Denver vs Austin: Which City is Better for Your Next Offsite in 2026?

Planning an offsite in 2026? You’re not alone—80% of teams report increased productivity after offsite retreats. But choosing the right city can make or break your event. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of Denver and Austin, focusing on venue options, costs, and activities to help you make an informed decision.

Overview: Why Choose Denver or Austin?

Denver

Denver is known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant arts scene. It’s an excellent choice if your team enjoys outdoor activities and a laid-back atmosphere. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the city isn’t overcrowded.

Austin

Austin is a hub for tech and creativity, perfect for teams looking for an energetic vibe. With its live music scene and innovative culture, it’s ideal for brainstorming and collaboration. The spring (especially during SXSW) offers great weather, but expect higher prices and crowded venues.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | AV Quality | |-----------------------|------------------|--------------|-------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|------------------| | The Ritz-Carlton | Denver, CO | 200 | $275 | Luxury Retreat | Rooftop bar | Excellent | | The Brown Palace | Denver, CO | 100 | $230 | Historical Charm | Victorian architecture | Good | | The LINE Hotel | Austin, TX | 150 | $245 | Creative Sessions | Rooftop pool | Excellent | | Fairmont Austin | Austin, TX | 300 | $220 | Large Conferences | Scenic lake views | Very Good | | Hotel Teatro | Denver, CO | 75 | $250 | Intimate Gatherings | Boutique hotel | Good | | South Congress Hotel | Austin, TX | 200 | $230 | Trendy Collaborations | Modern design | Excellent | | The Westin Denver | Denver, CO | 400 | $200 | Big Teams | Large event spaces | Good | | Omni Barton Creek | Austin, TX | 600 | $210 | Golf Retreats | Golf course | Very Good |

Best Venues for Your Offsite

Best for Small Teams

• Hotel Teatro, Denver: Capacity of 75, ideal for intimate meetings. Price: $250/person/night. Standout feature: boutique charm.
• The LINE Hotel, Austin: Capacity of 150, great for creative brainstorming. Price: $245/person/night. Standout feature: rooftop pool.

Best for Large Groups

• The Westin Denver: Capacity of 400, perfect for large conferences. Price: $200/person/night. Standout feature: expansive event spaces.
• Fairmont Austin: Capacity of 300, great views and amenities. Price: $220/person/night. Standout feature: scenic lake views.

Best for Luxury Retreats

• The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: Capacity of 200, offers a luxurious experience. Price: $275/person/night. Standout feature: rooftop bar with city views.
• Omni Barton Creek, Austin: Capacity of 600, perfect for golf retreats. Price: $210/person/night. Standout feature: on-site golf course.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Team Building

• Morning: Arrival at the venue (Book a room block early for discounts)
• Afternoon: Icebreaker activities (e.g., guided hike or city tour)
• Evening: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant (budget $50/person)

Day 2: Workshops and Networking

• Morning: Breakfast and team workshops (budget $30/person for F&B)
• Afternoon: Group activities (e.g., live music venue or escape room)
• Evening: Dinner and networking session (budget $60/person)

Day 3: Reflection and Departure

• Morning: Breakfast followed by a reflection session
• Afternoon: Team lunch and wrap-up (budget $40/person)
• Evening: Depart

Budget Breakdown for a Team of 20

| Category | Amount | Percentage | |----------------|-------------|------------| | Venue | $4,000 | 40% | | F&B | $2,500 | 25% | | Activities | $1,500 | 15% | | Travel | $1,500 | 15% | | Contingency | $500 | 5% | | Total | $10,000 | 100% |

Risk Mitigation: What Could Go Wrong?

1. Venue Availability: Book 4+ months in advance to secure your preferred dates.
2. Weather Issues: Have a backup indoor venue option for outdoor activities.
3. Budget Overruns: Include a contingency of at least 5% in your budget.

Conclusion: Action Items

1. Decide on your team size and preferred city—Denver or Austin.
2. Review the venue comparison table and shortlist your favorites.
3. Create a detailed budget based on the provided breakdown.
4. Book your venue and accommodations early to lock in rates.

Ready to start planning your offsite?