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Elegance And History In Hotel Boulderado – Boulder, Colorado
In the heart of the bustling Boulder, Colorado, downtown, the historic Hotel Boulderado has been a mainstay since 1909.
During my September 2014 trip to Colorado, I toured the elegant Victorian-style hotel. Starting in the hotel’s grand lobby, which has a remarkable stained-glass ceiling, I was impressed by the beautiful details that have been preserved over the decades.
The original stained-glass ceiling — created from cathedral glass and imported from Italy — was unfortunately damaged by heavy snowfall in 1959. In the 1970s, the current ceiling was installed to recapture the lobby’s original elegance and grandeur. Today, it’s a stunning backdrop for wedding photos and a highlight of the hotel lobby.
Another of the hotel’s impressively preserved features is the Otis elevator. No ordinary elevator, the operator-attended Otis is more than 100 years old and tweets via its own Twitter account.
Riding the elevator to the Boulderado’s upper floors, I toured several guest rooms and suites elegantly decorated with polished cherry wood furnishings and turn-of-the-century-style decor.
In the hallways, I spotted an antique radio, old-fashion trunks left by travelers, and other relics of the hotel’s storied past. The hotel also showcases its original safe behind the front desk and mosaic tiled floor throughout the lobby and Spruce’s dining room. Other noteworthy features include a beautiful wooden staircase and a functioning drinking fountain that piped fresh water from the city-owned Arapahoe Glacier [sic].
Dining at Hotel Boulderado
For wining and dining, Hotel Boulderado offers three options. If I lived in Boulder, you’d find me at Spruce for brunch and the “Two Buck Shuck” happy hour at the oyster bar. License No. 1, the basement speakeasy, would be my go-to spot for date night. When it’s warm, I bet I’d take full advantage of the Corner Bar’s patio, too.
Spruce Farm & Fish
As for Spruce, its seafood-and-farm menu features fresh ingredients from Colorado farmers and ranchers at reasonable prices for a quality dining experience. Entrees — like the Colorado Striped Bass Fish ‘n’ Chips and Blackberry Braised Pork Shank — range from $18 to $30 in price. For health-conscious diners, the menu includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and healthy options — even a delicious flourless chocolate cake for dessert!
License No. 1
License No. 1 is the Hotel Boulderado’s basement speakeasy. Its name refers to holding the first liquor license in Boulder. Interestingly, since Colorado has become a drinker’s destination, Boulder was once a dry city — both before and after Prohibition. In 1969, Boulder undid the ban on booze, and the Hotel Boulderado’s basement bar has been legally serving its patrons ever since.
Some things to note about License No. 1 include: happy hour runs from 5 to 7 p.m., the Hotel Boulderado has its own single-barrel Kentucky bourbon, and there is live music and/or DJs from Thrusday through Saturday.
The Corner Bar
At the corner of 13th and Spruce, the Corner Bar has been a happening gathering spot for the past 20 years among locals and travelers alike. On a sunny day, the patio is the place to be during happy hour.
Book Your Stay At Hotel Boulderado
When visiting Boulder, Hotel Boulderado is a wonderful option for travelers who prefer historic hotels, boutique accommodations, and a downtown location with shopping and dining in walking distance. Considered one of the best hotels in Boulder, the upscale Hotel Boulderado ranks No. 3 of Boulder hotels on TripAdvisor. With its proximity to Pearl Street Mall and modern amenities including free WiFi, air conditioning, and onsite parking, it’s easy to see why Hotel Boulderado is so highly rated by travelers.
- Check availability and rates now for Hotel Boulderado
Location: 2155 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
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Staying in a Victorian-Era hotel is not every traveler’s cup of tea. However, you should at least dine at Spruce or grab a drink at one of the Hotel Boulderado’s bars. While at Hotel Boulderado, take a sip of water from the old drinking fountain and take in the view of the cherry staircase, beautiful stained-glass ceiling, and detailed mosaic tile flooring.
Have you ever stayed in a historic hotel?
What a beautiful hotel – maybe if I ever decide to go to Colorado…..
I’ve never been to Boulder, but I have family in Castle Rock. I love how that menu used scrabble letters!!
This looks so incredibly awesome! I’ve never been to Boulder, but it’s on my list of places to see!
I’ve never visited Boulder, but it looks like a place I would love. I love modern, but staying at historic hotels gives a trips away an extra special feeling.
Wow what a neat place to visit. That hotel has so much personality and character!
Wow, this hotel is amazingly gorgeous! I’ve never been at a historic hotel but would love to stay at one!
Amazing review, Erin! What are your highlights of Colorado?
In 10 days I went to Denver, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, Boulder and Fort Collins. Highlights include taking the cog rial train to the top of Pikes Peak, touring the Olympic Training Center, driving through the Rockies, and exploring the dining and craft beer scenes.
I love historic hotels and am disappointed I missed this one when we visited Boulder. That chenille bedspread is cool. I remember when my mom had one of those.
Wow, it’s almost like stepping back in time! We love finding places like this to explore and enjoy – the history is a big part of a city’s charm. It’s been years since we’ve been in Boulder, but don’t remember the Boulderado at all! Obviously, we need to go check this out. 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #WeekendWanderlust!
Historic hotels are my favorites. If only walls could talk!! This is a beautiful property and not too big. Would love to stay one day.
Cool! Reminds me of the Historic Strater Hotel we stayed at in Durango. It was so old I thought for sure it’d be haunted but luckily no spooky sightings for us! #WeekendWanderlust
I really like places like this! They have a character that is difficult to emulate. I can’t believe the elevator has a Twitter account. That is so funny! My husband would love the oysters at Spruce. #WeekendWanderlust
WOW!! That place looks amazing. Like not just a hotel, but a whole experience. I love oysters, so I’d basically never see anything else but the hotel. Poor Boulder 😉
#WeekendWanderlust
I love Boulder! This looks like a fun place to stay…I’ll have to see if they are dog-friendly!
I just love that name — Boulderado. So catchy! The stain glass ceiling is spectacular, the rooms cozy and very attractive, too!
Very cute hotel. I loved the chenille bedspread, so old-fashioned but one of my faves. That ceiling…wow!
We recently did a drive through Colorado and just spent a few hours in Boulder. I’m sad we missed the Hotel Boulderado looks like a terrific hotel and a great place to get a bite and a beer too.
I have stayed at a few historic hotels in Chicago but never a victorian style. I love all the original touches they left in the hotel.
Wow. Gorgeous hotel! I recently traveled to Denver and Boulder for a work trip, it was my first time in Colorado and it’s so pretty there. 🙂