It’d be tragic to visit Boulder without visiting the mountains. The foothills are minutes away from downtown — or in your own backyard, if you pick the right place to stay.
Luckily, Boulder County has plenty of incredible hotels and B&Bs right in the mountains. In true Boulder style, they’re all locally owned too. Not a chain in sight.
When we’re craving some quality mountain time, here’s where we stay. These are the seven best hotels in Boulder County, in and near the mountains.
Ultimate Guide to Boulder’s Neighborhoods
This article is part of a larger series. To see all the articles in this Ultimate Guide, click here.
1. Alps Boulder Canyon Inn
38619 Boulder Canyon Drive, in the Boulder Canyon
Alps Boulder Canyon Inn is where to stay if you want nature and luxury in the same room. Award-winning Alps Boulder Canyon Inn puts you in the heart of the beautiful Boulder Canyon, a short walk to Boulder Creek with amenities like afternoon tea, gourmet breakfast, a concierge to help you plan outdoor excursions, fresh-baked cookies, evening desserts and spa amenities in-room.
Rooms are all different but may include a rain shower, marble whirlpool tub, a private porch, stained-glass windows and a fireplace. That sure beats a tent and sleeping on a rocky floor.
The great views come standard with every room.
Want more immersion in nature? Stroll through the outdoor garden located on the property.
2.Boulder Adventure Lodge
91 Fourmile Canyon Drive, up Fourmile Canyon
This is where to stay if you want easy mountain access for an active vacation up Fourmile Canyon. Boulder Adventure Lodge is all about getting outside and into nature.
In addition to rooms with a jetted tub, full kitchen, outdoor grill and even the option to rent a full cabin with a private yard, the lodge offers Pangea Organic soap products (that’s a local line) and is pet-friendly.
Best of all, the Adventure Lodge offers quick access to Boulder’s trails, as well as fishing, cycling and climbing. The philosophy here: access, adventure and amenities.
3. Foot of the Mountain Motel
200 W. Arapahoe Ave., in the foothills near the Eben G. Fine Park
As the name implies, this cabin-like motel is located right at the, well, foot of Flagstaff Mountain. It’s super close to Boulder Creek (great for hiking, biking, walking and tubing) and the popular family-friendly Eben G. Fine Park. Nearby mountain destinations include Mount Sanitas and Settler’s Park.
The motel has many outdoor activities, from volleyball to cornhole to an outdoor lawn for relaxing, but mountain-lovers will especially appreciate the trails that start right at the motel. When at the hotel, you will get 360-degree views of Boulder’s outdoor splendor; all rooms have windows on both sides of the building.
4. Chautauqua Park Cottages
900 Baseline Rd
Chautauqua Park is one of the most popular mountain destinations in the city of Boulder, and the cottages located in the park are among the best places to stay. You’ll get quick access to hiking trails (Chautauqua boasts more than 40 miles of them), splendid views and that relaxing mountain vibe that so many travelers crave.
Choose between different sizes (one, two or three bedrooms) and styles of cottages, some with a full kitchen and screened porch. All 58 cottages are different. You’ll see antique decor and fireplaces. No TVs or phones.
The cottages have a great history, too, dating way back to 1898. They were originally simple cabins for visitors participating in Chautauqua’s many cultural programs and have been renovated into charming cottages that are private, yet connected with the community.
5. WeeCasa
501 W Main St., Lyons
Stay here if you want a mountain vacation that’s simple, quirky and gosh darn adorable. Lyons, not far from Boulder and still in Boulder County, is home to a tiny hotel called the WeeCasa Tiny Home Resort. You can stay in a tiny home (yup, just like the reality TV shows) on the St. Vrain River tucked in the mountains that embrace Lyons.
There are more than 20 different tiny homes in the collection, ranging from 135 to 250 square feet in size. With such easy access to nature, you won’t need much more space, anyway. Walk to the park, which has its own mini zipline, volleyball court, picnic tables, grills and playground.
WeeCasa is the biggest small-house resort in the world.
6. Peaceful Valley Resort & Conference Center
475 Peaceful Valley Road, Lyons
Head to the small town of Lyons if you want to stay in the mountains and remain in Boulder County. Lyons has a variety of cabin and cottage options to choose from, including Peaceful Valley Resort. Guests here get access to hot tubs, an indoor pool and breakfast is included in your stay.
Outside, there is, of course, the mountains. The atmosphere here is serene, relaxed, cozy and comfortable and the views are jaw-dropping. Plus, there’s a picnic area, playground and a chapel on the hill that you can visit. Relax by the mountain stream or just listen to it bubble from your cabin. Go horseback riding or hiking. Nature will fully unwind you in this authentic mountain escape.
7. Stone Mountain Lodge and Cabins
18055 N. St. Vrain Drive, Lyons
Stone Mountain offers romantic cabins tucked into the red mountain cliffs of Lyons. It provides easy access to hiking trails to explore. There’s also free wifi, a pool, an adorable pond and grills to prepare food that you can take to the outdoor seating areas for a perfect picnic. The historic cabins are all different and may include a fireplace, full kitchen, vintage decor, jetted tubs and lofts.
Stone Mountain Lodge is popular for weddings, reunions and family getaways. It’s also pet-friendly.
