Lodging suggestions

Question

Hi, We are looking for suggestions for lodging for one night in Denver or nearby before returning home via DEN airport. By then we will have visited Boulder, Estes Park, RMNP, Ft. Collins, & maybe Cheyenne. We will have 1.5 days at Denver. We are interested in Denver Bot Gardens, Red Rock Amphitheater, 16th St Mall, Zoo, Mt Evan’s Scenic Byway, etc. Where do you suggest we stay so that we do not have such a long drive to the airport on our last night? If you have other great suggestions for things to do, we would like to hear them! Thanks so much!!!

Answer

For a one-night stay in Denver before flying out of DEN airport, you want a location that balances convenience to your planned sightseeing with an easy airport connection. Since you will have explored Boulder, Estes Park, RMNP, and possibly Cheyenne, staying closer to Denver proper or near the airport will save you stress on your last night.

Here are some lodging options based on your itinerary and interests:

Near Downtown Denver / 16th Street Mall – Ideal if you want to walk around, enjoy restaurants, shops, and have easy access to Union Station for transport. From here, it’s about a 40–45 minute drive to DEN, but you can schedule airport transport in advance. Good if you want to squeeze in Red Rocks Amphitheatre or Denver Botanic Gardens on your last day.
Near Denver International Airport (Peña Boulevard area) – Convenient for early flights. Many hotels provide free shuttle service to the airport. While farther from downtown attractions, it saves driving stress the morning of your flight. Great option if you plan on visiting Mt. Evans Scenic Byway the previous day and don’t want to rush back.
Cherry Creek / Southeast Denver – A good compromise between downtown and airport. This area has shopping, restaurants, and is roughly 25–30 minutes to the airport and 15–20 minutes to the Botanic Gardens or zoo.

Other sightseeing and activity suggestions for your 1.5 days in Denver:

Denver Botanic Gardens – Lovely for strolling and seeing seasonal displays.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Even if there’s no concert, the park itself offers easy hikes and panoramic views.
16th Street Mall – Great for walking, shopping, and casual dining.
Denver Zoo – Fun for a relaxed, scenic visit; easy to pair with City Park for a picnic.
Mt. Evans Scenic Byway – If you’re doing this, plan early morning to allow for travel time and avoid afternoon crowds.
Union Station – Nice for coffee or a light meal, and historic architecture.

Recommendation strategy:

If your flight is early, staying near the airport is most practical.
If you want to maximize sightseeing on your last day, stay downtown or near Cherry Creek and plan airport transfer the night before.

Overall, a downtown or Cherry Creek stay gives you flexibility to enjoy city attractions, while an airport-area hotel minimizes stress on departure day.

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