Introducing the launch of a dual-hotel in Boulder, Colorado. Hotel-Scoop travel writer Diana Rowe took a little road trip to check into one of those two new hotels, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder, another hotel option in this busy college town.
Boulder is getting her big-girl panties on by adding new hotels and room inventory and setting the bar higher. The newest addition is a dual-hotel property and the concept is pretty cool, plus it’s also built on a busy corner near the Twenty Ninth Street restaurants, shopping and entertainment and walking distance to the University of Colorado. Say hello to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder, sister to the Hilton Garden Inn Boulder, a hotel duo that only just opened late in 2017.
Arriving in Boulder, Colorado
Since I live in the western suburbs of Denver, Boulder is a short drive for me, just 20 minutes, but for those traveling from Denver International Airport, expect a 40-minute drive (possibly more with traffic) and just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Yet definitely plan some time visiting this quirky city, which local call the “Republic of Boulder,” as it definitely dances to its own beat, providing people watching, independent boutiques, and tasty chef-driven restaurants.
Drive into Boulder on U.S. Route 36 heading toward Estes Park), and discover The Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder on the corner of 28th Street (Route 36) and Canyon. You can’t miss this block-long building with tall glass windows. (Hilton Garden Inn is the hotel bordering 28th Street.) Turn left onto Canyon and make your first right at the end of the building to the entrance of the hotel.
Although street parking is available, it is limited and a hassle, so I’d recommend underground Self-parking ($18.00) or Valet ($23.00), out of the elements of Colorado. I’ve used the valet twice now, and the staff is actually quite friendly and efficient.
Check In to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder
The reception and lobby area are very beautiful. Walk into the building and a water feature lines the wall to the left with the reception desk to the right with one community table, chairs, and lounging area also available. With a 3:00 pm check-in, we arrived just before 4:00 p.m., but after checking-in (and given our keys), unfortunately, we were told that our room was not yet ready.
The manager offered to purchase a cocktail at the bar and guided us in that direction. We left our luggage near the reception desk. After checking in with bartender and ordering our drink, the manager said she would contact us when our room was ready and arrange for our bags to be delivered.
Spend Some Time in the Lobby
Continue past the reception desk and the lobby opens up dramatically with those floor-to-ceiling glass walls, allowing the light from the almost-always-sunny Colorado shine through. Take time to lounge in this area, browse the local art, and just enjoy the view. The elevator to the room is around the corner from the reception desk to the left. Continue past the elevators and walk down a long hallway toward the restaurant and bar.
And yes, that is birds tweeting inside the hotel. Lined against the right wall are electronic “cages” with birds tweeting through speakers.
Accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder
After waiting over an hour at the hotel lounge, I finally returned to the front desk to check on our room, where our overnight duffle was still near the table. The receptionist (the one who called the manager) told me that our room had been ready for “quite some time.” She had forgotten to call us and had not arranged for our bags to be delivered — and now there was a line for check-in.
The all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder are chic, modern, and comfortable. We had a king size, with a separate living room, and large bathroom. There was also a sink and refrigerator. WiFi was complimentary and the signal strong.
The living area is spacious, and my hubby got comfortable to watch college basketball, while I set up my computer to get some work done.
The next morning, we did have some issues with our shower and TV. We tried multiple times to turn the shower on, and the TV stations were not working. Engineering arrived in our room within about 20 minutes, tinkered with the knob and got it to work. (Unfortunately, after he left, the shower turned on — but we couldn’t get it to shut off. ) He apologized profusely and explained that the hotel had opened less than two months ago, and they were still working out the kinks. The satellite TV wasn’t working as we had received a fresh snow the night before, so maintenance was on the roof cleaning off the satellite.
Dining Options at Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder
The hotel offers a complimentary and heart Cooked-to-Order-Breakfast (including eggs, meats, breads, waffles, pastries and more) as well as an evening reception. I’m a fan of the hosted evening receptions, and the one offered at this Boulder hotel is actually one of the best. Complimentary house wine and beer are offered at the bar, and the staff sets up a very nice appetizer station.
The on-site restaurant, Brickstones Kitchen and Bar, is at the same location as the breakfast and evening reception. It’s a full-service kitchen and bar — and gathering place. The menu includes burgers, flatbreads, salads, and more. The bartender/server recommended several dishes, including a lobster mac ‘n cheese, which was, honestly, the best I’ve ever tasted. The tomato soup was also fantastic, although the arugula grilled chicken salad was over-drenched with dressing. I did send it back, and we ordered another lobster mac ‘n cheese — yes, it was that good. What made this meal amazing was the bartender (and I’m bummed that I cannot remember her name!) as she was attentive and polite and suggested several excellent wine options.
Other Amenities at this hotel include a rooftop pool and two-story fitness center. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder also offers a large ballroom (largest in the city) and caters to meetings and business during the week, and leisure guests primarily on the weekend.
Room Rates start at $135 but increase dramatically when stays coincide with University of Colorado events. You can compare rates on Hotels.com, Expedia or other booking site.
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Photos courtesy of Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder and Diana Rowe. Accommodations and dining provided by Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder for the purposes of a review; opinions expressed are my own.
