2* Urban Cowboy Denver

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.

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.

Sheraton remains our Denver favourite largely because the location gets the balance right. You’re firmly Downtown, but at the Capitol Hill end of the centre, so the gay bars around Colfax are considerably easier to reach than from hotels further towards Union Station. There’s plenty happening immediately around the hotel too, with 16th Street, restaurants and shopping outside and light rail nearby. The Sheraton itself underwent a major transformation and now feels much more contemporary than its old big-convention-hotel reputation might suggest. The year-round heated rooftop pool is a nice bonus, especially with Denver’s ridiculous number of sunny days. You can walk to parts of the LGBTQ+ scene and still have Downtown sightseeing on the doorstep. GayMapper tip: still our best all-rounder if you want central Denver during the day and easy access to Capitol Hill at night.

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.

Hyatt Place is the straightforward, good-value choice when you want to be properly central and would rather spend your money exploring Denver than upgrading your hotel room. You’re only a couple of blocks from the Convention Center and 16th Street, with the Denver Art Museum, Performing Arts Complex and plenty of Downtown restaurants comfortably walkable. The rooms are also noticeably roomier than many city-centre hotels and breakfast is included, which can make a difference on a longer stay. The trade-off is nightlife: Denver’s LGBTQ+ venues are scattered rather than concentrated Downtown, so you’ll generally be walking, taking public transport or ordering a rideshare when you head out. GayMapper tip: an easy, dependable base for a first Denver trip when sightseeing and value matter more than having the gay bars outside the door.

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.