Best Family Hotels in Denver

Struggling to decide where to stay in Denver with kids?  Looking for somewhere with easy access to all the main tourist attractions, yet something affordable that won’t completely blow the budget?  Then read on – this guide on the best family hotels in Denver is for you!

Like most main cities in the USA – let’s get something straight first up – there really aren’t any cheap hotels in Downtown Denver.  But this guide provides a short list of some of the cheapest hotels Denver has, which are family friendly and in a good location.

I know many families visiting Denver may have their vehicles with them or have hired one, so this guide also covers the best family hotels Denver has with parking.  And then, for those relying on public transport, I’ve included the kid friendly hotels Denver has with easy access to public transport. 

So there is no need to spend hours and hours searching the internet any longer.  I’ve done all the research for you and included all the information you’ll need to decide which is the best family hotel in Denver for your upcoming family trip.

So, let’s get started and find you one of the best hotels in Denver for families. 

Talk to other families about their tips on visiting Denver and join our Thrifty Family Travel Facebook Group or get inspired by our Thrifty Family Travel Instagram Feed.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.

Best Family Hotel in Denver Map

Below is a map where you can see the location of all the best hotels in Denver Downtown area, which are covered in this guide.  Zoom in and out for a closer view. 

 

Best Family Hotels in Denver Table

Below is a super quick overview of all the Denver family hotels covered in this guide.  You can use this guide to quickly determine if the accommodation is right for your family.  

For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.

NameRoom
Amenities
Hotel FacilitiesParkingCheck Price
The Curtis Denver Hotel 
2 Large beds
Tea / coffee
Restaurant
Bar
Gym
Yes - extraCheck Price 
The Westin Denver
2 Large beds
Tea / coffee
Rooftop Pool
Gym
Restaurant
Yes - extraCheck Price
Sentral Union Station
2 bedroom apartment with kitchen & laundryRooftop Pool
Gym
NoCheck Price
Holiday Inn Express
2 Large beds
Tea / coffee
Free breakfast
Gym
Yes - extraCheck Price
Home2 Suites By Hilton
King bed & sofa bed
Kitchenette
Gym
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Bar
Yes - extraCheck Price
Hyatt Place
2 Large beds & sofa bed
Tea / coffee
Pool
Free breakfast
Gym
Bar
Yes - extraCheck Price
Tru by Hilton
2 Large bedsFree breakfast
Gym
Bar
Yes - extraCheck Price
Grand Hyatt
2 Large beds
Tea / coffee
Pool
Gym
Restaurant
Bar
Yes - extraCheck Price
Homewood Suites
King bed & sofa bed
Kitchenette
Pool
Free Breakfast
Gym
Bar
Yes - extraCheck Price
Hilton Garden Inn 
2 Large beds
Tea & coffee facilities
Microwave
Restaurant
Gym
Bar
Yes - extraCheck Price 

Where to Stay in Denver with Kids?

The attractions around Denver are largely spread out across the city, so I wouldn’t say there is one area to stay where you can walk to everything.  In my view, the best area to stay in Denver is the Downtown area, where you’ll be surrounded by places to eat and good public transport.

As to where you stay in Downtown Denver, that doesn’t really matter either.  You could easily walk from one end of town to the other.  So if budget is your priority, just find one of the cheapest hotels in Downtown Denver that meet your needs.

Generally, the most popular place to stay is close to Union Station, also known as the Lower Downtown area or LoDo for short.  Union Station is the main train station and is where you’ll find some great places to eat.  The Denver family hotels around this area also tend to be the most expensive.

The Central Business District Area is at the other end of the Downtown Area and is where you’ll find the more affordable hotels Denver offers.  While there might not be as many places to eat around here, there are still plenty of options.

A handy thing to know about Downtown Denver is that 16th Street, which runs from Union Station at one end and the CBD at the other, is a pedestrian mall with loads of stores, restaurants, cafes and bars.  Also, a free shuttle runs from one end to the other, stopping at every street corner every few minutes.  

So really as long as you find one of the family hotels Denver has within a short walk away from 16th Street, you can easily get where you need to around Downtown Denver.

Best Denver Family Hotels

After hours of research and spending some time exploring the Downtown Denver area, I’ve shortlisted 10 Denver family friendly hotels for you to consider.  All these options are among the best affordable hotels in Denver for families and are in a good location to get to all the popular tourist attractions.  

Ok, let’s get into it and find the best family friendly hotels in Denver.

The Curtis Denver Hotel 

 

For families with tweens or teenagers, one of the best hotels Denver offers is the Curtis Denver – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.  This is a unique hotel with an ultra cool retro vibe and is within walking distance of all the main Downtown attractions.

While you may not notice it when you first walk through the entrance of the Curtis, you’re actually walking through an old school caravan. What you will notice though is just how Instagram worthy the foyer is.  There are many great photo opportunities here and I can guarantee if you have teenagers with you, they’ll be whipping out those phones for selfies.

But the Instagram photos don’t stop there – you see all 13 floors of the hotel are themed too.  Some rooms are what they call “hyper themed”, such as the Barbie room, the video game room or the disco room.

Families are best suited to rooms that come with two queen beds or a king bed with a sofa bed.  Rooms also feature a TV, coffee maker, mini fridge and air conditioning.

For meals, the hotel has a Starbucks onsite as well as a restaurant and bar.  The hotel also has parking (extra), a gym and free Wifi.

From the Curtis Denver Hotel, you can easily walk to a range of restaurants and attractions, with Larimer Square and the 16th Street Mall just a 5 minute walk away.

 

What’s to love?

As my daughter would say – the aesthetic is ultra cool!  The kids are going to love posing for photos around the hotel foyer for their Snapchat and Instagram.

What’s not to love?

For the price, you can get Denver hotels for kids in a better location or even one with a pool

Summary

For those looking for a funky hotel in the CBD part of town; the Curtis Hotel is one to consider.  With its uber cool decor and Instragam worthy foyer, It’s certainly one of the fun hotels in Denver for kids that at least your older children will approve of.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

The Westin Denver Downtown Hotel


Downtown hotels Denver offers don’t get much more exciting for kids than the Westin, with its rooftop pool! The heated pool is open daily from 5 am to 11 pm and has stunning views over the Rockies. Although this is one of the best hotels in Denver with pool, they have a lot more to offer.

Families of four are accommodated in rooms with two double beds – featuring of course the Westin Heavenly pillowtop mattress. Rooms are modern and of a decent size and come with a tea/coffee maker and mini fridge.

The hotel offers two onsite dining options including a cafe open mornings for your caffeine hit and quick snacks. And there is a lounge with evening meals and cocktails.

For fitness fanatics, there is a well equipped gym and the ‘RunWESTIN’ program is available a couple of times throughout the week to explore the surrounding area.

Accommodation is a block away from 16th Street Mall and all the eateries they offer, along with the free shuttle if you choose not to drive. There is parking at the Westin at a charge.

What’s to love?

The rooftop pool makes this a contender for the best family friendly hotel in Denver. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a heated pool and letting the kids have a splash and using up the last of their energy – while you take in the view!

What’s not to love?

This is one of the more expensive properties in this guide and there aren’t too many inclusions to offset the price, i.e., no free WiFi, breakfast, parking etc.

Summary

If you have the budget and are happy to splurge, the Westin is one of the best places to stay in Denver with kids – I mean look at that pool! The location is great, and the rooms are nice; it really just comes down to the lack of inclusions with a higher price point.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Sentral Union Station


Family friendly hotels Denver offers don’t get much better than Sentral Union Station. The location, the hotel amenities, and the accommodation – are all geared towards family stays, making travelling with kids easy and effortless.

First of all, the accommodation – this is one of the Denver hotels with family suites, as families of four are accommodated in huge (100sqm+) two-bedroom designer apartments with all the comforts of home, including a fully-equipped kitchen with fridge, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher and oven. Plus there’s a laundry with a full size washer and dryer, a lounge room and dining area and loads of storage space.

The hotel amenities make this one of the fun hotels for kids in Denver with a heated outdoor resort pool, a courtyard with a fire pit and games of pool. Parents will love the onsite Whole Foods to stock up on supplies and the onsite CVS pharmacy in case of any illnesses. 

The location makes this one of the best hotels in downtown Denver – technically LoDo. Close to Union Station and loads of great places to eat – however as we mentioned at the start, this enviable position also comes with a hefty price tag.

What’s to love?

So much! The location, amenities and accommodation are all premium. It is one of the best hotels for kids in Denver just due to the ease of everything at your fingertips.

What’s not to love?

Being one of the best hotels downtown Denver offers, the hotel comes with a hefty price tag to match – this is one of the most expensive hotels in this guide.

Summary

Sentral Union Station is great if you want an easy travel option.  The accommodation has everything you need at your fingertips. The hotel has everything you need onsite. And the location is as central as you can get. You just have to weigh up if you want to spend the money.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Holiday Inn Express


If you’re after the best cheap hotels in Denver Downtown, the Holiday Inn Express is the most affordable in this guide! It is also one of the Denver resorts for families on the larger size as rooms can accommodate up to six people.

If you’re a family of four, rooms have two large beds. Alternatively, for families of up to six the Holiday Inn has suites available with two large beds and a sofa in the lounge room.

Rooms are neat and tidy and come with free WiFi and coffee making facilities – however, if you don’t feel like making your own coffee, the Holiday Inn offers free coffee in the lobby.  A complimentary daily breakfast is also included which is a great cost saver for families. And if you want to eat-in, there is off-site restaurant delivery available. And to work off all the food, there is an onsite gym.

Located at the very southern end of 16th Street Mall near the Denver Pavilions, you have at your doorstep over 40 retailers in this open-air precinct offering dining and entertainment for all ages.

What’s to love?

If you’re after the cheap hotels, Downtown Denver offers it’s hard to pass up the Holiday Inn. Plus with included extras such as free daily breakfast and free WiFi, you save even more!

What’s not to love?

Location. It’s not the greatest being so far from the centre of downtown. However, as we mentioned there is the 16the street free shuttle you can make use of.

Summary

If you’re not too worried about location but are more interested in the cheap hotels Denver downtown has, the Holiday Inn is worth checking out. Pending your travel dates, it is one of the cheapest family resorts Denver Colorado offers, covered in this guide.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Home2 Suites By Hilton


If you want to be in the centre of everything, then the Home2 Suites by Hilton is the best place to stay in Denver with kids. Located a block from 16th Street Mall, you have all the shops and eateries on your doorstep.

However, if you want to save money and eat in, you can do that easily as all the Hilton rooms have a kitchenette with a full sized fridge, microwave, sink and dishwasher (and induction cooktops available from reception) – all perfect for preparing and storing meals for the whole family.

Rooms are modern and can accommodate up to four in a King and sofa bed, alternatively there are Queen suites with two double beds. The hotel also offers free WiFi, a gym, restaurant and bar, parking onsite (extra) and a free hot breakfast each day.

For convenience in location and amenities, plus being under the Hilton-name, the Home2 Suites by Hilton is a good accommodation option when looking for places to stay in Denver with kids.

What’s to love?

Family resorts in Denver, Colorado, don’t get much better than including not only a kitchenette but a free breakfast too!  Families can save a stack by being able to cook or eat for free at the hotel each morning.  This makes it perfect for those after one of the cheapest hotels Downtown Denver offers to stretch their budget.

What’s not to love?

Not much, but if we had to pick something, sofa beds can be a bit annoying for kids to sleep in.

Summary

If you love the Hilton name but not the Hilton price tag, this is one of the Hilton hotels Denver offers that is well priced, has great facilities, is in a good location and is also one of the resorts in Denver Colorado for families that will definitely keep you sticking to your budget.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Hyatt Place


The Hyatt Place is one of the resorts in Denver for families on the larger side, with rooms accommodating up to six people in two large beds and a sofa bed. If you have a family of four, the bedding configuration is a large bed and sofa bed.  Rooms come with a mini fridge, coffee maker and free WiFi. 

Your daily free breakfast will give you the energy to tackle the long distance you’ll need to walk, as this is the furthest hotel in this guide from Downtown – although it is also one of the cheapest hotels in Denver. Located at the very southern end of 16th Street Mall, near the Denver Firefighters Museum.

The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, which is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.  This gives the kids a chance to splash around after a day of sightseeing while parents relax in the sun loungers or join in the fun.  The pool is heated which is a nice bonus!

There is also a bar offering regionally inspired food, premium alcoholic beverages and barista coffee. And for quick snacks on the go, ‘The Market’ is open 24/7 and offers a range of salads, sandwiches and bakery items.

What’s to love?

One of the cheap hotels Denver offers, which includes breakfast and of course, the pool!

What’s not to love?

Being one of the furthest downtown hotels in Denver makes the trek anywhere a little less convenient than if you were to stay in one of the other hotels.

Summary

Hyatt Place is one of the more affordable hotels in Downtown Denver in this guide.  It comes with good amenities, including a pool, however, the distance to the centre of downtown is further afield, so not as well suited to those families with littlies. 

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Tru by Hilton

There are a few Hilton hotels in Denver, and Tru by Hilton is another in this guide we highly recommend. Located a short walk to Larimer Square and only a block away from 16th Street Mall, it is in a fairly convenient location. And if you’re visiting the ‘Selfie Museum’, it’s right next door!

Rooms are a little bit of a tight squeeze but can fit families of four in two large beds. There are large windows for lots of natural light and a mini fridge to chill your water bottles. And free WiFi.

The hotel offers free daily breakfast along with coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the lobby 24/7. For a quick snack on the run, the ‘Market’ is available 24/7 for pre-packaged grab-and-go food and beverages. A bar and gym round out the onsite facilities at Tru by Hilton.

What makes this one of the fun hotels in downtown Denver for families is the set up in the lobby. There are board games, tabletop games and loads of comfy chairs (including the swinging ones) to hang out and chill.

 

What’s to love?

This is one of the cheapest Hilton hotels in downtown Denver and the free breakfast is a cost saving too.

What’s not to love?

Rooms are on the smaller side with limited amenities, so if you need space, these might not be suitable.

Summary

If you’re after one of the Hilton hotels in Denver Downtown, the Tru by Hilton is a great option! It’s well priced, in a great location and the hotel amenities are good. However, if you want to spread out and have all the home comforts at your fingertips, you won’t find this here; rooms are modern yet simple and small.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Grand Hyatt


If you have a sporty family, the Grand Hyatt is the best place to stay in Denver with kids – as it is chock full of sports facilities! There is an indoor pool, outdoor tennis court, outdoor jogging track and a gym open 24/7.

And to refuel once you’ve participated in all your sporting activities, there’s loads of dining options, including the ‘Courier Market Kitchen’ serving classic dishes, the ‘Fireside Bar’ offering beverages and appetizers and the quintessential American Starbucks cafe is onsite for all your caffeine needs!

Families are accommodated in decent sized rooms with two large beds. There are tea/coffee facilities, free WiFi and in-room dining is available.

Located in the heart of the business district and one block from the 16th Street Mall, although at the very southern end of the mall, so you may need to make use of the free shuttle if you have littlies with tired legs.

What’s to love?

The sports amenities on offer are a point of difference from all the other Denver accommodation options in this guide and make the Grand Hyatt one of the best hotels to stay in Denver for the ultra sporty families.

What’s not to love?

Not much; the location is a little further afield, so it may not be one of the best kid friendly hotels in Denver for those travelling with littlies as the walk can be a bit too far.

Summary

For lovers of sport and beautiful accommodation, you can’t go past the Grand Hyatt. Located a little further afield, however if your family loves their fitness, they won’t mind the extra step count it takes to get into the centre of downtown.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Homewood Suites

If you’re looking for fun stuff to do in Denver with kids when not out and about exploring, a stay at the Homewood Suites gives you access to their indoor pool – which is a bit of a rarity in Denver! Also rare is the spaciousness of their rooms which are 40 – 50 sqm+ giving ample room for families to spread out.

Rooms are neat with a corporate feel and can accommodate four people in a double bed and sofa. Rooms are also suitably equipped for families with a full kitchen including a fridge, microwave, stovetop, oven, dishwasher and coffee machine. However, if you don’t feel like preparing breakfast, you’re in luck, as there is a daily free hot breakfast for guests. 

The hotel offers free WiFi, a gym, a bar and parking (extra). And of course the indoor pool and hot tub. Again, Homewood is part of the Hilton group giving you a sense of security staying under the roof of a good name.

Location-wise, Homewood is a block from the 16th Street Mall and a 10-minute drive from Coors Field or Ball Arena if you decide to catch a game.

What’s to love?

This is one of the Hilton hotels Downtown Denver offers that come with a full kitchen, making it ultra convenient for families travelling with kids – plus the rooms are spacious!

What’s not to love?

Not in the centre of downtown, but not far from it.

Summary

The Homewood Suites are well priced and well suited for families. The full kitchen is a winner when travelling with kids, but the free breakfast also gives you the mornings off from having to prepare meals – it’s a win/win!

Click here for more information and to check the current price

Hilton Garden Inn 

In room conveniences make the Hilton Garden Inn one of the Hilton hotels Denver Downtown offers worth checking out. If you want to prep or store quick meals for the family, the in-room fridge and microwave make this easy to do – and of course, saves you some cash.

However, if you want to splurge, there is an onsite restaurant to cook up something delicious for you to get your energy levels up, as we have to admit this property is a little further out from the centre of town – so you’ll need some fuel in your tank. But of course remember, there is the free shuttle to take advantage so location is not so much of a detriment.

Rooms are fairly spacious and can accommodate four people in two large beds. Other onsite amenities include a gym and free WiFi.

What’s to love?

Having a microwave and fridge in your room adds that next level of convenience when travelling with kids. Plus, the rooms are a decent size allowing you to spread out a bit.

What’s not to love?

The Hilton Garden is a bit further out from the centre of Downtown.

Summary

The Hilton Garden Inn is one of the affordable hotels Downtown Denver offers with rooms with great family facilities such as a microwave and fridge. While not located smack bang in the centre of downtown, there is the free shuttle on 16th Street to compensate for this.

Click here for more information and to check the current price

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I hope you found this guide on where to stay in Denver helpful.  We have plenty more guides to help plan your family vacation in Colorado including things to do in Denver, things to do in Loveland, things to do in Fort Collins and more

 

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