Getting around Denver from The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa sits at 321 17th St in downtown Denver, within easy walking distance of the 16th Street Mall, Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol. Getting around uses a mix of walking, the free 16th Street FreeRide shuttle, RTD light rail via nearby Union Station, the hotel's complimentary car for short trips (within five miles), and taxis/rideshare; valet-only parking is available on-site.
In this guide
On the doorstep: walking to downtown attractions
The Brown Palace's address places it a block or two from the 16th Street Mall and within short walking distance of Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol. Many central Denver attractions, restaurants and theaters are easiest reached on foot from the hotel.
Specific nearby walks mentioned by the hotel include a 1 minute walk to the 16th Street Mall and about a 5 minute walk to the Paramount Theater and Civic Center Park. The American Museum of Western Art sits next door to the hotel.
- 16th Street Mall — about 1–2 blocks (pedestrian shopping corridor)
- Paramount Theater — roughly a 5 minute walk
- Civic Center Park & Colorado State Capitol — roughly a 5 minute walk
| Attraction | Typical walk time from hotel |
|---|---|
| 16th Street Mall | 1–2 minutes |
| Paramount Theater | About 5 minutes |
| Civic Center Park / Colorado State Capitol | About 5 minutes |
Hotel transport services and parking
The hotel offers a complimentary hotel car service for guests traveling within five miles of the property; confirm availability and booking at the 24-hour front desk. The property does not provide airport transfer service.
On-site parking is valet-only; the hotel's published valet rate and in-and-out privileges are noted in the hotel's information. Accessible valet parking is available for vehicles outfitted for drivers who use wheelchairs.
- Complimentary hotel car: within five miles (reservation/availability required)
- No hotel airport shuttle service
- Valet-only parking (accessible valet available)
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hotel car | Complimentary within 5 miles |
| Airport transfers | Not provided by the hotel |
| Parking | Valet-only; accessible valet available |
Public transit: FreeRide shuttle, Union Station and the A Line
The 16th Street FreeRide is a free RTD shuttle that runs the length of the 16th Street Mall between Union Station and Civic Center Station, stopping at every intersection; its end-to-end trip takes about 15 minutes and is useful for getting around downtown without a car.
Union Station is the regional transit hub (light rail, commuter rail and buses) and is about a 20-minute walk — roughly 1 mile — from the hotel. From Union Station the A Line connects directly to Denver International Airport on a frequent schedule.
- 16th Street FreeRide — free shuttle along 16th Street Mall (stops at every intersection)
- Union Station — hub for light rail, regional buses and the A Line to DEN (about 20-minute walk)
- A Line commuter rail — direct service between Union Station and Denver International Airport
| Transit | How it helps you from the hotel |
|---|---|
| 16th Street FreeRide | Free downtown shuttle; hop on/off along 16th Street Mall |
| Union Station | Transfer point for light rail, regional buses and the A Line to the airport |
| A Line (from Union Station) | Direct rail to Denver International Airport |
Taxis, rideshare and local driving tips
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are widely available from the hotel for destinations beyond downtown, for trips to Union Station, sporting venues like Coors Field, or for excursions to Red Rocks, Boulder and other regional destinations.
Traffic and travel times can vary widely in the Denver area; the hotel-listed driving time to Denver International Airport typically ranges from about 22 to 55 minutes depending on traffic. If you plan to drive, note that the hotel uses valet-only parking rather than self-parking.
- Taxis and rideshare: easy pickup from hotel curb; request pickup at the main entrance
- Expect variable drive times to regional sites (e.g., 22–55 minutes to DEN depending on traffic)
- Valet-only parking: the hotel operates curbside valet rather than self-parking
| Destination | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | About 18–24 miles; 22–55 minutes by car depending on traffic |
| Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre | About 15 miles; 20–45 minutes by car |
| Boulder / Pearl Street | Roughly 30 miles; 35–50 minutes depending on route |
Getting to sporting and cultural venues
Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies) is approximately 1 mile from the hotel and is typically a short drive or quick rideshare trip; downtown transit and walking routes can also reach the ballpark. The Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park are within easy walking distance.
For concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre or day trips to mountain parks and Rocky Mountain National Park, rideshare, rental car or organized tours are common; Red Rocks is roughly 15 miles from Denver and drive times range widely by traffic conditions.
- Coors Field — ~1 mile from the hotel; reachable by short drive or downtown transit
- Denver Art Museum — within walking distance
- Red Rocks — 15 miles; plan for a 20–45 minute drive and consider early arrival for parking
| Venue | Best way from the hotel |
|---|---|
| Coors Field | Walk or short rideshare; public transit options available |
| Denver Art Museum | Walkable from the hotel |
| Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Rideshare or drive; allow extra travel time for events |
Practicalities: luggage, mobility access and hotel services
The Brown Palace offers 24-hour front desk service, luggage storage and multilingual staff who can assist with tour or ticket arrangements. If you need help arranging transport (car service, taxi or local tours), ask the front desk — they can confirm availability and times.
The property includes accessible features such as wheelchair-accessible routes to the elevators, accessible public restrooms, Braille/raised signage and an accessible fitness center; accessible valet parking is also provided. Confirm specific mobility or accessibility needs with the hotel before arrival.
- 24-hour front desk and luggage storage available
- Accessible paths, restrooms and fitness center; accessible valet parking provided
- Front desk can assist with tour and transport arrangements
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | Available through the 24-hour front desk |
| Accessibility features | Wheelchair routes, Braille signage, accessible restrooms and fitness center |
| Transport assistance | Concierge/front desk can help arrange taxis, car service and tours |
