Boulder, Colorado, is known for its stunning red sandstone flatirons, the fun arts scene, and the vast number of outdoor activities. There is a seemingly endless schedule of events almost every time of year in Boulder. This small city feels more like a small town, and is known for being quirky and unique. When looking for places to stay in Boulder, visitors will find all the normal U.S. business hotel chains. Most of these are quite nice and similar to those you’ll find anywhere else. Wouldn’t it be nice to stay in a hotel, hostel, or cottage that’s as unique as Boulder is? Here are some of the most unique places to stay in Boulder, Colorado, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels.
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Unique Places to Stay in Boulder Highlights:
| 1. Best Overall Unique Boulder Hotel | Hotel Boulderado |
| 2. Best for Families, Groups, Hikers | Chautauqua Cottages |
| 3. Most Budget Friendly | A-Lodge Boulder |
| 4. Most Zen | Boulder Guest House |
| 5. Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts | Basecamp Boulder |
| 6. Most Luxurious and Best Views | St. Julien Hotel & Spa |
| 7. Most Peaceful and Personalized Experience | Bradley Boulder Inn |
| Book Your Hotels and Hostels | Booking.com |
| Book Your Vacation Rentals | VRBO.com |
1. Best Overall Unique Boulder Hotel: Hotel Boulderado
Staying at the Hotel Boulderado is like taking a step back in time, with its Victorian architecture and charming antique furnishings. Since opening its doors in 1909, this hotel has become a landmark. It features a unique stained glass canopy and an original Otis elevator that still operates. The Boulderado was heavily renovated in 2017, but the historical aspects were maintained. Rumor has it that the original rooms 302 and 304 have been visited by ghosts, so there is definitely some character at the hotel. It definitely fits the criteria for unique places to stay in Boulder.
Book your stay here: Hotel Boulderado
The Hotel Boulderado has a variety of food and drink options, including:
- Spruce Farm & Fish, and excellent farm to table restaurant
- The Corner Bar, a casual bar
- License One, a cocktail bar known for having one of the first liquor licenses after Boulder’s prohibition ended in 1967 (don’t miss this one even if you decide to stay somewhere else)
- Boxcar Coffee Bar, serving coffee, tea, and pastries
The hotel is a just a block from the Pearl’s Street Pedestrian Mall and the Boulder Theater. It is also a great spot to host meetings and events. Dogs are allowed in 1st floor rooms located on the first floor of the North Wing for an additional fee.
2. Best for Families, Groups, Hikers: Chautauqua Cottages
Located at the base of Boulder’s Flatirons, Chautauqua Cottages offer a peaceful retreat in one of the city’s most picturesque settings. These historic cottages range from cozy studios to spacious two-bedroom units, equipped with kitchens and comfortable living areas, making them ideal for longer stays. Groups can rent a number of cottages, giving people their own space, while having the whole group in close proximity of one another. Dogs are allowed in select cottages for an additional fee.
The cottages are right next door to Chautauqua Park, with its many hiking trails. The adjacent Chautauqua Auditorium hosts regular concerts and events. Last but not least, the Chautauqua Dining Hall offers meals with a beautiful view over the park.
Book your stay here: Chautauqua Cottages
3. Most Budget Friendly Lodging: A-Lodge Boulder
For the adventurous traveler, A-Lodge Boulder (Adventure Lodge) provides a unique hostel experience with options ranging from shared dorm rooms to a 3 bedroom cabin, and even 10’x10′ tent sites. Pets are allowed in select rooms (pet allergen free rooms also available on request). It is located just 2 miles from downtown Boulder, but it feels like you’re in a whole different world. To reach the A-Lodge Boulder, head up Boulder Canyon (by car, bus, bike, or on foot), and take a right at Four Mile Canyon. The A-Lodge’s entrance is just after the turn off.
Book your stay here: A-Lodge
The location makes this the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Boulder’s wilderness areas. The lodge also offers community events like movie nights and group hikes, fostering a social atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the slack-line park, pool and hot tub, and community room. As an added bonus, the lodge has its own connector to the Betasso Preserve
4. Most Zen Lodging: Boulder Guest House
The Boulder Guest House is a boutique style hotel attached to the Boulder Zen Center. Guests have free access to use of the meditation hall. Though it is right off Arapahoe Road, the gardens are peaceful and relaxing.
The location is ideal, just a 1 minute walk to the Boulder Creek Path and to Naropa University. Pearl Street is just a 10 minute walk from the property.
Book your stay here: Boulder Guest House
5. Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Basecamp Boulder
This is the hotel for outdoor lovers. Basecamp Boulder bills itself as an ‘outdoor adventure hotel and is just a stone’s throw from the city’s top hiking and biking trails. The hotel’s amenities are designed for those who love the outdoors. Some included amenities are:
- Ping pong table
- Climbing wall
- Fire pit
- Numerous communal outdoor area to relax, socialize with other guests, and enjoy the views
- Basecamp Café onsite for morning coffee and small bites
- Snarfburger is right next door to the hotel
The rooms are minimalist but clean and comfortable. The location and amenities are what makes this stand out from the crowd. Up to 2 dogs and cats are allowed per room for an additional fee.
Book your stay here: Basecamp Boulder
6. Most Luxurious and Best Views: The St. Julien Hotel & Spa
The St. Julien Hotel & Spa is the top luxury hotel in Boulder. It sits just a short distance from Pearl Street and Boulder Canyon. This hotel offers stunning views of the Flatirons and has top-notch amenities including a spa, a fine dining restaurant, and live music events. The St. Julien is not pet friendly unless it is a service animal. During the holiday season, don’t miss experiencing the Holiday Tea at the St. Julien.
The St. Julien’s dining options include:
- Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro: casually elegant restaurant
- T-Zero Lounge: drinks and entertainment
- The Terrace: Lunch and Happy Hours, as well as Brunch on the weekends
Book your stay here: St. Julien Hotel & Spa
7. Bradley Boulder Inn
The Bradley Boulder Inn stands out as a unique adults-only boutique hotel just one block from the Pearl Street pedestrian mall. The hotel has just 12 rooms and distinguishes itself by its blend of urban style and warm, home-like ambiance. Each room is beautifully appointed with local artwork and modern amenities.
Start your day with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel. After a day of exploring Boulder’s vibrant downtown, relax by the cozy fireplace and enjoy a complimentary evening wine. Pets are not permitted, though service dogs are welcome.
Book your stay here: Bradley Boulder Inn
Your Choice of Unique Places to Stay in Boulder
Each of these accommodations offers something unique, ensuring your stay in Boulder is as memorable as Boulder is. They are all well located to enjoy your day or days exploring Boulder. Select the hotel right for you, or browse additional hotels, vacation rentals, and camping options. If you have other suggestions to add to the list, please suggest them in the comments!
Visiting in Winter? Check out our helpful tips on Renting a Car in Colorado for Your Ski Trip!
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
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I had always heard great things about Colorado, but I was only considering Denver. Now I know to venture out and see other cities like Boulder.
Boulder is definitely worth a visit!
I love that you included a place for everyone to stay in Boulder, CO! It would be hard to beat the classic first choice, and as you said, it is the best all around. I would be keen to try the one for hiking or even the luxury one at the end as well. Now I want to go to Boulder.
Hope you can visit Boulder sometime and give these a try.
I would looove to spend some time with Boulder as a base – as the hiking in this area looks brilliant! 😀
I was most tempted by the zen of the Boulder guesthouse, but the Boulder basecamp looks amazing too! Really helpful post!
Thank you, hope you can visit one or both of these!
That’s a nice list of options! It would be hard to choose. I think my favorite would be a place with nice views, but it looks like there are several of those.
Boulder Guest House looks like such a beautiful place to unwind! Although I’d love to stay at any of these lovely places, thanks for sharing them!
Thank you for your feedback!
the Boulderaro’s lobby is EXQUISITE! 🤩🤩 it’s awesome they allow dogs in selected rooms too, i reckon many visit this area with their pets in tow.
The Boulderado’s lobby is amazing, I agree!
I love staying in unique hotels when I travel. Hotel Boulderado looks like a great place to stay.
The Boulderado is a great choice, with all of its history and unique features!
All these Boulder accommodations sound good, but, I love a good hotel with a view and spa, so would go for St. Julien.
The St. Julien is a wonderful choice for both views and the spa.
Love seeing the diversity in places to stay!!
St. Julien hotel looks perfect for a getaway!
St Julien hotel and spa looks like my kind of vibe, but wouldn’t mind a bit of luxury and ghost vibes at hotel Boulderado as well. I love the suggestions.
Thank you!
We really want to head to Boulder! The St Julien sounds amazing.
Hope you have a chance to visit Boulder (and try the St. Julien).
We stayed at the Hotel Boulderado and loved it!
Glad you enjoyed your stay there!
For some reason, whenever we look at travel spots in Colorado, I never think of Boulder. Will have to add these stays to our list and get planning!
Thanks, Boulder is definitely worth a visit!
I love Boulder! I’ve only taken a day trip here from Denver but next time I’ll have to stay! Great list!
Thanks!
I live for unique accommodations like this! These are great suggestions, I particularly love the Zen Center.
Thank you, I like the unique accommodations too.
Great info – I think it’s the outdoors option for me. Although I wouldn’t mind a bit of luxury too! To many options😅
There’s not really a bad choice in this list, whatever appeals to you at the time.
Wow! There are so many unique places to stay in Boulder Colorado! The views from St Julien look absolutely stunning!
The views are amazing there. Chautauqua also has stunning views when you walk about a block from the cottages.
I like all the varied options to stay in Boulder. I think I would probably;y stay at Hoptel Bolderado.
Thanks. Boulder is quite unique, as are its lodging choices. You can’t go wrong with the Boulderado.
Too many great options to choose from! Great post.
Thank you!
So many great places to stay! I really love the Zen lodging pick and the Boulderado Hotel, hope to visit Colorado soon!
There are plenty of great choices!
The Boulder Guest House looks so peaceful! I could definitely use a zen-inducing vacation!
It is such a great spot for a peaceful holiday.
Great variety of options! Every city should have a list of lodging options like this 🙂 I have yet to make it to Boulder, but have enjoyed other parts of CO.. adding it to the bucket list.
It’s a great spot to be on your bucket list!
Hmmm … rooming with ghosts? Intriguing!
There are a few hotels around with supposed guest sightings. The Boulderado and also the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.
Looks like such a good place!
Thanks!
I love that you have a table right on top showing what is best for families, peace, budget friendly etc.
Thank you!
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