The Historic Hotel Boulderado: Boulder’s Grand Icon Since 1909
Stepping into the Hotel Boulderado feels like stepping back in time. Located in the heart of downtown Boulder, this legendary landmark has been welcoming guests since New Year’s Day in 1909 and remains one of Colorado’s most storied and beloved hotels. Think the Brown Palace of Boulder.
A Name With a Purpose
The name “Boulderado” was chosen as a combination of Boulder and Colorado, a clever way of ensuring that visitors would always remember where they stayed. More than a century later, the name has become synonymous with elegance, history, and Boulder’s early roots as a growing mountain town.
Built to Put Boulder on the Map
At the turn of the 20th century, Boulder wanted to attract travelers, dignitaries, and wealthy tourists. Community leaders rallied to build a grand hotel—something impressive enough to put the city on the national stage.
The result was the five-story Hotel Boulderado, designed in a blend of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival architecture. When it opened on January 1, 1909, guests arrived in formal attire for a massive New Year’s celebration that echoed the spirit of a booming western town ready for the future.
A Lobby That Stops You in Your Tracks
One of the hotel’s most iconic features is its breathtaking lobby, crowned by a colorful stained-glass canopy that floods the space with natural light. The historic cherrywood staircase—original to 1909—winds upward beside a vintage Otis “birdcage” elevator, one of the oldest working elevators of its kind west of the Mississippi.
To this day, guests can ride in that elevator, operated by hand just as it was more than 100 years ago.
Ghost Stories and Local Lore
Like many historic hotels, the Boulderado comes with its share of ghost stories. Over the years, guests and staff have reported flickering lights, mysterious footsteps, and the occasional glimpse of a figure wandering the upper floors. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the hotel’s rich history certainly adds to the mystique.
A Hub for Boulder Life
Beyond its vintage charm, the Boulderado is still a major gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Its award-winning restaurants, speakeasy-style lounge, and proximity to Pearl Street make it a centerpiece of Boulder’s downtown experience.
The hotel continues to host weddings, events, university gatherings, and New Year’s Eve celebrations—keeping the tradition alive more than a century after it opened its doors.
Preserving the Past, Welcoming the Future
While the Hotel Boulderado has been updated with modern comforts and amenities, it has never lost its historic soul. Original design details remain throughout the building, carefully preserved to maintain the character that has defined it for generations.
More than just a place to stay, the Boulderado is a living museum—a reminder of Boulder’s early days and a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
