Where to stay in Denver
 

We're a mature couple going to Denver for the first time in early October, likely staying two nights. We'd like to be in an area with some restaurants, coffee shops etc. and easy access to public transportation. We like parks and the arts. A B&B would be ideal, and a small hotel the second choice. The location is more important than the lodgings, as long as they are clean and reasonably quiet. Unsure of budget because I don't know prices there, but something under $150 a night would be preferred. Any ideas?

You could look at Priceline with 4^ and do well I'd guess and enjoy it. Denver does have good public transportation. I'll be interested to see what the Denverites say. Are you coming by air (I'd assume). Going to "where".?
LOTS of good stuff to do in downtown Denver and accessible.

Try the Inn at Cherry Creek. It could be above budget, though, because Cherry Creek North is very desirable area. Lots of boutiques and restaurants. Close to Speer Blvd for buses downtown.

Here are the websites for some B&B's within a short bus ride to downtown Denver.

http://www.capitolhillmansion.com/
http://www.queenannebnb.com/
http://www.adagiobb.com/
http://www.castlemarne.com/

I would stay in the downtown area. It is the hub of transportation. Walking distance to the Art museum, the new Colorado History museum. The free mall shuttle makes getting around downtown easy. Unless you hit a convention week, there are plenty of hotels with rooms to sell. Wide range of restaurants from inexpensive to very expensive. Some shopping is around but not a lot.

Cherry Creek is nice with a few restaurants but lacks public transit to anywhere but downtown Denver.

"Cherry Creek is nice with a few restaurants but lacks public transit to anywhere but downtown Denver."

I think with just two nights, downtown and Cherry Creek are the only two places to visit, anyway.

The 16th street mall/shuttle is disappointing, IMHO. I don't suggest you put it on your list of things to do. Staying downtown isn't as atmospheric as staying in Cherry Creek North (CCN), which is chock full of unique shops, art and restaurants. If you like art glass, Pismo has gorgeous pieces. There's an artists' co-op or two, right there in CCN, for jewelry and hand-made crafts, etc.

You like parks and the arts, which you will be in walking distance from CCN. It's an easy walk to Cheesman Park, wandering around the gorgeous homes in the Country Club neighborhood, and those on the boulevards near Cheesman.

I forgot the Denver Botanic Gardens, which is also walk able from CCN. Of course, you could take a cab, too.