How does Denver compare to the country in tourist accommodations?

Denver is a buzzing spot for tourism in the United States. In 2017 alone, the city brought in over 32 million visitors and $6.5 billion in revenue. With year round scenic landscapes and the best skiing in the country, there’s no reason not to love the capital of the Centennial State.

A universally growing trend in tourism is finding accommodations outside of the traditional hotel room. With endless options on airbnb, people have the option to stay virtually wherever they want for an added layer of adventure during their vacation. Boring hotels are becoming outdated and overpriced as alternatives are much more exciting to customers.

From castles to RV campers and everything in between, the sky's the limit to where guests want to stay. A recent study by furniture and home decor company Joybird analyzed the cities with the most unconventional vacation rentals in America. Despite Denver’s booming tourism industry, the city didn’t even appear in the top 50 US cities.

Aurora, on the other hand, represents Colorado as the fourth city with the most unique rental options. Over a third of all Airbnb rentals are considered ‘nontraditional’. Colorado Springs also appears on the list at 46th in the nation.
Tourists seeking to explore Denver may make the 30 minute drive to stay in a tiny home, a yurt or an igloo in Aurora. But there are plenty of cool options for tourists looking for a unique experience right in the heart of the city.
Not all hotels are as bland as they used to be. Denver is home to some of the coolest hotels in the country that will make guests never want to leave their room! From the Curtis Hotel to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, those who are willing to spend a little more money on their stay have a plethora of options. Denver has several options to match anyone’s vibe.
For those heartset in staying in an edgy airbnb, there are still a few options in downtown Denver. There are tipis, tiny homes, dome homes, and farm stays available for travelers. With a little digging and booking in advance, there are certainly options that are as convenient as they are unconventional.
These hotels are targeted to tourists who need a place to stay, but there’s no reason locals can’t have fun too. Renting one of these incredible rooms even just for one night can be the perfect escape you’ve been needing. It allows you to feel like you’re on vacation without the pain of traveling long term.
While you’re at it, you might as well go all out. Pretend to be a tourist for a day or two and immerse yourself completely in the Colorado culture. Go to Red Rocks Amphitheater and marvel at the spectacular views. You may think you know everything about your home state, but you’re sure to discover something new if you live in the city from a different perspective for a few hours.

Being a tourist in your hometown is incredibly underrated. There are so many historic tours and cheesy photo opportunities that you pass by everyday without a second thought. This experience will make you fall in love with your city even more than you already are.