This guide will explore the range of Boulder motels available, from budget-friendly roadside inns to luxury retreats, each promising memorable adventure in this dynamic Colorado destination.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Boulder motels range from affordable motels near the university to high-end hotels with spas and mountain views.
- Top location picks are near downtown, the university, Boulder Canyon, and Fourmile Canyon.
- Amenities like free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, outdoor pools, continental breakfast, and airport shuttles aim to maximize convenience.
- Outdoor recreation, arts/culture, family activities, shopping, and dining are at your fingertips.
- Special deals, packages, and loyalty programs reward return visits.
A Lively Basecamp with Urban Adventures
Known for its vibrant culture and active lifestyle, Boulder offers big-city attractions with small-town charm. Boulder is located at the foothills of the Rockies and offers days filled with hiking, biking, climbing, or simply walking the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall downtown.
The university brings youthful energy, with campus events and an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and shops shaping this progressive community. From street performers to art galleries to the famous Boulder Farmers Market, you’ll find inspiration around every corner.
Foothills backdrop aside, this is a surprisingly urban destination, alive with craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, and world-class entertainment options like concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Into the Wild: Outdoor Recreation from Mountain to Mesa
With over 45,000 acres of public open space and parks, Boulder’s identity is intrinsically tied to the natural landscape surrounding it.
Local favorites include hiking at Chautauqua Park or Eldorado Canyon State Park with its classic multi-pitch climbs. Hit the trails at Walker Ranch to glimpse wildflowers and Boulder Creek rushing by, or head up Flagstaff Road for panoramic vistas.
Not to be missed: a scenic drive on Peak to Peak Highway, riding the gondola at Eldora Mountain Resort, or an evening under the stars at the Celestial Seasonings Tea Garden.
Be sure to stop by a local Rocky Mountain Visitor Information center, as they often provide information and discounts for local attractions and public areas.
Lodging to Suit Your Style: Budget Beds to Lavish Luxury
Lodging options in Boulder Motels span from budget motels to high-end hotels, with prime locations near the university and downtown.
For affordable rates, motels like Foot of the Mountain Inn or Twin Lakes Inn put you close to the action. Amenities are basic, but the value is hard to beat.
On the luxury end, hotels like St. Julien Hotel and Spa take full advantage of those mountain views, with some featuring saltwater pools, fine dining, or balcony tubs ideal for soaking in the scenery.
In between, you’ll find major chains like Hilton Garden Inn or Embassy Suites with business travelers in mind, plus independent boutique hotels with local flavor.
Here is a list of some of the best places to stay in Boulder:
- Marriott Boulder
- Hyatt Place Boulder Pearl Street
- Hilton Boulder (Hilton Garden Inn Boulder)
- St Julien Hotel
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Quality Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Hampton Inn
- Homewood Suites Boulder
- Residence Inn on Canyon Boulevard
- Embassy Suites
- Boulder Twin Lakes Inn
- Boulder Adventure Lodge (A Lodge Boulder)
- Hotel Boulderado
- Bradley Boulder Inn
- Boulder University Inn
Motels Handpicked for Top Location
Beyond price point, savvy travelers choose lodging based on location. Among the most popular neighborhoods:
Downtown:
Stay central to Pearl Street Mall’s shops/restaurants at Foot of the Mountain Inn or Hotel Boulderado, or sleep steps from the conference center at Courtyard Marriott.
Fourmile Canyon:
Embrace mountain serenity at Stone Mountain Lodge or Sundown Ranch B&B with private hiking/biking trails just beyond your door.
Key Amenities: Mixing Business with Leisure
Beyond a comfortable bed, travelers seek the amenities and extras that enhance any hotel stay. Boulder motels entice guests with perks from free Wi-Fi and parking to airport shuttles, fitness centers, outdoor pools, hot tubs, and even on-site spas for ultimate relaxation.
Pet-friendly lodging welcomes the whole family, while meeting rooms, event spaces, and business centers meet professional needs. Nothing starts the day right, like waking up to a full, hot continental breakfast.
Immerse Yourself in Boulder’s Great Outdoors
Considering Boulder’s identity is so connected to outdoor recreation, extended stays mean more time enjoying everything this athletic town has to offer.
Many motels provide sports equipment rentals, from bikes to Nordic skis, while partners like Boulder Adventure Lodge offer guided rock climbing, kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and more right from your doorstep.
Self-guided adventures are always an option, with hiking/biking trails like Boulder Creek Path starting right downtown. Wander through mountain meadows ablaze in wildflowers come July, soak up a golden hour from the Flatirons, or pack a picnic for an evening show at Chautauqua Auditorium.
Lodging Tailored to Your Boulder Getaway
Beyond location and amenities, motels in Boulder cater stays to specific interests and occasions. Whether you’re just in town for the night or planning an extended stay, there’s something for everyone!
Family Vacations:
Multi-room suites, indoor pools, and complimentary breakfast make stays with kids more affordable. Top family picks include Quality Inn, Residence Inn Marriott, and Embassy Suites.
Romantic Retreats:
Couples choose adult-only hotels like Briar Rose Lofts or Downtown Boulder Inn and Spa for private patios, luxury bedding, and jetted tubs built for two.
Business Travel:
Central locales near commercial centers with Wi-Fi, printing, conference rooms, and 24/7 gyms are ideal for work trips. Options like Millennium Harvest House and Hilton Garden Inn specifically meet professional needs.
Long-Term Stays:
For extended visits, residence inns like Boulder Inn offer kitchens for cooking, laundry facilities, living areas, and discounted weekly rates.
Eco-Friendly Stays:
Hotels like Basecamp Boulder, Foot of the Mountain Motel, and A-Lodge take green initiatives, using renewable energy, serving local food, and promoting sustainability.
Saving Money through Promotions and Loyalty Programs
Beyond bundled packages and seasonal sales, many motels feature special offers to save money on your stay.
Joining loyalty programs like Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt earns perks and discounts for return visits.
Other promos like AAA and senior discounts, corporate codes, or student rates help upgrade your stay for less. Booking directly on a hotel’s website unlocks the best offers not found on third-party sites.
Your Boulder Adventures Begin Here
With urban attractions and endless outdoor recreation, Boulder promises memorable adventures shaped by your passions. Whether that means gearing up for rugged mountain excursions or simply soaking up an artsy, laid back vibe, the right motel serves as the perfect launch point.
Match location, amenities, and travel occasion to your needs and style to discover an ideal home base in this dynamic Colorado town. From budget beds to lavish luxury, Boulder’s many motels let you optimize your stay while making priceless memories.
FAQ About Boulder Motels
What are the most popular motels for University of Colorado visitors?
For campus visits, favorites include Basecamp Boulder, Twin Lakes Inn, Quality Inn, and Millennium Harvest House, putting you close to University Hill and Folsom Field.
Where should I stay for the best mountain views in Boulder?
A-Lodge, Briar Rose Lofts, and Stone Mountain Lodge boast creekside locations in Boulder Canyon, framed by gorgeous mountain vistas. Downtown St. Julien Hotel and Spa makes the most of the foothills backdrop.
How do I find pet-friendly lodging options?
Quality Inn, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Basecamp, Millennium Harvest House, and A-Lodge are some of the top motels welcoming pets, most with associated fees.
What Boulder hotels offer airport shuttle services?
Complimentary airport transport makes travel easy at hotels like Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place, Embassy Suites, Residence Inn, and St. Julien.
Where can I find deals on Boulder lodging and packages?
Check hotel websites for sales and packages not found on third-party booking sites. Joining loyalty programs also unlocks the best rates for return visits.
