Populus Denver
Denver, Colorado
Central Business District
Vibe
The triangular tower channels a grove of aspens, welcoming guests with pebble-flecked floors, reclaimed timber, and an earthy lobby canopy.
“Sculptural arboreal grove”
Sculpted aspen-eye window alcoves, curved low-carbon concrete facades, and hanging reishi-mushroom tapestries define the tower.
Open-air sunset cocktails at rooftop Stellar Jay join day-to-night espresso and gatherings at Little Owl.
Elevators play recorded Rocky Mountain birdsong alongside furniture carved from fallen Colorado cottonwood and beetle-kill pine.
In downtown Denver, facing Civic Center Park and steps from the Denver Art Museum.
“Colorado’s native aspen tree was the inspiration behind the striking and unique look of this modern eco-hotel, which opened in 2024.”
Rooms
Unfinished concrete ceilings frame aspen-eye window alcoves, where select rooms feature curved, cushioned hammock benches overlooking the city or mountains.
“its guest rooms feel remarkably zen—a perfect blend of light, earthy tones, locally sourced artworks, and thoughtful seating areas.”
Backstory
Replacing Colorado's first gas station, the carbon-positive tower takes its architectural cues and name from native quaking aspen trees.
“Local materials and makers figure prominently in Populus’ interiors...throughout the hotel’s guestrooms, public spaces and two restaurants.”
Eat & drink
Pasque serves seasonal, plant-forward fare beneath mycelium tapestries, while rooftop Stellar Jay pairs open-fire skewers with Rocky Mountain views.
“The whole building was designed to feel like climbing a 13-story tree. The lobby, for example, is a re-imagining of a forest floor.”
The neighborhood
Set in the Central Business District, the hotel looks across Civic Center Park toward the State Capitol and Denver Art Museum.
More like this
The Crawford Hotel
“Restored railway terminus”
Lively
Clayton Hotel & Members Club - Cherry Creek, Denver
“Convivial members parlour”
Central
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
“Polished skyline outpost”
Central
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.