Hotel Snapshot
From the lawn of Boulder’s St. Julien Hotel & Spa, my view of the Flatirons, the chic college town’s remarkable rock formations, captures my attention. It’s much like the very same view from my childhood home a few streets away. I’ve always been mesmerized by those rocks. Millions of years old, they both anchor and symbolize the spirit of this feisty town, less than an hour from Denver. Looming toward the sky on the mountainside as nature’s collage, awash in reddish tones, they remind visitors that this is no ordinary town. It's a mecca of fitness, gastronomy, fresh air, and intellectual repartee.
Seeking to blend in architecturally, as all of Boulder’s best buildings do, locally-owned St. Julien Hotel is replete with terraces that frame Flatiron views with hues and angles that match the mountain. Sublimely located, the St. Julien sits downtown, walking distance from scores of restaurants and bars, the buzzy University of Colorado, and a vast network of hiking and bike paths. Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, this swish hotel uniquely possesses the gravitas and experience to welcome a new caliber of guests, those venturing to Boulder for the Sundance Film Festival, which moves from Park City to Boulder in January 2027. Boulder’s number one hotspot for luxury boutique hotel aficionados, the St. Julien hits the spot as an affable, lavishly casual, mountain-style, urban hotel.
Design and Character
Like Boulder, the hotel is upscale and classy, but understated and free from pretension. It’s contemporary without being trendy—extra points for its commitment as a Colorado green hotel, working toward the goal of zero waste.
The Rooms
Airy and sleek in spirit, the rooms are modern in decor, falling into a variety of categories. Be sure to request one with a mountain view. You’ll swoon over the signature Canyon Mint bathroom amenities.
Food & Drink
Book at Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro, the hotel’s all-day eatery for well-done American fare. A First Friday Vegan Lunch buffet draws a crowd once a month. In summer, special farm dinners on the lawn feel like the most luxurious party: T-Zero Lounge, the lobby bar, seats locals and guests alike for cocktails and casual bites. En plein air, Redgarden Terrace serves a lighter menu with Flatirons and mountain views. You’ll love the sunset.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The spa, a relaxing, 10,000-square-foot bolthole with street access, offers a range of treatments from deep tissue CBD massages to pedicures. Swim in the indoor lap pool or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness room.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Positioned just off Boulder’s famous Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian-friendly four-block extravaganza of shops, eateries and fun, the hotel is also near Chautauqua, a state park with a plethora of hiking trails. Try Boulder’s popular Michelin-starred restaurant, Frasca for a memorable meal.
Fast Facts
Location: Set in downtown Boulder, just off the Pearl Street Mall.
Rating: 5-Star, Five-Diamond
Room Count: 201 rooms and suites
Pricing: Starts at $500
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The location, the lawn with mountain views and the rooms with larger terraces that frame the Flatirons.
Dining: Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro, Redgarden Terrace and T-Zero Lounge.
Amenities: Classic five-star amenities, plus free shuttle for guests within a two-mile radius.
Airport: Denver International Airport (DIA).
