🇺🇸 Denver, United States
Ember Hostel
📍 857 N Grant St, Denver, CO 80203, USA
Photo: official website
Your stay — Ember Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Denver.
The Property — Ember Hostel
Ember Hostel in downtown Denver is a social, no-frills place for budget travellers who want a clean bed and a common room with real chatter. The lobby feels like a casual living room with mismatched sofas, a noticeboard full of local ride shares and event flyers, and a front desk that can point you to the nearest cheap brewpub. Its USP is location — a short walk from Union Station and the 16th Street Mall — and a nightly $25 hostel rate that undercuts most hotels. It suits solo backpackers, young couples on a tight budget, or anyone who doesn't mind a dorm room for the sake of spending money on Colorado experiences instead of a mattress.
Chronicles of Denver
Denver was founded in 1858 as a gold-mining camp during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, and its early growth was slow until the railroad arrived in 1870. The city boomed again in the 1980s and 1990s with energy and tech investment, leaving a skyline of glass towers alongside preserved Victorian neighbourhoods like LoDo. Architecturally, you get a mix of red-brick warehouses turned into lofts and breweries, with the Colorado State Capitol's gold-leaf dome as a landmark. Today, Denver is a gateway for outdoor recreation — skiing, hiking, and mountain biking — and a fast-growing city with a young, active population that cycles year-round despite the snow. Its cultural identity is quietly progressive, with a thriving craft beer scene (over 150 breweries in the metro area), a top-ranked public library system, and a strong sense of local pride in the Rocky Mountain backdrop.
Best Time to Visit
Full Denver guide →Best months
June through September: warm days (25-30°C), low rain, clear mountain views, and fewer tourists than peak ski season. June specifically has long daylight for hiking and patio drinks.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak due to summer festivals (e.g., Independence Day events, Colorado Shakespeare Festival) plus peak hiking weather. Hotel prices can double from off-peak; hostels like Ember sell out weeks ahead. Expect 90%+ occupancy.
Budget shoulder season
May and October: May still has spring blooms but lighter crowds; October offers golden aspens, cooler temps (10-20°C), and a 30% drop in accommodation rates. Both have moderate weather without the summer rush.
Weather & packing
Denver's climate is famously dry and volatile — sun can switch to thunderstorm in 20 minutes, and it can snow as late as May or as early as September. Pack a waterproof shell jacket and a mid-layer fleece for evenings; do not rely solely on a thick coat in June.
Live City Briefing — Denver
- RTD's A-Line train from Denver International Airport to Union Station still runs with free Wi-Fi and bike racks; a single fare costs $10.50 and takes 37 minutes.
- The 16th Street Mall is undergoing a multi-year pedestrianisation project through 2027; expect occasional detours or shuttle bus reroutes along the main shopping strip.
- A new food hall opened in Union Station's Great Hall in March 2026 — the Terminal Market — offering 15 vendors with a mix of tacos, ramen, and Colorado lamb dishes, open daily until 10pm.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Ember Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a ground-floor dorm or private room on the north side of the building (facing away from Grant St). These minimise stair use and block most traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid any room on the third floor (top floor) because stairs only, no lift; avoid south-facing rooms on any floor — they front Grant St and get constant traffic rumble.
Best views
None worth mentioning; north side looks over a small car park and residential backyards. Don't expect a view.
Quietest floors
Ground floor only, north side
🔊 Noise notes
Grant St carries steady traffic from early morning until late evening — buses, delivery trucks, and commuters. The front door has three steps, so people coming and going add door-slamming noise at street level. Some dorm rooms on ground floor share a wall with the common area — can hear chatter until midnight.
Insider tips
1. Skip the $12 public garage at 888 N Grant St; buy a $5 overnight street-parking permit at the front desk instead — it's valid from 6pm to 8am on surrounding blocks. 2. If stairs are an issue, book a ground-floor room at reservation and call 48 hours ahead to confirm the short ramp is ready at the entrance.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Ember Hostel
Free, no password, sufficient for browsing and streaming. No paid upgrade available.
No passenger lift; stairs only to upper floors. Ground floor has common areas and some dorm rooms.
No newspaper service. Building is a converted 1890s Victorian house; retains original woodwork and stained glass.
Standard check-in from 15:00. Early bag-drop allowed from 12:00. Late check-out until 13:00 for $10, subject to availability.
Free luggage storage for guests on day of check-in and check-out.
No step-free entrance; three steps at front door. Ground floor rooms are accessible via a short ramp on request. No adapted bathrooms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public garage is at 888 N Grant St, $12 per night. Street parking is free overnight (with permit, available at front desk for $5). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; $20 incidental hold on credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (82 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Fellowship Denver Church (574 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Mother of God Catholic Church (896 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Pillar Of Fire Church (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Quality Hill Park — 383 m · ~5 min walk
History Colorado Center — 870 m · ~11 min walk
Curious Theatre Company — 703 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 670 m · ~8 min walk
Alto Pharmacy — 476 m · ~6 min walk
Circle K — 565 m · ~7 min walk
Civic Center Station — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Use ATMs at major banks for the best rates; avoid airport and currency exchange kiosks which charge high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at most places, but some small bars and food trucks may be cash-only.
Restaurants: 15-20% pre-tax. Taxis/rideshare: 15-20%. Hotel staff: $1-2 per bag for porters, $2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Drip coffee from a cafe or convenience store: about $2.50-3.50.
Burrito, sandwich, or bowl from a casual eatery: $10-14.
Main course at a pub or casual restaurant: $15-20.
Food trucks are common around downtown and during events; typical meal $10-15.
King Soopers (Kroger) and Safeway are the main budget chains in this area.
Thrift stores and second-hand shops are common; check along South Broadway or East Colfax for affordable options.
RTD local bus day pass is $5.25 (or $2.60 single ride). From Denver Airport: take the RTD A-Line train ($10.50 one-way) – cheaper than taxi/rideshare.
1. Buy a day pass on the RTD transit app instead of paying per ride. 2. Happy hour (4-7pm) often cuts drink prices by half and some food prices. 3. Visit city-owned museums on free days (e.g., Denver Art Museum free on the first Saturday of each month for locals – check current schedule).
Good to know — Denver
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Emergency Contacts
DenverWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Denver, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Ember Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from 15:00. Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 670 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Alto Pharmacy — 476 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Denver International Airport (DEN) → Downtown Denver (16th St Mall Station)
💡 Best value and speed. Walk 5 minutes from 16th St station to The Oxford Hotel. Modern, reliable, skip traffic congestion entirely.
Denver International Airport (DEN) → The Oxford Hotel, Downtown Denver
💡 Most budget-friendly airport transfer. Buy RTD pass at airport for multiple rides. SkyRide Express runs directly to downtown transit center near hotel.
The Oxford Hotel, Downtown Denver → Around Denver (local transit)
💡 Downtown Denver has free MallRide on 16th Street. Buy Day Pass ($15) for unlimited transit. Hotel is walking distance to most attractions in LoDo and downtown.
Denver International Airport (DEN) → The Oxford Hotel, Downtown Denver
💡 Uber/Lyft often cheaper than traditional taxis. Airport has dedicated rideshare pickup on Level 5. Downtown location means short rides cost less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Ember Hostel?
Request a ground-floor dorm or private room on the north side of the building (facing away from Grant St). These minimise stair use and block most traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Ember Hostel?
Avoid any room on the third floor (top floor) because stairs only, no lift; avoid south-facing rooms on any floor — they front Grant St and get constant traffic rumble.
Is Ember Hostel noisy?
Grant St carries steady traffic from early morning until late evening — buses, delivery trucks, and commuters. The front door has three steps, so people coming and going add door-slamming noise at street level. Some dorm rooms on ground floor share a wall with the common area — can hear chatter until midnight.
Which rooms have the best views at Ember Hostel?
None worth mentioning; north side looks over a small car park and residential backyards. Don't expect a view.
What are insider tips for staying at Ember Hostel?
1. Skip the $12 public garage at 888 N Grant St; buy a $5 overnight street-parking permit at the front desk instead — it's valid from 6pm to 8am on surrounding blocks. 2. If stairs are an issue, book a ground-floor room at reservation and call 48 hours ahead to confirm the short ramp is ready at the entrance.
What time is check-in at Ember Hostel?
Check-in at Ember Hostel is from 15:00. Check-out is by 11:00.
Does Ember Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free, no password, sufficient for browsing and streaming. No paid upgrade available.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Ember Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Ember Hostel?
Burrito, sandwich, or bowl from a casual eatery: $10-14.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ember Hostel?
RTD local bus day pass is $5.25 (or $2.60 single ride). From Denver Airport: take the RTD A-Line train ($10.50 one-way) – cheaper than taxi/rideshare.
When is the best time to visit Denver?
June through September: warm days (25-30°C), low rain, clear mountain views, and fewer tourists than peak ski season. June specifically has long daylight for hiking and patio drinks.
Top Attractions in Denver
💡 The Venetian-style 'Seat of the Gods' bench offers a good photo op with the Capitol dome. Avoid the north edge after dark—the park's less busy then.
💡 Tours run hourly but book quickly; arrive before 10am or go midweek. Don't miss the free visitor gallery access when the legislature is in session (Jan–May)—you can watch debates from the balcony.
💡 Grab a coffee at the on-site shop and sit in the Great Hall's leather chairs—cheaper than the attached hotel lobby. The best light for photos is late afternoon through the south windows.
💡 Park near the sailboat pond for a quiet picnic; the east side near the golf course is quieter. Free yoga sessions often happen at the pavilion on summer Sundays.
💡 Arrive early on free days; queues build quickly. The Hamilton Building's tilted walls can disorient—stick to the central stairs if you feel woozy.