Where to Stay in Fort Collins (Best Places & Areas)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Fort Collins

As you’re considering where to stay in Fort Collins, you’ll notice there are several neighborhoods and areas.

If you’re coming to town as a tourist or to visit a student at Colorado State University, you’re going to want to stay downtown. If you’re planning hiking trips or other activities while you’re visiting, or if you want to be out of the hustle and bustle of the historic district, you may want to consider one of the other areas of town.

Old Town Fort Collins

👉 Best Area For Tourists | ✨ Best Old Town Fort Collins Hotels: The Armstrong Hotel • The Elizabeth Hotel • Remington Flats • Edwards House

Old Town Fort Collins is your best choice if you’re headed to town on vacation or to visit Colorado State University. The area is famously one of the inspirations for Disneyland’s Main Street USA. There are lots of restaurants, shops, bars, the Old Town Square, and other things to do within walking distance of the Old Town Fort Collins hotels. 

The Armstrong Hotel is a fun place to stay for a taste of history, but with luxury amenities. The Elizabeth Hotel Autograph Collection features upscale accommodations with fun touches like in-room record players. 

You’ll also be close to Colorado State University, so if you’re visiting a student or checking out the school, this makes a great home base.

Pros of Staying in Old Town Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• Close to shops & restaurants
• Quaint streets and hometown feel
• Close to CSU

Cons of Staying in Old Town Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey
• More crowds downtown

South Fort Collins

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best South Fort Collins Hotels: Candlewood Suites Fort Collins • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites • Home2 Suites by Hilton

The hotels south of Old Town feature many extended stay options and rooms with suites, such as Home2 Suites by Hilton. South Fort Collins has a more suburban feel, with plenty of parks, a reservoir, and several lakes that make it a picturesque area. 

Pros of Staying in South Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• Extended-stay hotels make this a great option for business travelers
• Several nearby parks and reservoirs 

Con of Staying in South Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• You’ll need to drive to Old Town Fort Collins and other attractions

East Fort Collins

👉 Best Area For Rural Feel | ✨ Best East Fort Collins Hotels: Best Western Kiva Inn • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Collins

East Fort Collins is near several designated open spaces and natural areas. This means the region has an uncrowded, rural feel. You’ll also get a great view of the mountains to the west.

By booking Best Western Kiva Inn or another nearby hotel, you’ll be near the CSU Environmental Learning Center. This are is also close to the Jessup Farm Artisan Village where you’ll find small businesses, food, and gifts. 

Pros of Staying in East Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• Less crowded
• Hotels are cheaper
• Lots of open space

Con of Staying in East Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a rental car to get around
• Farther from downtown attractions

West Fort Collins

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Experiences | ✨ Best West Fort Collins Hotels: Riverside Colorado • Horsetooth Stoop • Horsetooth Mountain Suite

West Fort Collins features Horsetooth Reservoir, a great spot for adventures on and off the water. Summer visitors can paddleboard, kayak, and fish. There’s also year-round hiking, plus snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are nearby, too.

Additionally, this area comprises Poudre Canyon and the Cache la Poudre River — awesome places for rock climbing and white water rafting. Riverside Colorado is an ideal home base if these experiences interest you.

Pros of Staying in West Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• Near outdoor spaces like Horsetooth Reservoir
• Lots of nature and activities

Con of Staying in West Fort Collins Neighborhood:

• Farther from downtown Fort Collins attractions

Tips for Staying in Fort Collins

Save Money

If you’re on a budget, consider hotels farther from Old Town. Old Town hotels are going to be nicer and closer to Fort Collins attractions, but you’ll save money as you head away from the city center. Plus, an extended stay hotel will usually allow you space to store and prep your own food in a small kitchen. 

Consider Your Transportation

Depending on your plans, you may want a rental car. Getting to Fort Collins from Denver International Airport takes just over an hour, so an Uber or Lyft ride can get pricey. There are shared shuttles you can take from the airport if you don’t want to rent a car.

If you’re staying in one of the hotels in Fort Collins in the downtown area, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, attractions, shops, and family-friendly activities.

However, if you want to do some hiking, rafting, or want to enjoy a day at Horsetooth Reservoir, you’ll want your own car. Discover Cars is a great place to book a rental car.

📚 Related Reading: Getting Around Denver (How to Do it With or Without a Car)

Drink Lots of Water

The high altitude and Colorado’s many exhilarating outdoor activities can lead to dehydration quickly! Make sure to drink plenty of water, and bring a water bottle (or several) wherever you go. Of course, this tip goes for visiting just about anywhere in Colorado. 

Bring Sun Protection

Another consideration when you’re spending lots of time in the Great Outdoors is to make sure you’re well-protected in the sun. You’ll definitely want a hat with a generous brim, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

Bring along sun protection even on cloudy days because Colorado’s weather changes quickly!

Bring Layers

Since Colorado’s weather changes fast, you may find that you’re chilly one moment, and then peeling off layers in a sweat the next. Bring several layers that are easy to take on and off, plus a backpack to store them when you don’t need them.

Use Our Colorado Packing List

Knowing what to pack for Colorado is a great way to prepare for your trip. Our Colorado packing guide is a great reference point to make sure you pack all the necessities for Fort Collins. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Fort Collins

Is Fort Collins worth visiting?

Fort Collins is worth visiting as the city has a relaxed college town vibe that makes a visit feel like a relaxing vacation. The are plenty of outdoor activities, a thriving craft beer scene, and a charming old town.

How do I spend a day in Fort Collins?

Spend a day in Fort Collins by grabbing some breakfast and coffee in Old Town, browsing the shops, and people-watching. You can then head out for a hike before spending the day at Horsetooth Reservoir or rafting on the Cache la Poudre River. Finish up with dinner at Ginger & Baker, or a boozy treat at Union Bar Soda Fountain.

What is there to do in Fort Collins at night?

There is a lot to do in Fort Collins at night, including Totally 80’s Pizza & Museum, Union Bar Soda Fountain, Washington’s Live Music Venue, and Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater.

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Whether you want to experience Fort Collins’ renowned craft breweries, visit a college student, or spend a day hiking and exploring the outdoors, there’s a place to stay in Fort Collins that’s perfect for you. Check out this epic list of the best hikes in Fort Collins next!