Embassy Suites Boulder and the Hilton Garden Inn recently opened in Boulder, Colorado to much applause. I was invited to experience the Opening Night Gala and spend the night at Embassy Suites last week. Both hotels have what I am calling a “Mountain Modern” interior design with a “Wild Side.”
The two hotel properties are joined underground by a parking garage and overground by a courtyard. The first thing I noticed about these hotels is that they are filled with light due to floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobbies and other areas. With Colorado’s many sunny days, I approve of architecture that invites sun rays into buildings.
The interior design of both hotels pays homage to Colorado’s scenery and wildlife, but in a refreshingly contemporary way – there’s nothing lodge-like about these interiors. In the lobby of Embassy Suites guests are greeted by a “waterfall” feature that sets the mood for this woodsy albeit modern hotel experience.
The nature theme flows throughout the two hotels with a variety of natural textures and water features. For instance, three round wooden “rocks” that serve as a small seating area in the Hilton lobby just beg to be touched.
The art has been carefully curated by NINE dot ARTS out of Denver, and lots of local artists have their works on display throughout the properties. From large floral prints to the slightly playful wallpaper in the Hilton’s guest rooms, it’s all been thoughtfully collected and displayed.
My absolute favorite art installation is located in the hallway at Embassy Suites between the lobby and Brickstone’s Kitchen & Bar, the hotel’s full-service restaurant.
It’s called “Morning Song 1-6” and it is a collection of transparent boxes on a wall. Each box holds a small video screen that shows a little songbird hopping around, a lavender waxwing finch to be exact. The best part? Birdsong fills the hallway. Through this art installation the natural world is invited into the hotel and as a bird nerd, I think it’s brilliant. Denver artist, David Zimmer was responsible for this inspired artwork.
While the artwork is worth stopping to study, the amenities at Embassy Suites include a heated rooftop pool, complimentary evening drinks and complimentary made-to-order breakfast (try a bacon and jalapeno omelet – it’s delicious).
As you may know, all rooms at an Embassy Suite are suites. I was in a fifth-floor king suite that features a living room area, large bathroom and bedroom that overlooked the pool area. The bed was super comfy and I actually liked the coffee in my room better than what was served at breakfast.
These hotels are located in a fantastic shopping area of Boulder, and it takes about five minutes to drive to the city’s famous walking district on Pearl Street. There’s easy access to Lyft and Uber in Boulder if you’d like to park your car and forget about it.
Whether you’re visiting Boulder on business or looking for a great vacation hotel with a pool for the kids or live in the area and need a staycation, be sure to check out these two new Boulder hotels.
Embassy Suites by Hilton, Boulder, Colorado
Hilton Garden Inn, Boulder, Colorado
I was not compensated for this post, but I did receive a complimentary one-night stay at Embassy Suites Boulder.
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Fun art!!! Seems the trend right now is to raise the bar on artistic presentation.