The Best Hotels to Book in Boulder

Since the 1930s, this well-restored motel at the base of Boulder Canyon has been offering shelter to travelers in cabin-like rooms made from pine logs with piles of cozy bedding. Named after the nearby Flagstaff Mountain, the Flagstaff Suite sleeps four, so you can divide yourselves between the porch, the hot tub, and the coziest of living spaces, all lined with rustic timber, of course. And, if you run out of marshmallows for making s’mores on the barbecue, you’re a mere 15 minutes from Pearl St. Mall.

You’re well placed at this hotel at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, a 9-minute walk from the University of Colorado Boulder and 1.6km (1mile) from Pearl Street Mall, the city’s attractive red-brick, pedestrianized dining, arts, and shopping hub. The location means some rooms overlook the craggy rock formations known as the Colorado Flatirons and inspire you to get out in the fresh air – which you can breathe in through hotel windows that actually open. Before a hike, carb up at the rustic Canyon restaurant on all-American breakfast classics, made with goodies from the region’s farms and ranches.

Outdoorsy types will feel right at home at this themed boutique hotel, close to Pearl Street Mall but minutes from a hiking trail. Picnic tables, lanterns, and green-grass carpets bring the outside in, where guests can mingle by the climbing wall, hot tub, and juice bar. S’mores kits are provided for evenings by the fire pit and daily happy hours showcase local craft beer. Want to go the whole hog? Book the Great Indoors Room, designed to look like a bona fide campsite.

This surprising hotel in Boulder, on the corner of Canyon Boulevard and 28th Street, looks more like a boutique hideaway than a big-name chain. There are swinging egg chairs and jewel-colored velvet sofas in the lobby, a chic restaurant, and an on-site spa focusing on facial treatments and makeup. Rooms have hand-painted local artwork, sliding barn-style bathroom doors, and Keurig coffee makers to add an unexpectedly luxurious feel.

Expect all-day entertainment, pampering, and dining under one roof at the Ameristar Resort in Boulder. The two-story casino is a big attraction here with 1,250 slot and video machines and 40 table games – but non-gamblers can also retire to the spa to wallow in hot tubs on a heated open-air patio. There’s plenty of choice when hunger strikes too, with a steakhouse, coffee shop, international buffet, deli, and cozy fireside restaurant all available on-site.

The Hotel Boulderado is a Boulder institution, now recognized as a historic place on the National Register. Built in 1909, the Boulderado has a dazzling leaded stained-glass ceiling and other old-fashioned touches like an original cherrywood staircase, Victorian decor, and a manually operated elevator. Choose from over 160 rooms and suites with stellar views of the foothills and enjoy the room service, spa, salon, and fitness center. If you prefer to dine on-site, try the award-winning Spruce Farm & Fish restaurant or the License No. 1 speakeasy-themed bar.

Winner of the AAA Four Diamond Award, the St Julien Hotel and Spa is between the Flatirons and Pearl Street Mall. This luxury hotel has over 200 rooms and suites, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, spa, and an award-winning restaurant. The spa includes a sauna, steam room, and lap pool, as well as treatments to get your fix of pampering. Jill’s Restaurant prepares food right at your table, and the T-Zero Lounge serves signature martinis and an excellent fine wine collection.

Formerly the Boulder Mountain Lodge, the Boulder Adventure Lodge maintains the same standard of excellence as its predecessor. This bucolic location is mere miles from the majestic Eldorado Canyon, as well as the popular Eldora Mountain ski resort. Enjoy the lodge’s bike rentals and explore the network of Boulder Canyon paths, or relax mountainside in the outdoor hot tub. Don’t miss the slackline course on the grounds, where you can practice your balance and endurance skills.

The Renaissance Flatiron Hotel is about 10 minutes from Downtown Boulder in nearby Broomfield. This luxury hotel in Boulder is in a prime location in the Rocky Mountain Foothills and is only a short drive from Denver. There are 232 suites with all the amenities, down to chocolates on your pillow and complimentary turndown service. The award-winning Flatz Restaurant serves upscale American fare on an outdoor patio next to rustic fire pits. The Renaissance also has a fitness center, a sun deck, and outdoor whirlpools overlooking the mountains.