Boulder is known for its breathtaking hikes, local beer, historic charm and vibrant downtown scene. Conquering the iconic Flatiron hike at Chautauqua Park, strolling through the Pearl Street shopping district, driving through the scenic neighborhood side roads (fall foliage eye candy!), and enjoying the oddly familiar feeling of small-town charm are just a few highlights from our time spent in Boulder. While we explored America’s Happiest City (National Geographic award in 2017!) , we were delighted to stay in one of the most beautiful Historic Hotels of America: Hotel Boulderado. Here’s my review of the vintage luxury experience at Hotel Boulderado.
At A Glance:
📍 2115 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302
📞 (303) 442-4344
🌐 https://www.boulderado.com/
💲 Price Per Night: $139 – 200
Also be sure to check out the free Safecation Travel Guide for a detailed pandemic packing list for your next Getaway!
Historic Charm and Elegance
Having opened as the first luxury hotel in Boulder in 1909, the Hotel Boulderado has been offering guests elegant views and Victorian-style class for more than a century! And from the moment you enter the hotel, you can certainly tell – the stained glass ceilings, the grand staircase, the original Otis elevator (it still requires a live operator!), and the vintage artifacts peppered throughout the hotel allow you to step back into the past. Who said time travel wasn’t real?
Riding the original Otis elevator up to the fourth floor, the photo-laden corridors open into a self-guided history tour with relics of the hotel’s historic story. Old wardrobes, the original hotel furnaces, vintage women’s accessories, and an antique radio are just a few of the heirlooms bringing the property’s former self to life right before your eyes!
The Rooms
The hotel has over 160 rooms, with two different styles that guests can choose. In the main area of the hotel, traditional Victorian-style suites maintain the original style and charm of the historic hotel. Just across the “Skywalk” hallway which connects to the hotel’s other end, are the Modern Mountain rooms, offering more contemporary décor and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Of course, I’m a sucker for some mountain views and modern chic, so we opted for the Modern Mountain room which was absolutely PERFECT. A soft and comfy bed (ask my boyfriend, he knocked out literally minutes after we walked in), plushy robes in the closet, a brightly-lit bathroom with pristine granite countertops, and views that could *never* get old. Oddly enough, one of my favorite things about the room was the shower. I never wanted to get out. I could melt in there all day.
Dining at Hotel Boulderado
Now of course, I couldn’t leave food out of this review of Hotel Boulderado. It’s one of my favorite topics! If you’re looking to wine and dine in style, there are two restaurant options ready to welcome you with great drinks, food, and service!
Spruce Farm and Fish offers new American cuisine and fine wines, offering everything from daily brunch plates to dinner specials such as the prime rib (pictured below!). The enclosed porch and polished dining room offers an intimate dining experience, and the atmosphere is elevated yet somehow relaxed at the same time.
I ordered a delicious tender house-smoked prime rib served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. My boyfriend ordered a Verlasso Salmon Sandwich with red onion marmalade, baby spinach, horseradish aioli, alongside some truffle fries which was also tasty. Although the food was definitely a highlight of the evening, the stellar service really completed the entire experience. And how could I forget whiskey o’clock starring a Burnt Old Fashioned? It’s 3-day aged cherry infused bourbon with a grilled orange, and a sprinkle of turbinado for some sweetness on top!
If a pretty patio, perfectly-poured martini, and quick late-night bite sounds like your style, the hotel also features The Corner Bar right on the opposite side from Spruce Farm & Fish. Antique woodwork, plank flooring, high ceilings, and a bustling crowd add charm and flair to this perfect moody spot. We stopped here for a glass of wine after wandering Pearl Street, which was the perfect end to the perfect day in Boulder.
Side note: My boyfriend and I have a tradition of visiting speakeasies on all our trips. Hotel Boulderado has a basement speakeasy called License No. 1, but it’s currently closed due to COVID (last updated: 10/28/2020)
The Details
All in all, our stay at Hotel Boulderado went by way too quick, as we were only there one night before heading to Golden! The beautiful hotel is so historic, charming, and truly transports you back in time with its original architecture and relics. It’s perfect for a modern traveler with an appreciation for history, sweeping views, convenient dining, and a luxury experience. It’s no mystery that its been open for decades – it’s a unique experience!
Summary:
Hotel Dining:
Spruce Farm & Fish
The Corner Bar
License No. 1 (temporarily closed)
Hotel Amenities:
24-hour front desk
Pet friendly ($100 non-refundable fee applies)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Valet Parking ($25/day)
Bell Service
Concierge Services
Local hotel shuttle
Same day laundry & dry cleaning
ATM
Free history tours
Complimentary newspaper
Fresh flowers & chocolates
Exclusive specials at Marianna’s Aesthetics & Spa
Nearby:
Boulder Flatirons (Chautauqua Park)
Pearl Street Mall
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery
**Disclaimer: This review was created in collaboration with Hotel Boulderado. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed above are 100% my own – I wouldn’t have it any other way!**
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