Hotels

Although most hotels and motels in the Denver area do not have seasonal rates (as you'll find in many other parts of Colorado), hotels that cater to business travelers, such as the Brown Palace and the Warwick, often offer substantial weekend discounts, sometimes as much as 50% off the regular rates. Rates listed do not include the 18.5% accommodations tax.

The lodging industry is catching up with the construction of Denver International Airport, and you'll find that many of the major chains and franchises have built or are in the process of constructing facilities near the airport -- there's also a proposed hotel at the terminal itself. Among those now open are Courtyard by Marriott at DIA, 6901 Tower Rd., Denver, CO 80249 (tel. 800/321-2211 or 303/371-0300), with rates of $219 to $249 for a double; and Hampton Inn DIA, 6290 Tower Rd., Denver, CO 80249 (tel. 800/426-7866 or 303/371-0200), with a rate of $139 to $179 for a double.

Reliable (and relatively inexpensive hotels) in the downtown area include Comfort Inn, 401 17th St., Denver, CO 80202 (tel. 800/228-5150 or 303/296-0400), with a convenient location and rates of $149 for a double and $189 to $329 for a suite; La Quinta Inn Downtown, 3500 Park Ave. W. (at I-25, exit 213), Denver, CO 80216 (tel. 800/531-5900 or 303/458-1222), charging $99 for a double; and Hotel VQ, 1975 Mile High Stadium Circle (at I-25, exit 210B), Denver, CO 80204 (tel. 800/388-5381 or 303/433-8331), with rates of $89 to $129 for a double.

These official, or "rack," rates, do not include any discounts, such as those offered to members of AAA or AARP. Be sure to ask if you qualify for a reduced rate. Because a chain hotel's national reservation service may not be able to offer discounts, your best bet may be to call the hotel directly.

Downtown

Hotels in downtown Denver, "the central business district of the Rocky Mountain West," generally cater to businesspeople, with high-tech amenities and locations convenient to the Convention Center or the financial district. These properties are more than adequate for leisure travelers, and especially enticing on weekends when they lower their rates.

On the Hoof -- If you're in town for the National Western Stock Show, make sure to visit the Brown Palace Hotel for a study in contrasts -- the champion steer is traditionally corralled in the lobby during one of the event's final mornings.

Bed & Breakfasts -- Those seeking an alternative to a hotel or motel might consider one of Denver's many bed-and-breakfast inns. Often located in historic 19th-century homes, bed-and-breakfasts offer a more personalized lodging experience than you could expect in all but the very best hotels, because you rarely find more than 10 rooms in a B&B, and you are, literally, a guest in someone's home.

Family-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Monaco -- Kids get a kick out of the colorful decor, the complimentary goldfish, and the house mascot, a Jack Russell terrier named Lily Sopris.

JW Marriott -- This Cherry Creek hostelry is right in the vicinity of the bike trail, the mall, and other kid-friendly attractions, and has plenty of perks to keep the kids occupied when they're in their rooms.

Loews Denver Hotel -- Kids get a teddy bear and coloring books when they arrive; the Tuscany Restaurant has a special children's menu.