Staying at The Populus Hotel in Denver: What To Expect
Technically…I haven’t stayed at The Populus Hotel yet. It hasn’t opened at the time that I’m working on this post. However, I do live in Denver and I have enjoyed watching the building being built and taking its place in Denver’s skyline. If you’re thinking about staying at The Populus Hotel and aren’t sure if should book it, I have some insights and thoughts about this project and the type of stay you’ll have if you say “yes” to The Populus. Thinking about staying at the Populus Hotel in Denver? Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip and some tips for what to prepare for upon arrival.
* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*
Cowtown Denver
Where is The Populus?
The Populus Hotel is located in Denver’s downtown across the street from the City and County Building and a 2 blocks from the Capital Building. I actually really like this location-but there is one block to be mindful of if you opt to stay here.
- Broadway and Colfax-It’s a major intersection that also is served by the Civic Center Transit Station. You will see some unhoused people on this block. However, The Populus is set back a few blocks from this particular intersection.
Why Should You Stay at The Populus?
There are several reasons why you should book your Denver stay at The Populus. I’m going to share my favorite reasons below.
- Basically Car Free (Relatively Green) Travel-If you’re embracing a car-free travel experience and would like to stay at a hotel that isn’t super “car forward”-The Populus is the hotel for you. It is within walking distance of the 16th Street Mall free shuttle and other transit at the Civic Center Transit center. If you’re into positive carbon footprints-this is the place to stay. There is valet parking for folks driving cars. Based on what I’ve seen…I have no idea where they’re parking your car LOL!
- Proximity to Colorado Convention Center-If you’re attending a conference, Fan Expo Denver or the Decadence (EDM music festival) you will walk 5 blocks to the Convention Center. Just know that it’s MASSIVE and once you arrive at the venue you will be walking a lot.
- 2 Blocks from Civic Center Park-This is a huge deal if you’re planning on attending one of the many concerts, festivals or parades that make their way through Civic Center Park. I’ve shared an incomplete list below.
- Civic Center Eats
- The Outside Festival
- 420 Festival
- Pride
- Independence Day Celebration
- Cinco de Mayo
- The Chalk Art Festival
- Walking Distance to the Following Points of Interest
- Denver Art Museum
- Kirkland Museum
- 16th Street Mall*
- Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA)-If you love theater, the orchestra or dance, plan on attending a performance at the DCPA.
- Historic Larimer Square
- Easy access to transit
What You Need to Know About The 16th Street Mall
(2024-Early 2025)
Right now Denver’s 16th Street Mall is undergoing a major construction project. At the time I’m working on this post (late June) one of the blocks has just been completed and I think that another two are like to be finished by mid-late September. But, there are a number of blocks that will still be worked on until Spring 2025.
How could this impact your trip?
- If you’re planning to wander up and down the 16th Street Mall-you’ll find the Eastern section anything from the Clocktower going East to be difficult to navigate. There are shops and restaurants EAST of the Clocktower. But you’ll find the bulk of them WEST of the Clocktower. The Denver Pavilions is also currently light on shops (in my opinion)
- Summer 2025 and beyond-Things will begin to change rapidly as the 16th Street Mall Renovation winds down at this point and the City/focused entrepreneurs/etc. start opening more businesses on that corridor.
- The renovation is an irritation-but I think it’s more irritating to locals than tourists because people new to the city will opt to do different things and likely have no familiarity with the Mall prior to the renovation.
- In the past I’ve typically recommended 2-4 hours on the Mall. Still doable but much better on the Western half of the mall (facing the mountains)
What To Do Once You’re In Denver
Ok, you’ve booked your room and everything is all set. Here are some additional tips to help you plan your stay.
- Drink water-Denver is a high altitude location. Read up on Altitude Sickness and symptoms to look out for. Consult your doctor for any medical guidance you may need.
- Take the train from the airport direct to Union Station (the last stop) The train takes 37 minutes (give or take) and it costs $5.25 and you can use transit the entire day with that pass. Once you arrive in downtown you can do one of two things:
- Take the Free Mall Shuttle to the hotel (about 10 minutes)
- Catch a Lyft or Uber for a 5 minute ride to the hotel.
- The Populus will store your luggage if you arrive prior to check in.
Book a Tour
Depending on when you arrive or what your trip looks like, I strongly recommend booking a tour while you’re in town. It’s a great way to experience Denver (especially with all of the projects happening right now)
Staying at the Populus Hotel in Denver
I’m truly excited about this new hotel in Denver and I do think that guests will have a unique and fun experience while staying there. As a Denver local, I look forward to enjoying the rooftop restaurant and checking out the other public facing amenities available to residents. I do wonder if there will be a Colorado discount similar to what other hotels offer when you show a Colorado driver’s license.
While I do think that the first 6-9 months of The Populus being open will be impacted by 16th Street Mall renovation in the sense that there won’t be a ton to do on that side of the Mall. The reality is that guests can just hop onto a Free Mall Shuttle, Lyft/Uber or make their way walking to one of the many cool spots downtown.
Fun Spaces in Downtown Denver
I thought it would be helpful to include some of the fun spaces in Downtown Denver that you may want to check out while you’re staying at The Populus Hotel.
- Dikeou Collection-I love this permanent private art collection that many Denverites have NEVER heard of. You do have to schedule your visit (free)
- Museum of Illusions-This is a fun hour of experiencing weird optical illusions.
- Union Station-One of my favorite places in Denver, they are almost done refreshing the space (complete mid-July) it’s a great place to enjoy a meal, people watch, shop and catch a train to Olde Town Arvada or Old Town Littleton. You can also take the bus to Boulder, Estes Park, Breckenridge and beyond.
- Basecamp at Market Station-I love this spot and really enjoy when they host bands and other experiences at this spot. Make sure to stop by Milk Tea People for a delicious Milk Tea. Don’t go if you’re in a rush.
- Larimer Square-I’m so happy to see that the updates to the block and the buildings are basically done. This historic block is a beautiful space and a great place for dinner and people watching.
- Milk Market/Dairy Block/Free Market-One of my favorite new spots downtown. Eat, drink and be merry while you’re there. My favorite thing about this spot is the alley and when they host markets and other events inside it. Eat at Bruto (Michelin rated) or make your way to Run the Roses Speakeasy.
- McGregor Plaza-Located across the street from the Dairy Block. If you love baseball, giant digital screens and fun brunches, head to McGregor Plaza.
- Confluence Park-Denver spent a lot of time and energy reworking this park and experience. It was money well spent. Enjoy local concerts, food truck events and more while you’re there.
- Museum of Contemporary Art-One of my favorite spaces for art in Denver. They even have R&B nights on the rooftop patio during the summer.
- Five Points/RINO-I prefer to call this area of town Five Points but many people will reference it as RINO. Regardless, this is a great place to enjoy a beer or whiskey at one of the many breweries/distilleries. Wander around the neighborhood and check out all of the amazing murals, stop at a restaurant for a fantastic meal.