Best hotels to meet the needs of families with kids
With its world-class outdoor activities, modern museums, and unique dining, Denver, Colorado is a mecca for all types of families. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind during your trip or hit the road to see the sights, Denver has great hotels to meet your every need. And kids are no exception! They’ll feel pampered with activity books, games, and special amenities. Your kids will be begging to come back to the Mile High City.
1. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
1717 Champa Street
If you’re willing to shell out a little extra, Hotel Monaco’s special touches are worth every penny! The boutique hotel is located within walking distance of popular attractions, including the 16th Street pedestrian mall, Colorado Convention Center, and Denver Mint. Kids missing their pets back home? Upon checking in, kids are welcomed with a loaner goldfish to keep them company throughout the stay. My daughter even named hers! The hotel also provides a bath amenity bag, complete with baby wash, powder, lotion, and my kid’s favorite, a small rubber ducky. Be sure to check out the wine hour in the lobby, where you can relax with free glasses of red or white wine and mini back rub sessions. And with bottomless milk and juice refills, our daughter was able to join in on the fun, too! The hotel also has a spa, fitness center, an award-winning Italian restaurant, free bikes to use, and a yoga mat in every room. Rates starting at $259/night.
KidTripster Tip: The hotel does offer valet parking, but it’s pricey. Look for cheaper parking garages around the area.
2. Omni Interlocken
500 Interlocken Boulevard, Broomfield
Located in between Denver and Boulder, this 390-room luxury oasis is a great home base, whether you’re hiking in the mountains or taking in the city sights. Kids are valued guests at the Omni Interlocken. The Omni Sensational Kids Program provides young travelers with backpacks filled with activity books, games, and crayons. Play golf before relaxing in the spa or splashing in one of the two heated pools. The on-site restaurant pours Colorado brews alongside pub fare. Opt to sit outside for relaxing views. There are also other local restaurants within a few miles. Rates starting at $125/night.
3. Crawford Hotel
1701 Wynkoop Street
Visit Denver without renting a car (and save money). Located in the newly-renovated Union Station, the Crawford Hotel is at the end of the A-Line, the new light rail route from Denver International Airport to Union Station. Experience unique restaurants and stores at your doorstep, including an ice cream shop, bookstore, and locals’ favorite brunch spot, Snooze. Just blocks from Coors Field, take in nearby attractions by using the hotel’s free shuttle (operates within a two-mile radius of the hotel) or by using one of the hotel’s bikes. Your daily resort fees get you discounts at some of the Union Station restaurants, plus access to the spa and fitness center; sorry, no pool. Rates starting at $369/night.
Don’t want to stay in busy Union Station? Book the Oxford Hotel instead. It offers nearly the exact same amenities as the Crawford Hotel, but it’s a few blocks away. You can still take the train from the airport to Union Station and enjoy all the restaurants and shops but not actually be in the center of the transportation hub. Rates starting at $243/night.
4. JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
150 Clayton Lane
A family-friendly hotel in the heart of Denver’s stylish shopping district, the JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek is a great option for families wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown but not stray too far. Kids get temporary tattoos, rubber duckies, and kid-sized robes to use during their stay. The hotel holds a Kids’ Happy Hour in the lobby on Fridays and Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m.; it includes complimentary coloring and board games, plus candy and snacks for all registered guests. The best part about staying here is going to breakfast in your pajamas! Every Sunday, the on-site restaurant, Second Home Kitchen + Bar, offers free brunch to kids (under 8), who wear their pajamas. And with a scrumptious waffle bar and bottomless mimosas for the adults, this offer is worth getting out of bed! Kids even get a candy treat upon checking out as a “thank you” for staying! Rates starting at $284/night.
5. Four Seasons Hotel Denver
1111 14th Street
Located in the heart of downtown, the Four Seasons Hotel Denver is the perfect spot for families looking to be in the middle of it all while being pampered. Kids will love the gaming system in the room, as well as kid-centric toiletries and tiny bathrobes. Parents, looking for night on the town? The hotel can help arrange a babysitter to watch your little ones. Walk to many of Denver’s attractions or opt to take the free shuttle service (operates within a three-mile radius of the hotel). After your day out, come back to relax by the pool or in the spa. Rates starting at $439/night.
KidTripster Tip: Skip trying to drive in downtown Denver. Instead hop on the free 16th Street Mall shuttle. It runs up and down the street consistently throughout the day.
6. Ritz Carlton Denver
1881 Curtis Street
Known for its luxurious rooms and award-winning service, the Ritz Carlton Denver doesn’t disappoint. Kids have their own check-in area with welcome packets filled with activities and a scavenger hunt. During your stay, you can walk to nearby attractions like the 16th Street Mall, Denver Mint, and popular Larimer Square, where eating a scrumptious meal on sidewalk patios is a must. Back at the hotel, there’s a 6,000-square-foot luxury spa and state-of-the-art gym to relax and rejuvenate; sorry, no pool. At the end of the day, dine at the hotel restaurant, Elway’s, which serves up steaks and seafood in an elegant atmosphere. Rates starting at $352/night.
7. Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Center
5001 S. Ulster Street
Hampton Inn and Suites Tech Center is a great budget-friendly option for families willing to stay a little out of the city. The hotel is just 15 minutes south of downtown and has easy access to I-25 which will take you to trails, parks, attractions, and museums within minutes. A great perk of this hotel is that breakfast is included (more money saving). The hotel also boasts a hot tub, seasonal pool, outdoor courts, and a gym. The suites are a great option for larger families, offering kitchens and sleeper sofas. Rates starting at $94/night.
8. The Curtis – A Doubletree by Hilton
1405 Curtis Street
This hotel is a one-of-a kind stay in downtown Denver. Each of the 13 floors at The Curtis – A Doubletree by Hilton has a different theme, like “TV Mania” or “Mad About Music.” It’s like a life-sized scavenger hunt with pictures, posters, and vintage memorabilia from movies and TV shows. Challenge your family to board games in the lobby or if you’re lucky, hula hoop your way to free room upgrades! Located blocks from major attractions like the Colorado Convention Center and the 16th Street Mall, this hotel is a fun place to call home for a few days. The only downside is no pool, but the funky feel of the hotel makes up for it! Rates start at $312/night.
9. Marriott Residence Inn
What’s great about the Marriott Residence Inns is that they offer kitchenettes – perfect for the budget-conscious family looking to cook some of their own meals. Plus, there are several locations around the metro area. Opt to stay in the downtown location for easy access to museums or the Cherry Creek location for its indoor heated pool and fitness center or a northern location for closer access to hiking and biking in the foothills. All of the hotels are reasonably-priced and offer free breakfast. Rates starting at $85/night.
10. Embassy Suites Stapleton
4444 Havana Street
Embassy Suites Stapleton is a budget-friendly hotel perfect for families looking to explore more of Colorado. Located about 15 miles east of downtown, it sits along I-70, which gives you easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and rafting in the coveted Colorado mountains. Plus, it’s minutes from less touristy (but just as fun) attractions like the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Families will love the in-room kitchenettes, free breakfast, daily beer and wine reception, fitness center, and airport shuttle. Rates starting at $129/night.
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Amy Sward spends her summers hiking, exploring, and learning about her home city of Denver with her 2-year-old adventurer. In the winter, it’s all about the skiing!
This writer received some complimentary stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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