Denver’s Best-Kept Secret: Why Travelers Love the 11th Avenue Hostel

The 11th Avenue Hostel in Denver is a historic and budget-friendly accommodation located in the heart of the city at 1112 Broadway. It’s within walking distance of key attractions like the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, and the 16th Street Mall, making it a convenient spot for exploring downtown Denver.

This hostel offers a variety of room types, ranging from shared dormitories to private ensuite rooms. Shared rooms are gender-specific, with common bathrooms down the hall, while private rooms come with either shared or private bathrooms. All guests have access to amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and a lounge area for socializing with fellow travelers.

Renovated between 2019 and 2022, the hostel has been transformed from a historic 1903 hotel into a modern, traveler-friendly space. It’s known for its friendly staff, cleanliness, and affordable prices, making it a popular option for solo travelers and groups alike.

An Ideal Location: 11th Avenue Hostel

The 11th Avenue Hostel is centrally located in Denver’s vibrant Golden Triangle Creative District at 1112 Broadway. This area is known for its proximity to many of Denver’s cultural and historic landmarks. The hostel is just a few blocks from the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, and the 16th Street Mall, a popular pedestrian shopping and dining area.

In addition to its closeness to museums and government buildings, the hostel is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a convenient base for exploring the city’s nightlife. It’s also within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center, making it an attractive option for both tourists and business travelers.

The Golden Triangle Creative District, where the hostel is located, is also known for its art galleries, public art installations, and cultural institutions, contributing to a lively, artistic atmosphere.

The Golden Triangle Creative District

The Golden Triangle Creative District in Denver is a dynamic neighborhood that blends arts, culture, and urban living. It is home to some of the city’s most prominent museums and cultural institutions, including the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center. The district is also known for its numerous art galleries, public art installations, and architecturally significant buildings.

This district, located just south of downtown, plays a crucial role in Denver’s cultural landscape. It is named “Golden Triangle” because of its triangular layout, bordered by Speer Boulevard, Colfax Avenue, and Lincoln Street. Within this area, you can find a mix of residential buildings, office spaces, art studios, and cultural venues. The district has evolved into a hub for creative professionals, artists, and urban dwellers, fostering a vibrant community of creatives.

Beyond its cultural attractions, the Golden Triangle Creative District is also known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The area hosts regular art walks and events that showcase local talent and contribute to Denver’s thriving arts scene.

History of 11th Avenue Hostel

The 11th Avenue Hostel, located in Denver, has a rich history that dates back to 1903 when it was originally built as a hotel. The building served as a hotel for many years before its transformation into a hostel.

The property was purchased in 1988 by the Ilg family, who had no initial plans to turn it into a hostel. Over time, their vision evolved to create a space for travelers, and they decided to preserve the building’s historic charm while modernizing it for a new generation. From 2019 to 2022, the hostel underwent significant renovations to upgrade the facilities, while still maintaining its original character. The restoration process involved meticulous work to preserve historic features, such as clawfoot tubs and vintage architectural details, while also installing modern amenities.

The hostel officially reopened in February 2022 after years of painstaking renovation. The Ilg family played a hands-on role in this transformation, and today, the hostel stands as a testament to their dedication to preserving the building’s legacy while creating a welcoming space for travelers.

Amenities at 11th Avenue Hostel

The 11th Avenue Hostel offers a variety of amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience for travelers:

Accommodation Options: Guests can choose from shared dormitories, private Euro-style rooms with shared bathrooms, or fully private ensuite rooms. Some private rooms even feature vintage clawfoot bathtubs.
Free Wi-Fi: All guests have access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hostel, ensuring they stay connected during their visit.
Community Spaces: The hostel features a spacious lounge, a community kitchen, and a library. These communal areas provide opportunities for guests to socialize, cook, and relax.
24-Hour Front Desk: The hostel provides 24/7 front desk service to assist guests at any time.
Laundry Facilities: For convenience, laundry services are available on-site, allowing travelers to clean their clothes during longer stays.
Lockers and Storage: Shared dorms come equipped with lockers for valuables, with locks available for purchase, ensuring guests’ belongings are secure.
Guest Discounts: The hostel offers discounts for military personnel, making it even more affordable for those eligible.

These amenities, combined with its central location, make the 11th Avenue Hostel a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers visiting Denver.

Lodging Options at 11th Avenue Hostel

During my weekend stay at the 11th Avenue Hostel I had the pleasure of enjoying one of the King Ensuites which featured a private bath, king-sized bed, a sitting area and plenty of extra room to lounge around. This option is great, especially for a couple’s getaway!

Other lodging options available at the 11th Ave Hostel include: shared dormitories, private euro rooms (with shared bathrooms), private ensuite rooms, private friends room (with shared bathrooms), double euro rooms (with shared bathrooms), and lastly double en-suites! The 11th Avenue Hostel truly does an immaculate job of offering a diverse range of options for travelers seeking different kinds of experiences, as well as different budgets.

The Cutest Coffee + Ice Cream Shop

And for the cherry on top of it all? 11th Avenue Hostel’s first floor is occupied by the delectable…and aesthetically pleasing coffee + ice cream shop, named Eiskaffee.

Reasons to Stay at 11th Avenue Hostel

Here are several reasons why staying at the 11th Avenue Hostel in Denver can be a great choice for travelers:

Prime Location: Situated in the Golden Triangle Creative District, the hostel is close to key Denver attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s ideal for those looking to explore downtown Denver on foot.
Affordable Accommodations: The hostel offers a range of budget-friendly options, from shared dorms to private rooms, allowing travelers to choose what suits their needs without breaking the bank.
Historic Charm: Originally built in 1903 and recently renovated, the 11th Avenue Hostel retains its historic character while providing modern amenities like gel memory foam beds and free Wi-Fi.
Community Atmosphere: With common areas like a kitchen, lounge, and library, the hostel fosters a sense of community among travelers, making it easy to meet new people.
Great for Solo Travelers: The hostel is geared towards international and solo travelers, offering shared spaces to connect with others while providing secure lockers in dorms.
Eco-Friendly and Small Business Support: The hostel is family-owned and operated, and staying there supports a small local business that has worked to preserve a historic property.

These reasons make the 11th Avenue Hostel a great choice for travelers looking for an affordable, friendly, and central stay in Denver.

Booking 11th Avenue Hostel

11th Ave Hostel

1112 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

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About The Author

Isabel is a single mother and avid traveler based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Just over one year ago, she established this travel blog as a passion project. Letting her ‘creative juices’ flow, she was able to combine to of her hobbies: writing and photography.

Isabel’s goal for this pursuit is to highlight a growing collection of destinations that cater to a wide variety of lifestyle and budgets. Isabel has undertaken a variety of projects including: general travel guides, guides to museums and other attractions, restaurant reviews, reviews on unique lodging and even commissioned work allowing her to work with in conjunction with tourism boards to promote a certain destination.

In addition to dedicating near-full-time hours to her job as a travel blogger and micro-influencer, Isabel is a full-time emergency room paramedic and part-time firefighter. Above all, Isabel is a devoted mother to her 8-year-old daughter, Lily.