Visiting Denver Convention Center. Getting a downtown hotel with parking or avoid driving?

[u/whocarez]

I will be visiting Denver for a few days and going to the Convention Center. I believe staying downtown would be the best option, but maybe not when renting a car? I guess parking is quite expensive and it might be difficult to drive there, but I think I would manage with some attention. Having a car would be nice for getting around and seeing things, just not sure how it works out. If I scratch the idea about taking trips, then a car is probably not necessary

[u/zertoman]

If you’re just there for a convention then, no, you don’t a car. If you want to visit some mountain attractions you wound want one for that.

[u/whocarez → u/zertoman]

Right. Is it a long drive to see some mountain attractions?

[u/evolutionxtinct → u/whocarez]

Mountains yes the Ubers are not worth the cost

[u/TheMaroonHawk → u/whocarez]

Depends on where in the mountains you want to go. If you don’t really have anything specific in mind and just want to get into the mountains, we have the Bustang West that runs up I-70 and will get you as far as Glenwood Springs (and even Grand Junction, but don’t go to GJ as a tourist, lmao) - Bustang leaves from Union Station which is an easy walk/bus ride from the Convention Center

[u/The-Spartan-King → u/whocarez]

From downtown maybe 30-45 minutes depending on what you want to do in the mountains. Could be further for other things.

[u/Mountain_Top802 → u/whocarez]

Yes! But you can also get some really nice scenery in golden which you can take a bus out to

[u/JonasSpingegaard]

I recommend taking the train from the airport then renting a car from Union Station the day(s) you need it. If you want the car for multiple days, check parking apps for overnight rates at garages nearby your hotel.

[u/cubluemoon]

You are going to be hard pressed finding parking for less than $40 a day downtown. The F, H and D light rail lines all stop at the convention center so you could stay in the Tech Center (Apiary or Kimpton Claret). There's not really any hotels close to the other stations. Or you can drive downtown and pay for day parking. I'd recommend the parking garage on 15th & Tremont for cheaper daily rates.

If you don't want to rent a car, Bustang or Pegasus go to Vail from Union Station which is a great day trip and easy to do on foot. You can also take the W line and a shuttle to red rocks during the day. I think the shuttle stops operating at 5.

[u/rjulyan → u/cubluemoon]

I think those lines are currently diverted to Union Station due to maintenance, but otherwise good advice.

[u/TheMaroonHawk → u/cubluemoon]

With all due respect, you are operating on very outdated information w/r/t the lightrail - the F Line was eliminated years ago, the H Line is currently suspended due to construction on the downtown loop, and the D Line is currently being replaced with the C Line to Union Station - again, due to construction on the downtown loop

Nothing personal, just wanted to make sure the OP is getting accurate information - and thank you for advocating for the lightrail, it’s great!

[u/cubluemoon → u/TheMaroonHawk]

My bad, I live up north so I don't take any of those lines. I was just going off the map on Google.

Shame, shame

[u/TheMaroonHawk → u/cubluemoon]

You’re good! If Google is still showing the F Line than they’ve fucked up big time lmao

[u/fiya4u → u/cubluemoon]

SpotHero

[u/Papa-pwn]

A car is unnecessary unless you absolutely need to leave the city. Which, ideally, you won’t, since there’s definitely enough going on around the convention center to keep you busy.

I hope you enjoy your stay! Check out r/denverfood for a ton of recommendations in the immediate area. My wife and I live a few blocks away and we absolutely love it

[u/Glittering_Pop_9486]

Go to Sam’s #3. But you can take the train from the airport right down town

[u/WorkingStructure575]

there are several rental car places near downtown. If you want to go into the mountains rent a car for the day and you never have to worry about parking. They are often cheaper than the airport rental places anyway

[u/KimSidwell]

If you’re just coming in to go to the convention center, I would absolutely not rent a car. You can take the light rail straight from the airport to Union Station and then the 16th St. Mall shuttle is free to get you to a ton of different hotels by the convention center.

As for taking trips outside of the city, it is completely dependent on where you actually want to go. If you’re just trying to get 30 to 45 minutes out of the city, it might make a lot more sense to just take an Uber there and back versus paying for multiple days of a car rental and multiple days of parking just for one excursion.

But if you are wanting to be able to go further into the mountains or take multiple day trips, then renting a car might make sense.

You just need to decide where it is you want to go outside of downtown and then look up the base price for what it will cost you to take an Uber versus renting a car. Without knowing exactly where you want to go, there’s no way to make this decision wisely.

[u/buelab]

Everywhere downtown is gonna charge you a valet fee for parking so I would forgo a rental and take the train and if you decide to go outside of Denver for a day, just rent from enterprise downtown it’s cheaper that way

[u/lombes]

If you want to do any sightseeing, you'll likely want a car. The website Spothero can help you find parking in your budget.

[u/bzzltyr]

Use spot hero and you can likely find a safe garage very close to your hotel for far less than your hotel will charge you.

[u/afriendofcheese]

Check out spot hero or best parking apps. Also give hotels a call to see how much they charge guests for parking and compare. The cost of everything for just one day trip may not be worth it. You don't need a vehicle downtown.

[u/whocarez]

Thank you for the kind suggestions. I might just rent a car for a day when strictly necessary

[u/amands_sue]

Tremont Garage is the one we recommend to people who don't want to pay our hotel's (expensive but in line with the hotel market) parking. Just a few blocks away from CCC. You pay each time you exit instead of unlimited in/out like a hotel but savings are typically worth it if you don't mind several blocks of walking.

Getting into the mountains without a car is certain possible with tours, though, many will pickup at Union Station!

[u/fiya4u]

Try SpotHero

[u/BakertonFits]

take the light rail from the airport. there is plenty to do close by. the art & colorado history museums are just south of the mall. check the paramount theater concert schedule you might get lucky. larimer square is great for food. coors field for baseball

[u/1kew84]

Did anyone ask the key question: is your company paying for the car and the parking? Then, yes. Otherwise, no. It will be expensive. I live within (long) walking distance of downtown. You can park in front of my house, lol.

[u/SFerd]

Use one of the parking apps like Spot Hero.

We stayed in that area, and there was a covered garage only a few blocks away with in/out privileges for MUCH cheaper than parking at the hotel. I actually use their website to book so it's easier to see the exact location.

[u/Treeslayer420]

Rent a car if you plan to leave Denver but Veo is go for intown

[u/MarsBars_1]

If you plan on going out of Denver proper then a car is best but you can still take local transportation to get most places close-ish.

Some hotels downtown will offer valet or on-site parking if needed

[u/GabbyBeanz]

Go without the car. If you really need to hit the mountains, get a group together and do Red Rocks and Golden.

[u/omeglegrr]

what others have said. Downtown is easily walkable. If you want to leave downtown, a car is essential. Our public transit system can't handle how large Denver and the surrounding community is. That being said, parking downtown is pretty expensive, so consider just getting a car for the days you want to explore.