Where to Stay in Littleton (Top Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Littleton

Although historic downtown Littleton is a great spot to visit on a trip here, there aren’t many places to stay. Most Littleton hotels are actually around the edges of town, or in nearby suburban areas like Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood. 

You can even stay in Denver, which has more hotels to choose from, and take a day trip to Littleton. You’ll get both the hustle and bustle of a big downtown city, and the old-fashioned charm of this little town!

Ken Caryl

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Ken Caryl Hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver Littleton • Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Denver Southwest • Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Littleton

The Ken Caryl area is just west of Littleton, nestled against the foothills of the Rockies. It’s close to State Highway C-470, so places like Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Denver Southwest are convenient for road trippers passing through — as well as families and business travelers.  

Ken Caryl is near Lockheed Martin, Siemens, and a few other major companies. This area also offers lots of things to do, including hiking trails and two parks with big lakes for boating, swimming, and fishing.

Pros of Staying in Ken Caryl:

• Near parks & trails
• Several extended-stay options for business travelers
• Near restaurants & grocery stores

Con of Staying in Ken Caryl:

• Suburban area with not much nightlife

Denver West / Golden

👉 Best Area For Foothills Access | ✨ Best Denver West/Golden Hotels: The Eddy Taproom & Hotel • Denver Marriott West • The Golden Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Golden is a great little town for a weekend away. Clear Creek, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of several lodging options — including The Golden Hotel on Washington Avenue.

Golden is home to the world-famous Coors brewery and visitors can tour the facility. The School of Mines is also in Golden, so it’s a good spot to stay in Littleton if you’re visiting a college student there. Get planning with my full guide to where to stay in Golden.

Pros of Staying in Denver West/Golden:

• Cute small town
• Lots of shops & restaurants
• Near outdoor activities like hiking and tubing

Con of Staying in Denver West/Golden:

• Can get crowded in summer or during holidays

Morrison / Lakewood

👉 Best Area For Red Rocks Access | ✨ Best Morrison/Lakewood Hotels: Arrowhead Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn & Event Center • Origin Red Rocks • Holiday Inn Denver Lakewood

Lakewood is a Denver suburb near Littleton and southwest of Denver. It’s a nice community for people who are commuting to Denver.

Lakewood is just north of Morrison and Red Rocks, and either Morrison or Lakewood are great choices if you’re headed to a concert. Bear Creek Lake Park has three different lakes for various activities including swimming, paddling, waterskiing, and fishing. The park also has trails, ranger talks, and archery. 

For more, check out Abigail’s full guide to staying in Lakewood.

Pros of Staying in Morrison/Lakewood:

• Quaint downtown street in Morrison
• Close to grocery stores and restaurants 
• Near trails and outdoor spaces

Con of Staying in Morrison/Lakewood:

• Not much nightlife unless you’re at a concert at Red Rocks

Denver

👉 Best Area For Downtown Exploring | ✨ Best Denver Hotels: The Maven at Dairy Block • The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa • Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station

Downtown Denver is about a twenty minute drive from Littleton. It makes a great home base if you’re planning on visiting other places in the metro area as well. You can easily take a day trip to Littleton and return downtown later that day! 

Check out our guides to where to stay in Denver, the best Denver hotels, and the top Denver neighborhoods for more planning information.

Pros of Staying in Denver:

• Lots of museums, shops, and restaurants
• Walkable areas where you can experience downtown life
• Close to the Colorado State Capitol and other attractions

Con of Staying in Denver:

• Hotels can be pricey

Highlands Ranch

👉 Best Area For A Suburban Stay  | ✨ Best Highlands Ranch Hotels: Residence Inn Denver Highlands Ranch • Hilton Garden Inn Denver Highlands Ranch • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Denver Tech Center/ South

Highlands Ranch is about fifteen minutes from Littleton. It’s a planned community that is a popular spot for metro area commuters. Enjoy plenty of hiking trails and outdoor spaces, as well as areas for food, entertainment, and lodging. Hilton Garden Inn Denver Highlands Ranch is one option I especially recommend.

Pros of Staying in Highlands Ranch:

• Less crowded than downtown Denver
• Beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the Front Range

Con of Staying in Highlands Ranch:

• You’ll need a rental car to get around

Tips for Staying in Littleton

Know Your Transportation Options

There is a light rail with two stops in Littleton, so you can get from downtown Denver to Littleton without needing a car. It’s also possible to get to Denver International Airport using public transportation, but it will require a train transfer at Union Station in downtown Denver.

However, you’ll likely want a rental car to visit most Littleton attractions, to hike in the foothills, and to visit Red Rocks. A vehicle is also convenient if you stay on the outskirts of this suburb.  

🚗 Pro Tip: Discover Cars searches the main rental car companies to find you the best price on a rental in the city you’re visiting! 

Stop In For Dinner in Littleton

Littleton’s Main Street at night is something special. There are twinkle lights in the trees and people spilling onto patios and rooftop spaces. While you’re in the area, be sure to have dinner downtown if you can. 

Check Out the Free Days

Various attractions throughout the Front Range – including in Littleton – offer free days each year. Head to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) website, enter the days you’ll be visiting the Denver metro area, and you’ll get a list of any museums, gardens, and other facilities offering free admission during your stay. 

Know Your Hotel Amenities

Many of the Littleton hotels on this list offer perks like indoor pools, a hot tub, or a free breakfast. You may actually save by booking a more expensive room that includes breakfast, especially if you’re traveling with your family (breakfast for hungry kids can add up!).

You can also save on other expenses by booking at a hotel like the Hampton Inn & Suites or an aparthotel that has a kitchen area where you can store and prepare your own food.

Don’t Let The Weather Fool You

We like to joke in Colorado that if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes! We get bad weather, sure, but it doesn’t usually last long. As a general rule, summer thunderstorms roll in in the afternoons and you’ll be better off planning outdoor activities in the morning. 

In winter, snowstorms don’t usually last more than part of a day. On the flip side, you may leave your hotel on a sunny morning, only to find yourself shivering half an hour later! 

Plan to include layers on your Colorado packing list. It’s helpful to bring a backpack or bag while you’re out to store sweatshirts, hats, and other layers. Also, plan to be a little flexible – you may have to push a hike you had planned if there’s lightning or wait a while to drive somewhere if the snow is coming down hard.

See our guide to the best months to visit Colorado for more info.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Littleton

Is Littleton safe? 

Littleton is a safe place to stay. The average crime rate in Littleton is lower than both the Colorado average and the U.S. average. Theft is the most common crime, but it is still a below-average occurrence. It is a good idea to practice common safety habits while traveling anywhere, even in safe areas like Littleton. Avoid dark, unlit areas if you are alone at night. Try to stay in areas with plenty of other people, and keep cash and other valuables secured. Also, be sure to lock vehicle and hotel room doors.

What is Littleton known for?

Littleton is known for its historic main street, and for a thriving arts community. Although Littleton has a small-town feel, it has a performing arts center that stages award-winning musicals and other theatrical events. There are several art galleries in Littleton that display the work of local artists, and Littleton has its own fine arts guild. 

Is Littleton Colorado nice?

Littleton, Colorado is nice. The downtown area features quaint shops in historic buildings. Traveling farther from the city center, Littleton has many green spaces, parks, hiking trails, and ponds for fishing or paddling. Littleton schools rank consistently high on nation-wide lists, and neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets with lots of space for biking and walking. 

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If you’re looking for a quiet town as a break from bustling downtown Denver, Littleton is the perfect getaway! From the town’s charming Main Street to the serene hiking trails in the foothills, there is plenty of space to explore.