Where to Stay in Grand Junction (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Grand Junction

Grand Junction may be the main city in the area, but there are smaller towns like Fruita and Palisade nearby. Whether you’re vacationing or on a road trip, there are hotels in Grand Junction and the surrounding region that are perfect for you!

Downtown Grand Junction

👉 Best Area For Historic Grand Junction | ✨ Best Downtown Grand Junction Hotels: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown • Tru By Hilton Grand Junction Downtown • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 

If you’re planning to go to the Colorado National Monument and other area attractions, you’ll want to stay in historic downtown Grand Junction. This area is also close to Colorado Mesa University, so it’s a good home base if you’re visiting the college.

The historic district has plenty of restaurants, bars, and a walkable main street — as well as my top recommended stay, Tru By Hilton Grand Junction Downtown.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Grand Junction Neighborhood:

• Easy to walk to restaurants & shops
• Close to I-70
• Close to the Colorado & Gunnison Rivers

Con of Staying in Downtown Grand Junction Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey

Grand Junction Regional Airport Area

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Airport Area Hotels: Courtyard Grand Junction • La Quinta by Wyndham • Clarion Inn Grand Junction

There are several hotels in Grand Junction that are near the airport, which makes traveling to town that much easier! The Wyndham Grand Junction and the Courtyard by Marriott Grand Junction are both convenient after a flight (or the night before). They’re also near I-70, making them convenient on road trips or if you need to get about town.

Pros of Staying in the Airport Area Neighborhood:

• Easy for travel 
• Close to I-70

Con of Staying in the Airport Area Neighborhood:

• Less ambience than downtown

West Grand Junction

👉 Best Area For Suburban Amenities | ✨ Best West Grand Junction Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites • Home2 Suites By Hilton Grand Junction Northwest • Candlewood Suites Grand Junction

West Grand Junction is near a lot of big box retailers and grocery stores — perfect if you need to stock up on road trip supplies or camping gear!

This area is near a mall and feels less like a destination part of town. However, there are trusty chain restaurants and stores nearby, and reliable hotels like the Holiday Inn. There are also several hotels with suites and kitchenettes that are great for families. 

Pros of Staying in the West Grand Junction Neighborhood:

• Lots of big stores like Target, Cabela’s, and Home Depot
• Near the Mesa Mall
• Near grocery stores

Cons of Staying in West Grand Junction Neighborhood:

• Not as quaint as historic downtown Grand Junction
• Fewer trendy restaurants and bars

Palisade

👉 Best Area For Wine Country | ✨ Best Palisade Hotels: Wine Country Inn • Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast • Spoke and Vine Motel

Full of orchards and vineyards, Palisade makes for a lovely weekend trip to Colorado wine country. You’ll find plenty of wineries, many with a tasting room, plus charming accommodations like Spoke and Vine Motel and outdoor activities nearby. 

Pros of Staying in Palisade Neighborhood:

• Close to wineries and orchards
• Scenic
• Quiet neighborhoods

Con of Staying in Palisade Neighborhood:

• Fewer grocery stores and other shops than in Grand Junction

Fruita

👉 Best Area For A Quieter Stay | ✨ Best Fruita Hotels: Balanced Rock Inn • Comfort Inn & Suites • La Quinta by Wyndham Fruita

Fruita is northwest of Grand Junction, and it’s one of the first towns you come to after crossing the border from Utah. It’s a quieter area that’s great for families. Places like the Comfort Inn & Suites Grand Junction make it easy for families to make their own meals and for larger groups to all stay together. 

Pros of Staying in Fruita Neighborhood:

• Quieter than Grand Junction
• Family-friendly

Cons of Staying in Fruita Neighborhood:

• You’ll need a rental car to get around
• Fewer choices for accommodations & restaurants

Tips for Staying in Grand Junction

You’ll Want a Car to Get Around

Grand Junction does have public transportation. However, it’s much easier to access Grand Junction attractions with your own vehicle. 

If you need a rental, check out Discover Cars. It compares various agencies’ rates and shows you the total cost upfront, fees included.

Visit Grand Junction in the Fall

The temperatures in July and August are often in the 90s, but Grand Junction begins to cool down in September. Visit during the shoulder season to avoid summer crowds in places like Colorado National Monument, one of the best national parks in Colorado.

Popular mountain biking and hiking trails will also be less busy in the autumn. Plus, nearby Grand Mesa is a beautiful place to see fall colors!

Drink Lots of Water

Grand Junction isn’t quite as high as Denver, but at just over 4,500 feet above sea level, the elevation is pretty serious! That, combined with the city’s semi-arid climate, means you’ll want to stay hydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle wherever you go, especially if you’re planning on hiking or biking. 

Wear Sunscreen

The elevation and sunny weather in Colorado also means you’ll want plenty of sunscreen!

This face sunscreen is great for sensitive skin. Also, don’t be fooled by chilly days – it may not feel like you need sunscreen when it’s cold or cloudy, but you can still get burned. 

Take Safety Precautions

Although Grand Junction’s crime rate is higher than the national average, most of those crimes do not involve tourists. However, it’s important to still take safety precautions in Colorado.

Keep hotel doors locked. Keep vehicles locked and parked in a well-lit or protected spot. Don’t leave valuables unattended. Be aware of your surroundings at night, and try to walk places in a group. 

Bring Layers

The Colorado National Monument is more than 2,000 feet higher than the city of Grand Junction, meaning the weather can be a lot colder up there!

In general, Colorado is known for quickly changing weather. You may find yourself putting on and taking off a jacket or sweatshirt several times throughout the day. Bring plenty of layers, even in winter, to cope with changing temperatures. 

Don’t Forget Other Essentials

Check out Abigail’s list of all the things you’ll need for a trip to Colorado! There are a few things in this guide that people tend to forget, so it’s helpful to refer back to it as you pack. 

Ask About Wine Shipping

If you find a new favorite wine (or several!) after a day of tasting in Grand Junction or Palisade, many of the wineries will ship bottles to you at home.

Here’s a list of wineries and their shipping info; although, it’s best to check with them in person as well. This is a much easier option than trying to bring wine home in your checked bag!

FAQs About Where to Stay in Grand Junction

What is the best area to stay in Grand Junction?

The best area to stay in Grand Junction is in the Grand Junction downtown historic area. There are restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. Some of the city’s museums are nearby, as are Mesa University and the Two Rivers Convention Center.

What are the best hotels near Downtown Grand Junction? 

The best hotels near downtown Grand Junction include the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Junction Downtown. The Tru By Hilton Grand Junction Downtown and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott are great choices, too. These hotels are conveniently located just off the freeway and are near Main Street attractions.  

What are the best cheap hotels in Grand Junction? 

The best cheap hotels in Grand Junction include the Clarion Inn Grand Junction and the La Quinta Inn. 

However, sometimes a hotel like the Holiday Inn Express or the Hilton Grand Junction can actually be cheaper overall. If you’re traveling with a family, a hotel with a free continental breakfast will save you on food costs. A Grand Junction hotel with a suite and kitchen, like the Fairfield Inn & Suites Grand Junction, can also save you money on eating out for meals. 

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If you’re looking for a completely different perspective than the Front Range, Grand Junction is the place! Hopefully, this post has helped you decide where to stay. For more travel insights, check out our guide to the best places to visit in Colorado next.