Historic Hotel Boulderado

Playground Earth | Boulder | Boulderado Hotel

BOULDER

Colorado | USA

Take a step back in time, as we did last October, and experience some of the glory of Boulder’s Victorian past with all the modern amenities.

The Historic Hotel Boulderado celebrated its opening in 1908 to great fanfare with an elegant, and well attended, New Year’s Eve Gala Ball. The hotel officially opened to guests on New Year’s Day 1909 making it Boulders first luxury hotel and an instant success which continues to the present day.

The aim of the hotel’s architects was to emulate the vast, open court style of the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and Denver’s Brown Palace. In accomplishing their goal the architects placed Hotel Boulderado in noteworthy company with some of the finest hotels in the west at the time. Situated in the heart of Boulder the hotel quickly became known as the “go to” gathering spot for locals.

The hotel officially opened to guests on New Year’s Day 1909 making it Boulders first luxury hotel and an instant success which continues to the present day.

Playground Earth | Hotel Review | Boulderado
Playground Earth | Hotel Review | Boulderado

Hotel Boulderado is located near the center of town at 2115 13th. Street. It is a short walk to the Pearl Street Mall known for its many shops, galleries and entertainment venues along with dozens of great dining options. The hotel is also close to great hiking, climbing, and mountain biking trails, many of which are just a short drive from town. There are even several trails close to town that do not require a car to access.

If a trip to Denver is on your agenda it is a short 45 minute drive from Boulder and makes for a perfect day trip to visit museums, the Denver Public Library or the world-class Denver Botanical Gardens. The 100-year-old Union Station in the LoDo neighborhood, with its European inspired indoor/outdoor cafe scene, is a great place to relax, people watch and dine.

The moment you step out of your car at the valet drop off you are greeted by a friendly group of young men and women eager to assist with all your gear. The story inside is much the same, with whoever is staffing the check-in desk sharing a similar spirit of congeniality and helpfulness. That same good vibe continues with the bar, restaurant and event staff as well as the numerous housekeepers.

When it comes to guest services the excellent staff of the hotel score high marks. Need an extra pillow…check. Want to dine comfortably in the privacy of your room…no problem. And, if you are looking for advice on the best hiking or mountain biking trails in the surrounding area they are more than happy to point you in the right direction.

The story inside is much the same, with whoever is staffing the check-in desk sharing a similar spirit of congeniality and helpfulness

Hotel Exterior | Historic Hotel Boulderado
Boulderado Hotel Exterior

From the magnificent high ceilinged, stained glass atrium lobby and the License No. 1 Liquor Bar located in the basement to the 3 great restaurants there is much to keep you entertained, and well fed, during your stay. Should you need a cool drink of water the ornate wall fountain tucked away in the southwest corner of the lobby is still providing water from the Arapahoe Glacier as it has done since the hotel opened.

The hotel’s reputation as the “the beating heart of Boulder” continues to attract locals as well as travelers from around the world. To this day it steadfastly embodies, and embraces, the charming and quirky character of its hometown. The location, history and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains along with the lively cultural scene all place Hotel Boulderado at the epicenter of Boulders diverse downtown district.

Locals and travelers alike have long known that Boulder is a great town that offers up something for anyone interested in culture, food, the arts and of course…the great outdoors.

So, the next time you are in Boulder experience for yourself the great ambiance and hospitality at the landmark Hotel Boulderado where your stay is sure to be a memorable one.