there. We are heading out to the north the next day on our way to Yellowstone. If you have any suggestions for downtown or other lodging, that would be great. There are six of us so cost is a factor, but we don't have to go dirt cheap.

Thanks so much!

Jayne,

For 6 people, and considering that cost is a factor, check out Embassy Suites in downtown Denver. You could get one suite with 2 doubles and a pullout couch, plus have happy hour and breakfast for no added cost. I really wouldn't stay by Lakeside itself...

And if it ia an amusement park you want Elitch Gardens is downtown.

Thanks so much. I think Embassay Suites sounds like a good idea. I'm interested in Lakeside mostly for the historical flavor. On the way home, we would like to visit Water World. I read that the water is heated, but do you think we will freeze in June? (We'll be there around the 10th.)

It could be upwards of 100 degrees here in June. Probably not going to be too cold!

Wow-- 100? I am surprised! I'll definitley work that into the game plan, then!

You'll love Waterworld!!!!

Should I look for lodging in a different area when I come back throught to visit WaterWorld?

Hi Jayne1973. Lakeside does have a couple of historic coasters and I can imagine why you might want to see them if you are a coaster buff. I would agree however, that Lakeside can be a little rough around the edges. It could be characterized as a "low rent" 6 Flags, old, run down and not well maintained. Lots of gang activity in and around the park. Park has been owned by the same lady for years, and her attitude about upkeep is marginal, just what it takes to get by. If you are insistent to go, I wouldn't stay in that area, ever if there are any decent hotels, which there aren't. Unlike many large cities, there is no real "hotel district" in Denver. There are many fine family style hotels scattered throughout the city. Downtown traffic can be a challenge. Lots of one way streets turning onto one way streets, an urban railline that you have to watch out for, etc. There are some great hotels downtown, but I wouldn't stay there, unless you plan on doing something else there, like a Rockies game or something at the Pepsi Center. Check around for hotels and post the locations here for opinions about the neighborhoods.

Thanks so much for the information so we know what to expect.

We have pretty much decided on Lakeside-- we're not looking for a slick Six Flags experience... get too much of that here in the Dallas area. It's rather as you said, an interest the classic rides and coasters and the general old-timey feel.

Is the park north or south of downtown? We will be coming in from Lamar, Colorado and will get there early enough to have a nice dinner and head to the park after the major rides open at 6 p.m. Maybe we should try to stay towards the north side since that's the direction we will head out the next morning. Any suggestions on areas, hotels or restaurants? As you might have guessed, we really prefer local places and non-chains, especially when it comes to restaurants.

check the denver.org website - they have great deals on lodging downtown - including Embassy Suites AND it includes parking (which isn't cheap downtown) ! Great hotel too ! Have stayed there many times !

Lakeside is located at 46th Avenue and Sheridan Blvd, just south of the interesetion of I-70 and Sheridan. I-25 north to I-70 west to the Sheridan exit. Turn left onto Sheridan and Lakeside is first thing you will come to.

You might try staying in Westminster, which is northwest of where Lakeside is located - both are north of downtown Denver.
The Westin is a new hotel near a movie theater, an ice rink and several restaurants. There's Rock Bottom, a good brewpub that's a local chain, or a decent Thai place. It might be a little more than what you want to pay, though.

Westin Westminster
10600 Westminster Blvd
Westminster, CO 80020
Phone: 303-410-5000

I would second the comments on Lakeside as run down. Not sure I would feel very safe there at night or on the rides.
WaterWorld, though, is great fun.

Again, thanks for the input on Lakeside. Have any of you been there recently?

thyme:
Thanks for the hotel recommendation. I will check it out. The location sounds right. From what I'm hearing from the coaster/amusement park enthusiasts, I think I would regret not giving Lakeside a chance. But I definitely don't want to stay in the area.

Also wanted to thank all of you for your input regarding the park, directions, and hotel suggestions. This board is awesome!

I don't care much for lakeside (because it has always been kind of run-down) but I know people that only go there rather than Elitch's. Elitch's used to be great until they moved and were bought by Six Flags and now there isn't anything that's really unique about them now.

Jayne, not sure what your budget is or how nice of a hotel you want. I would pick one location to stay at to visit both Waterworld and Lakeside. It wouldn't be worth moving to another hotel for that short of a distance. I think if you stayed in Westminster you would have the least amount of drive. The Westin is a great choice but it might be close to $200 a night in June. The mileage from the Doubletree Westminster is about 4 miles to WaterWorld and apprx. 7 miles to Lakeside. Denver is a little more south and east of both of these, it will take a little bit longer to get to both but not by much if you stay there. I would primarily consider Westminster and downtown Denver though. The rest of the surrounding areas aren't really nice and you would mostly find old motels.

You might try PriceLine for your hotel--if everyone is recommending the Westin then bid on a 4* hotel in Westminster--that should be it. Look on Biddingfortravel.com to see if there is any info on Westminster. If not, you might bid on a downtown 4* and get a real deal.