2* Ember Hostel

The Renaissance earns its place for the building as much as the location. It occupies the beautifully restored former Colorado National Bank, complete with huge vaulted ceilings, historic murals and old bank-vault details — considerably more interesting than your average Marriott. You’re right in Downtown, with 16th Street around the corner and LoDo, Union Station, Coors Field and plenty of bars and restaurants all accessible on foot. That makes evenings easy even when you aren’t heading specifically to the gay scene. Capitol Hill is further east, so expect to use a rideshare or public transport for X Bar, Charlie’s and the other Colfax venues. GayMapper tip: a strong central choice if you like historic buildings but still want the convenience and predictability of a full-service hotel.

Kimpton Monaco is one of the nicer choices if you want to stay Downtown but would rather avoid the corporate-conference-hotel feel. The interiors are colourful and contemporary, the atmosphere is relaxed, and Kimpton’s nightly social hour gives the lobby a genuinely sociable feel in the early evening. The Champa Street location puts 16th Street, restaurants and Downtown sights within easy walking distance, while Union Station and LoDo are also straightforward to reach. That works particularly well if you want to move between different neighbourhoods rather than base the whole trip around Capitol Hill. The gay bars are a short journey away, but you’ll have plenty of places for dinner or a first drink closer to the hotel. GayMapper tip: a good couple’s choice if you want something stylish and friendly in the centre without paying purely for five-star trimmings.

Grand Hyatt works well if you want an upscale Downtown base without getting too precious about it. You’re close to 16th Street, restaurants and shopping, with the rest of central Denver easy to explore on foot or by public transport. The hotel is large, but there are a couple of touches that make it less anonymous than that sounds — particularly the rooftop jogging track and tennis/pickleball court, plus Rocky Mountain views from some of the higher rooms. Recent guest ratings are also consistently strong. You won’t be walking out of the lobby straight into Denver’s gay scene, although Capitol Hill and Colfax are close enough that heading there for the evening is easy. GayMapper tip: a comfortable step up if you want Downtown convenience and plenty of space, but your Denver plans extend well beyond the nightlife.

Ember is a particularly good Denver option for solo travellers who want somewhere sociable without being miles away from the LGBTQ+ scene. It occupies a handsome old mansion in Capitol Hill, with cafés, restaurants and neighbourhood bars around you and the Colfax gay venues within walking distance. This is definitely a hostel rather than a budget hotel — most accommodation is in shared dorms — but the atmosphere is considerably more polished than the word hostel might suggest. There are comfortable communal rooms, a garden and hot tub, and recent guests give the staff especially strong ratings. Downtown is easily reached by bus or on foot, while staying here lets you experience a more residential side of central Denver rather than disappearing into the convention-hotel district. GayMapper tip: probably the best choice on the list for sociable solo travellers who want both low prices and relatively easy access to Denver’s gay scene.

The Curtis Denver – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel doesn’t take itself terribly seriously, which is rather refreshing. Different floors have their own pop-culture themes and the whole place is colourful, playful and much less beige than the average Downtown chain hotel. It’s particularly well placed for the Theater District and Convention Center, with 16th Street, Larimer Square and plenty of central restaurants nearby. Union Station is also within walking distance, making airport arrivals on the A Line relatively painless. You’ll travel across town for most of Denver’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, so location isn’t the gay-specific selling point here. The appeal is having a fun hotel in a very convenient part of the city. GayMapper tip: one for travellers who like a bit of personality but still want to walk out of the hotel and immediately be in central Denver.

The Source puts you right in RiNo, one of Denver’s best neighbourhoods for street art, breweries, galleries, live music and a more local night out. The hotel is built around a converted iron foundry and Market Hall, so there are restaurants, bars and food outlets right downstairs rather than the usual anonymous hotel lobby setup. Long-running LGBTQ+ club Tracks is also within easy walking distance, which is a definite bonus if a night there is on your plans. Getting around is easy too. 38th & Blake station is nearby, with direct trains to both Union Station and Denver Airport, while the rest of RiNo is easy to explore on foot. GayMapper tip: a particularly good fit if you want queer nightlife, good food and Denver’s more creative, independent side all close together.