Courtyard Denver West/Golden

Housed in a red brick building, the Courtyard Denver West/Golden is a warm and welcoming mid-range chain hotel. Its lobby is decorated in an orange and red color scheme with colorful armchairs, larges flat-screen TVs, tan sofas, and blue window banquettes. The Bistro, on the far side of the lobby, is a casual place to sip a cocktail, dig into a yogurt parfait for breakfast, and dine on flatbread pizza. The decor is a mix of upholstered red chairs and dark faux-wood tables and accents. The guests range from families to business travelers, and the lobby can be lively at times. Similarly, the indoor pool and hot tub are open late, and guests regularly take advantage of that for nighttime swims.

Situated on the outskirts of the small city of Golden in west Denver’s suburbs, the hotel is immediately surrounded mostly by offices and business centers. Golden’s historic old town is about a mile away, a 20-minute walk or less than a five-minute drive. The light rail station is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, putting downtown Denver 30 minutes away. The Colorado Mills shopping area -- home to many large stores, restaurants, and a huge movie theater -- is nearby in Denver West, about a 12-minute drive away. Colorado School of Mines is a 13-minute walk or three-minute drive away, Boulder is a 35-minute drive, and the closest trails in the mountains can be reached in 10 minutes by car. The nearest ski areas can be reached by car in about an hour.

There are just over 100 rooms at the Courtyard, all of which are modern and comfortable in keeping with the chain brand's aesthetic. Everything is done in reds and oranges, with natural and dark wood furniture. All are also notably spacious, and even the Standard Rooms have enough space for a love seat, a large desk, and a dresser. Beds are especially comfortable, and larger than average. Bathrooms are decorated with red accent walls, granite counters, and large shower/tub combinations. All rooms have a small balcony, some of which have nice views of the nearby foothills. There is free Wi-Fi access in all rooms, a flat-screen TV, and a small coffeemaker. One downside is that only the suites, which have a large separate living room, come with mini-fridges and microwaves. Remaining guests can request mini-fridges. 

This Courtyard offers free outdoor parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. An indoor pool and hot tub are open until late, daily, and the fitness center is equipped with modern, high-tech equipment. The lobby has a casual restaurant, the Bistro, which serves food, drinks, and Starbucks coffee throughout the day. Breakfast is provided for an additional charge. There is also a small store on-site that sells everything from hairbrushes to bottles of wine. The hotel also has a meeting room and business center, as well as laundry facilities. Pets are not allowed.