by Jayme Lamm

No matter how much I try to fight it, I just can’t say Hotel Boulderado without doing so to the tune of Don Henley. There’s just something so relaxing, classic and laidback – both about Henley’s music style and the Hotel Boulderado.

As much as I’ve traveled this past year, there are some places that are sadly underwhelming. Forgettable from almost every aspect. Perhaps it’s their choice in common names or just that the property wasn’t all that original, but Hotel Boulderado was none of those. And how could you forget such a name? The marketing geniuses behind naming this historic property strategically named it after “Boulder” and “Colorado” specifically so patrons wouldn’t forget. When a hotel name is also a viable and fitting
Facebook
photo album name, you know those marketing brains really paid off. Nicely done Boulderado.

Oddly enough, historic hotels are still new to me. The more I travel, the more I find myself yearning for the hometown feel these abodes create, each in their own city. Just a few weeks ago I visited one of the most historic hotels in all of the Midwest – The Pfister in Milwaukee and now, here I am in the grand stain-glassed lobby of the Hotel Boulderado – right in the midst of all the amazing Boulder eateries, drinkeries, biking and hiking paths along with everything else.

From the moment I stepped into the ornate lobby, I immediately noticed two things that just made me feel all warm and fuzzy. The first were the silver, gold and black balloons signaling the Hotel’s welcome back to University of Colorado – Boulder students. It reminded me of my first day of college, but my parents surely didn’t stay in a swanky piece of history while I lugged my Rubbermaid bins into my third-floor dorm like these kids. But that’s a different story. The second was the subtle yet enticing swing playlist emanating throughout the lobby. Swing and jazz inspired music isn’t something I’ll normally put on my iPod, but something about those vintage artifacts set to that music really made me want to do a little happy jig. Right there in the middle of the lobby.

The hotel boasts 160 individually decorated guest rooms and suites, so you could reasonably stay half a year and never see the same room and upholstery twice, unless of course you’re Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. Rumor has it they always request the same room (#507) every time they visit the wonderful land of Boulder just a few hours from their hometown of Aspen.

The hotel, the Victorian era décor, the history of ‘Otis the elevator’, the friendly and courteous staff – all were amazing and really drew out the historical aspects of the property. And so was
Q’s Restaurant, which graciously serves breakfast everyday until 2pm. For a breakfast maven like
myself, having this extended breakfast time is even better than finding out that ski sweater was actually 30% off, not 20%. The Boulderado also has a do-not-disturb hang tag that guests can set out the night before with their room service breakfast order inked out. Too good to be true? Luckily for Hotel Boulderado guests, it’s not.

I hope the Boulderado knows how much I miss it already. About to board a plane to my next stop in San Diego, but still happily singing the words of the famous
Don Henley:

Welcome to the hotel BOULDERADO
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the hotel BOULDERADO
Any time of year, you can find it here

Guest Services and Amenities Include
* Complimentary wireless Internet access
* 2 phone lines per room with guest voice messaging
* Complimentary local calls, toll free and calling card access
* Video account review and Express Check-out
* Lodgenet on-demand movies and Nintendo games
* Iron and ironing board in every room
* Coffee makers in every room
* Refrigerators in Suites & King, Classic King, & Deluxe rooms
* Turndown service in Suites and Classic King rooms
* ADA compliant and accessible rooms
* Complimentary health club passes to One Boulder Fitness
* Complimentary newspapers in the lobby Monday – Friday
* 24 hour complimentary Business Center
* Daily Room Service from 6:30am – 11:45pm
* Discount at Marianna’s L’Esthetique Medi Spa

Hotel Boulderado
2115 13th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
303.442.4344
info @ boulderado.com

Photo credit –Allison M. Fleetwood Jr