Finding a place to stay in Denver is usually a choice between paying $400 a night for a shoebox downtown or ending up in a sketchy motel on the outskirts of Aurora. But there’s a middle ground. If you’ve ever looked at the map near the Federal Center, you've probably seen the Sheraton Denver West Hotel Union Boulevard Lakewood CO. It sits right on the edge of the foothills. Honestly, it’s one of those spots that business travelers know about, but tourists often overlook until they realize how much cheaper it is than the Cherry Creek options.
The location is basically the selling point. You are right off 6th Avenue.
Traffic in Denver has become a nightmare over the last few years, especially on I-25. Staying at the Sheraton Denver West allows you to bypass the worst of the city gridlock if you're heading toward the mountains. You can be at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in about ten minutes. Think about that. While everyone else is fighting for an Uber back to a downtown hotel after a concert, you’re already in your room.
The Reality of Staying on Union Boulevard
Union Boulevard isn't exactly the Las Vegas Strip, but for Lakewood, it's the hub. It is lined with restaurants like 240 Union and Simms Steakhouse. If you stay at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel Union Boulevard Lakewood CO, you aren't stuck with just hotel food. You can walk to a dozen spots.
The hotel itself has that classic Sheraton feel—solid, dependable, maybe a little bit corporate, but in a way that feels safe. They did a massive renovation a few years back to modernize the lobby and the rooms. It doesn't feel like a 1990s time capsule anymore. The stone accents and the open-concept lobby bar, Beau’s Kitchen & Lounge, give it a vibe that actually fits the Colorado aesthetic.
Room Quality and What to Expect
Let’s talk about the beds. Sheraton is famous for the "Sleep Experience" beds. They’re heavy. They’re plush. If you have back issues, these are usually a win.
Some rooms face east toward the Denver skyline. At night, it’s actually a pretty cool view, seeing the lights of the city from a distance. Other rooms face west toward Green Mountain. If you’re a morning person, get a west-facing room. Watching the sun hit the Rockies while you have your coffee is way better than looking at a parking garage in LoDo.
The square footage is decent. You aren't cramped. They have desks that actually function as desks, which is a rarity these days when hotels are trying to be "minimalist" by removing furniture people actually use.
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The Club Lounge Factor
If you have Marriott Bonvoy status, or if you just feel like paying for the upgrade, the Club Lounge here is worth it. It’s on a higher floor. They do the standard breakfast spread and evening hors d'oeuvres. It’s quiet. If you need to grind out some work and don't want to sit in a noisy coffee shop, this is the spot.
Why This Specific Lakewood Location Matters
Most people don't realize how massive the Denver Federal Center is. It’s right across the street. We’re talking about thousands of employees from the USGS, Bureau of Land Management, and other agencies. This makes the Sheraton Denver West Hotel Union Boulevard Lakewood CO a primary hub for government contractors and researchers.
But it’s not just for suits.
St. Anthony Hospital is also right there. If you’re in town because a family member is undergoing treatment, this is the most convenient, high-quality lodging you’ll find in the immediate vicinity. It’s a stressful situation to be in, and having a reliable hotel with a fitness center and a heated indoor pool can be a small but necessary sanity saver.
Logistics and Getting Around
You don't necessarily need a car, though Colorado is a "car culture" state. The light rail (W Line) is nearby at the Federal Center Station. You can jump on the train and be at Union Station in downtown Denver in about 20 to 25 minutes. It costs a fraction of an Uber.
However, if you are planning to go to the mountains—Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, or Vail—staying here puts you about 15 minutes ahead of anyone starting their drive from the city center. On a Saturday morning in ski season, those 15 minutes are the difference between a smooth drive and a two-hour crawl behind a snowplow.
Amenities That Actually Work
Many hotels post photos of a "fitness center" that turns out to be a treadmill and a broken dumbbell in a basement. The Sheraton Denver West is different. Their gym is actually expansive. They have Peloton bikes. They have enough floor space to stretch without hitting your head on a weight rack.
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The indoor pool is salt-water, which is a nice touch. It's heated, so even in the middle of a January blizzard, you can pretend you’re somewhere tropical.
- Parking: It’s free. This is huge. Downtown hotels will charge you $50 or $60 a night just to park your own car. Here, you pull into the lot and walk in.
- Pet Policy: They are dog-friendly. There are plenty of grass patches around the property and Green Mountain Park is just up the road for serious hiking.
- Wi-Fi: It’s fast enough for Zoom calls. I’ve tested it. It doesn't drop out every time you move from the bed to the chair.
Addressing the Common Complaints
No hotel is perfect. Some people find the elevators a bit slow during peak checkout times. Since it’s a popular spot for conferences, the lobby can get crowded on Tuesday mornings.
Also, if you’re looking for a "boutique" experience with artisanal soaps and weird wallpaper, this isn't it. It’s a Sheraton. It’s designed for consistency. You know exactly what the towels will feel like and how the key card works. For many travelers, that predictability is a relief, not a drawback.
Expert Insight: How to Get the Best Rate
Don't just book the first price you see on a travel aggregator. Because the Sheraton Denver West Hotel Union Boulevard Lakewood CO caters heavily to the Federal Center, they often have "Government Rates" that are significantly lower. If you are a state or federal employee, bring your ID.
Also, check for "Red Rocks" packages during the summer. Sometimes they include shuttle vouchers or breakfast deals specifically for concert-goers.
If you’re a local doing a "staycation," look at the AAA discounts. They are often better than the standard Marriott member rate.
Surrounding Neighborhood Gems
Since you're on Union Boulevard, you have to eat.
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Skip the hotel breakfast at least once and go to The Egg & I or find a local spot like Sunrise Sunset. For dinner, 240 Union is a bit more upscale but the seafood is legit. If you want something casual, there’s a Yard House nearby at Belmar.
Belmar itself is an outdoor shopping district about five minutes away. It’s designed to look like a downtown area. It has a Target, Whole Foods, and plenty of clothing stores. It’s a good place to kill an afternoon if the weather is nice.
The Verdict on Sheraton Denver West Hotel Union Boulevard Lakewood CO
Is it the fanciest hotel in Colorado? No. But is it the most strategic? Probably.
You get the mountain access of a Golden hotel with the amenities of a major brand. You avoid the "city tax" and the parking fees of Denver proper. You get a room that’s quiet enough to actually sleep in.
If you’re planning a trip that involves a mix of city meetings and mountain hiking, this is the logical home base. It’s the sweet spot of Colorado lodging.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Request a West-Facing Room: Specifically ask for a room on the 6th floor or higher facing West to get those mountain views without the street noise of Union Boulevard.
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: Use it for mobile check-in. This hotel gets busy, and skipping the front desk line is a massive time-saver.
- Plan Your Transit: If you’re heading to a Rockies game or a Broncos game, use the Light Rail at the Federal Center Station instead of trying to park near the stadiums.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there’s a major conference at the hotel, the breakfast area will be packed at 8:00 AM. Aim for 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM to avoid the rush.
- Hit Green Mountain: If you have an hour of free time, drive five minutes west to the William F. Hayden Park trailhead. It’s the best way to clear your head after a day of meetings.
Staying at the Sheraton Denver West puts you in the center of everything that actually makes Colorado worth visiting. You’re close enough to the city to feel the energy, but far enough away to breathe the mountain air. It’s a smart move for anyone who values their time and their budget.