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The Populus Hotel Is Denver’s New Eco-Conscious Stay, Merging Luxury and Sustainability

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino

At first glance, the Populus Hotel’s striking white-holed façade might leave you pondering its unusual shape. Some liken it to a cheese grater, while others see a chorus of singing mouths imprinted on its exterior. These interpretations may spark a chuckle or a sigh of relief for those who, like you, find it hard to pinpoint what the structure evokes. However, the vision behind this architectural marvel is far more inspiring: Studio Gang intends this building to resemble the scar of an Aspen tree, embodying the essence of Denver’s rugged beauty. 

Leading the charge as the country’s first-ever carbon-positive hotel, Populus’s eco-conscious narrative dates much further back, long before the hotel’s inception. Situated on the historic site of Colorado’s first gas station in Civic Center Par, where electricity debuted in 1883, it’s a testament to Denver’s progressive history.

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino

From the moment you walk through its front doors, you’re greeted with a breath of fresh air (pun intended), as it’s clear that every inch of the Populus tells a story of sustainability. As you stroll through the lobby, its cozy stature invites you in; it doesn’t aim for grandeur. Instead, warm textures contrast with the exposed concrete floors and ceilings, creating a homey atmosphere. A winding staircase embodies their philosophy: “There are no straight lines in nature,” so, of course, the Populus embraces this form.

Guests check in at the tree-nook-inspired front desk, where they receive their room keys nestled in organic, biodegradable sleeves containing wildflower seeds. Plus, every night you stay, a tree will be planted in land-scarred areas of Gunnison County, Colorado, giving guests the chance to be involved in bettering the environment.

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino

Soothing forest sounds play as you ride the elevator to your light-bathed room. In collaboration with local conservationists, the hotel captured 1,500 hours of fall audio from Aspen trees, highlighting subtle bird songs, rustling leaves, and gentle creek sounds. This immersive experience mirrors a 24-hour forest cycle, with distinct sequences, like an elk call between 11 and 12, aligning perfectly with the environment’s rhythms. The attention to detail is so impressive you can’t help but give it a standing ovation.

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino

Stepping off the elevator onto your floor, you’re enveloped in darkness, with hallways mimicking a tree trunk leading to your sun-soaked “branch.” Inside the 265 rooms and 65 suites, the earth-centric theme prevails, transitioning from gloom to glow with soft greens and terracotta hues. Sustainability shines through with biodegradable carpets, domestically sourced linens, and no onsite laundry. Unique touches like window hammocks, recycled throw blankets, and landscape-focused artwork by Douglas Atwill, featuring framed wildflowers from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah, bring the outdoors inside.

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino

For dining, guests can head upstairs to Stellar Jay, the rooftop bar and all-day restaurant, where you can indulge in classic Colorado-inspired dishes like bison and venison skewers, grilled radicchio salad, and Broken Arrow ranch quail, all complemented by an inventive cocktail list (we recommend the “Stellar 75,” a playful libation comprised of Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, Italicus liqueur, earl grey, and lemon) with the Rocky Mountains in the distance. 

Credit: Alanna Hale

Downstairs, Pasque invites guests with a delightful breakfast menu that includes avocado toast, decadent blue-corn pancakes with chocolate ganache, and enticing entrees like Colorado lamb ragù tagliatelle. The restaurant features a striking installation of raw reishi leather—derived from mushrooms—gracefully draping above the foyer bar—making it pretty touch to miss.

Credit: Yoshihiro Makino

We could go on and on about how the Populus seamlessly integrates nature and sustainability into every aspect of its structure. However, what stands out most is the passion of the people behind this hotel, who have transformed it into a space where luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

Top Takeaways

Location: Denver, Colorado

Address: 240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

Rating: Five-star

The vibe: A modern, eco-conscious hotel that beautifully demonstrates how sustainability and luxury can coexist.

Food + Drink: Guests can enjoy coffee and grab-and-go pastries at Little Owl Coffee Shop next to the front desk. Pasque, the all-day dining destination, highlights the earth’s bounty with a selection of plant-based dishes alongside meat-forward plates. Stellar Jay, the lively rooftop eatery and cocktail bar, features a design inspired by the canopy of a tree, playfully showcasing shades of moss, sage, and forest greens.

Our favorite part of the hotel: Our favorite aspects of the hotel are twofold: first, the cozy window hammock in our room, perfect for curling up with a good book; second, the mezzanine-level “Hollow Bar,” which pays homage to the understory (aka the middle layer of a tree), and sports a debonair design with copper, leather, and natural wood finishes, complemented by a warm brown palette and feminine touches from antique and thrifted accessories.

Amenities: Fitness center; Rooftop bar; Restaurants; Breakfast; Free WiFi; 24-hour front desk

What’s nearby? Civic Center Park; Denver Art Museum; Colorado History Museum; Larimer Square; River North Arts District; Ogden Theater; LoDo/16th Street Mall

Any personal neighborhood recs? Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens, then indulge in a delicious lunch at Mister Oso, where you can savor tacos, churros, and delectable coconut rice. After your meal, head over to the Denver Art Museum to explore its impressive collection,  and take a scenic loop around Civic Center Park before returning to your cozy, nature-inspired oasis.

Rooms: 265

Pricing: Rates start at $299/night.

Closest airport: Denver International Airport

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