Denver Airport Hotels Guide: Where to Stay (and Why)
Whether you’re catching an early flight, have a late arrival, or are using Denver as a gateway to Colorado’s mountains, choosing the right hotel location near Denver International Airport (DEN) can make or break your travel experience. This guide breaks down your options by traveler type, complete with distances, transportation details, and honest pros and cons.
Your Four Main Options: Denver Airport hotels fall into four distinct areas, each with different trade-offs between convenience, cost, and experience. You can stay directly at the airport (ultimate convenience), choose from two shuttle-served hotel corridors at different distances (Tower Road or Gateway), or head downtown for the full Denver experience via train.
This guide will walk you through each option to help you make the best choice for your trip.
For Maximum Convenience: On-Airport Staying
For travelers who prioritize seamless airport access above all else, staying directly at the airport eliminates transportation stress entirely. This option is perfect when every minute counts or when you simply want the ultimate in travel convenience.
Distance from Airport: Connected via 25-yard walkway
Travel Method: Walk directly from terminal
Travel Time: Under 1 minute
The Westin Denver International Airport
The only hotel directly connected to DIA’s Jeppesen Terminal, The Westin Denver International Airport offers seamless access through a short, 25-yard walk from the terminal’s south end glass doors. You can literally get from the farthest gate at the airport to your hotel room in 25 minutes or less.
How to Get There: Simply exit the terminal on the south end (where South Security is) through the large glass doors, and you’ll find the hotel directly ahead. No shuttles, no waiting, no hassle.
Pros:
- Ultimate convenience – walking distance to gates
- Soundproof rooms with runway and mountain views
- Premium amenities including indoor pool and multiple dining options
- No transportation stress or timing concerns
- Perfect for red-eye flights or early departures
Cons:
- Most expensive option (premium pricing for premium location)
- Limited dining variety compared to downtown options
- You’re essentially staying “at the airport”
Best For: Business travelers, travelers with tight connections, those who prioritize convenience over cost, red-eye arrivals, or anyone who wants to minimize travel stress.
For Budget-Conscious Travelers: Airport Corridor Hotels
There are two airport hotel corridors to choose from, and these hotel clusters offer the sweet spot between convenience and value, providing airport access without the premium pricing of the on-site Westin.
Choosing Between the Two Corridors: Tower Road hotels are closer to the airport (4-7 miles vs. 12 miles) with more frequent shuttle service, making them ideal for travelers prioritizing quick airport access. Gateway area hotels are newer properties with potentially better amenities but require longer shuttle rides. If you’re unsure, Tower Road offers the better balance of convenience and value.
Tower Road Hotel Corridor
Distance from Airport: 3.9 to 7 miles from the airport
Travel Method: Complimentary hotel shuttles
Travel Time: 10-15 minutes by shuttle
The Tower Road corridor houses the densest concentration of airport hotels, with major brands like Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and more.
Shuttle Details:
- Most shuttles run every 15-30 minutes, seven days a week
- Pick-up locations typically at West Side Terminal and West Side Baggage Claim
- Call your hotel directly to schedule rides (seats may be limited)
Gateway Area Hotels
Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 miles from the airport
Travel Method: Complimentary hotel shuttles
Travel Time: 15-20 minutes by shuttle
Gateway area hotels include newer properties like Fairfield Inn & Suites at Gateway Park, Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Airport/Gateway Park, and others along the Peña Boulevard corridor.
Shuttle Details:
- Example: Fairfield Inn offers shuttle service 7 am to 10 pm daily upon request
- Generally less frequent than Tower Road shuttles due to greater distance
- More space between hotels, so less shuttle traffic
Resort Option: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Distance from Airport: 8.5 miles from the airport
Travel Method: Taxi/rideshare (~$30) or A-Line train to 61st & Peña Station + free resort shuttle
Travel Time: 13-15 minutes by car/rideshare
The Gaylord Rockies stands apart as a destination resort rather than a typical airport hotel. This massive property features indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, a lazy river, multiple restaurants, and over 500,000 square feet of convention space.
What Makes It Different:
- No complimentary airport shuttle (taxi/rideshare required)
- Full resort amenities including water park and spa
- Mountain views and Colorado-themed design
- Significantly larger and more expensive than standard airport hotels
- Alternative: Take A-Line train to 61st & Peña Station, then free shuttle to resort
Best For: Convention attendees, families wanting resort amenities, travelers who don’t mind paying for airport transportation in exchange for a full resort experience.
Combined Pros (Tower Road & Gateway):
- Significant cost savings compared to the Westin
- Free shuttle service included
- More dining options in surrounding areas
- Larger rooms and amenities like pools at many properties
- Park-and-fly packages available
Combined Cons:
- Dependent on shuttle schedules (plan extra time)
- Limited late-night/early morning shuttle availability
- Weather delays can affect shuttle service
- Need to coordinate with hotel for pickup times
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, families, extended stays, travelers with rental cars who want airport proximity, those who don’t mind planning around shuttle schedules.
For Experience Seekers: Downtown Denver
While staying downtown requires the longest travel time to the airport, it’s the only option that lets you truly experience Denver’s vibrant culture, dining scene, and attractions. The A-Line train connection makes this surprisingly accessible for travelers with time to explore.
Distance from Airport: 23-25 miles from DEN
Travel Method: A-Line commuter train or other travel options to downtown Denver
Travel Time: 37 minutes to Union Station
The A-Line Train Connection
For only $10 each way, travelers can take the A Line (also known as the Denver Airport train) from DEN to Denver Union Station.
Train Details:
- Cost: $10 one way
- Schedule: Every 15 minutes from 5:12 a.m. to 7:27 p.m., every 30 minutes outside those hours
- Speed: Up to 79 mph
- Boarding: Board at the DEN Transit Center, Level 1, adjacent to the Westin Denver International Airport Hotel
See my complete guide to riding the Denver Airport train here.
Downtown Hotel Options
Union Station itself houses The Crawford Hotel, while nearby options include The Westin Denver Downtown, Grand Hyatt Denver, and numerous boutique properties within walking distance or a short light rail ride from Union Station.
Click here to see all downtown Denver hotel options.
Pros:
- Experience Denver’s vibrant downtown scene
- Access to LoDo (Lower Downtown), breweries, restaurants, and attractions
- From Union Station, travelers can access additional local and regional transportation services, such as light rail, regional and local buses
- Cultural attractions like Denver Art Museum and sports venues
- Significantly more dining and nightlife options
- Historic Union Station is beautiful and worth experiencing
Cons:
- Longest travel time to/from airport
- Need to plan around train schedule
- Must handle your own luggage on the train
- Weather can occasionally affect train service
- Not ideal for very early flights or late arrivals
- Higher potential for delays during your airport journey
Best For: First-time Denver visitors, travelers with time to explore, those staying multiple nights, beer enthusiasts, culture seekers, travelers who enjoy urban experiences over airport convenience.
Quick Decision Matrix
Bottom Line
Choose the Westin if convenience trumps cost and you want to minimize any travel stress. Choose Tower Road or Gateway hotels if you want good airport access without premium pricing and don’t mind shuttle logistics. Choose downtown Denver if you have time to explore the city and want the full Denver experience—just budget extra time for airport transfers.
Remember: Denver’s airport is large and busy, so always allow extra time regardless of where you stay. The peace of mind from staying closer often outweighs the cost savings, especially for early flights or when traveling with families.
