Written by Julie Diebolt Price
With picture-perfect sunny skies and brilliant fall foliage, my fall visit to Golden, Colorado, was praiseworthy. As I drove into town, I couldn’t wait to start exploring.
Historic Golden, Colorado
Snuggled up against the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, historic and scenic Golden is a destination for the record books. Parks and open spaces promote outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and hang gliding.
Known for its rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era, Golden is home to several well-preserved 19th-century buildings, museums, and landmarks telling the story of its past.
Golden is notable for its proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a world-renowned outdoor concert venue carved into the surrounding red rock formations just a short drive away. It’s a must-visit destination for music lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Clear Creek runs through the city and is a popular spot for fishing, whitewater rafting, and cooling off on a warm day.
Golden is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and craft breweries, including the famous Coors Brewery. The city’s downtown area is a bustling activity hub with various shops, galleries, restaurants, and street musicians.
Great Places to Stay in Golden, Colorado
The following list groups the best hotels in Golden, Colorado, by their proximity to popular destinations and activities. This grouping provides options for various preferences, from downtown explorations and concert experiences to mountain adventures and budget-friendly lodgings.
Many of the hotels in this list offer spacious rooms, free wifi, and complimentary breakfast. They may also feature a fitness center, indoor or outdoor pool, and a business center, making them ideal for leisure and business travelers.
I stayed at Table Mountain Inn during my visit, but you will find more great places on this list to stay in Golden.
Table Mountain Inn hosted me, but all opinions are my own.
Hotels in Downtown Golden
1. Table Mountain Inn
Table Mountain Inn is a historic southwestern-style boutique hotel offering nearby outdoor activities like hiking and biking and great dining options. It earned Traveler’s Choice’ on TripAdvisor.
The Table Mountain Inn, on the main street of bustling downtown Golden, is an icon of warmth and hospitality. The convenient location allowed me to explore Golden by car or on foot.
In 1991, Table Mountain Inn was reborn from its 1925 luxury hotel beginnings. Having failed after the Depression, remaining vacant for many years, revived as Holland House in 1948, the property became famous throughout the Denver area for food and lodging for 24 years. In 1999, the owners added 42 more rooms, including guest parking, outdoor/indoor meeting rooms, and event space.
The staff at Table Mountain Inn assured me of a good time with their laughter and friendly helpfulness throughout my stay.
When the bellman deposited me and my luggage into the Santa Fe Executive Suite facing Table Mountain, I couldn’t believe my good fortune. I drank in the stunning mountain views as though quenching a thirst from the desert. I couldn’t get enough.
Included comforts were a king-sized bed with five pillows (because a girl can never have too many!), a large TV, a balcony facing the south and the east, and a private bathroom with a jetted tub.
The sitting room was roomy, with a leather couch, a chair, a fireplace, a big-screen TV, and a small table with two chairs. This space is separated from the bedroom. It had a sliding glass door that opened to the balcony facing east, which offered incredible views of Table Mountain and overlooked Washington Avenue. I enjoyed sitting on the balconies and observing how the light played on the mountain at different times of the day.
The Table Mountain Inn’s in-house restaurant, The Grill & Cantina, offers a unique dining experience with various dishes made from locally sourced ingredients under the superb direction of Executive Chef Michael Erickson.
I chose Chef Erickson’s favorite meal for dinner–the Short Rib with Gnocchi and Peas.
2. The Golden Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Golden Hotel is centrally located, with easy access to local shopping and dining, historical landmarks, and the Coors Brewery.
The Golden Hotel is luxurious and offers stunning views of Clear Creek and the Rocky Mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay.
The hotel’s style mixes old-time charm with modern flair. Each room has comfy furniture and the latest amenities.
The on-site restaurant, The Bridgewater Grill, offers a culinary experience that includes Bacon Wrapped Colorado Bison Meatloaf, Coors Beer Battered Cod Fish and chips, Colorado Filet, and more. Back patio seating overlooks Clear Creek Trail.
Clear Creek Trail. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price
The Clear Creek Trail runs beside Clear Creek and directly behind The Golden Hotel.
3. The Silk Pincushion
The Silk Pincushion is a Victorian Bed and breakfast if you want a quaint experience close to Golden’s historic charm.
The Silk Pincushion is a delightful bed and breakfast that offers a unique blend of comfort and elegance. This Victorian-style B&B is renowned for its cozy rooms, each uniquely decorated with antique furnishings and luxurious linens, providing nostalgia and comfort.
This peaceful retreat serves a delicious homemade breakfast with fresh, locally sourced ingredients each morning.
4. The Eddy Taproom & Hotel
The Eddy Taproom & Hotel is a contemporary choice with a brewery and on-site taproom for craft beer enthusiasts.
The Eddy Taproom and Hotel uniquely blend comfort and local culture. This hotel offers a distinctive experience with its modern rooms designed with rustic charm.
The hotel is known for its on-site taproom, which serves various local craft beers, making it a favorite spot for beer enthusiasts.
Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre
5. Origin Hotel Red Rocks
The Origin Hotel Red Rocks is the official hotel of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, ideal for concert-goers and outdoor lovers.
The Origin Hotel Red Rocks, near Golden, is a modern and stylish hotel that caters to music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre, making it a perfect base for concert-goers.
The hotel’s design is contemporary, with a touch of rustic charm. The hotel also features a fitness center and a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
6.
Aiden by Best Western is a stylish hotel close to Red Rocks, with easy access to mountain adventures.
Aiden by Best Western @ Denver West/Golden is known for its modern design, vibrant decor, and welcoming atmosphere. Its location provides easy access to local attractions such as the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Colorado School of Mines–perfect for business or leisure.
7. Denver Marriott West
The Denver Marriott West is a full-service hotel with amenities for both business and leisure travelers.
The Denver Marriott West hotel, located on the west side of Denver, is a sophisticated and comfortable accommodation option and has an on-site restaurant serving a variety of cuisines. It’s conveniently located near several attractions, such as the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Colorado Mills shopping center.
8. Residence Inn by Marriott Denver West/Golden
The Residence Inn by Marriott offers spacious suites with kitchenettes suitable for more extended stays.
The Residence Inn by Marriott Denver West/Golden is a comfortable, spacious, extended-stay hotel with fully equipped kitchens in each suite. The hotel is also pet-friendly and provides an outdoor space for relaxation and socializing. Its location offers easy access to local attractions like the Colorado School of Mines, Coors Brewery, and the stunning Rocky Mountain foothills.
9. Sonesta Simply Suites Denver West Federal Center
Sonesta Simply Suites is comfortable for business travelers, close to the Federal Center.
Sonesta Simply Suites Denver West Federal Center is a comfortable and convenient hotel with a home-like atmosphere and fully equipped kitchens, making it an ideal choice for extended stays. The hotel also offers laundry facilities and a 24-hour business center. It’s convenient for guests, as it’s close to the Denver Federal Center and other local attractions.
10. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West/Federal Center
TownePlace Suites is a relaxed, extended-stay hotel with pet-friendly options.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver West/Federal Center is a comfortable, spacious, extended-stay hotel with fully equipped kitchens. The hotel is conveniently located near the Denver Federal Center and offers easy access to downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. It’s ideal for both business travelers and families.
Hotels Along Colfax Avenue for an Easy Getaway
11. Hampton Inn Denver West/Golden
Hampton Inn Denver Denver-West offers reliable service and comfort near downtown Golden and Denver.
The Hampton Inn Denver West/Golden is conveniently located near local attractions and provides a warm and friendly atmosphere for business and leisure travelers.
12. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Golden
The La Quinta Inn by Wyndham is an affordable accommodation on the route to the Rockies.
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Golden is a welcoming and budget-friendly hotel. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, making them an excellent selection for leisure and business travelers.
Near Lookout Mountain and Outdoor Activities
13. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Golden
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Golden is an IHG Hotel offering modern amenities and easy access to Lookout Mountain.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Golden is a convenient location providing easy access to local attractions such as the Colorado School of Mines and the Coors Brewery.
Budget-Friendly Options
Cheap hotels in Lakewood are also options for budget-conscious travelers within a short drive to Golden, just 12 miles away.
How To Get To Golden
Golden is ideally situated for all Denver-focused activities, as it is only 25 minutes from downtown Denver, 40 minutes from the airport, and 15 minutes from Red Rocks Amphitheater, among other attractions. Breckenridge and Keystone, two of Colorado’s most visited ski resorts, are less than an hour away.
Fly
Denver is the closest airport to Golden. Denver International Airport is 36 miles east, and major car rental companies serve this destination.
Drive
From the north or south, take Interstate 25 towards Denver to Interstate 70, then head west on Highway 58. Also, from Interstate 25, near Denver, head west on Highway 6.
Train
The Amtrak California Zephyr stops in Denver eastbound in the early evening and westbound in the early morning. Major car rental companies serve the Amtrak station.
Allow extra time at Denver Union Station. The historic station offers food, drinks, and history.
