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The Best Boutique Hotels in Boulder, Colorado

Boulders best boutique hotels run the gamut from modern mountain-themed lodges to historic Victorian-era hotels
Boulder's best boutique hotels run the gamut from modern mountain-themed lodges to historic Victorian-era hotels | Courtesy of Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast / Expedia

From a renowned historic landmark to a downtown B&B owned by an ordained Zen monk, these are the ultimate boutique hotels in Boulder, Colorado.

Located at the base of the striking Flatiron Mountains, Boulder is known for its abundance of world-class hiking, biking and running trails. The lively college town also has a thriving culinary culture and a buzzing music scene. From modern mountain-themed lodges to historic Victorian-era hotels, here are the top boutique accommodations to consider for your stay in Boulder.

Hotel Boulderado

Hotel

The colourful roof of Hotel Boulderado, with a staircase and the lobby below
Courtesy of Hotel Boulderado / Expedia
The Hotel Boulderado is a renowned city landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened in 1909, its elegant interiors include a Victorian-era stained glass ceiling above the main atrium, plus the original cherrywood staircase and a manually operated Otis elevator. The 160-room hotel sits just one block from Boulder’s popular, pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall and offers impressive views of the famed Flatirons peaks, which are also within walking distance of downtown.

Basecamp Boulder

Boutique Hotel, Motel

Lounge and dining area with two long wooden tables, yellow chairs and two leather couches at Basecamp Boulder
Courtesy of Basecamp Boulder / Expedia

On the edge of the University of Colorado at Boulder campus near the residential Goss-Grove neighborhood, Basecamp Boulder features 50 renovated rooms decorated with camping-inspired touches like sustainable beetle kill pine furniture and custom-made tapestry maps. The adventure-themed property also has its own rock climbing wall, plus an adjacent outdoor fire pit and a lobby bar stocked with craft beers from Boulder-based Avery Brewing Company and Upslope Brewing Company.

Boulder Adventure Lodge

Resort, Hotel, Lodge

Leather sofas and a wooden coffee table in front of a fireplace in a modern space at Boulder Adventure Lodge, Boulder
Courtesy of Boulder Adventure Lodge / Expedia
The Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge) sits two miles (3.2km) from downtown Boulder in the forested Fourmile Canyon, just off the banks of the canyon’s namesake creek. At this relaxed hotel-meets-hostel-and-campsite lodge, guests can use high-speed tablets to book guided outdoor excursions, like rock climbing in the nearby Boulder Canyon. The property also offers direct access to scenic hiking areas, like the Betasso Preserve Trailhead, not to mention a slackline course on the grounds, plus fire pits and a seasonal pool.

Foot of the Mountain Motel

Boutique Hotel, Motel

Colorful wooden benches and chairs in front of wooden cabins with red doors at the Foot of the Mountain Motel
Courtesy of Foot of the Mountain Motel / Expedia

Bordered on one side by the Boulder Creek at the base of Flagstaff Mountain, the aptly named Foot of the Mountain Motel exudes the charm of an old-school alpine getaway. The family-owned motel was built in the 1930s but underwent a renovation in 2014 to modernize the property while preserving its vintage feel. Today, the boutique motel features 20 modest rooms modeled after classic log cabins, plus an outdoor fire pit, bike rentals and a book-lending library.

Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast, Hotel

A dining table with colourful plates and table cloths at Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast
Courtesy of Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast / Expedia

Owned by an ordained monk who has practiced Zen meditation for more than 30 years, the Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast features 10 tranquil guest rooms decorated with Japanese art and ikebana flower arrangements. The 1880s house, which is located in the quiet Goss-Grove neighborhood near downtown Boulder, features a lush garden in addition to a 400-square-foot (37sqm) meditation room. Meanwhile, the complimentary organic breakfast is worth a stay in itself, with delectable specialties that include homemade granola and a Southwestern frittata.

Alps Boulder Canyon Inn

Hotel

Exterior of the Alps Boulder Canyon Inn, Boulder, at sunset
Courtesy of Alps Boulder Canyon Inn / Expedia
When you stay at Alps Boulder Canyon Inn, you’ll be within a 10-minute drive of the University of Colorado at Boulder campus, but you’ll feel like you’re much more deeply immersed in the surrounding wilderness. Located in the impressive Boulder Canyon along the meandering Boulder Creek, this inn was built in 1870 to serve travelers heading to Colorado’s mining districts. Today, its 12 luxury suites feature cozy amenities, like wood-burning fireplaces and private outdoor patios.

The Bradley Boulder Inn

Motel, Hotel

Exterior of the Bradley Boulder Inn, brightly lit at sundown
Courtesy of Bradley Boulder Inn / Expedia
Just a stone’s throw from some of Boulder’s top bistros, including Black Cat and Oak at Fourteenth, the Bradley Boulder Inn has 12 polished adults-only suites. Each room offers 100% cotton bed linens and a private bathroom with a tub. Some suites also feature fireplaces or mountain-facing balconies with French doors. The B&B offers complimentary homemade breakfast, not to mention a free wine-and-cheese hour by a communal fireplace in the evenings.

Niwot Inn and Spa

Hotel

A cosy and traditional bedroom at Niwot Inn and Spa with a wall-mounted TV above a fireplace
Courtesy of Niwot Inn and Spa / Expedia

The Niwot Inn & Spa was built in 1999 in historic downtown Niwot, just 15 minutes from Boulder’s Pearl Street. Its 13 rooms feature natural decor inspired by Niwot’s Native American roots, like clay walls, stone hearth fireplaces and wooden furniture made by local craftspeople. The family-run property also has an on-site spa where guests can unwind with a soothing massage after exploring nearby areas like Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

For budget-friendly accommodation in Colorado, check out our guide to the best cheap hotels in Boulder, or for something extra special, discover our guide to the best luxury hotels in Boulder all bookable on Culture Trip. For more options, see these pet-friendly options.

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