For visitors, the Boulder University Inn provides a home base to experience it all, with its prime location adjacent to campus and proximity to both outdoor adventures and urban attractions.
In This Article
This article explores why the Boulder University Inn is an ideal launchpad for travelers, including families, businesspeople, eco-tourists, and thrill-seekers alike. It covers the inn’s amenities, details notable nearby hotels, highlights authentic local experiences, and outlines the breadth of activities accessible from this accommodating hub.
TL;DR
- The Boulder University Inn's location next to the University of Colorado Boulder campus allows easy access to both natural and urban attractions.
- Nearby boutique hotels in historic districts offer unique, charming stays with local flavor.
- Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless adventures in hiking, biking, climbing, and winter sports right out of the inn's doorway.
- Family-friendly amenities, free Wi-Fi, event venues, and special packages make the inn suitable for all types of travelers.
Destination Overview
Boulder balances big-city conveniences with small-town charm, all surrounded by incredible natural beauty. It provides something for everyone – a thriving arts scene, farm-to-table cuisine, an entrepreneurial spirit, historic architecture, and 300 days of sunshine fueling endless outdoor recreation.
If you’re researching Boulder hotels for an upcoming visit, you may wish to check out The Boulder University Inn. The Boulder University Inn puts visitors steps away from the iconic University of Colorado and its dynamic college-town vibe. Guests can explore nearby attractions like the Pearl Street Mall pedestrian district, which is filled with restaurants, shops, and street performers.
Perfectly situated near downtown Boulder, Colorado, the Boulder University Inn offers guests a prime location just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant hub of the city. With its close proximity to downtown, guests can easily explore the diverse array of shops, dining options, and attractions like the Boulder Theater that this bustling area has to offer.
Just beyond town lie the Flatirons rock formations, striking sandstone cliffs that beckon hikers and climbers. And the Rocky Mountain National Park is only 45 minutes away. The inn makes all these public areas and experiences easily accessible.
Local Experiences and Culture
From farmers’ markets to music festivals, Boulder overflows with authentic local traditions. The Boulder Creek cuts through town, with bike paths tracing its banks – rent a bicycle from the university inn to join locals cruising to nearby microbreweries. Or take a hike up Mount Sanitas to soak in panoramic Boulder views and chat with fellow nature lovers along the way.
Year-round events include art walks, foodie celebrations like Restaurant Week, university sports showcasing future Olympians, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. In winter, bundle up for the downtown holiday parade and lively Pearl Street strolls.
The University Inn also connects visitors to the CU Boulder community through campus tours and access to many university facilities. Guests can attend a concert, lecture, or athletic event to discover the student culture.
Some great local attractions to visit are:
- Fox Theater
- Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
- Boulder Public Library
- Arapahoe Ave
- Boulder Museum
- Pearl Street Mall
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Accommodations and Amenities
From budget motels to luxury resorts, Boulder offers diverse lodging options and room amenities. The Boulder University Inn provides contemporary rooms and suites with scenic views. Amenities include free WiFi, free parking for guests, bike rentals, a 24-hour fitness studio, a heated pool, guest laundry, electric car charging stations, pet-friendly rooms, and a complimentary continental breakfast. It also houses a restaurant and pub, plus 5,000 square feet of meeting space.
Nearby boutique hotels provide local flavor. Downtown’s historic Boulderado Hotel has hosted luminaries like Theodore Roosevelt, while the Foot of the Mountain Motel offers a retro vibe minutes from the university inn. Charming bed and breakfasts dot the neighborhoods near campus.
New, larger hotels are also adding amenities. The Hilton Garden Inn by the university entrance boasts scenic views, an indoor saltwater pool, and a free shuttle service around Boulder.
Outdoor and Adventure Activities
With trailheads near the university inn’s doorstep, the outdoor options are endless here. Test your stamina hiking the Flatirons or challenge yourself to climb one – then reward sore muscles back at the inn with a massage or soak in the hot tub. Rent a bike on-site and cruise to celeb-favored eateries along Boulder Creek.
In winter, scenic Chautauqua Park transforms into a Nordic wonderland, with snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. Or drive 45 minutes to Eldora Mountain Resort to downhill ski and snowboard. The inn’s location allows easy access to year-round mountain adventures.
Families will find plenty to do as well – from hands-on science experiments at the university’s Museum of Natural History to an old-fashioned carousel ride downtown. Or explore the celestially-themed Dinosaur Park playground and go dinosaur-spotting on Flatirons hikes.
Family and Business Travel
With its proximity to campus and wealth of services, the Boulder University Inn welcomes both family vacations and business travel. Families will appreciate the saltwater pool, games in the Fun Center arcade, and indoor/outdoor seating for meals. One-bedroom suites feature full kitchens, with grocery stores within walking distance. Cribs and rollaway beds are available on request.
For business travelers, the inn offers 5,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, audiovisual equipment rental, catering services, and a 24-hour business center. Event planners can also coordinate academic retreats and conferences at CU Boulder facilities. The inn is about 45 minutes from The Denver International Airport, making it an ideal destination for both large and small groups. Its location also allows visitors to network with university faculty and budding entrepreneurs.
Special Offers and Deals
The university inn provides exclusive packages tailored for families, groups, business travelers and couples. Current deals offer discounted room rates for multi-night stays or waived pet, parking and resort fees. Packages bundle amenities like breakfast vouchers for the on-site restaurant, bike rentals and brewery tours.
Potential guests can also sign up for the inn’s email newsletter to receive seasonal promotions. Recent offers have included 15% off winter stays, a “stay and play” golf package with green fees, and discounts for early registration for university sporting events.
Savvy travelers can maximize value through free enrollment in the inn’s rewards program. Guests earn points with each stay, which translates to perks like room upgrades, dining certificates, spa discounts, and late checkouts.
Sustainability and Accessibility
With Boulder’s eco-conscious culture, sustainable tourism is a priority for local hotels like the Boulder University Inn. Initiatives include low-flow plumbing, key card-activated lighting, waste reduction programs and green cleaning products. The on-site restaurant sources ingredients locally, while the inn’s rooftop beehives produce honey.
Accessibility features ensure the facilities can accommodate all guests. The inn offers ADA-compliant rooms, building access ramps, elevators to all floors, and pools with chair lifts. Service animals are welcome, and the inn can arrange for mobility equipment rentals if needed. With its commitment to sustainability and accessibility, the Boulder University Inn delivers conscience-free comfort.
Location and Convenience
Set on University Hill near the CU Boulder’s east entrance, the inn enjoys a prime location to experience Boulder by foot. The campus borders sit just across Broadway, while downtown Pearl Street is less than a mile away. Shops and conveniences like pharmacies, grocers and coffee shops surround the hotel.
With on-site parking and charging stations, road-trippers can easily use the inn as their base camp to explore the Rockies by car. And its location between Denver International Airport and Rocky Mountain National Park makes accessing both a breeze. The hotel also runs a 24-hour shuttle to the Boulder Municipal Airport just 6 miles away.
So whether visiting kids at CU Boulder, getting back to nature, or conducting business, the Boulder University Inn offers unmatched proximity. Guests can balance urban amenities with natural splendor, all from this conveniently located home base.
FAQ
How do I get the best rates at the Boulder University Inn?
Sign up for email promotions, book directly through their website, stay multiple nights, or enroll in the rewards program for exclusive discounted rates and other perks.
What is there to do downtown near the University Inn?
Popular downtown attractions accessible from the inn include the Pearl Street pedestrian mall with street performers and eclectic shops, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, historical tours, brewery tastings, and diverse restaurants and cafes.
What types of bicycles are available to rent at the Boulder University Inn?
The inn offers a full-service bike rental shop on-site, stocked with cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes, and tandem bicycles for guests to use and explore Boulder by bike.
Does the Boulder University Inn offer an airport shuttle?
Yes, the inn provides a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the nearby Boulder Municipal Airport, just 6 miles away.
What business amenities are available at the Boulder University Inn?
Business travelers will appreciate amenities, including a 24-hour business center, audiovisual equipment rental, 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, catering services, and special corporate rates.
Is the Boulder University Inn pet-friendly?
Yes, the inn warmly welcomes pets for an added fee. The grounds feature a designated pet exercise area. Certain pet-friendly guest rooms are also available.
What accessibility features does the Boulder University Inn offer?
The inn strives to accommodate all guests with ADA-compliant rooms, building access ramps, elevators reaching all floors, and more. The staff can also help arrange additional amenities like mobility equipment rentals.
