π Jump to:Best Places to Stay in Boulder | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ
Iβm a Colorado local with trustworthy recommendations on where to stay in Boulder, Colorado.
First-time visitors will likely want to book lodging in the downtown area. Itβs close to Boulderβs main attractions, including the University of Colorado Boulder. Itβs also home to some of the best hotels in Boulder.
However, there are several other great options nearby. This guide identifies the best places to stay in Boulder, CO β and who each area is most suited for. I also share insights on each neighborhoodβs top places to eat, drink, and more!
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7 Best Places to Stay in Boulder
Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Boulder, Colorado? Here are my top picks:
- π Best Overall Hotel β Hotel Boulderado
- πΈ Best Luxury Hotel β St. Julien Hotel & Spa
- πͺ Best for Families β Embassy Suites By Hilton Boulder
- π» Best for Business β Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Canyon Boulevard
- π¨ Best Boutique Hotel β Basecamp Boulder
- π Best Near The University β Boulder Marriott
- ποΈ Best Budget β Boulder University Inn
Thatβs the short answer, but letβs do a deep dive into the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Boulder:Β
Β 7 Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Stay in Boulder
I recommend staying in downtown Boulder if youβre a first-time visitor. Consider The Hill if youβre looking for places to stay in Boulder, Colorado that are near the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) campus. Surrounding regions are quieter and offer a more local experience.
The above map shows all of Boulderβs neighborhoods and might be helpful as you consider where to stay in Boulder.Β
Downtown Boulder
π Best Area For Tourists | β¨ Best Downtown Boulder Hotels: St. Julien Hotel & Spa β’ The Bradley Boulder Inn β’ Hotel Boulderado β’ Basecamp Boulder
First-time travelers will likely enjoy staying in downtown Boulder. This area is home to some of the best hotels in Boulder, including our top recommended stay: Hotel Boulderado. Guests praise its upscale amenities and historic quality, amplified by Victorian-style decor.
No matter where you stay in this neighborhood, Pearl Street Mall is nearby. The outdoor pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder stretches many blocks. Youβll be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops, plus a walking path along Boulder Creek. Youβll also find some of the best Boulder attractions for kids here.
The mall is the historic center of Boulder, with lots of beautiful buildings and views of the Flatirons looming in the distance. The downtown area is especially beautiful in spring when hundreds of tulips bloom all along the pedestrian streets of the mall.Β
Pros of Staying in Downtown Boulder:
- Near all the sightseeing and Boulder landmarks
- Pedestrian and bike-friendly
- Close to trendy bars, farm-to-table restaurants, and shopping
Con of Staying in Downtown Boulder:
- Hotels can be pricey, especially during peak travel periods
π Downtown Boulder Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for First-Time Visitors
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β St. Julien Hotel & Spa β’ The Bradley Boulder Inn β’ Hotel Boulderado β’ Basecamp Boulder
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Pearl Street Mall
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Frasca Food & Wine ($$$$), SALT ($$), The West End Tavern ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β The Bitter Bar,Pearl St. Pub & Cellar
ποΈ Top Attractions β Boulder Creek Bike Path, Boulder Theater
University Hill Neighborhood
π Best Area For Visiting CU Boulder | β¨ Best University Hill Hotels: Boulder University Inn β’ Boulder Guest House
University Hill is the best place to stay in Boulder, CO if youβre visiting a student at CU or going to watch the Buffs play at Folsom Field.
The college town neighborhood is close to CU and you can walk or bike to many of the places on campus. Just be aware: βThe Hillβ is an actual hill and you may need to stop and catch your breath while walking it!
In University Hill, I especially recommend Boulder University Inn for its affordable rates and prime location. Youβll be near the great dive bars and funky shops that always seem to surround college campuses. Be sure to grab a meal at The Sink, where Robert Redford once worked as a janitor before getting kicked out of CU.Β
Pros of Staying in the University Hill Neighborhood:
- Close to CU
- Lots of bars, restaurants, and shopping
Con of Staying in the University Hill Neighborhood:
- Parking is hard to find (and probably not free!)
π University Hill Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for College Visitors
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels βΒ Boulder University Inn β’ Boulder Guest House
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in University Hill
π½οΈ Where to Eat β The Sink ($$), Brasserie Boulder ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Taco Junky & Tequila Bar,Half Fast Subs On The Hill
ποΈ Top Attractions β CU Boulder, Fox Theater
Twenty Ninth Street
π Best Area For ShoppingΒ | β¨ Best Twenty Ninth St. Hotels: Embassy Suites By Hilton Boulder β’ Boulder Marriottβ’ Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Canyon Boulevard
Thereβs lots of shopping at Twenty Ninth Street β itβs an outdoor shopping mall district with brand-name stores. Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder would put you within walking distance of these amenities, as would our other top-recommend stays in this region.
Twenty Ninth Street isnβt far from CU or downtown Boulder, but it has a completely different vibe with its modern stores. In summer, there are outdoor concerts and live music. The area also has gorgeous views of the mountains beyond.
Pros of Staying in the Twenty Ninth St. Neighborhood:
- Lots of shopping
- Plenty of places to eat or grab coffee
Con of Staying in the Twenty Ninth St. Neighborhood:
- Lots of chain stores and restaurants
π Twenty Ninth St. Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Outdoor Shopping
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels βΒ Embassy Suites By Hilton BoulderΒ β’ Boulder Marriott β’ Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Canyon Boulevard
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Twenty Ninth St.
π½οΈ Where to Eat β BJβs Restaurant & Brewhouse ($$), Native Foods ($$), Verde Boulder ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Bluff Street Bar & Billiards,Outback Saloon
ποΈ Top Attractions β Twenty Ninth St Mall,Trader Joeβs
Chautauqua Neighborhood
π Best Area For Local Hiking | β¨ Best Chautauqua Area Hotels: Colorado Chautauqua Cottages β’ Foot of the Mountain Motel
Built in 1925, the Colorado Chautauqua is a National Historic Landmark that has cottages for rent, and you can eat at the delicious Chautauqua Dining Hall. The park originally hosted performances, concerts, and lectures, and still has concerts, films, and other events to this day.Β
Boulder hiking trails are abundant in this area. These include a hard, but rewarding hike up the Flatirons, offering amazing views of Boulder and the Rockies.
Pros of Staying in the Chautauqua Neighborhood:
- Lots of hiking
- Quieter and calmer than downtown
Con of Staying in the Chautauqua Neighborhood:
- Need to drive to get to most bars, restaurants, and shopping
π Chautauqua Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Outdoor Lovers
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Β Colorado Chautauqua Cottagesβ’ Foot of the Mountain Motel
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Chautauqua
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Chautauqua Dining Hall ($$), Flagstaff House Restaurant ($$$$), Black Cat ($$$$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Chautauqua Dining Hall
ποΈ Top Attractions β Chautauqua Park,Chautauqua Auditorium
South Boulder
π Best Area For ParksΒ | β¨ Best South Boulder Hotels: Homewood Suites by Hilton Boulder β’ Fairfield Inn & Suites Boulder
South Boulder is a calm, suburban area. Itβs the best area to stay in Boulder, CO for grassy outdoor parks. The Rocky Mountain foothills loom above the area, providing a beautiful backdrop for everything that goes on there!
Play disc golf at Harlow Platts Community Park, or walk around Viele Lake to get some fresh air. There are also several pubs and restaurants where you can grab a pint or get some lunch.
Pros of Staying in the South Boulder Neighborhood:
- Lots of outdoor parks and trails
- Quiet and laid back
Con of Staying in the South Boulder Neighborhood:
- Lacking the nightlife of downtown
π South Boulder Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Outdoor Parks & Trails
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Homewood Suites by Hilton Boulder β’ Fairfield Inn & Suites Boulder
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in South Boulder
π½οΈ Where to Eat β South Side Walnut Cafe ($$), Southern Sun Pub & Brewery ($$), Dark Horse ($)
πΈ Where to Drink β Southern Sun Pub & Brewery,Murphyβs South on Broadway
ποΈ Top Attractions β Harlow Platts Community Park,The US National Center for Atmospheric Research
North Boulder
π Best Area For Arts & BreweriesΒ | β¨ Best North Boulder Area Hotels: Comfort Inn & Suites Boulder
North Boulder is popular with young families, and trendy businesses like breweries and wineries are sprouting up in the area. This area used to be industrial, but is now being transformed by small businesses moving into the region, including several shops and restaurants.
Pros of Staying in the North Boulder Neighborhood:
- First Friday Art Walks showcase local artists
- Breweries, wineries, and small businesses
Con of Staying in the North Boulder Neighborhood:
- More suburban-feeling than Pearl or The Hill
π North Boulder Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Art And Craft Beer Lovers
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Comfort Inn & Suites Boulder
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in North Boulder
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Wapos ($), Dagabi Cucina ($$), Little Tibet ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Upslope Brewing,Settembre Cellars
ποΈ Top Attractions β First Friday Art Walk, Wonderland Lake
Gunbarrel
π Best Area For BreweriesΒ | β¨ Best Gunbarrel Hotels: Boulder Twin Lakes Inn β’ Hampton Inn & Suites Boulder North
Gunbarrel is known for its delicious craft beer scene. You can also check out Twin Lakes and the Boulder Reservoir, where you can ββboat, swim, fish, or walk along the loop trail.
Pros of Staying in the Gunbarrel Neighborhood:
- Lots of hiking & outdoor activities
- Several great breweries
Con of Staying in the Gunbarrel Neighborhood:
- Removed from downtown
π Gunbarrel Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Breweries & Hiking
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Β Boulder Twin Lakes Inn β’ Hampton Inn & Suites Boulder North
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Gunbarrel
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Sanchoβs Gunbarrel Mexican Restaurant ($), Protoβs Pizza ($$), Cafe Blue ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Gunbarrel Brewing Company, Avery Brewing Company
ποΈ Top Attractions β Twin Lakes, Valmont Bike Park
Tips for Staying in Boulder
Bring layers
Itβs a common joke in Colorado that if you donβt like the weather, just wait 15 minutes. During all four seasons here, you can get warm sun and cold breezes. In fact, it has snowed in every month of the year at some point here!
Layers are key for spending a day exploring Boulder and the surrounding areas. Thin, warm layers you can easily take on and off are going to make your exploring much more comfortable. And, of course, youβll want a backpack to carry them around!
𧳠Get Packing: Get ready for your trip to Boulder by downloading our Colorado packing list!
Always wear sunscreen
Cloudy days can trick everyone into forgetting to sunscreen up, but you can easily get burned on those days! If youβre here in winter, reflection from snow can make UV rays even more intense. Youβll definitely want a sunscreen formulated for your face, plus a sports sunscreen for the rest of your body!
You Can Go Hiking Right From Town
One of the wonderful things about Boulder is all of the many hiking trails close to Boulder. Several of the best ones donβt even require a rental car β the trail entrances are close enough to downtown that you can just go by foot!Β
Boulder is a Great Day Trip Base
With that said, if you do have a car, Boulder has very easy access to the mountain and makes a great base for exploring the nearby nature. Check out my guide to the best Boulder day trips for some ideas.Β
Denver and Boulder Have Very Different Vibes
If itβs your first time in Colorado, itβs definitely worth considering spending some part of your trip staying in Denver, too. There are many more hotels in Denver compared to Boulder to choose from.
For tips on what to do, eat, and more, check out our full Denver travel guide.
FAQs About Places to Stay in Boulder, Colorado
What is Boulder known for?
Boulder is known for its year-round outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and boating are popular in the warmer months. In winter, people snowshoe, cross-country ski, and visit world-class Colorado ski resorts.
Boulder is also known for its craft beer scene and for Pearl Street Mall, which has plenty of outdoor shopping and food.
Can you see the Rocky Mountains from Boulder?
You can definitely see the Rocky Mountains from Boulder! The Rockies are visible from Pearl Street Mall and many other parks and areas of the city.
If you want an even closer look at the mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park is just an hourβs drive from the city. You can drive more than 12,000 feet up into the mountains along Trail Ridge Road on your visit!
Do I need a car in Boulder?
You do not need a car in Boulder. If youβre planning to stay in the city itself, you can walk to many places youβll want to see. There are also great bike rental programs.
However, if you want to take a day to explore Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, or other areas outside of Boulder, you may want a car for that.
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Hopefully, this guide on where to stay in Boulder, CO has been helpful. Safe travels and enjoy exploring one of the best places to visit in Colorado!
-Abigail Bliss contributed to this post.