The Populus stands tall with its bold and dramatic architecture, right in downtown Denver near the state’s gold-domed capitol building. Sitting on a triangular block, its entrance faces 14th Street and West Colfax Avenue. Whether you’re taking in the city lights of the Golden Triangle Creative District or admiring the picturesque Rocky Mountains from the upper levels, this hotel provides much more than its creative look and panoramic views.
Style and sustainability combined? That’s Populus! The hotel boasts rooms in a variety of layouts, and each one has been thoughtfully created for comfort and style. They’re decorated in soft neutral tones, filled with natural light for a bright, airy feel and feature distinctively shaped windows. The entire hotel is made from sustainable materials, and they even have an on-site biodigester that composts 100 percent of their food waste. Plus, it’s the first carbon-positive hotel in America. How cool is that?
Aside from its unique structure? Populus takes its love for nature to the next level with the One Night, One Tree initiative — a commitment that’s exactly what it sounds like. As part of a partnership with the National Forest Foundation, Populus plants a tree for every night you stay. So you can relax and enjoy your visit with the satisfaction of knowing your booking contributed to making the planet a little greener.
Populus draws inspiration from Colorado’s iconic aspen tree, bringing its spirit to life with an exterior aesthetic that cleverly mimics the trees' straight, slender trunks and distinctive white bark marked by dark streaks. It’s like a piece of nature has left its signature right in Denver.
If rooftop dining is your thing, you’re in for a treat! Stellar Jay, one of three restaurants at Populus, offers an unforgettable and delicious experience. Past menus have featured delectable dishes like flame-seared bison and venison skewers, juicy Berkshire pork collar and velvety roasted beets. With its live-fire cooking and nature-inspired menu showcasing wild game, seafood and seasonal produce, it’s the ideal spot for a dinner date. Add stunning views of the city lights, and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect evening! Stellar Jay also prioritizes sustainability, focusing on reducing food waste and leaving a lighter carbon footprint. Just be sure to plan ahead and snag a reservation.
With its unconventional exterior and interior appearance, everything about Populus is quirky. But if we had to pick the quirkiest feature of all, the hammock windows definitely take the cake. Found in rooms like the Hammock Queen and some Populus Deluxe King rooms, these aspen-eye-inspired structures are a unique touch. They’re the perfect spot to curl up with a good book or simply gaze at the city settling down for the night.
The Mountain Studio Suite offers outstanding views of Denver and rugged peak-strewn vistas. It includes a luxurious king-sized bed, a spa-like rainfall shower, a minibar with a refrigerator, a spacious sitting area and other amenities to enhance your stay. Surrounded by windows on all sides, the suite is bathed in natural light throughout the day. It’s the hotel’s largest room and, like the others, features a modern, minimalist arrangement with earthy tones that makes it hard to leave.
“This hotel is stunning! It's like Colorado meets LA all in one. The decor, the comfort, the quietness of the rooms and the views are amazing! The rooftop is a vibe, the breakfast menu downstairs was tasty, and the small coffee shop was a perk. We loved our stay here and will definitely be back.” — Angie R., Tripadvisor
This part of Denver really has something for everyone. Gather your family or friends for a stroll to walkable spots like the 16th Street Mall, where you can shop for clothing at stores like H&M or pick up souvenirs and gifts at the I Heart Denver Store.
If you're hungry, head to Blue Agave Grill for Southwestern dishes such as teriyaki salmon, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic sundae at The Little Man Ice Cream Co.
Consider touring the Denver Mint to see how American coins are made — it’s one of the world’s largest producers of coins! The Denver Art Museum is another walkable location, full of inspiring exhibitions and collections from around the globe.
If you’re up for a short drive, the River North Art District has plenty to offer, such as colorful murals, a visit to Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club for live music or some downtime with a cold beer at Bierstadt Lagerhaus.
Photos courtesy of Alanna Hale, Steve Hall, Yoshihiro Makino and Jason O'Rear.
