OT: Visiting Denver

[twostroke27]

Hey guys!

So my 9 year old son finally got into the avalanche this playoff run. I'm getting custody of him from my ex this year and figured a great way to make a memory would be to surprise him with a jersey (he like landeskog best) with tickets and flights from Canada to the December 31st game vs the flyers and the Jan 2nd game vs the oilers.

I've been a hardcore avs fan for years but haven't ever had the opportunity to come to Denver for a game even though I've seen them a couple times in Calgary and in Edmonton as well.

My question is, what is a hotel option that's decent in closer vicinity to the Pepsi Center? I'm likely going to rent a car, but am trying to get all the booking done now to avoid stupidly priced hotel rooms on new years eve by booking early. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help.

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[Nzap]

Not to barge in crazily in someone else's thread, but could anyone also tell about some nice hostels around arena as well. I've thought about taking a trip from Finland in February for the big homestand, and don't really wanna pay a lot for accommodation.

 

[tigervixxxen]

I don't know a lot about hostels, they are not such a big thing here. But quick search tells me there is one called Melbourne Hostel that would be walking distance/transport accessible to the Pepsi Center.

As far as hotel, looks like Spring Hill Suites is pretty close. Pepsi Center is in a funny place, it is downtown but it's more situated between the highway, amusement park and conglomerate of 3 colleges campus. Coors Field is much more walk up to bars/hotels/restaurants situated. Pepsi Center is an easy walk. Just a few blocks from real downtown and has it's own light rails stop literally steps from the front door so don't let me paint the picture it's out of the way. But I don't really see a need to stay right by it especially if you have a car. I'd just say pick your favorite chain and one will be close by or not far away. Parking at the Pepsi center is not a problem, it's easy and about $10, all close by.

 

[Bonzai12]

if you wanna go cheap, do a hotel (with free parking) outside of downtown and rent a car. That would let you drive to the mountains, etc.

You can always get on the light rail from the southern, western, or eastern suburbs and there's a pepsi center stop. To be honest Denver's one place that is so accessible by light rail or by Uber/Taxi that I would suggest to people you actually don't stay downtown when visiting.

Also check out airbnb...I know a guy who has an extra room that he just rents out. Airbnb is like the new age american hostel program. I rent out a place right now and I'm considering switching it over to a AirBnB rental because it's gaining so much popularity.

 

[Nzap]

Is it possible to travel in Denver without an automobile?
I don't have a driving license so that is quite the no-no for me if that is not the case.

 

[tigervixxxen]

Yeah you'll be fine. Pepsi center is in walking distance in the downtown area and there is public transit, light rail specifically. There is a stop right at the PC. You'll need a cab or something to get from the airport, it's like a 45 minute drive but once you are in Denver no problem.

 

[twostroke27]

thanks for the suggestions. i appreciate the help!

 

[freeboy]

There also are hotels that run shuttles to airport for guests for free. As stated above either driving in or taking train is very easy. Lots to see here so car is great if possible, glad to welcome fans! Denver is a pretty friendly place.

 

[Bonzai12]

you can pick up a B-Cycle pass and ride a bike around - the only thing to remember is you must check the bike into a station every 30 mins. Don't keep the bike out long. If you have a long bike ride, just ride it for 30 mins, check it in and get another bike.

Lightrail is good, Uber is good (UberX is usually cheaper than a cab)....

 

[RKB9]

Coming to Denver for a week in October, Where is the best place to check out the mountains? Or any other must sees/dos when in Denver? Also what's the weather like at the end of October?

 

[tigervixxxen]

Coming to Denver for a week in October, Where is the best place to check out the mountains? Or any other must sees/dos when in Denver? Also what's the weather like at the end of October?

October/November weather is still pretty good. I'd expect warm weather with some cool mixed in. We always tend to get one snow storm around the end of that month for some reason. It would move out quick but be prepared for it.

I always say Red Rocks is a must see. It's free and open to the public every day. Well worth checking out.

The mountains? You probably need to be more specific in what you are looking for, how far you want to go, if you plan to stay overnight. Are we talking drive to see some scenery? Gambling? Hot springs? Skiing? Resorts? There are so many possibilities I can't even begin to tell you without narrowing it down.

 

[hockeyfish]

Hey guys!

So my 9 year old son finally got into the avalanche this playoff run. I'm getting custody of him from my ex this year and figured a great way to make a memory would be to surprise him with a jersey (he like landeskog best) with tickets and flights from Canada to the December 31st game vs the flyers and the Jan 2nd game vs the oilers.

I've been a hardcore avs fan for years but haven't ever had the opportunity to come to Denver for a game even though I've seen them a couple times in Calgary and in Edmonton as well.

My question is, what is a hotel option that's decent in closer vicinity to the Pepsi Center? I'm likely going to rent a car, but am trying to get all the booking done now to avoid stupidly priced hotel rooms on new years eve by booking early. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Like others have said, traveling isn't hard, so getting to the game should'nt be difficult, especially if you find a hotel along any of the light rail lines. Do you have other activities you are planning during your stay?

Coming to Denver for a week in October, Where is the best place to check out the mountains? Or any other must sees/dos when in Denver? Also what's the weather like at the end of October?

I'd go up to Breckenridge or Winter Park. Problem is, October is a transition month between summer and winter activities, so not much will be open. Another option would be Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes. Elk are bugling that time of year, and that always brings a crowd. Weather is usually chilly by end of October, but still nice. Expect highs in Denver to be around 50 that time of the year with cold nights.

 

[WarriorOfGandhi]

Not to barge in crazily in someone else's thread, but could anyone also tell about some nice hostels around arena as well. I've thought about taking a trip from Finland in February for the big homestand, and don't really wanna pay a lot for accommodation.

couchsurfing.org

 

[RKB9]

October/November weather is still pretty good. I'd expect warm weather with some cool mixed in. We always tend to get one snow storm around the end of that month for some reason. It would move out quick but be prepared for it.

I always say Red Rocks is a must see. It's free and open to the public every day. Well worth checking out.

The mountains? You probably need to be more specific in what you are looking for, how far you want to go, if you plan to stay overnight. Are we talking drive to see some scenery? Gambling? Hot springs? Skiing? Resorts? There are so many possibilities I can't even begin to tell you without narrowing it down.

Thanks! Definitely checking out Red Rocks, as for the Mountains I'm talking about driving out to see some scenery and wild life, get out of the car and walk around a bit. I was in Denver in January and the weather was unreal compared to here.

 

[tigervixxxen]

Close in to Denver you could always go up Lookout mountain, great view of the city from there. Evergreen is close too with a big lake to walk around. To go further in the mountains Georgetown and Idaho Springs are little towns to walk around. Vail and Brekenridge closer of the resort towns. Lake Dillion would be another nice stop. My favorite cities are Glenwood Springs and Aspen but they are 3 and 4 hours away. Estes Park could be another option if you didn't want to go straight west in the mountains. Hope that helps!

 

[chet1926]

There are tons of places to stay downtown... you just kind of have to look. hotels.com seems to give you a pretty good feel for what is available. I've stayed at both Hyatt's and the Embassy Suites, neither are really "walking" distance of Pepsi Center. I'd say you could do it if you didn't have a younger child. But they are all a 5 minute cab ride from Pepsi center.

It all depends how much you want to spend, you're more likely going to find better rates slightly outside the downtown area.

 

[Nzap]

There are tons of places to stay downtown... you just kind of have to look. hotels.com seems to give you a pretty good feel for what is available. I've stayed at both Hyatt's and the Embassy Suites, neither are really "walking" distance of Pepsi Center. I'd say you could do it if you didn't have a younger child. But they are all a 5 minute cab ride from Pepsi center.

It all depends how much you want to spend, you're more likely going to find better rates slightly outside the downtown area.

How can a 5 minute cab ride not be walking distance?
Does it go on the highway or something?

 

[tigervixxxen]

How can a 5 minute cab ride not be walking distance?
Does it go on the highway or something?

The PC is situated between the highway, amusement park and college campus. It's on the correct side of the highway so no issues walking there it just can be a bit of a walk. Depends on you though, how much you like to walk. Probably a 30 minute walk depending where you stay, especially if closer to Coors Field. I personally wouldn't but I'm a wimp.

 

[Nzap]

The PC is situated between the highway, amusement park and college campus. It's on the correct side of the highway so no issues walking there it just can be a bit of a walk. Depends on you though, how much you like to walk. Probably a 30 minute walk depending where you stay, especially if closer to Coors Field. I personally wouldn't but I'm a wimp.

A walk that takes less than an hour to get somewhere is clearly in walking distance. Maybe I'm weird though

 

[tigervixxxen]

A walk that takes less than an hour to get somewhere is clearly in walking distance. Maybe I'm weird though

No! I'm the wimp Yes, you can absolutely walk there no problems.

 

[hockeyfish]

The PC is situated between the highway, amusement park and college campus. It's on the correct side of the highway so no issues walking there it just can be a bit of a walk. Depends on you though, how much you like to walk. Probably a 30 minute walk depending where you stay, especially if closer to Coors Field. I personally wouldn't but I'm a wimp.

According to google maps, it's .9 miles from Pepsi Center to Coors Field, and 19 minutes.

 

[tigervixxxen]

I certainly can't walk a mile in 19 minutes

 

[Balthazar]

I wasn't planning to ask here but since the thread is already there...

Never been to Colorado but it's on my list of places to visit as it's one of the few US states that I've not visited yet. Any tip regarding safety? Places for tourists to avoid, etc. Outside of the few mass shootings in recent years Colorado doesn't come accross as a violent place, am I right? Not that I'm a wuss or anything but from personal experience, it's smarter to know in advance where to go and where not to go.

As a naive Canadian I got caught in a few bad spots before, I even had the police escort my tourist's ass out of a bad neighborhood once (in Miami).

 

[hockeyfish]

I wasn't planning to ask here but since the thread is already there...

Never been to Colorado but it's on my list of places to visit as it's one of the few US states that I've not visited yet. Any tip regarding safety? Places for tourists to avoid, etc. Outside of the few mass shootings in recent years Colorado doesn't come accross as a violent place, am I right? Not that I'm a wuss or anything but from personal experience, it's smarter to know in advance where to go and where not to go.

As a naive Canadian I got caught in a few bad spots before, I even had the police escort my tourist's ass out of a bad neighborhood once (in Miami).

There are a few less than favorable spots around, but not too many. I don't think it's much of an issue unless you are walking around at midnight looking all Canadian like.

 

[tigervixxxen]

It's safe. I'm a female who goes to games and downtown alone and take public transportation by myself. I wouldn't do that if I didn't feel safe. I'd say do the usual safe tourist practices and you'll be fine. Don't go into 5 points (north of Coors Field), otherwise downtown is busy, full of people hanging out in bars and restaurants.