Quick Picks
Best location: Table Mountain Inn. Best value: Golden Hotel. Best for families: Hampton Inn. For camping: Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Golden is small, so lodging options are limited but quality. The good news is that staying in Golden puts you walking distance from downtown, breweries, and the creek trail. The downside is fewer choices than Denver - book ahead for summer weekends and School of Mines events.
Alternatively, Golden is so close to Denver (20 minutes) that staying in the city and making day trips is perfectly viable.
Downtown Golden Hotels
Table Mountain Inn
The signature Golden lodging. This adobe-style hotel sits right on Washington Avenue, steps from everything. Southwestern decor gives it distinctive character. The on-site restaurant has a good patio. Rooftop area has mountain views. Mid-range to upscale pricing. Book early for weekends.
The Golden Hotel
Boutique hotel in a restored historic building downtown. Smaller and more intimate than Table Mountain Inn. Good value for the location. Walking distance to all downtown attractions. The bar is a local gathering spot.
Chain Hotels
Hampton Inn Golden
Reliable chain hotel on the edge of downtown. Clean, predictable, good breakfast included. Free parking. Family-friendly. Slightly removed from the walkable downtown core but still close.
Marriott Denver West/Golden
Larger hotel near the Colorado Mills shopping area, between Denver and Golden. Good for business travelers or those who want more amenities. Easy highway access. Less walkable to downtown Golden.
Other chains: Several budget and mid-range chains are located along the highway corridor between Golden and Denver. Less convenient for walking but cheaper and readily available.
Camping Options
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon offers tent camping, RV sites, and rental cabins/yurts about 30 minutes from downtown Golden. Beautiful mountain setting at high elevation. Reservations essential for summer. Great option if you want outdoor immersion.
Clear Creek Canyon
Dispersed camping is available in some areas of Clear Creek Canyon west of Golden. Check current regulations with the Forest Service. Primitive sites - no facilities.
Nearby Alternatives
Denver (20 minutes east): Far more hotel options at every price point. Easy drive to Golden for day activities. Good choice if Golden hotels are booked or too expensive.
Morrison/Red Rocks area (15 minutes south): A few lodging options near Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Convenient if you're combining Golden with a Red Rocks concert.
Idaho Springs (30 minutes west): Small mountain town up I-70 with several hotels. Good if you want to be deeper in the mountains while still being close to Golden.
Booking Tips
Book early for:
- Summer weekends (June-August)
- School of Mines graduation and parents' weekends
- Fall foliage season (late September)
- Any major Denver event that fills metro hotels
Shoulder seasons: Spring and late fall offer better availability and sometimes lower rates. Weather is still good for outdoor activities.
Day trip option: If staying in Golden feels limiting or expensive, base yourself in Denver and drive out. The proximity makes this easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in Golden or Denver?
Stay in Golden if you want to walk everywhere and enjoy the small-town evening atmosphere. Stay in Denver if you want more options, lower prices, or plan to explore the city too.
Is there Airbnb in Golden?
Some vacation rentals are available. Check Airbnb and VRBO. Availability varies and regulations may limit options.
What's the cheapest option?
Chain hotels along the highway corridor between Golden and Denver offer the lowest rates. Camping at Golden Gate Canyon is cheapest if you have gear.
Is parking included at Golden hotels?
Most Golden hotels include parking. Verify when booking, especially at downtown properties where space is limited.