If you’re looking for Boulder Hotels in Colorado, there are plenty of wonderful options to choose from! This lively college town offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels, paired with boundless opportunities to explore the surrounding natural beauty. From hiking sun-dappled trails to sampling local craft brews, a visit to Boulder promises stunning alpine vistas and authentic local experiences.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Boulder provides plentiful lodging options, including the upscale St. Julien Hotel and Spa, along with historic and rustic accommodations.
- The pedestrian Pearl Street Mall offers shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and street performers.
- Easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, skiing, and seasonal water sports in beautiful natural areas.
Destination Overview
As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder offers unparalleled proximity to alpine landscapes blanketed in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The city balances these natural wonders with a vibrant arts scene, from concerts at the Chautauqua Auditorium to performances by the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Local craft breweries like Avery Brewing put a modern twist on old traditions, while the Celestial Seasonings tea factory offers a peek behind the scenes with free tours.
Visitors can browse the sunny Pearl Street Mall, dotted with street performers and lined with locally-owned boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. The nearby Boulder Creek Path provides walkable access to outdoor attractions like Eben G. From hiking up Mount Sanitas to tubing down Boulder Creek, the city and surrounding open spaces offer endless opportunities for adventure.
No visit is complete without exploring the scenic University of Colorado campus and the natural highlights of Chautauqua Park, a National Historic Landmark at the base of the Flatirons. These sites offer a glimpse of both Boulder’s cultural spirit and the natural splendor that makes it an unforgettable travel destination.
Local Experiences and Culture
While the stunning landscapes provide the backdrop, Boulder’s local communities infuse the area with cultural richness. The city’s thriving food scene celebrates the state’s natural bounty, from farm-to-table restaurants like Salt and Frasca Food and Wine to community supported agriculture (CSA) programs offering organic produce. Visitors can try their hand at making empanadas or tamales through cooking classes at local Latin markets.
The downtown Boulder Farmers Market, running from April through November, spotlights over 150 local vendors while street performers like jazz trios and bluegrass bands entertain the crowds. Nearby Longmont and Lyons host festivals celebrating everything from craft beer to Rocky Mountain oysters. These events offer a chance to mingle with locals while sampling authentic cuisine and handmade crafts.
An array of music venues, from intimate jazz clubs like the Laughing Goat to concert halls like the Fox Theatre and Macky Auditorium, host national touring acts alongside homegrown bands. From lively open mics to the Colorado Music Festival’s summer concert series, Boulder reverberates with eclectic beats.
Accommodation and Amenities
Boulder offers a spectrum of places to stay, ranging from budget hostels like the Boulder International Hostel and Hotel to elegant hotels like the St. Julien and the historic Hotel Boulderado downtown. Spacious vacation rentals provide the comforts of home with easy access to both urban attractions and wild landscapes.
Many accommodations entice guests with special amenities, from craft beer tastings to stargazing sessions. Some hotels offer exclusive park packages with hiking trail maps, picnic provisions, and expert wildlife photography tips. Seasonal amenities include ski valet service, hot tubs, and fire pit rentals to enjoy apres-ski. Family-friendly properties provide supervised activities, kids’ clubs, and easy access to attractions like the Butterfly Pavilion.
Here are a few of the best hotels to stay in when it comes to Boulder Hotels in Colorado:
- Marriott Boulder
- Homewood Suites Boulder
- Residence Inn on Canyon Boulevard
- Embassy Suites
- Hilton Boulder (Hilton Garden Inn Boulder)
- Hotel Boulderado
- Bradley Boulder Inn
- Boulder University Inn
- St Julien Hotel
- Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Hampton Inn
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Quality Inn
- Boulder Twin Lakes Inn
- Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge Boulder)
And if you’re looking for accommodations just slightly outside of Boulder, the Westin Westminster and Mountain Motel are both excellent choices.
Whether you seek luxury or rustic simplicity, Boulder Hospitality anticipates every need to make your Rocky Mountain getaway effortless.
Outdoor Adventures
With over 45,000 acres of public open space surrounding the city, Boulder offers limitless opportunities to challenge your limits while surrounded by breathtaking vistas. The iconic Flatirons draw rock climbers to iconic formations like The Maiden and Matron, while mountaineers test their mettle by scrambling the Devil’s Thumb. Visitors of all abilities can hike wildlife-rich trails through pine forests and wildflower meadows to waterfalls and panoramic overlooks.
The Boulder Nordic Center maintains over 16 miles of groomed cross country ski trails that wind through evergreen woodlands, while Eldora Mountain Resort offers downhill skiing and snowboarding on over 650 acres just 21 miles from downtown. Local outfitters like Colorado Whitewater offer guided rafting excursions on Boulder Creek’s rapids, along with kayaking classes for beginners. From backcountry camping and fly fishing to mountain biking and paddleboarding on area lakes, Boulder is a recreational paradise.
Family-Friendly Activities
With an array of interactive museums, hands-on workshops, kid-centric tours, and family-fun events, Boulder entices visitors of all ages. The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History offers dinosaur digs, while the EcoArts Discovery Center spotlights environmental art. Tiny travelers can feed rainbow trout at the Boulder Reservoir or pet alpacas at the Avalanche Ranch.
Family-focused hotels like St. Julien provide supervised kids’ activities and crafts along with easy access to attractions like the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory. Properties near the Pearl Street Mall keep little ones entertained by browsing the hands-on science exhibits at the Exploratorium or designing their own ice cream at Glacier. Seasonal festivals like the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival and Boulder Creek Hometown Fair feature carnival rides and games.
With hiking trails suited for strollers, outdoor climbing walls, and mountain vistas accessible by scenic drives, Boulder makes elevating young perspectives simple. Visitors can ignite wonder in children while enjoying the area’s natural highlights.
Dining and Nightlife
From street food to fine dining, Boulder’s culinary scene celebrates local flavors with global influences. Downtown’s casual cafes and bistros offer al fresco dining along the bustling Pearl Street Mall. Locavore farm-to-table restaurants like The Kitchen source ingredients from regional ranches and farms. Those craving authentic international cuisine can sate their appetites with Salvadoran pupusas, Indian samosas, or Vietnamese pho.
Area microbreweries and craft distilleries like Sanitas Brewing Co. and Spirit Hound Distillers concoct potent libations, while wine bars like License No. 1 pour vintages from Colorado’s vineyards. Live music venues like the Fox Theatre, Macky Auditorium, and the Dairy Arts Center host national and local bands. For those seeking a rowdier scene, The Sink and West End Tavern have drawn CU Boulder students for decades. From sophisticated cocktails to local brews, Boulder nightlife offers entertainment for every taste.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Boulder celebrates the bounty of the seasons with community gatherings centered on music, food, and local culture. The Colorado Music Festival presents over 30 orchestral performances every summer at Chautauqua Auditorium in the shadow of the Flatirons. Winter months bring the Hanukkah on Pearl Street celebration downtown, while the Boulder International Film Festival draws cinema enthusiasts every spring.
From oyster roasts and beer tastings to runs and cycling events, annual festivals mark solstices, harvests, and changing foliage. These lively events feature artisan goods, street performers, and activities for all ages. Visitors can channel their inner competitor at the Boulder Adventure Film Festival in October or the Boulder Bach Festival in February. Local tip: the Boulder Creek Festival each May offers three days of live entertainment, food vendors, and art displays right along the city’s namesake waterway.
Travel Tips and Resources
The city’s walkable downtown, extensive transit system, and ubiquitous bike lanes make Boulder easily navigable without a car. Visitors can pick up maps, local tips, and discounted attraction tickets at the Boulder Visitor Center on Pearl Street. Shuttles ferry passengers between Denver International Airport, downtown hotels, and the University of Colorado campus. Getting around is simple with public transportation, including buses, on-demand ride services, bike shares, and scenic trolleys.
The Visit Boulder website provides sample itineraries from day trips to week-long vacations. Travelers can get trail conditions and weather updates from the Open Space and Mountain Parks office to plan hikes. Family-friendly guides outline kid-approved activities while the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau website maps the city by neighborhood. Whether visiting for a weekend or a month, abundant resources help craft an unforgettable Boulder experience.
With a lively college-town vibe paired with natural splendor, Boulder entices visitors with its vibrant culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventure. Abundant lodging options make an escape to the Colorado Rockies easy, whether you seek four-star pampering or simple mountain charm. From hiking beneath the Flatirons to strolling the Pearl Street Mall and sampling local brews, Boulder promises stunning alpine vistas infused with authentic experiences.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Boulder?
Each season offers its own charms. Summer features farmers markets and outdoor concerts while fall’s golden foliage sets the stage for holiday festivities. Winter adventures include ice skating downtown and skiing in the mountains nearby.
What is there to do in Boulder when it rains?
Inclement weather brings the perfect chance to explore Boulder’s museums and downtown shops. Grab a craft beer at one of the city’s breweries and wait for the clouds to clear!
What is the easiest way to travel between downtown Boulder and Denver International Airport?
The AB bus route and various shuttles offer direct transportation between Boulder hotels and the Denver airport in about 45 minutes. Some hotels also provide complimentary shuttle service.
Are any attractions in Boulder good for toddlers?
The Children’s Museum features hands-on exhibits for kids under age six, while many area parks like the Boulder Reservoir have playgrounds suited for little ones. The Pearl Street Mall often has family-friendly street performers.
What hotels in Boulder are pet-friendly?
Many accommodations in Boulder welcome pets, though some may charge fees. Leading pet-friendly properties downtown include Hotel Boulderado, Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast, and Foot of the Mountain Motel.
