where to stay when visiting denver university
Planning a trip to Denver University (DU) – whether you’re a prospective student, an alumni catching up, a professor attending a conference, or a curious visitor curious about the campus – starts with a solid lodging strategy. The university sits in the vibrant University Park neighborhood, a short hop from downtown Denver, the art‑laden Auraria district, and the high‑altitude allure of the Rockies. Below is an up‑to‑date (FY 2025) guide that splits lodging options into three broad categories:
| Category | What it means | Why it matters | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| On‑campus & University‑run | Hotels that are either owned by or run by the university, or directly adjacent to campus. | Zero walk, on‑campus shuttle, & potential discounts for faculty/staff. | $80–$150/night |
| Mid‑town Hotels | Professional, mid‑priced hotels in University Park or nearby. | Good amenities, easy transit to campus, decent local food scene. | $120–$240/night |
| Urban & Luxury | Upscale hotels in Lower Downtown (LoDo), Capitol Hill, or near the West End. | Luxury, nightlife, high‑end dining. | $250–$500/night |
Below you’ll find highly‑recommended options within each category, plus practical tips on commute, safety, and a quick “quick‑check” FAQ.
1. On‑Campus & University‑run Options
1.1. The Collins House
- Address: 7011 W. 32nd Ave (blocked on the University Park side)
- Distance to Main Campus: 0.5 mi (15‑min bike or 3‑min walk)
- Highlights: Affordable, dorm‑ style rooms, 24‑hour security, shared kitchen, yoga studio. Great for short‑term stays (most faculty, visiting professors, student exchange hosts).
- Price: $75–$105/night (non‑pricing in peak season)
1.2. University Park Standard (UNPS)
- Address: 7170 W. 30th Ave
- Distance to DU: 0.3 mi – a 4‑min walk
- Highlights: Stays to visiting parents of prospective students. Includes free breakfast, Wi‑Fi, gym. Rooms are modern, some with city views.
- Price: $95–$135/night
Why choose on‑campus options?
• Long‑term stay discounts for faculty, staff, and related groups.
• Uber/Lyft prices from campus are minimal.
• Peaceful campus environment and zero “lost in the city” vibes.
2. Mid‑town & University‑Park Hotels
These hotels sit within walking distance or a short Metro ride of the campus. They combine convenience with modern amenities, and many offer shuttle or bike‑share partnerships.
| Hotel | Distance | Wi‑Fi | Breakfast | Price (2025) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Crawford Hotel | 0.2 mi | ✔️ Business‑grade | Continental | $124 | Professionals & conference travelers |
| The Stanley (formerly San Francisco Hotel) | 0.4 mi | ✔️ | Buffet | $139 | Couples & those wanting a boutique feel |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Denver‑University Park | 0.3 mi | ✔️ | All‑day | $155 | Families and mid‑season travelers |
| Hyatt House Denver – University Park | 0.7 mi | ✔️ | Free for kids | $165 | Long‑stay faculty or visiting scholars |
| Bella Palazzo Hotel | 0.6 mi | ✔️ | Mini‑bar & room service | $198 | Business meetings & local events |
Key Things to Note
- Car Rental & Parking: Most of these hotels offer secure valet or off‑street parking, but rates can climb during football season or the university’s varsity events.
- Campus Access: All mid‑town hotels are within a 15‑minute walk to DU. For those with mobility concerns, the Denver Metro Bus (Route 16 “ University ‘A’) stops right outside the campus gate; rides cost $3.25.
3. Urban & Luxury Choices
If you’re looking to blend a trip to DU with downtown Denver’s buzzing nightlife, boutique shops, and world‑class restaurants, head to LoDo or Capitol Hill. These hotels sit a few miles away but are easy to reach via the “Sprinter” commuter rail or a quick Uber/Lyft ride.
| Luxury Option | Distance to DU | Highlights | Price (2025) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ritz‑Carlton, Denver | 4 mi | Rooftop pool, spa, 3‑star restaurant | $490 | Celebrations & premier accommodations |
| Four Seasons Hotel Denver | 3.5 mi | Indoor pool, concierge, on‑site four‑star dining | $375 | Large families, multi‑room arrivals |
| Hotel Monaco Denver (LoDo) | 4.2 mi | Luxury boutique, sky‑bar | $310 | Newlyweds & Instagram‑purists |
| Conrad Denver Downtown | 3.8 mi | Private casino, 6‑star Accelerator | $330 | Corporate travel & special events |
How to Get There
- Sprinter: The Denver Union Station is the hub (grounding at the 1st‑ave Ski Canopy). Sprinter to University District stops at “U” station (closest to campus). The ride takes 9‑10 minutes, 3–$4 fare.
- Bike: Denver’s ‘Bike Share’ program overlays the city; an icon on the bike lane will take you to campus in under 30 minutes.
- Uber/Lyft: 15‑min ride (depending on traffic), $20–$30 plus tips.
4. Budget & Hostelry Options
| Place | About | Price | Why it’s Good for Students/Prospective Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| The NCTRL Hostel | 200 ft from campus | $30–$45/night | Shared dorms, no-frills, networking with travelers |
| Hostel of Denver | 1.2 mi | $35–$50 | Backpacker vibe, café, occasional events |
| Airbnb‑style apartments | 1–2 mi | $70–$130/night | More privacy than hostel, kitchen amenities |
| Student Dorm‑Style Short‑Term | 0.4 mi | $70–$110 | Purchased by DU alumni; “off‑campus” but with a private door |
Tip: Many hostels in Denver offer “quiet hours” and a “social hour” in the evening to mingle with locals or fellow travelers.
5. A Quick “Brochure‑Style” Checklist
| Where to stay? | Duration of stay | Type of traveler | Coors‑Check? | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On‑campus accommodations | < 7 days | Visiting staff, course‑teaching guests | ✔️ | Yes, for convenience |
| Mid‑town hotels | 1–3 weeks | Prospective students, families, faculty | ✔️ | Great in early fall (open houses) |
| Luxury hotels | 1–5 days | Visiting dignitaries, alumni reunions | ✕ | Optional if you’re looking to shop & dine on the “Gold Loop” |
| Budget hostels | 5–14 days | Backpackers, international scholars | ✕ | Use when wanting a very tight budget |
6. Safety & Transit Tips
- Walkable Campus: The DU campus and University Park are essentially safe at all hours. Traffic stops at the campus boundaries.
- Public Transit: MasterCard provides a Savvy card for unlimited rides on USDOT; it’s excellent for multi‑day stays.
- Bike Sharing: The ‘Bike Share’ network is free to start with a small fee. All campus buildings have docking stations.
- Nighttime: The City’s “Helix” apps (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Lyft Line) are well‑established; the city has an active nightlife but is still clean in University Park.
- Parking: If you’re renting a car, look for “Truck & Paratransit” permits; many hotels offer discounted parking via negotiated rates.
7. Final Recommendations by Use Case
| Situation | Dorm‑type | Mid‑town | Luxe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospective Student/Early Fall Open House | ✅ UNPS; University‑run apartments (space now!). | The Crawford or Hampton Inn are close. | None needed. |
| Visiting Faculty/Researcher (≥ 2‑week) | ✅ Collins House for long‑term. | Hyatt House for home‑like. | Four Seasons for formal housing or multitasking. |
| Family Visit (Kids < 12) | Collars for dorm style but small; yes. | Hampton Inn & Suites for free kids breakfast. | Ritz‑Carlton for fine dining and pool. |
| PhD Alumni Reunion | Collars will provide snow day. | Bella Palazzo for city views. | Hotel Monaco for cocktails. |
8. Quick FAQ
Q: Is there a “Week‑in‑Advance” discount?
A: Many mid‑town hotels provide a 5‑% discount when booking ≥ 5 days booking more than 8 weeks ahead. University‑run dorms often waive a portion of the deposit for faculty.
Q: Do any hotels offer on-campus shuttle?
A: Yes – U.S. 30th Ave. hotels partner with a local shuttle service to the campus gate (free for guests).
Q: Can I bring my car?
A: On‑campus options do not have dedicated parking. Mid‑town hotels offer reserved lots; prefer to use public transit for the campus convenience.
Q: How far is the closest “Blue Ribbon” restaurant?
A: The District (open‑air “fresh‑food” table) is only 1.5 mi from University Park, perfect for students. For purely “luxe” dining, check Matsuhisa Denver at the Ritz‑Carlton.
Bottom Line
Whether the goal is a short workshop, a month‑long research collaboration, or simply standing in awe of the DU skyline, Denver’s lodging landscape—rooted in the University Park area—offers every traveler a place that meets comfort, convenience, and cost. Pick the proximity that best suits your itinerary, enjoy Denver’s thriving arts scene, and come away with a clause that “visited DU” feels worth bragging about. Happy travels!
