Boulder's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Stay at Residence Inn!
Boulder's "Best Kept Secret"? Let's Spill the Tea (and Maybe Some Coffee) on the Residence Inn!
Okay, so I've been hearing whispers about the Residence Inn in Boulder. "Luxury," they said. "Hidden gem," they cooed. Me? I'm always up for a good hotel adventure, especially one that promises something a little… extra. So, I booked a stay, armed with my notepad, my skepticism, and a serious caffeine addiction. Here's the messy, unfiltered truth.
Accessibility - The Good, the "Meh," and the "Could Be Better"
First things first, accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and the Residence Inn mostly delivers. They've got elevators (thank goodness, because I'm not climbing all the stairs), and ramps are pretty readily available. The wheelchair accessibility seems decent enough – definitely better than some places I've endured. But, and this is a big but, the details are what matter. I didn't see dedicated accessible parking, so I had to circle the lot praying for an open spot, which is not exactly the "luxury" experience they tout. Inside, the hallways are wide, which is a plus, but I wasn't blown away by the attention to detail in the accessible rooms. It felt functional, not particularly thoughtfully designed. Overall, not bad, but room for improvement, especially in that parking situation.
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitized Kitchen & Tableware? Good! But…
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the pandemic). The Residence Inn clearly takes its hygiene seriously, and I appreciate that. The "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" stuff is reassuring. The "Rooms sanitized between stays" is excellent – really puts your mind at ease. I saw staff wearing masks, which is always a plus. They had hand sanitizer everywhere… like, everywhere. Even in the elevators! It felt like a fortress against germs, which is, honestly, a relief. The "Safe dining setup" and "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items" also boosted my confidence. BUT… I did notice some smudges on my bathroom mirror that probably weren’t there when I arrived, so it's not perfect cleanliness.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
Okay, let's get down to the really important stuff: food. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a highlight, I'll admit. Honestly, I’m a sucker for a hotel buffet. I piled my plate with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and those little pastries that you know are terrible for you but you can’t resist. They had "Coffee/tea in restaurant" for the caffeine fiends like me, they also had “Breakfast takeaway service” which was handy because, well, after the eggs and bacon binge, I needed a lie-down. They also offer "A la carte in restaurant". I was tempted, but ended up sticking with the buffet.
Now, the "Poolside bar" intrigued me, but, alas, it wasn't actually open during my stay. A tiny, heartbreaking letdown. Apparently, it's seasonal! Curse my off-season adventure! They have “Restaurants” listed, but I didn’t find the on-site eateries mind-blowing, it was more for convenience really. For someone who likes to travel with snacks, the only convenience store I saw was, I think, a vending machine.
Services and Conveniences – Tick, Tick, Tick… and a Few Sighs
The "Facilities for disabled guests" are appreciated, even if not perfectly executed (see earlier rant). The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is a must-have in this day and age, and it worked without a hitch. They offer "Air conditioning in public area," which is crucial in Boulder's variable climate. The "Concierge" was helpful and friendly, though not overly proactive in offering suggestions (I had to ask!). "Laundry service" and "Daily housekeeping" are always welcome, making me feel that little bit more pampered. The "Car park [free of charge]" is a big win. And they actually have a "Car power charging station"! Seriously, Boulder is serious about its eco-friendly image!
The "Luxury" Angle… Maybe "Comfortable" Instead?
Look, the Residence Inn is comfortable. The "Non-smoking rooms" are a plus, and the "Soundproof rooms" actually do their job. The "Air conditioning" in my room blasted cold air, which I appreciated. The "Desk" and "Laptop workspace" was great for me as I needed to get some work done. My room had “Free bottled water” which was great, and I appreciated the coffee maker. The "Slippers" were a nice touch. But “Luxury”? Let’s just say, it’s not the Four Seasons. I am definitely fond of my big "Bathtub", and honestly, I prefer it to a jacuzzi. I did enjoy having an “Ironing service” and “Laundry service”, as these things help me in my travels.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Pool, Spa, and… Well, Not Much Else?
This is where the Residence Inn slightly let me down. They have a "Swimming pool [outdoor]" and a "Gym/fitness", but that's about it. No "Spa," no "Sauna", no "Massage" service. I would have loved a hot tub! They only have a “Fitness center”. I'm not sure if they are understaffed or what, but I would have loved a little more pampering. So, if you're expecting a full-blown spa experience, you'll be disappointed. I wanted to relax like those people on the brochure! Relaxing is difficult around here. I didn't have a "Proposal spot", but I did have an "Umbrella"!
The Bottom Line – Is it Boulder's Best Kept Secret?
No. Is it a solid, comfortable, clean, and convenient place to stay in Boulder? Absolutely. It's a great base camp for exploring the area, especially if you’re prioritizing accessibility and a reliable stay. The breakfast is a winner (and the free parking is a lifesaver). But "luxury"? Let's temper our expectations. It's more like a very well-executed, slightly-above-average Residence Inn. Worth the price? Probably. A hidden gem? Not quite. But I would return. And yes, I’d totally hit up that breakfast buffet again. Just maybe bring my own snacks.
Escape to Fargo: Your Perfect Casselton Getaway at Days Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're about to dive headfirst into a Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Broomfield Louisville (CO), United States itinerary… which, let's be honest, sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. But, fear not! I'm here to inject some messy, human reality into this glorious tapestry of beige.
Day 1: Arrival, Regret (Kinda), and the Promise of Laundry
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Denver! Oh joy, the airport. The ritual of luggage carousel purgatory begins. My suitcase, naturally, is the last one out. Always. I swear, it's plotting against me.
- 2:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Sigh. The paperwork. The upsell on the "premium insurance" that I probably don't need. (But you never know. Squirrels, man. They're ruthless.) Driving through Denver traffic, it's pure, unadulterated chaos. How do these people…? Okay, deep breaths.
- 3:30 PM: Arrive at the Residence Inn. It's…beige. Lots and lots of beige. The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and air freshener trying way too hard. But hey, free coffee! And the front desk lady, bless her heart, is doing her best. ("Welcome! Just let me know if you need extra towels, or, you know… a stiff drink.")
- 4:00 PM: Check in and unpack. My room is a studio apartment. It's got a kitchenette (score!), a "living area" (read: a slightly less stiff couch), and the all-important king-sized bed. I'm already picturing myself sprawled across it, watching mindless TV and eating whatever questionable snacks I can find.
- 4:30 PM: Survey the surroundings. Sigh. A quick trip to the local grocery store for snacks (essential). I grab an absurd amount of chips, a questionable variety of hummus, and a six-pack of craft beer (priorities).
- 5:30 PM: The laundry room. The legend. The promise of clean clothes. But first, a quick dip in the not-quite-indoor-not-quite-outdoor pool. It's freezing. My teeth are chattering. I leave.
- 6:00 PM: Grocery store haul, commence snack attack marathon, order a pizza. This is my life now.
- 7:00 PM: Pizza arrives. I eat it entirely too fast.
- 7:30 PM: Netflix and regret. Okay, mostly regret. I did manage to throw a load of laundry in – and I'm praying I don't screw it up. I'm officially old enough that doing laundry is a thrill.
Day 2: Boulder Bound, Hiking Hilarity, and a Brewery Breakdown
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the promise of the free breakfast. Run. Now. I'm a sucker for a waffle.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the Residence Inn. The waffle machine is a glorious, sticky marvel. The other patrons look like they've also seen some things.
- 8:30 AM: Drive to Boulder. It's pretty… for Colorado.
- 9:30 AM: Hiking the "Chautauqua Trailhead". I'm wearing my "hiking boots" (read: old running shoes). I'm already regretting the chips. The air is thin, and the uphill climb is brutal.
- 10:00 AM: I'm out of breath and feel like I'm going to die. I swear I saw a squirrel laugh at me. Beautiful views. Worth the pain. But I'm starting to consider hiring someone to carry me.
- 11:00 AM: Made it back. Victory!
- 12:00 PM: Beer time. Boulder has a brewery on every corner, and they're all beckoning me closer. I chose one at random. The bartender is cute.
- 1:00 PM: Brewery visit. Tasting flights are my jam! I'm starting to feel pleasantly fuzzy. My palate is not refined at all, but hey, it's beer. Good beer.
- 2:00 PM: Suddenly, I want to buy a brewery. I consider it. A moment of glory but quickly snap out of it.
- 3:00 PM: Walked around Pearl Street. I got talked into buying a souvenir. I will regret this later.
- 4:00 PM: Start considering dinner plans. I'm too tired to think.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the Residence Inn. Dinner is a microwaved meal. I'm ashamed. I don't care.
- 6:00 PM: Laundry. Success! Clean clothes! This is the highlight of my week. Maybe my life.
- 7:00 PM: More Netflix. More beer. More regrets.
Day 3: The Costco Conundrum and the Long Goodbye (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: The breakfast again. The waffles. The bliss. The slightly judgmental stares of the other guests. (Do they know how much I ate yesterday?)
- 9:00 AM: Costco. You know, just in case I need a lifetime supply of toilet paper and a new TV. This is peak middle age.
- 10:00 AM: Costco. The samples. Oh, the samples! The best part of the experience. I'm a sucker for free food.
- 11:00 AM: I accidentally buy a kayak. This is going to be a problem.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Leftovers? Microwave? No. I eat the Costco.
- 1:00 PM: Attempting to pack. What do I do with the kayak? This trip is already failing.
- 2:00 PM: The pool. Maybe? More laundry?
- 3:00 PM: The inevitable "what did I forget?!" moment. I realize I left my charger at home.
- 4:00 PM: I did, one more time, the laundry.
- 5:00 PM: Driving to the airport. The end is near.
- 6:00 PM: Dropping off the kayak.
- 7:00 PM: Airport chaos. Security lines. The endless wait.
- 8:00 PM: Flight. Sleep. The End. (Maybe.)
Postscript:
This was a mess. It was imperfect. It was… human. And, honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. Next time, I'm brining my own kayak.
(Disclaimer: This itinerary is highly caffeinated, relies on excessive snacking, and may not be suitable for those seeking "polished" travel advice.)
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Victorville Hesperia's Hidden Gem!
Boulder's Best Kept Secret? Residence Inn? Hold My Kombucha...
Okay, spill the tea. What's REALLY so "luxury" about a Residence Inn? Isn't it just... *a Residence Inn*?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Look, I get it. "Luxury" and "Residence Inn" don't exactly jump out at you hand-in-hand, right? But hear me out. I walked in expecting beige and bleh. Instead, you're dealing with a genuinely well-thought-out experience. Think of it less like a budget Motel 6 with a slightly nicer pool and more like... a surprisingly swanky apartment complex that accidentally stumbled into the hotel business.
Seriously, the rooms are *huge*. Like, "I could actually do yoga in here without knocking over furniture" huge. And that kitchenette? Bless. It's a lifesaver when you're trying to avoid the Boulder restaurant scene's inevitable sticker shock. Plus, the fireplace? That's not just a gimmick, that’s actually *cozy* after a long day of hiking. Or, you know, pretending to hike because you ate too much avocado toast.
But the free breakfast, isn't it just the usual sad continental affair? Like, powdered eggs and regret?
Okay, look, I'm a breakfast snob. I *judge* a hotel based on its morning meal. And... this one surprised me. It's not Michelin-star, obviously. But it's *good*. They have actual, non-cardboard-tasting scrambled eggs, often with fresh ingredients. And the make-your-own-waffles situation? Dangerous, people, *dangerous*. I once ate four. Four! And I'm not proud, but I'm also not *not* proud. Plus, the coffee isn't that instant stuff. It's passable! That's a BIG win in my book when you're stumbling around before dawn looking like a walking zombie.
Parking in Boulder is notoriously a giant pain. Is the Residence Inn any better?
Okay, this is a HUGE win. The Residence Inn I've stayed at (speaking from *experience* here, which is a nice way of saying I've spent way too much time here) has *free* parking. Free! In Boulder! That alone is worth the price of admission, let me tell you. Finding a spot in town can be a blood sport. I once spent 45 minutes circling Pearl Street after a yoga class, feeling my zen practically evaporate. So, yeah, the parking is a major plus.
Location, location, location! Is it *actually* convenient?
This is where it gets interesting. It depends. Some Residence Inns are tucked away a bit. Not *super* far, mind you. But not smack-dab in the middle of the Pearl Street madness. Which is good if you want peace and quiet. Less good if you need to be *right there* for the nightlife. Personally, I prefer the quiet. But I might be biased because I'm getting older, and loud music makes my teeth hurt. Check the specific location before you book. Google Maps is your friend here. Don't be that guy who books the wrong one and whines about it later.
Okay, the pool. Is it worth it? Does it even *have* a pool and hot tub?
Yes! Yes it probably does. Most of them do. And the pool? It's decent. Usually indoors, which is clutch for those unpredictable Colorado weather days. I've seen kids splashing, couples canoodling, and yours truly, attempting a graceful backstroke while secretly panicking that I was going to hit someone. So, yeah, the pool is pretty standard hotel pool fare. The hot tub? That's where the real magic happens. Soak in the hot tub after a hike? *Chef's kiss*. Do I like the hot tub? Let me put it this way: if the hot tub was a person, I'd buy it a box of chocolates.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they friendly? Good service?
Here's the secret sauce, folks! The staff at the Residence Inn? Usually, they're *amazing*. I'm talking genuinely friendly, helpful, and actually *seem* like they enjoy their jobs. I've had front desk folks go above and beyond, recommending hidden gem restaurants, even helping me sort out a car rental snafu (long story, involved a rogue GPS and a very grumpy rental agent). It's that kind of service that makes a big difference. And honestly? It's a breath of fresh air compared to some hotels where you feel like you're bothering them just by existing. They are truly great!
Okay, the actual room... Spill. Is it clean? Modern? What's the vibe?
Okay, so *most* of the rooms I've experienced have been pretty clean. And that's a *huge* win. I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. I once brought my own Lysol wipes to a *five-star* hotel. I was mortified. But the Residence Inn? Usually, they hit the mark. The decor is... well, it's not going to win any design awards. It's more "comfortable and functional" than "bold and avant-garde." You're not going to be blown away by the art. However, it is clean, it has a comfy bed, and *that* is enough. Oh, and the *space*! SO MUCH SPACE! You can breathe, you can spread out, you don't feel like you're crammed into a shoebox. Which is a *lifesaver* when you're traveling with a lot of luggage... like, say, me.
Let's get real: any major downsides? What's the catch?
Okay, here's the truth: it's *not* a five-star hotel. Don't go expecting gold-plated faucets and butler service. The biggest downsides? The occasional noise. Depending on your room and the location in the hotel, you might hear kids running in the hallway or people chatting in the lobby. The other thing? It's still a hotel. Sometimes, you just want the homey feel of your own place. But that's the trade off. And, depending on the season, the prices can creep up. It’s not always the *cheapest* option. But for the space, the amenities, and that surprisingly decent breakfast, it’s generally worth it in my book.
Also, and I haven't experienced this often, but sometimes the elevators decide to be a bit... temperamental. A minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things. And look, I'm being honest here. It's not perfect. But for me, the perks far outweigh the minor annoyances.Rest Nest Hotels
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