A Getaway To Boulder at The St Julien Hotel & Spa
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL SILVERMAN // BUSINESS & INNOVATION EDITOR
The nicest hotel in Boulder and one of the finest in the state certainly does not disappoint. The 201-room St Julien Hotel & Spa was the first new hotel built in downtown Boulder in over 100 years when it was finished in 2005 (the Boulderado was finished in 1909). Since then the hotel has become part of the bedrock of downtown Boulder, regularly hosting a wide variety of social and business events (it has tremendous conference and party facilities), while becoming the most desirable place to stay while passing through town.
The hotel has deep roots in the community - its name itself an homage to a more modest establishment from the early 1900s run by a Mrs. St. Julien. It was independently developed and continues to be independently owned by local investors who spared no expense to bring a world class facility to their community that balances luxury and a respect for its environment. Walking into the grand lobby, with its mix of rustic mountain influence and sleek modernism, immediately gives the guest a sense of alpine serenity.
Located on one of the most impressive parcels of land in downtown Boulder, the St Julien Hotel offers an unparalleled mixture of luxury, proximity, and stunning views of the iconic Flatiron Mountains. The St. Julien hotel is conveniently located on the West side of downtown Boulder, just off Boulder Canyon Drive. Despite only being between 35 and 45 minutes from downtown Denver or about an hour from the Denver Airport, the St Julien offers an escape that feels a world away, or if business brings you to Boulder, the ideal place to meet, greet, and find a refreshing place to work.
Waking up in a bed that feels like a cloud, staring out at the flatirons might sound like a dream, but at the St Julien this is how every morning can begin. Any great hotel worth its salt must focus on where their guests lie their heads at night and the sumptuous comfort begins (but does not end) here, with their four poster beds and custom mattresses. Every detail, from the linens and towels, to the bathroom amenities, well stocked mini fridge and electronics is conscientiously thought through. Their balcony rooms are worth the higher price as well, offering substantial outdoor lounge space with spectacular views. All rooms have been recently renovated and offer outstanding comfort and elegance.
The St Julien Spa offers a beautiful 10,000 square feet of space that includes 12 treatment rooms and a full-service salon. The salon offers nail, hair, makeup, and special event services as well as facials, massages, and anti-aging treatments. This is no ordinary menu of massages and treatments however, the spa is clearly committed to the cutting edge, offering services such as “Colorado Bliss CBD Treatments”, signature exfoliation scrubs, and hot stone massage. Many of their handcrafted treatments rely on the hotel’s own herb garden, and even their rooftop bee colony. All spa guests receive a day pass for the pool and fitness facilities.
The hotel offers a 50-foot indoor lap pool and nearby jacuzzi that looks out onto the expansive courtyard. Perfect for enjoying Colorado’s sunshine but being insulated from the unpredictable weather. The gym is nicely appointed with several treadmills, a spin bike, cable tower, and dumbbells going up to 60 lbs. If one wants more of an outdoor workout, the hotel offers bike rentals and can help facilitate a number of different options nearby.
The St. Julien is also the perfect place to host a conference, party, or family event with extensive facilities designed to create the perfect atmosphere of mountain elegance.
At the St Julien, the primary dining option is Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro. The restaurant offers an eclectic menu of both casual daytime fare, shared plates, and delicious fine dining options. They pride themselves on using local, farm-to-table ingredients, relying heavily on local producers whenever possible. While focusing on American classics, the menu offers exciting dishes with international flare as well like their Morroccan Roasted Vegetables with Harissa Spiced Rack of Lamb. There is something for everyone on this menu, whether looking for an indulgent meal or a light snack, it can cater to all diet types and appetites. Much of the menu was sampled and all of it was excellent. Jill’s offers an extensive wine and cocktail list, with a nice beer offering as well.
Also in the St Julien is the T-Zero Cocktail Bar and roughly 16,000 feet of indoor and outdoor lounge, meeting, and event space. In room dining is offered until 9pm based on the Jill's Restaurant menu.
With its location in downtown Boulder, across from the Boulder creek and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the options are endless. The hotel offers bikes to its guests to explore the nearly 100 miles of trails or the town itself. Pearl Street Mall offers exemplary shopping and activities for the whole family. The dining scene in Boulder is also exceptional, and one cannot throw a rock from the St Julien lobby without hitting several restaurants that are well worth enjoying.
Visitors should make a point of checking out the Boulder Farmers Market held nearby or go see the show at the historic Boulder Theater located just a few short blocks away on Pearl Street.
The University of Colorado at Boulder is of course conveniently located nearby with all the events and culture that the school brings to the area - the St Julien is the perfect place to stay if catching a sporting event, or visiting a loved one going to school here.
St Julien Hotel & Spa: @stjulienhotel // www.stjulien.com
Writer: @silvermangrams