Where to Stay in Boulder, Colorado: Best Areas and Hotels (2025)
Amber Everywhere contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Read my privacy policy for more information.
Wondering where to stay in Boulder, home of the University of Colorado, the majestic Flatirons, and quirky locals? Consider this your guide!
Located about 45 minutes from Denver, the comparably small city of Boulder was the most highly educated city per capita in the US in 2016. In Boulder, you’ll find plenty of small eateries and beautiful mountain views. The city is also full of great spots to walk, hike, and explore the outdoors.
I lived in Boulder, Colorado from 2015 to 2020, so this post includes many of my favorite things to do while I’m in the area. While I am familiar with many of the hotels on this list, I’ve always stayed with friends in Boulder. So, consider this list my overview of the places I would tell you to consider–at different price points–if you’d asked for my recommendations.
If you’d like to read my recommendations for hotels in the Denver area, I included them in a section in my post about where to stay during the National Western Stock Show.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Boulder, Colorado: Best areas and hotels
Central Boulder ($$$)
East Boulder ($$)
Near Boulder in Superior, Lafayette, or Louisville ($, $$)
FAQs about visiting Boulder, Colorado
Final thoughts: Where to Stay in Boulder, Colorado
Where to stay in Boulder, Colorado
When choosing where to stay in Boulder, you’ll first want to decide how central you’d like to be on your trip. Are you visiting the CU Boulder campus, so you want to stay close by? Are you in Boulder for a workcation and want to be near the best coworking spaces and cafes? Or, are you planning to explore the outdoors and hoping to stay somewhere with a great view?
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of great options in Boulder.
1. Central Boulder ($$$)
If you’re visiting Boulder to see Pearl Street and stay near the center of the action, you’ll probably want to choose a hotel that is a short walk from the main bars and restaurants. Full disclosure: neither of these hotels are really “budget” options, mostly because rental prices along Pearl Street are quite high.
If a hotel or rental just off of Pearl Street isn’t in your budget, you can find cheaper options by looking just east of the city center. I’ll cover this area in the “staying near the CU Boulder Campus” section, but know that those two locations are only a short drive apart.
Where to stay in Central Boulder
Pearl Street is a walking mall that runs east/west through the center of Boulder, starting around 9th Street and ending around 20th Street. Any hotel or rental property located within a several blocks of Pearl Street will feel very central. Just try not to go too far east of 20th Street because you’ll feel set back from the action.
📍Hotel Boulderado
The Hotel Boulderado is a local institution, known for its Victorian decor, fabulous location, and old fashioned, train station-style lobby.
This historic hotel is only a few steps from Pearl Street, so all of the restaurants and bars you might want to visit will be easily accessible. If you can, try to book a room with a view of the mountains or the Flatirons, for an added experience.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE HOTEL BOULDERADO
📍The Bradley Boulder Inn
If you’d like to stay along Pearl Street but you’d prefer more of a traditional Bed and Breakfast experience, consider the Bradley Boulder Inn.
It is a little more expensive than the Boulderado, but the Bradley Boulder Inn features a few more amenities, like a daily wine and cheese hour and a homemade breakfast each morning.
There’s nothing more essentially Boulder than supporting an independently owned boutique hotel!
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE BRADLEY BOULDER INN
📍Colorado Chautauqua Cottages
The Colorado Chautauqua Cottages are nestled just at the foot of the Flatirons, about a 30 minute walk or 8 minute drive from Pearl Street. What you give up in terms of a central location, you gain with your proximity to the Flatirons and the beautiful Chautauqua Park. From the Cottages, you can easily hike directly up the Flatirons to Royal Arch and Green Mountain.
These small cottages date back to the 1920s and feature fully functioning kitchens. They’re perfect for cooking your own meals while traveling.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE COLORADO CHAUTAUQUA COTTAGES
Best things to do near Pearl Street
Whether or not you stay on Pearl Street, you should absolutely make time to visit this iconic attraction in Boulder. You can spend a few hours wandering up and down Pearl Street, where there are plenty of interesting shops to visit, cafes to grab a small treat, and clothing stores selling mountain gear to match the Boulder aesthetic.
✔ Browse the Boulder Bookstore
✔ Have a pot of tea at the Dushanbe
✔ Shop for veggies at the Saturday morning farmer’s market
✔ Try some incredible chocolate treats from Piece, Love & Chocolate
✔ Eat brunch at Lucile’s Creole Cafe
2. East Boulder ($$)
If you’re looking to stay in Boulder but you’re on a budget, consider a hotel in east Boulder. Most of these hotels are corporate chains, so if you’re looking for a boutique option you’ll want to stay at one of the three options in the “central Boulder” category. You may also find rentals on Airbnb or VRBO, but I’m not including them in this post because the listings change very frequently.
You won’t find many things to do near your hotel in east Boulder, so plan to rent a car, use public transit, or rely on rideshare apps to get around. The good news is that Boulder is a small city, and you’ll be able to get from your hotel to Pearl Street easily and quickly. If you would like to also venture into the mountains, be sure that you have a car. Public transit within the Colorado Rockies is very limited and occasionally unreliable.
Where to stay in East Boulder
East Boulder is a general term for the areas of the city that are east of Broadway Road, including the 28th Street Mall.
📍Embassy Suites By Hilton Boulder
Located just a few steps from a WeWork location, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder is in a perfect spot in east Boulder. This hotel is just off of a footpath that leads to CU Boulder, and it’s across the street from the locally famous restaurant, The Buff. Some rooms feature a view of the Colorado Rockies. The hotel has an outdoor pool for anyone who doesn’t want to wade in the Boulder Creek during the summer months.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON BOULDER
📍Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder
The Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder is located at the intersection of Valmont Road and Foothills Parkway, a short drive from Pearl Street and the attractions at the 28th Street Mall. Most of the shops surrounding the Residence Inn are located in strip malls. Accordingly, this hotel is really only a good choice if you have a car or are happy enough to rely rideshares and/or public transit. For those traveling with a car, you’ll only be a quick 10 minute drive from the center of Pearl Street, and a 4 minute drive from Boulder’s Whole Foods Market.
Guests at the Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder love that each of the rooms come equipped with a kitchenette. The hotel also supplies a basic breakfast, which many guests enjoyed in their recent reviews. Pets are allowed.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT BOULDER
Best things to do in East Boulder
Although you’re really only a short drive from the activities in central Boulder, the eastern part of the city also has several attractions. I’m including a broad definition of eastern Boulder for the purposes of this post, so plan to drive to see the things on this list.
✔ Tour the University of Colorado Boulder campus
✔ Sip local brews at Avery Brewing Company
✔ Shop at REI, the best spot to find outdoor gear
✔ Grab a drink at Rayback Collective, a beer garden with a rotating selection of food trucks
✔ Walk the trails near the Baseline Reservoir (dogs allowed)
3. Near Boulder in Superior, Lafayette, or Louisville ($, $$)
If you have a car and are interested in saving a little bit of money, you may be able to do so by staying just outside of Boulder. Superior, Lafayette, and Louisville are all small cities whose residents often commute into work in Boulder. Therefore, you’ll find a lot of the same quirkiness amongst the locals but without the same high price tags.
📍Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Broomfield
The Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Broomfield hotel is conveniently located just off of US-36, the highway that connects Boulder and Denver. The address is technically in Louisville, but the building is really just a stone’s throw from the central shopping mall area of Superior.
From the Residence Inn, you’ll be able to quickly hop on the highway towards Boulder. Alternatively, you can head into the towns of Louisville and Lafayette to explore.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT BOULDER BROOMFIELD
📍Hampton Inn & Suites Lafayette
This hotel is located next to a hospital, and a short drive from the local attractions of Lafayette. Guests reported that they generally had positive experiences staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Lafayette. You’ll be about a 30 minute drive from Pearl Street in Boulder or downtown Denver, so factor that distance into your decision.
If you’d like to experience Lafayette for an evening, you’ll be a short drive from the center of town. There, you’ll find the Community Supper Club, a great restaurant that serves local fare, as well as The Post, famous for their chicken dinners and jalapeno mac and cheese.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE HAMPTON INN & SUITES LAFAYETTE
Best things to do near Boulder
Boulder is certainly the more well known destination. However, the longer I lived in the city, the more time I found myself spending in Lafayette and Louisville. There are some great restaurants in these smaller towns that have survived longer than their counterparts in Boulder, probably because they don’t have to contend with Boulder rents. You’ll also find a few true gems, like Acreage by Stem Ciders and Moxie Bread Company.
If we visited Boulder together, I would want to take you to Lafayette and Louisville to show you my favorite spots. They’re some of my fondest memories from staying in the area, and include many of the things I’ve missed most since moving abroad.
✔ Sip a chile guava cider at Acreage by Stem Ciders
✔ Eat an incredible pupusa at La Pupusa Loca (I know it’s poorly rated – just trust me)
✔ Try a pastry at Moxie Bread Company, arguably Colorado’s best bakery
✔ Take a Kaiut yoga class at Soul Tree Yoga, one of my favorite studios
✔ Fire off a few emails over coffee at OTIS Craft Collective
FAQs about visiting Boulder, Colorado
In this section, I’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Boulder, Colorado. I lived in Boulder for about 5 years, and I grew up in the suburbs of Denver, so my answers are based on my experiences and opinions as a local.
Is it better to stay in Boulder or Denver?
If given the choice between Boulder and Denver, I would choose Boulder every time. The city is much smaller, quirkier, and safer than its counterpart, and you’ll be up against the mountains for plenty of hiking and time outside. Boulder has a number of restaurants and a few music venues, but it is a much smaller city and therefore has fewer amenities.
You might prefer to stay in Denver if you like bigger cities, sporting events, or lots of commotion and activity. Boulder is a strategically small city, strictly limited in size by strict building and zoning codes. So, even the biggest and most active parts of Boulder will probably feel more like a large town than an urban center.
What is the main strip in Boulder?
The main strip in Boulder is Pearl Street, an open air mall that is closed to traffic in parts. All along the length of Pearl Street, you’ll find shops, restaurants, breweries, and, if the weather is nice, street performers. Pearl Street is very lively and eclectic, especially around major holidays and sporting events. If there is a parade route in Boulder, it will most likely travel straight down Pearl Street.
How many days should I spend in Boulder?
If you enjoy hiking, I would play to spend 2 to 4 days in Boulder. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to see Pearl Street, explore Boulder Creek, and hike some of the nearby trails like Sanitas and Royal Arch. For visitors with more time, check out the nearby areas of Lafayette, Louisville, and even the mountain town of Nederland. These towns are all about 30-45 minutes’ driving from Pearl Street.
Is Boulder a walkable city?
Overall, I would not consider Boulder to be a walkable city. Most people who live in Boulder rely on their cars and/or bicycles to get around. While Boulder is undoubtedly more walkable than Denver, you’ll still need a car unless you stay near Pearl Street and plan to keep to a small, central area of the city. There’s not really an easy way to get from Pearl Street to the 28th Street Mall on foot. If you don’t have a car, plan to rely on a bicycle, public transportation, or ridesharing apps.
As a point of contrast, I would consider Cork, Ireland (my current home) to be a walkable city, and I’d say the same about the larger cities of Paris and New York. For me, a walkable city is one where it is generally easier and more convenient to walk than it is to take a car. Walkable cities have sidewalks, a mix of shops and residential areas, and plenty of nice paths to travel through the city on foot.
Where is the cutest part of Boulder?
The cutest part of Boulder is the western end of Pearl Street, starting around Piece, Love and Chocolate and ending around Prana and ending around the tourist information yurt. This part of Boulder is full of some of the city’s most famous institutions, like the Trident Cafe, Ozo, and the Boulder Bookstore. Here, you’ll also find Boulder’s famous Take-n-Bake pizzeria, Nick-N-Willy’s Boulder.
Is downtown Boulder safe?
Yes, downtown Boulder is a very safe area, with limited crime and threats to public safety. As with any area, you’ll want to exercise normal precautions like locking your car and staying aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking near Boulder Creek after sunset, and beware of bears and mountain lions around dawn and dusk.
I consider Boulder to be much safer than Denver or Colorado Springs.
Do I need a car to visit Boulder?
In most circumstances, you will need a car to visit Boulder. The central area around Pearl Street is accessible by public transit from Denver and the Denver International Airport, but other areas in Boulder will be harder to reach. If you have the option, I would recommend renting a car for convenience and to be able to see as much of the city and surrounding area as possible.
If you do decide to visit Boulder without a car, be sure to stay within walking distance of Pearl Street for the best experience. Be prepared to walk or cycle fair distances, especially if you’d like to hike or explore the nearby mountains.
Is Boulder an expensive city?
Boulder is an expensive city to visit and live in. The prices in Boulder are driven up somewhat by the strict zoning laws, intended to keep the city from growing too quickly. Because of the high rent prices, especially around Pearl Street, you’ll find that restaurants and shops are also fairly expensive.
If you’re touring the US, the prices in Boulder will feel lower than, say, New York and San Francisco, but higher than what you’d see in many midwestern cities. The prices in Boulder are comparable to those in hip areas of Denver. For cheaper restaurants and additional options, consider the nearby cities of Louisville and Lafayette, about 20-30 minutes driving from Boulder.
Is Boulder or Fort Collins a better place to stay?
Between Boulder and Fort Collins, I would recommend that you stay in Boulder because it is more centrally located, has more options for dining and activities, and is easier to access from the airport. The adorable city of Fort Collins is located about 75 minutes from central Boulder, downtown Denver, and the Denver International Airport.
From Fort Collins, you will have access to the less crowded Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest, so it might be a better fit if that is the section of the Colorado Rockies that you would like to explore. However, if you’re hoping to see what life is like in Colorado, Boulder or Denver are probably going to be easier to navigate and have more to choose from.
What are the best souvenirs from Boulder?
Pearl Street is lined with souvenir shops, but my favorites are Liberty Puzzles and the Boulder Bookstore. At Liberty Puzzles, you can find handmade wooden jigsaw puzzles that feature iconic views of Boulder, as well as other designs with famous paintings, maps, or posters. I’ve given Liberty Puzzles as birthday presents, Christmas presents, and once as a thank you for someone who hosted me.
The Boulder Bookstore has lots of wonderful books, as you might expect of a bookshop in one of the most well educated towns in the United States. If you’d like to give something other than a book, check out their extensive selection of specialty chocolate bars. My favorites are Ritual and Dandelion, but there are lots of single origin bars to choose from.
Finally, chocolate truffles from Piece, Love, and Chocolate are almost always a hit. If I’m visiting friends from out of town and know that they won’t melt, I’ll usually pick up a box of 4 or 6 truffles to share. My favorites are the dark chocolate salted liquid caramels, the dark chocolate ganache, and the champagne truffles (which have little bits of pop rock in them to create a ‘fizz’ effect).
Final thoughts: Where to Stay in Boulder, Colorado
If you’re choosing where to stay in Boulder, Colorado, I hope this list of the best hotels and areas is helpful. Boulder is a wonderful place to visit and live. It is also full of some of the smartest, kindest, and quirkiest people I know. Explore the city with an open mind, and make some time to hike and explore the great outdoors.
Whether you choose a cozy and central spot in the middle of the action in Boulder, or you opt for a more affordable corporate hotel in east Boulder or a nearby city, be sure to spend some time exploring Pearl Street. If you can, try to catch the Saturday Farmer’s Market, and always check the area along the creek for festivals or events over the weekend. Most of all, enjoy your time in Boulder!
Was this helpful?