Bruiser, there are some hotels off Peņa Boulevard (the expressway that runs out to the airport) but I've never stayed at any of them. I just noticed them driving past last week.

For the OP asking about downtown hotels my company typically books us into the Magnolia Hotel, a block off the 16th Street pedestrian mall. I've also stayed at the above mentioned Comfort Inn across from the Brown Palace.

I enjoyed visiting the Colorado State Museum which is located not too far from the State Capitol building. Lots of interesting exhibits and artifacts relative to Colorado's history.