Boulder's BEST Kept Secret? This Residence Inn Will Blow You Away!

Residence Inn Boulder Boulder (CO) United States

Boulder's BEST Kept Secret? This Residence Inn Will Blow You Away!

Boulder's BEST Kept Secret? Forget Secret - This Residence Inn Will BLOW You Away! (Seriously)

Okay, folks, let me tell you something. I've been traveling. A LOT. And you know what? Finding a genuinely good hotel, one that actually gets it, feels rarer than a decent cup of coffee at the airport. But… I think I stumbled upon something special in Boulder. And I'm not talking about some swanky, pretentious boutique hotel. I'm talking about the Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder. And yeah, I’m hyped.

Why "Blow You Away?" Let's Get Messy, Shall We?

First, my expectations were… low. Residence Inn? Sounds… predictable. But this Residence Inn? It's a different beast. Seriously. Let's dive into the chaos of my experience, and I'll tell you why.

Accessibility & That Feeling of Being Included

Alright, right off the bat, major kudos. Accessibility is often an afterthought, but here, it felt… genuinely considered. The wheelchair accessibility throughout the public areas (restaurants, the pool, the gym – we'll get to that!) was top-notch. Wide doorways, ramps, and a feeling that they weren't trying to be accessible, but were. (There's a big difference, trust me.)

Rooms: My Home Away From Home (With Really Good Internet)

The rooms themselves? Spacious. More than spacious. I could practically do cartwheels (if I were coordinated enough). The Air conditioning actually worked (another win!). The Air conditioning in public areas was also perfect. The Bed was super comfortable. And the biggest win? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it was fast! And I'm a grumpy Internet snob. Let's say I needed to send a very large video and it was smooth sailing! Internet Access – wireless was a breeze. Also loved the Laptop workspace. This guy right here has been saved from having to type on his laptop on his legs. The Internet [LAN] was also good, for all of you LAN-lovers (is that a thing?). Important note: The non-smoking rooms policy? Thank goodness!

They had all the little things like bathrobes and complimentary tea, and even extra long beds. I needed this. I'm tall. Oh, and the blackout curtains? Absolute lifesavers. Slept like a log! The coffee/tea maker was a godsend early mornings, and the refrigerator was perfect for stashing leftovers (and the emergency chocolate stash). There was also a private bathroom - a must.

The Spa & Relaxation Corner: Where Serenity Meets Reality (Kind Of)

Okay, let's be real. I went into this expecting a standard hotel gym. But the fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped. Enough to keep me from completely abandoning my fitness goals (a minor miracle). And you know what? They actually had a decent sauna AND a steamroom! I spent a good hour sweating out the stresses of… well, everything. The Pool with View was amazing. I want to relax more often.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling My Adventure

The Breakfast [buffet] was included, and honestly, it was better than I expected. They actually had some decent options. (I'm a sucker for a good omelet station, and they delivered.) The Asian breakfast was a nice touch. Plus, the coffee/tea in restaurant was good and strong. Snack bar was nice. The Poolside bar was a must-visit (the happy hour specials were clutch!). The restaurants, in general, were good!

Cleanliness and Safety: Breathing Easy (Literally)

In the age of… well, everything, cleanliness is paramount. And the Residence Inn did not disappoint. The Professional-grade sanitizing services and the Daily disinfection in common areas really put my mind at ease. The Hand sanitizer was everywhere, the Staff trained in safety protocol was evident. The Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch (because, let's be real, sometimes you just want to avoid ALL the extra chemicals). I appreciated all the extra safety measures, for real!

Services and Conveniences: Did Someone Say Laundry?

They had a laundry service (essential!), dry cleaning, a convenience store (for those emergency snacks/forgotten toiletries), and even a cash withdrawal service (because, you know, sometimes you forget to hit the ATM). The Concierge was super helpful with recommendations for things to do. Always a plus!

For the Kids & Pets (Sort Of - Read the Fine Print!)

While I wasn't traveling with kids, I did notice they had Family/child friendly amenities, including a Babysitting service which is handy. Pets allowed is unavailable, but you can give them a call and ask.

Getting Around: Seamless Travel

Airport transfer was available, which made life infinitely easier. Car park [free of charge] was a HUGE win in Boulder, where parking can be a nightmare.

The Verdict: Go. Just. Go.

Look, I’m not always gushing about hotels. But this Residence Inn? It exceeded my expectations in almost every way. It wasn't just a place to sleep; it was a genuinely enjoyable experience. From the cleanliness to the friendly staff, the well-equipped gym to the delicious breakfast buffet – they've clearly put some thoughtful effort into creating a great experience.

SEO & Meta-Data Snippets:

• Title Optimization: Boulder Hotel Review: Residence Inn by Marriott Exceeds Expectations
• Meta Description: Uncover a hidden gem in Boulder! This Residence Inn offers amazing accessibility, amenities, and a surprisingly delightful experience. Read my honest review!
• Keywords: Boulder, Boulder Hotels, Residence Inn, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Fitness Center, Free Wi-Fi, Best Hotels Boulder, Clean Hotels, Family-Friendly, Boulder Restaurants, Breakfast included, Pool with a View.
• H1: Boulder's Best Kept Secret? Forget Secret - This Residence Inn Will BLOW You Away! (Seriously)
• Overall: The Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder is a standout choice for any traveler seeking a comfortable, accessible, and well-appointed hotel. I'm already planning my return! Go!

Salem's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Perfect Oregon Stay

Book Now

Residence Inn Boulder Boulder (CO) United States

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your slick travel brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the unfiltered, slightly-panicked-yet-still-optimistic-about-it-all Residence Inn Boulder, Colorado, expedition. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Here we go…

The Almost-Too-Good-To-Be-True Itinerary (with a dash of pure chaos)

Day 1: Arrival and the "Boulder Beauty" Syndrome

• 1:00 PM - Arrival (and the existential dread before the check-in): Okay, let's be honest. Driving from the airport (DEN - ugh, the Denver Airport is a whole thing) to the Residence Inn already felt like an odyssey. Traffic, rental car drama (did I remember to get the insurance?!), and the looming question of whether my luggage actually made it. My stomach's doing this weird fluttery thing, a mix of excitement and the fear of forgetting everything.

• 1:30 PM - Check-in (and the glorious freedom of the free breakfast!): Smooth sailing. The staff at the Residence Inn Boulder were lovely, thank goodness. And then… the room! Spacious, clean, and with a view (yay!). Suddenly, I'm overwhelmed with relief. Wait… is this what happiness feels like? Nah, probably just the free Wi-Fi. But still, a win!

• 2:30 PM - The Boulder "Vibe" Search Begins: First mission: get some food. I foolishly thought I'd just waltz into a café and find the perfect lunch, but Boulder has a vibe. It's like they're all competing to be the most organic, sustainable, and generally Boulder-y. I wandered around Pearl Street Mall, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of activewear and beard oil. Eventually settled on a delicious, overpriced salad. But hey, I'm in Boulder! Gotta embrace the cliché, right?

• 4:00 PM - Flatirons Fever: Okay, I had to see the Flatirons. I spent an hour just staring. They're majestic, sure. But the trails… oh boy. I chose a "beginner" one, which, according to Boulder, means "slightly uphill and potentially populated by people who run up mountains for fun as a warm-up." Exhausted but elated. My legs are already screaming, but the views? Worth it. A total Instagram moment, even if I'm not very good at Instagram.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner Disaster and a Touch of Regret: I was craving some decent Mexican food. Googled. Found a place with rave reviews: ~^El Camino~. What a mistake. The place was packed! The food was okay, not worth the wait. I left feeling disappointed and a little hangry. I vow to do better tomorrow.

• 9:30 PM - Room Service and a Netflix Abyss: Okay, I'm done. Room service pizza (because I deserve it) and a deep dive into Netflix. Falling asleep before the credits roll.

Day 2: Nature vs. My Inner Introvert

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet Bliss… and a Slight Panic: Free breakfast! I'm a sucker for a good continental breakfast. Waffles! Scrambled eggs! Suddenly, this trip is 100% worth it. Then I remember my hiking plans. Oh, the pressure.

• 8:00 AM: Attempting to be an "Early Bird" (Emphasis on "Attempting"): Supposedly, I was headed to Chautauqua Park! The plan was to experience the Sunrise. I wanted to be one of those fresh-faced, happy people on the trail. Didn't happen. Slept in. But I did go!

• 9:30 AM: Chautauqua Park… with a Side of "Am I Gonna Die?" Okay, I started again. The trails were beautiful, the air was crisp, and the trees were… well, they were trees. But the altitude. The altitude is a beast. Every step felt like climbing Everest. I had to stop every ten minutes to catch my breath. I started to get slightly jealous of the squirrels effortlessly scampering.

• 12:00 PM: Lunch and a Moment of Reckoning: Back to the "vibe" search for food. This time, I went for a local place. I ordered a coffee, and the barista asked if I was doing an outdoor activity. I replied that I had been doing the Chautauqua Park trail, and they look at me and say "You deserve this coffee. Also, you look like you've seen some stuff." Feeling seen.

• 2:00 PM - Boulder's "Culture" Dive (Attempt 1): I thought I'd be all cultured and visit the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA). It was… art. Some of it I understood. Some of it, not so much. I'm not sure if I liked it, but I'm glad I went.

• 4:00 PM - The Brewery Tour (Priorities!) All that hiking and art stuff definitely deserved a reward. I'm not a huge beer person, but when in Boulder… I had a flight of local brews. Some were good! Some were not my cup of tea. The entire experience was a good time.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner (No El Camino, Thank God!) and a Random Encounter: Found a super cool Italian restaurant. Amazing pasta. While waiting, I met a very interesting, very Boulder-y woman. She was a yoga instructor, a vegan chef, and apparently, a part-time alpaca farmer. Only in Boulder, folks.

• 9:00 PM: The "I'm-Done-But-Still-Trying" Evening: Back to the room. Reading time, journal time.

Day 3: Goodbye, Boulder (and the lingering scent of altitude sickness?)

• 8:00 AM: Waffles, Again (No Regrets!) Last day of free breakfast bliss. Taking full advantage!

• 9:00 AM: One Last Stroll on Pearl Street (Maybe I Get the Vibe Now?) I felt a little more acclimated to the "Boulder-ness" on my final Pearl Street walk.

• 11:00 AM: The Airport (and the inevitable souvenir shop): The Denver airport is chaotic, but I know the routine now. The souvenir shops were so overwhelming, I just grabbed a t-shirt that says "I Survived Boulder."

• 12:00 PM - Goodbye Boulder: A little melancholy, a little relieved, and a whole lot of tired. Boulder was weird, wonderful, challenging, and everything in between. Would I go back? Probably. Eventually. Maybe after I recover from this trip.

Things I Learned (and Probably Forgot):

• Altitude is a cruel mistress.
• Pack snacks. ALWAYS.
• Boulder people are… interesting.
• Free breakfast is a gift from the gods.
• I need more practice at being a relaxed traveler.
• I made it! (Mostly.)

The Emotional Verdict: Boulder, you were a wild and unexpectedly beautiful ride. I'm exhausted, caffeinated, and maybe a little bit changed. Until next time…

Escape to SpringHill Suites Gaithersburg: Your MD Getaway Awaits!

Book Now

Residence Inn Boulder Boulder (CO) United StatesOkay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the supposed "BEST KEPT SECRET" in Boulder, which, let's be honest, is *already* not a secret, it's a freaking Residence Inn. But hey, secrets are overrated, right? And maybe, just maybe, this thing *does* have something special. Here's my brutally honest, stream-of-consciousness FAQ, designed to expose the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (or at least, my truth) about the Boulder Residence Inn in question: ```html

Is this REALLY a "Best Kept Secret"? Come on...

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. A *Residence Inn*? A BEST KEPT SECRET? That sounds like something a motel chain PR person cooked up after one too many happy hours. I mean, it’s a Residence Inn. They all look the same! Long hallways, the sad continental breakfast buffet. But, and it’s a BIG but… maybe, just maybe, this one is *less* soul-crushing than others. Still, “secret” is a stretch. Everyone and their dog seems to know about it – especially everyone's dogs, who are, apparently, allowed. Which, okay, points for that.

The Rooms: Are they… livable? (And pet-friendly? My dog is judging you.)

Alright, the rooms. They're… perfectly functional. Like, you can breathe in them; you don't need an oxygen tank. They're spacious, which is a major plus, especially when you're hauling a mountain of luggage. And YES, PET-FRIENDLY! Hallelujah! My dog, Rufus, gives it a solid 9/10. He basically *lived* in that room during my last trip. He claimed the corner by the window for sunbathing, you know, the usual canine royalty treatment. The furniture is fine, the beds are… not the *best* I've ever slept in, but acceptable. Honestly, I'm more concerned with the clean sheets, and these seemed clean. The kitchenettes are a lifesaver if you hate eating out, and the complimentary coffee is strong enough to wake the dead, or at least that's what I needed after driving from Denver.

Breakfast: The eternal question. Will it ruin my morning?

The breakfast... ah, the breakfast. It’s the classic Residence Inn buffet. Waffles you cook yourself (always a plus, if you avoid burning them like I did), the usual assortment of questionable scrambled eggs (I try to avoid those), generic cereal, fruit that maybe, *sometimes*, looks okay, and… coffee. The coffee, as mentioned, is potent. It's edible breakfast. I usually make some waffles or a bagel, and get outta Dodge. Don’t set your expectations too high, and you won’t be disappointed. It's sustenance, not a culinary experience.

The Location: Is it actually, you know, *in* Boulder?

Depends on what you mean by "Boulder." It's Boulder-adjacent. You're not *right* in downtown, fighting the hordes of tourists (well, maybe a few). It's a bit of a drive to Pearl Street. But, and this is important, it’s close to the trails! Seriously. If you're into hiking or biking, it’s a huge win. You can actually get outdoors and breathe actual Boulder air. That's a significant advantage, in my book. Plus, there are some decent restaurants nearby, if you're not feeling up to the Pearl Street scene. I’d call this the "almost-but-not-quite" perfect location.

The Staff: Are they human? (I've met some hotel staff...)

Okay, the staff. This is where the secret, if there is one, *might* lie. The staff at this Residence Inn are… surprisingly… pleasant. I had a minor issue with my room and the front desk lady, bless her heart, fixed it immediately, with a genuine smile. They seem genuinely helpful. I've dealt with hotel staff who act like your very existence is an imposition, so, huge points for not making me hate them. Kudos, Residence Inn staff! You're doing something right. They even remembered Rufus's name!

The Pool/Amenities: Anything to distract me from the existential dread of a hotel stay?

They have a pool. I think. I *saw* a pool. It looked… functional. And maybe a hot tub? I honestly didn't use either. I was far too busy hiking trails and dealing with Rufus's incessant need for belly rubs. They also have a gym. I didn't go there either. Let's be real, I'm on vacation. I was too busy stuffing my face with pancakes. So, amenities: present, not necessarily used. I prefer the mountains, myself.

The Experience: The good, the bad, and the slightly-above-average?

Okay, the *experience*. This Residence Inn isn't going to revolutionize your life. It’s not going to blow your mind. But, and this is the key, *it’s not awful*. It's clean, comfortable, pet-friendly (!!!), and the staff are genuinely nice. The location is great for outdoor activities. The breakfast is… breakfast. My expectations were low, and it exceeded them, so, good. If you need a functional, convenient, and relatively pleasant place to stay in Boulder, this is a solid choice. Definitely not a “best kept secret,” but hey, it’s a decent Residence Inn. And sometimes, that’s all you need!

Would I go back?

Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. Assuming Rufus is still welcome. And if the price is right. And if I can avoid the burned waffles. It's not a luxury experience, but it's reliable, and sometimes, that's the best kind of secret, even if everyone knows about it.

``` Stay Classy Hotels

Residence Inn Boulder Boulder (CO) United States

Residence Inn Boulder Boulder (CO) United States

Location:

Share :