The Best Hotels to Book in Golden, Colorado

Light-filled rooms decked out in warm, earthy tones will help you to settle in, while mountain views remind you that you’re staying at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Spring for a bit extra, and snag a room with a balcony. Find a seat by the fireplace at Copper Creek, plating American fare from fried green tomato BLTs to ribs straight from the smoker, while the bar serves classics from local microbreweries. Not up for heading out? Room service extends to deliveries from nearby restaurants.

This downtown hotel overlooks Clear Creek and the Clear Creek Trail paralleling the water through town. Quasi-Western accents and polished wood invoke a mountain lodge that’ll make you want to settle in for a creekside view or cozy up by the gas fireplace. The Bridgewater Grill showcases Colorado ingredients in favorites like bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf, best rounded off with a slice of pistachio cheesecake. Sustainability initiatives include plugging into solar power, using energy efficient bulbs and motion sensor lighting, installing two Tesla charging stations and using water-efficient fixtures.

As the official hotel of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, built to maximize the natural acoustics of a red sandstone alcove, this nearby hotel nods to it in rooms and suites with red leather accent chairs and dark wood furniture. Contemporary art and colorful fabrics splash through the poured cement lobby. Top eco points awarded for electric car charging and water bottle filling stations. Don’t forget the complimentary mountain bike use, bike storage and repair services. Sip craft beers and margaritas in the beer garden at Nomad Taqueria, which hosts seasonal yoga classes.

Occupying the old Rocky Mountain Fire Brick Works factory, the hotel preserves the craftsman spirit while catering to modern adventurers. Industrial-style architecture is enlivened with bold colors and textures, from plaid pillows to wooden floors. You can sip coffee on rooftop patios and around fire pits, with coffee stations and pantries on each floor. Dine well on hearty entrées that showcase local producers, like bison meatball grinder and wild mushroom French dip. Local brews can tend toward the wilder side, like Crooked Stave’s Sour Rosé.

This inn brings the spirit of the Southwest, built in the adobe style with rounded corners, warm, pinkish-beige walls and tile rooftops. Spacious guest rooms and suites bring that vibe indoors, with leather couches, fireplaces and Southwestern accents. Step-out balconies rimmed with turquoise-colored iron railings are the place to soak up the sun and the mountain views. At Table Mountain Grill & Cantina, the clear choice is a margarita enjoyed at one of the best spots on the marigold-ringed patio.

Around 5mi (8km) from Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this Courtyard by Marriott offers contemporary rooms and suites that charm guests with warm, earthy colors; one-bed suites add living areas. If you’re jet-lagged, hit the fitness center for some weights and cardio. The Bistro serves espresso by day and wine by night, plus a healthy breakfast of yogurt, fruit and oatmeal – well, there are waffles too – and dinner. Don’t miss one of the most popular local attractions, Coors Brewery, just 10 minutes away by car.

Rooms with pops of color in artwork and adventure-focused imagery, from mountain bikers to kayakers, put you in a prime spot for the outdoor classroom that is the Rocky Mountains. It’s just a few miles to the Mines Museum of Earth Science, where you can learn about the minerals that fueled the gold rush and first drew settlers to the state. Or dive even deeper into history at Dinosaur Ridge, taking the kids to hunt for fossils. Return to relax in the outdoor pool, cocktail in hand.