Boulder hotels

Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the St Julien Hotel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Boulder. The 4-star, Four Diamond property is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, so you know you’re in good hands from the get-go.

Schedule your stay around the monthly First Friday vegan lunch buffets, the annual Vegan Harvest Dinner or the annual Earth Day Vegan Dinner that benefits the Greenwood Wildlife Center.

My boyfriend and I were so impressed with everything during our stay, from our delicious meal at Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro to the fact there are bee colonies in the on-site garden. To wrap up each day after hiking, we made time to soak in the indoor pool and hot tub. Top tip: You can order drinks there, something I highly recommend doing.

When your boutique hotel is located on Pleasant Street, you know good things are in store. That was the case during our stay at Moxy Boulder, one of the best hotels in Boulder.

Set within walking distance of great restaurants and hikes, the hotel is across the street from the University of Colorado. My boyfriend and I loved the fact we could grab a meal at the lobby restaurant, hike up to Viewpoint Trail and have a picnic at Panorama Point.

We also appreciated all the hotel’s cosy nooks. I got some work done on the outdoor patio next to the fire pit and my boyfriend did a Zoom call from the rooftop (where there’s also a very inviting hot tub). This is one of the most unique hotels in Boulder for work and play. And the endless supply of Goldfish crackers and M&Ms at the front desk is priceless.

As one of the last B&Bs in town, this 12-room hotel easily earns itself a place on my list of the best hotels in Boulder. From the mountain-inspired decor and luxe linens to the wine-and-cheese hour and spa bathrooms with hot tubs, it feels like you’re staying at your well-to-do grandmother’s home here.

Set a few steps from Pearl Street, my boyfriend and I enjoyed strolling from the hotel to nearby hiking trails and visiting our go-to, Lindsay’s Sandwich Shop, for soups, smoothies and sandwiches. I recommend signing up for a class at Yoga Pearl, where you can choose from slow-flow yoga to kettlebell workouts.

Whether you’re playing Scrabble by the fireplace, enjoying a complimentary breakfast (complete with quiche, oatmeal and the most delightful coffee cake) or chilling on the porch, it’s not hard to see why this ranks as one of the best hotels to stay in Boulder.

When it comes to the best hotels in Boulder, the Colorado Chautauqua Cottages is always high on my list. With cultural programming, concerts, a playground and a full-service dining hall (dating back to 1898), there’s plenty to keep guests occupied on the property.

Since you’re at the foot of the Flatirons here – just steps away from 40 miles of trails – you’ll want to explore. When you get back, settle into your one, two or three-bedroom cottage. All come with full kitchens and most have screened-in porches.

As a National Historic Landmark, the Colorado Chautauqua attracts more than a million visitors a year. Besides the fact that I can be the first to hit the trails each morning from this hotel, I also appreciate that I can pop over to the general store for a picnic lunch or snacks to go – or better yet, have groceries delivered to the cottage.

Step back in time at the Hotel Boulderado, a Victorian-inspired property right off of Pearl Street that has beckoned travellers since 1901. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this legendary hotel has welcomed the likes of Robert Frost, Louis Armstrong and Helen Keller.

The first thing you’ll notice (besides the view of the Flatirons) is the cantilevered wood staircase and the stained-glass ceiling. Add to that the Italian Renaissance-style pillars, tiles imported from Italy, and Mission-style wainscoting and you immediately know you’re in a special place.

Beyond the impeccable design, there’s also an amazing on-site restaurant, Spruce Farm & Fish. Book a table and don’t leave without trying the sea scallops with butternut puree and the barramundi filet. For something more casual, head to nearby Just Be Kitchen for gluten-free vegetable curry, buffalo chicken wraps and seasonal salads.

The Courtyard by Marriott is one of the best hotels in Boulder for those traveling with kids. For starters, there’s a market on-site, so you’ll always have access to snacks and drinks. There’s also indoor pool, an on-site bistro, and the hotel is set close to Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park and the University of Colorado (which is perfect for a midday stroll).

It’s not a trip to Boulder without a meal at the nearby Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, where there are almost 90 different teas to choose from. Here you can order everything from Indian samosas to Korean pan-fried noodles and Malaysian sambal curry. Pro tip: Request one of the tables festooned with pillows.

Elsewhere, Black Cat is a must for amazing farm-to-table meals. Its sister restaurant, Bramble and Hare, also serves organic produce from the farm and carefully crafted menus that change daily.

The Hyatt Place is one of the best hotels in Boulder for business gatherings thanks to nearly 5,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting space with audio-visual equipment. A 150-room property set in Depot Square at Boulder Junction, I love that after a day of meetings, you can do some laps in the indoor pool or pop into the 24-hour gym.

The prime location, a few minutes from Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park (my go-to hiking spot), the University of Colorado and Folsom Field, makes it easy to squeeze in some fun after work.

Start mornings right with a complimentary breakfast (think sandwiches, fruit, cereal, yogurt, bread and coffee) and end the day at the bar, which is stocked with premium beers, wines and cocktails. As an added bonus, the hotel is pet-friendly.

This is one of the best hotels in Boulder for active types, thanks to the indoor rock-climbing wall, fitness centre and a seriously laid-back atmosphere. The creative decor at Basecamp Boulder will have you smiling from the get-go. Even the guestrooms have plenty of personality, from ice chests festooned with stickers to bicycle seats mounted on the walls.

Shared spaces like the indoor-outdoor lounge, ping-pong table and communal tables encourage new friendships. End the day with craft beers on the porch, s’mores by the fire pits or a soak in the hot tub while catching up with fellow adventurers.

I recommend further winding down at Portal, an amazing spot with Scandinavian saunas and ice-cold plunge pools. And save time to eat at Lucky’s Bakehouse for gluten-free pastries – so good they often sell out by 11 am – croissants, bagels and quiches.

This all-suite, pet-friendly property is one of the best hotels in Boulder for families. Meals here are easy because each suite has a full kitchen and a free grocery delivery service. Add to that a gym, hot tub, 24-hour pool, free breakfast, and separate living and sleeping areas and you’re onto a winner.

When the kids are ready to explore, you can easily get to hiking trails, biking trails and restaurants. I recommend popping over to Wonder for matcha lattes, juices, and avocado toast, or Santo, which serves northern New Mexican cuisine, for the Mexican hot chocolate bread pudding.

Take a breather at CYL Infrared Studio to experience the infrared lymphatic roller followed by an infrared sauna session to soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation. For great gluten-free options, try Flower Child for delicious noodle bowls, turkey wraps, and sweet potato fries.

This 4-star property, a few minutes from downtown, is one of the best hotels in Boulder. For starters, I love the mountain-view suites, private balconies and complimentary breakfast here.

After a busy day of exploring Boulder, you can come back to an evening reception featuring carefully crafted cocktails, soak in the heated rooftop pool, or unwind by the fire pits. Don’t forget to grab some stone-fired pizza topped with local ingredients from the on-site restaurant.

Home to Boulder’s largest hotel ballroom and 204 two-room suites, it’s also the perfect spot for gatherings. I appreciate the natural light in the lobby, the local art and the live music – not to mention the rooftop beehives, fitness centre and impressive gardens. For a healthy meal of salads, soups or sandwiches, try Modern Market Eatery.