Location

Populus Hotel is ideally situated in downtown Denver, directly across from Civic Center. It’s within a short walking distance of the Colorado State Capitol, 16th Street, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Art Museum, and a variety of highly rated restaurants. The hotel is just an eight-minute walk from the 16th-California Train Station and approximately a 30-minute drive from Denver International Airport.

Architecture & sustainability

Populus was created by an environmentalist with a vision to bring nature back into the city. It is the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States. The interiors evoke a calm, grounded atmosphere with earth tones and a modern, cozy aesthetic. While the building is contemporary, it feels warm and inviting, featuring clean lines, balanced imperfections, and a rich mix of textures.

Lighting throughout the hotel is intentionally soft and dim, reminiscent of a forest where sunlight rarely reaches the ground. Despite its relatively small footprint, the hotel feels airy and expansive—especially upon entry, where guests are welcomed by a striking curved staircase.

Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed to maximize space while maintaining comfort and functionality. Each room feels cozy, practical, and even home-like.

Sustainability is at the core of the property. The building was constructed using eco-conscious materials, including low-carbon concrete blends that significantly reduce environmental impact. Beyond construction, Populus continues its commitment by planting a tree for every night a guest stays—a meaningful and impactful initiative.

Rooms

The hotel features 265 rooms designed to reflect the structure of a tree. Dimly lit corridors resemble the hollow of a trunk, while each room showcases the signature Aspen-eye windows.

The room categories include the "Populus King" (corner room/suites), "Hammock Queen" (with window hammock benches), and "Grove" rooms (compact/standard).

Most rooms include cozy seating areas, beautiful city views, and thoughtfully curated artwork.

Dining

The property offers excellent dining options, combining quality cuisine with inviting ambiance across two restaurants and a coffee bar.

Pasque delivers an elevated dining experience with seasonally driven, nature-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Stellar Jay, the rooftop restaurant and bar, features live-fire cooking and stunning views of both the city and surrounding mountains. Its outdoor space is also available for private events.

Little Owl, located in the lobby beneath the curved staircase, is a charming café and an ideal spot to start the day.

Populus is an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers who appreciate design-forward hotels with a strong sustainability mission. Rooms are on the smaller side but are extremely well designed, making them feel comfortable and efficient. Its central downtown location makes it ideal for both business and leisure stays, with many of Denver’s top attractions within walking distance.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Denver page.