Hey there! I’m Sammy, and I’m excited to take you on a journey to discover 12 unique and unconventional hotels in Aurora, Colorado. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
1. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center – An Alpine Getaway
The minute you see this expansive resort, you’ll feel as though you’ve truly arrived in the Rockies. The alpine theme of the exterior continues into the expansive atrium, where guests enjoy the sounds of the outdoors. Water features, a towering fireplace, and trail-like paths make guests feel as if the Rockies are suddenly indoors.
When I say this resort is expansive, that is no exaggeration; it sits on 85 acres of land and takes up 485,000 square feet. The Gaylord offers 1,500 rooms and endless amenities.
You won’t need to leave the property to have fun. Spend days splashing in the indoor and outdoor waterpark and soaking up the sun while floating on the lazy river.
If you require a little “me” time, indulge in self-pampering at Relâche Spa & Salon. The spa offers 17 private rooms and a variety of services, including massages, facials, and skin treatments.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, your stay at the Gaylord will be one the most unique in Aurora.
2. Woolley’s Classic Suites Denver Airport – Lounge in a Suite
The fact that Woolley’s is a suite-only, full-service hotel is enough to earn this luxury resort a spot on our list. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out and relax as rooms boast 500 square feet (or more) of space.
Spend your days sightseeing in nearby downtown Denver. In the evenings, indulge in the spa-like amenities of your private bath, complete with an expansive, walk-in shower and marble tub.
If you eventually decide to venture out of your suite, stop by the bar to enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail while enjoying the hotel’s open-air atrium. It’s a truly unique experience.
Looking for something to do nearby? The Aurora History Museum is only three miles from the hotel. This free experience immerses visitors in local history Tuesday-Friday. The highlight of the display is a fully restored trolley car, but be sure to check out the rotating exhibits. There’s always something new to see here.
3. Hyatt Regency Aurora – An Urban Escape
The cool, urban vibe of the Regency earns it a spot on our list of unique stays. The architecture, layout, and interior design of this hotel make you feel as if you’re staying in a modern cigar lounge, with intimate gathering spaces and low mood lighting.
You’ll want to take advantage of the jewel of the hotel – the outdoor pool area – which will make you feel as if you’re on a European vacation at some bougie boutique hotel. Consider a stay here to be money well spent.
Since you’re staying at a unique hotel, you might as well check out nearby unique attractions, and Stanley Marketplace certainly qualifies. This family-friendly attraction is a former airplane hangar that was converted into a shopping destination. Here, you can also enjoy great food – there are more than 20 restaurants and food vendors offering a taste of Aurora.
4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver – Modern Comfort and Well Appointed
You’ll feel lighter the minute step into the bright and airy comfort of the DoubleTree. The unique design of the atrium and modern architecture will make you feel as if you’re indulging in a funky, urban getaway.
There’s a good reason this hotel received TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award for 2020 – it consistently garners high reviews from guests and ranks in the top 10% of properties listed on the TripAdvisor website.
Want to spend some time in Aurora’s great outdoors? Cherry Creek State Park is less than four miles from the hotel and offers a unique outdoor experience thanks to the park’s 800-acre water reservoir. Enjoy a day relaxing and swimming at the park’s sandy beach area. The park also offers hiking and biking trails and horseback riding.
When you return from your outdoor adventure, stop by the hotel’s eatery, Jackdaw, for a truly unique experience. The restaurant serves modern Irish-fusion cuisine in a laid back, pub-style atmosphere. Grab a pint and a hearty helping of their Irish Ale & Cheddar Potato Soup. Sláinte!
5. Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport – Cool & Creature Comforts Combine
If you’re looking to balance a relaxing getaway with a homey feel, I think you’ll love Homewood Suites. This hotel offers a variety of rooms – from one-bedroom to two-bedroom suites. But here’s the most unique feature; each room includes your own private kitchen, offering you the option of cooking yourself a hot meal.
Adding to the upscale comfort of this establishment, a hot breakfast AND LIGHT DINNER are offered every day at no additional charge. I know I don’t have to tell you that meal costs can quickly eat up your vacation budget. The fact that Homewood offers two complimentary meals is pretty extraordinary.
The final feather in this hotel’s cap? A nearby walking trail around a natural pond provides a bit of fresh air and the opportunity to see geese, turtles, ducks and rabbits.
6. Hilton Garden Inn Denver Airport – Minimalist Design Meets Modern Comfort
The aesthetics of this hotel are uniquely lovely, with a minimalist design that slants toward mid-century modern. The bright open feel of the lobby carries over into the hotel’s eatery, the Sanctuary Lounge and Garden Grille. If you aren’t up for dining in public, room service is available until 10 p.m.
Hotel amenities are also a plus here and include a lovely outdoor patio complete with covered tables and a fire pit to keep you warm on chilly Colorado evenings. If the weather does turn cooler, you can still enjoy a dip in the indoor pool or hot tub. Believe me when I tell you, there is so much to enjoy herel that it may take you a day or two to venture out into Aurora.
Once you’re ready to see the sights, stop by Denver Zoo which is only 11 miles down the road from the hotel. You’ll enjoy fascinating and up-close exhibits, including Stingray Cove and the Toyota Elephant Passage, one of the largest elephant habitats in North America.
7. Springhill Suites Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus – Cutting-Edge Style Meets Contemporary Amenities
Springhill is a unique hotel for several reasons. First, they’ve received several awards; they received TripAdvisor’s Green Leader award in 2017, meaning the hotel is intentional in engaging in environmentally-friendly practices (a major plus for me). They also received TripAdvisor’s certificate of excellence in 2019 and received a Triple Diamond designation from AAA. High praise, indeed.
This establishment also boasts glowing reviews from guests, with nearly 90% stating they would recommend the hotel to others.
If you’re interested in unique features of the hotel itself, you’ll likely appreciate the network zone, particularly if you are in town for business. The hotel offers a tech-centric meeting hub in the lobby with multiple power and USB outlets, allowing you to stay connected while relaxing in a lounge-like atmosphere.
Just eight miles from the hotel, you’ll find the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 330 different animal species. The refuge is made up of 15,000 acres of Colorado prairie land. Be sure to take the self-guided Wildlife Drive, an 11-mile tour that offers exhilarating views of bison, deer, songbirds, and hawks.
