This historic property was the first luxury hotel built in Boulder. The name comes from a combination of Boulder and Colorado, designed so guests would always remember where they had stayed. Thanks to being a part of Boulder’s rich culture, Hotel Boulderado is a City of Boulder landmark, proud members of Historic Hotels of America, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The hotel opened it’s doors in true elegance and style with a Gala Ball on New Year’s Eve in 1908. The first guests began arriving on New Year’s Day in 1909. Since then, the hotel has celebrated it’s original grand opening each year with a majestic New Year’s Eve celebration.
Designed by local architects, William Redding & Son, the five-story brick building incorporates both Italian Renaissance and Spanish Revival architectural styles. It follows a trend of open-court hotels started by the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and carried over to Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel, built-in 1892. In 2018, Hotel Boulderado was awarded Best Renovation Project from Colorado Meetings + Events as a result of the extensive updates completed in the lobby and mezzanine spaces.
Early guests included conservationist Enos Mills, actress Ethel Barrymore, actor Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and evangelist Billy Sunday. Some who followed were Clarence Darrow, Helen Keller, Robert Frost, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong, as well as a generous representation of today’s political figures, speakers, entertainers, and musicians.
Whether it’s experiencing the luxury of the hotel’s rooms and suites, enjoying dinner and drinks at the in-house restaurants or bars, or riding the original Otis Elevator that is still in operation today, guests are always welcome at Hotel Boulderado.