We live in the mountains of Colorado and every once in a while we need a city fix and head down the mountain to Denver. Our family has become a bit of a hotel snob. The hotel doesn’t have to be the most luxury, though many of our favorites are. But it must be interesting to make our list of best Denver hotels. A hotel must have something that captures the interest and imagination of our kids to make it family friendly. Here’s what we think the best Denver family hotels are based on certain attributes that make them favorites for our family.
Favorite Family Hotels in Denver
What makes a hotel family friendly? Maybe a pool is important to you? Or, maybe it is an included breakfast? But for us what makes a hotel family friendly is its ability to entertain and make our family feel at home. We spend a fair amount of time visiting Denver and the hotel is the most important decision to make our stay a fun one. It can make or break the success of our Denver family getaway. These Denver hotels even offer some of our top-rated things to do with kids in Colorado!
Best Denver Hotel for History: Oxford Hotel
17th Street, Denver, CO
In May, we went down to Denver for the Taylor Swift Reputation tour. The city was busy but we managed to find a fun downtown property. One that tied in to our plans to also visit the Molly Brown House. The Oxford Hotel opened its doors in 1891. Located close to downtown landmarks including Union Station, Coors Field and Larimer Square, the location is near some of the best restaurants, bars, and attractions in the city.
As a bonus the bow-tied doorman, authentic art and furnishings in the lobby greeted us with the grandeur of what you would expect from a historic hotel. A little yellow bird at the front desk and an antique typewriter on the stair landing adds to the historic ambiance. It was such a charming hotel that made us feel as though we had stepped back in time.
Best Denver Hotel for Trains: Crawford Hotel
Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO
The Crawford Hotel check in desk is located on one side of Union Station. It feels a little weird to be checking in amongst restaurants and benches of passengers waiting for trains. But it sure is interesting. The kids were enthralled with the train station. Then they were delighted when the front desk brought out a wagon filled with “Camp Crawford” gifts for them to choose from. At the same time they explained to us the many amenities that come with the reasonable resort fee.
A short walk across the station and up a couple of levels brought us to our room with a view of the train track and trains below. The room itself was very unique and luxurious. The bathroom was spectacular. Imaginary games of train stations combined with spas ensued once the obligatory room search was complete.
The Crawford Hotel is offers several unique packages. The train station is packed with fun restaurants, bars and even an ice cream shop. The hotel has partnered with many of these vendors to pull together some fun offerings. There’s also a historic walking tour of the area that you can take for a small fee.
Best Family Hotel Denver for Swings & Fun Art: The Maven
Wazee Street, Denver, CO
We made the short trek to Denver to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, visit our favorite kid attractions (zoo and children’s museum) and to experience the brand new trendy LoDo Denver hotel, The Maven when it first opened.
Upon arrival our youngest didn’t want to leave the lobby. He wanted to stay and play with a cool metal truck. We finally convinced him that he could come see it later. But then we were derailed again by the cool swings hanging outside the elevators on each floor.
After a short excursion we ventured down to the lobby and enjoyed a crafted cocktail at the Poka Lola Social Club off the lobby. We then made our way over a couple of blocks to Union Station so that our youngest could check out the trains, one of his favorite activities. The hotel itself was so interesting that we headed back and spent the rest of the evening there at the Maven Hotel. And, this was all before Dairy Block existed in its current form.
Dairy Block Denver is now a really fun experience in and of itself. We visited again in November 2019 and spent hours just at Dairy Block. The pedestrian alley out back boasts fun art, festive lights, free games and at times even live music. It is an eclectic mix of people. We found it surprisingly family friendly. The kids enjoyed ice ream from the Milk Market. We played Corn Hole, a giant game of Jenga and then headed back into the lobby for free pinball.
Best Family Hotel in Denver for Theater: The Curtis a Doubletree by Hilton
Curtis Street, Denver, CO
The Curtis is located directly across the street from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). It is one of the more affordable kid-friendly hotels in Denver. The different themed floors are entertainment for the kids. There are games in the lobby. And, the restaurant is also great for families. Complimentary cotton candy with the kids meals is sure to be memorable for the kids. This Denver family hotel also offers a variety of packages that may include parking, breakfast or other fun things for the kids.
Best Denver Hotel for Free Amenities: Embassy Suites Downtown Denver
Stout Street, Denver, CO
Embassy Suites Denver Downtown also boasts a fantastic downtown Denver location. With two-room suites, mini fridges it makes for another excellent hotel option for families. A free made-to-order breakfast starts the day off right. Then mingle with other guests and enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages, including some Colorado craft beers, at the complimentary Evening Reception. Headed to Boulder? Make sure to check out the new Embassy Suites Boulder for the same amenities, plus an interesting art collection.
Best Family Hotel in Denver for Christmas: Gaylord Rockies
North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO
The Gaylord Rockies opened in December 2018 and immediately became known for its Christmas light display. But for Christmas 2019 they have pulled out all the stops out doing their Christmas 2018 festivities.
Gaylord ICE!, featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, brings to life the iconic characters and scenes from the most popular Christmas television special of all time. This walk-through winter wonderland carved from more than two million pounds of colorful ice is kept at a wintry 9 degrees. Crafted by master artisans who travel across the globe from Harbin, China, families can enjoy spectacular holiday scenes, colorful characters, and two-story tall ice slides.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a live family holiday spectacular in the bubly™ theater at Gaylord Rockies. This exclusive theatrical experience includes the world’s best acts, dazzling costumes and awe-inspiring holiday productions with astonishing aerialists, singers and dancers. It’s a Broadway musical and new cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
And, of course, the Gaylord Rockies caters to families with tailored room layouts. Families will enjoy the deluxe family king guest rooms featuring a king bed and bunk beds. Or splurge on the Junior Suite with a Murphy/ Wall bed.
Looking for Small Town Colorado Charm?
While we love to visit Denver for our big city fix, the small mountain towns of Colorado offer a great getaway options for families as well. Check out our guide to Colorado’s small town charm for other special experiences for your family!
Disclosure: We were hosted or received a discounted media rate from some of these hotel properties. As always our opinions are our own.
Are there any hotels we’ve missed on our list of the best kid friendly hotels in Denver? Let us know which you think are the best family hotels Denver in the comments below!
This is an update of an article originally published September 2018.
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