
Populus
Best for museum-goers, culture-focused stays, and travelers who want a walkable downtown location and rooftop dining.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Populus is a 13-story, sustainability-focused downtown Denver hotel overlooking Civic Center Park with rooftop dining and walkable access to museums and government landmarks. The Westin Denver International Airport is a large, airport-connected full-service hotel best for travelers prioritizing immediate access to Denver International Airport and big meeting spaces.
Updated · about 25 miles apart

Best for museum-goers, culture-focused stays, and travelers who want a walkable downtown location and rooftop dining.

Best for travelers needing direct access to DEN, large meetings or events, and 24-hour airport-friendly services.
When Populus wins: choose Populus if you want to stay in the middle of downtown Denver, walk to the Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park, and prefer a sustainability-forward hotel with rooftop views and downtown dining within steps.
When The Westin Denver International Airport wins: choose The Westin when your priority is being connected to Denver International Airport, when you need a lot of meeting or ballroom space, or when you want 24-hour business and fitness facilities tied to an airport schedule.
Bottom line: Populus is for downtown experiences and design-forward sustainability; The Westin is for airport convenience, big meetings, and round-the-clock airport traveler services.
| Category | Populus | The Westin Denver International Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Biophilic, design-forward downtown boutique with sustainability focus | Large, full-service airport hotel geared to travelers and events |
| Location | Across from Civic Center Park in downtown Denver; walkable to museums and the Colorado State Capitol | Directly connected to Denver International Airport (DEN); not in downtown |
| Size (rooms) | 265 rooms across 13 floors | 519 rooms |
| Age policy | Guest checking in must be at least 21 (property welcomes all ages otherwise) | Not adults-only; all ages welcome |
| Pools | No pool on-site | Indoor pool + 1 hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Three venues: Pasque (all-day), Stellar Jay (rooftop live-fire), Little Owl Coffee | One restaurant (Grill & Vine), one coffee shop, and 2 bars/lounges |
| Spa | No on-site spa services | Not published |
| Signature amenity | Rooftop Stellar Jay with downtown and mountain views | Direct covered connection to DEN and extensive meeting/conference facilities |
| Meetings & events | About 3,135 sq ft of meeting space with rooftop event options (max ~120 guests for some buyouts) | Large conference center: 36,170 sq ft (3,360 m²) and 24 meeting rooms |
| Accessibility & services | 24-hour fitness center (Peloton), complimentary Wi‑Fi, valet parking (surcharge); intentionally built without self-parking | 24-hour business center and fitness club, concierge, on-site parking (self/valet, surcharge), accessible meeting spaces |
Populus sits across from Civic Center Park in downtown Denver, within a short walk of major museums and government landmarks.
Choose Populus if you want to be in the heart of Denver and walk to museums, restaurants, and civic landmarks.
The Westin Denver International Airport is physically connected to DEN, making it the practical choice for airport arrivals and departures.
Choose The Westin when proximity to the airport and easy flight-day logistics are your top priorities.
Populus has 265 rooms across 13 floors with design details emphasizing natural materials and city or mountain views.
Populus focuses on curated, design-forward rooms with included downtown-oriented amenity perks.
The Westin offers a large inventory of air-conditioned rooms (519) with typical full-service hotel amenities.
The Westin provides spacious capacity and conventional room comforts tailored to airport and meeting guests.
Populus concentrates food and drink around three on-site venues with a focus on local, seasonal Mountain West cuisine.
Choose Populus for downtown-focused, chef-led seasonal dining and a rooftop night out with views.
The Westin's food-and-drink offering supports large groups and airport schedules with a main restaurant, cafe and bars.
Pick The Westin for reliable, round-the-clock dining options tied to airport hours and event schedules.
Populus does not have a pool; its most notable on-site amenity is the rooftop Stellar Jay and public terraces.
If a rooftop restaurant and downtown sightlines matter more than a pool, Populus is the better fit.
The Westin includes an indoor pool and hot tub along with airport-facing services.
Choose The Westin if you want an on-site pool and hotel facilities that suit airport schedules.
Populus emphasizes a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, nearby nightlife in Larimer Square, and rooftop evening dining.
Populus suits travelers who want to combine hotel fitness access with downtown evening options.
The Westin runs a 24-hour fitness facility and on-site bars to serve guests on airport schedules.
The Westin supports round-the-clock travel routines and event-driven nightlife within the hotel.

Populus — steps from the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park and the State Capitol.

The Westin — directly connected to Denver International Airport, ideal for flight-centric itineraries.

The Westin — over 36,000 sq ft of conference space and 24 meeting rooms for big-group needs.

Populus — Stellar Jay offers live-fire cooking and a rooftop terrace with skyline and mountain outlooks.
The Westin Denver International Airport — it’s connected to DEN and designed for quick access to flights.
Populus — its location across from Civic Center Park puts museums, the State Capitol and downtown dining within walking distance.
The Westin has much larger conference and ballroom capacity (36,170 sq ft and 24 meeting rooms) and is set up for large events; Populus handles smaller meetings and rooftop buyouts up to roughly 120 guests for certain configurations.
The Westin lists an indoor pool and hot tub. Populus does not have a pool or spa on-site.
Neither property is adults-only; both welcome all ages, though Populus requires the guest checking in to be at least 21 years old.
Explore how Populus stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·