Dubbed the bike race capital of the U.S., Boulder is an action-packed adventure destination that beckons travelers to discover the mesmerizing beauty of Colorado. The natural landscape is brimming with rewarding hiking and mountain biking trails, rare rock formations, idyllic alpine ponds, and snow-coated peaks.
Aside from its incredible natural beauty, Boulder fascinates travelers with its rich history, cultural traditions, and an array of local breweries embedded deeply into the local heritage. Finding a conveniently located hotel is the best way to position oneself in the midst of the downtown attractions and the mountainside adventures.
From luxuriant boutique hotels and historic inns to opulent resorts and chic individually-owned vacation rentals, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Boulder, Colorado (in no particular order)...
1. Basecamp Boulder – a unique, funky and themed accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs seeking adventure
The ultimate spot for adventurers and thrill-seekers, Basecamp Boulder attracts travelers of all kinds with its convenient location, high-end amenities, and efficient accommodation.
Its proximity to the University of Colorado makes it popular among prospective students, alums, and scholars visiting to attend collegiate events.
This ambient property offers a wide selection of mid-size rooms and spacious suites, and the accommodations are designed to offer home-like comforts with resort-like facilities. Guests enjoy an array of in-room appliances, designated workstations, a wet bar, and fine linens.
The onsite facilities include a whirlpool tub, a rock-climbing wall, a fitness center, a dry sauna, and a ping-pong table.
2. Boulder Guest House – an urban, contemporary boutique accommodation located in the heart of Downtown Boulder
A Zen-inspired guest house driven by the concepts of a modern Buddhist practice center, the Boulder Guest House is a refined boutique hotel famous for curating a one-of-its-kind, soulful living experience.
Originally designed as a Victorian home, the Boulder Guest House has undergone a free-spirited Zen-themed makeover without losing its old-world exquisiteness.
Guests enjoy indulgently luxurious rooms with private entrances and mindful amenities like premium toiletries, meditation rooms, in-room appliances, and ergonomic workspaces.
The interiors reflect creativity with impressive pieces of original artwork, locally crafted furniture, dark color palettes, eclectic skylights, and radiant heating systems. Travelers eager to experience meditation can join a guided practice in the meditation hall or the Boulder Zen Center.
3. Colorado Chautauqua Cottages – a quiet, historic and rustic-chic accommodation where guests can enjoy the sunset or sunrise from their private porch
One of the few National Historic Landmark sites that offer accommodations to tourists for a well-rounded Boulder experience, the Colorado Chautauqua Cottages are drenched in historic charm and natural beauty.
This centrally located venue delights travelers with spectacular views of the Boulder Flatirons and front-door access to the region’s most rewarding hiking trails.
The Colorado Chautauqua is home to the 58 individually owned cottages, the Missions House Lodge, and the Columbine Lodge. The cottages include one, two, and three-bedroom rentals with state-of-the-art kitchens, calming lounging spaces, and beautifully screened front porches.
The lovingly restored Mary H. Galey cottage is indeed the crown jewel of this historic establishment, offering beautifully preserved interiors, stylish furniture, and ample space to accommodate a party of 12.
4. Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street – a new, modern and stylish hotel located in the upcoming trendy location of Depot Square
Located in Depot Square, Hyatt Place offers a fabulous location in Boulder Junction, near the University of Colorado and popular downtown attractions. This high-end luxury hotel curates an extravagant experience with resort-like amenities and recreational facilities. The venue offers a luxurious pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, an eclectic onsite restaurant, and meeting spaces.
The capacious and gracefully styled rooms are brimming with contemporary comforts, including ergonomic workstations, entertainment centers, sleek bathroom vanities, and deluxe Hyatt Grand beds that deliver irresistible sink-in-the-bed indulgence.
The lobby-based bar and restaurant, the Placery, offers a modern menu of inventive Colorado classics and crafty alcoholic beverages.
5. Hotel Boulderado – one of the most famous hotels in Boulder providing guests with an upscale, historic and charming stay
The upscale Hotel Boulderado embodies the traditional beauty of the Rocky Mountain with its exquisitely crafted interiors and Victorian-themed accommodations. Nestled in the heart of Boulder’s charming downtown area, this old-fashioned hotel is an enchanting historic landmark and one of the oldest hotels in the area.
Guests can explore an array of historic rooms furnished with antiquated Victorian furniture, plush bedding, smart appliances, and heritage rarities. The accommodations come with expansive windows to enjoy unfiltered views of Rocky Mountain, the verdant FlatIrons, and the bustling downtown attractions.
Travelers and families seeking independent living will find the well-appointed Carriage House more suitable to their needs.
6. The Bradley Boulder Inn- an elegant, contemporary and unique accommodation steps away from the famous Pearl Street filled with shops and restaurants
Situated in the hip downtown area, the Bradley Boulder Inn is a stone’s throw away from the iconic Pearl Street, surrounded by award-winning restaurants, high-end boutiques, and artisanal craft stores.
The Bradley Boulder Inn is bound to please the most discerning of luxury-minded travelers with its fine cotton linens, richly crafted fireplaces, sprawling balconies, and spa-like bathrooms featuring jetted tubs.
Guests begin their day with the inn’s legendary Boulder breakfast spread comprising baked treats and organic coffee, while evenings are a laid-back affair of wine and cheese by the river rock fireplace.
The onsite One Boulder Fitness center is well-equipped for cardio and strength training.
7. Foot of the Mountain Motel – a quaint, dog-friendly and charming accommodation surrounded by a variety of hiking trails
One of the most beautiful historic hotels in Boulder, the Foot of the Mountain Motel is a splendid choice to venture deep into the spellbinding wilderness surrounding Flagstaff Mountain.
This endearing motel first emerged in Boulder in 1934, and despite undergoing extensive renovations, it retains its old-world majesty and traditional Colorado architecture with rustic-chic aplomb. The interiors are designed as an escape into a world gone by without compromising on contemporary comforts and modern amenities.
The characterful rooms and suites have a winsome cabin-in-the-wilderness layout decked with sophisticated furniture, air conditioning, flat-screen T.V.s, plush beds, mini-refrigerators, and majestic mountain views.
8. The Deck House – a stylish, Instagrammable and trendy accommodation perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs to enjoy a group getawayThe Deck House is an idyllic mountainside getaway that welcomes travelers to delight themselves with picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets from the private confines of their rooms. This sumptuously trimmed 5-bedroom vacation rental features an airy, well-lit open floor plan spanning two levels of living and lounging spaces.
Designed in traditional Colorado flair with vaulted wooden-beamed ceilings and sprawling rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, this 15-acre property is ideal for accommodating large groups and families. The property comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, and dining area with finely crafted furniture.
The nature-themed interiors create a restorative retreat-like setting to unwind and revel in the magnificent landscape of Boulder’s verdant valleys from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
To book, check prices or availability for The Deck House
9. Sunshine Daydream Boulder Mountain Home – walk to Pearl St./hiking – a beautiful, chic and lavish accommodation ideal for a family vacation
A centrally located vacation rental surrounded by verdant nature trails, enchanting alpine meadows, and nature reserves, the Sunshine Daydream Boulder Mountain Home is a picture-perfect accommodation.
This family-friendly rental is a palatial-style villa sprawling on 5 acres of lush beauty, featuring 6 aesthetically styled bedrooms, high vaulted ceilings, an above-ground pool, and a 2-story cabin. The property offers a well-furnished kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a child-friendly games room, an artist studio, and ornate fireplaces.
The Sunshine Daydream mountain home is ideal for family reunions, destination weddings, and extended vacations. Guests enjoy access to onsite sports facilities, a seasonal pond and creek, and an abundance of mountainside attractions.
10. A-Lodge Boulder – rustic, quiet and cozy accommodation featuring an outdoor pool, hot tub and BBQ facilities
Travelers looking for chic and independent accommodation for a delightful Boulder vacation with their furry friends will find their match in the A-Lodge Boulder. Situated a stone’s throw away from the University of Colorado, the Lodge apartments are positioned in the heart of all the action and entertainment.
These newly renovated apartments are fully functional units, featuring stainless steel kitchens, polished hardwood floors, smart appliances, comfortable bedrooms, dining spaces, and living areas.
Guests can explore an array of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom rentals to satisfy their housing needs.
The Lodge provides impressive community amenities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a clubhouse, and a lovely picnic area equipped with BBQ grills.
Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/
