Populus

Hotel · Central Business District

Populus

Hotel · Central Business District

3

240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202

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Highlights

Populus Hotel is Denver's striking first carbon-positive hotel, blending eco-friendliness with chic design and stunning rooftop views.  

Featured in Vogue
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Featured in Afar

240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202 Get directions

populusdenver.com
@populushotel_denver

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240 14th St, Denver, CO 80202 Get directions

+1 303 800 4240
populusdenver.com
@populushotel_denver

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Last updated

Jul 1, 2025

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@vogue

"The team that created the Populus Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado, isn’t banking on the “sustainable travel” trend for success. Seven years in the making, the already buzzy hotel, with its all-white exterior created to look like an Aspen tree trunk, is promising to be the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States. Through a series of initiatives like composting and tree planting, they promise to offset more carbon than the hotel emits. Yet it isn’t the promise of sustainability they see customers coming for—though that will surely be the case for many visitors—it’s the stunning architecture, decor, and service. According to Jon Buerge, president of Urban Villages, the development company behind the hotel, building with the environment in mind is the responsibility of the business owners first. When people get there, they can learn about all the choices made to create it that way—hopefully taking away information about why it’s so important. The building itself is a 13-floor, triangle-shaped wonder. The scalloped windows and bright white color make it stick out against the nearby Colorado State Capitol building and its surrounding parks. When you walk in the front doors, you’re immediately greeted with an upscale restaurant to your left and a high-end coffee shop to your right. Receptionists sit behind an upcycled giant oak tree desk, excited to tell you all about how your room key fob is actually a hidden wild tree seed that you can plant when you get home." - Alyssa Hardy

Is This New Carbon-Positive Hotel in Denver the Future of Sustainable Travel? | Vogue
View Postcard for Populus
@afar

"The new Populus Hotel in downtown Denver is billed as the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel, meaning it plans to sequester more carbon than it produces. It’s also a striking new architectural feat with a biophilic design that feels both modern and homey. The white facade of the wedge-shaped building is marked with hundreds of windows in more than 60 rounded shapes meant to mimic the bark of an aspen (known by its scientific name as Populus tremuloides), a tree native to Colorado. The hotel building was created with recycled or low-carbon materials, and it operates with 100 percent wind and solar energy and zero-waste dining. Part of the carbon-positive effort also includes planting tens of thousands of trees across the state every quarter. The arboreal inspiration of the exterior continues inside the hotel—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 concrete floor is speckled with river pebbles, while the potted plants are the kind that typically provide ground coverage. The front desk is made from a cottonwood tree that fell in the nearby community of Longmont, the walls are decorated with shingles made from pine killed by invasive beetles, and the decorative beams above are reclaimed pieces of snow fencing from Wyoming. Stellar Jay, the rooftop restaurant, by contrast, is based on a tree’s canopy, with wallpaper made of actual leaves, emerald green banquettes, polished wood bistro tables, and views of the city. As a Colorado Springs resident who visits Denver at least once a month for events, I’ve stayed at most of the capital city’s hotels. This is hands down my new favorite, both for overnight stays and for dining, and one of the handful I’ll recommend to visiting friends and family." - Bailey Berg

In-Depth Review of the Populus Hotel in Denver - AFAR
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@cntraveler

"Opened in October 2024, Populus bills itself as the first “carbon-positive” hotel in the US. But beyond the effort to offset its emissions through reforestation work in Colorado and the acquisition of carbon credits, the new property in downtown Denver has sustainability strategies woven through every space: from the basement, where a parking lot is notably absent, to the green roof planted with perennials. The LEED Gold–certified building, designed by Studio Gang, was constructed using a low-carbon concrete called ECOPact and is powered by 100% renewable energy. Food waste from the two restaurants is processed in an on-site BioGreen360 biodigester, with the resulting fertilizer delivered to local farms."

Bright Ideas in Travel 2024
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TJ Dow

Google
Populus Hotel is one of the most unique places I’ve stayed. The design is eye-catching and totally different from your typical hotel — inspired by aspen trees, the building stands out in the best way. The location is also fantastic. You're right downtown, close to museums, the Capitol, and tons of great food and culture. The hotel itself is on the smaller side, and so are the rooms, but everything is thoughtfully laid out and super clean. There’s no pool, which some might miss, but honestly, the style, service, and location more than make up for that. On the main floor, there’s a great little coffee shop (Little Owl) that serves awesome espresso and pastries — perfect way to start the day. And the rooftop bar, Stellar Jay, is a must-visit. The views are amazing, the cocktails are top-notch, and the vibe is really laid-back and cool. Staff were super friendly and helpful, and the overall service was excellent. If you’re into design-forward spaces and a prime location, Populus is a great choice. I’ll definitely be back.

janety386

Google
I had a grove queen room with a hammock window. It is small, but plenty of room for a solo traveler. I loved how cozy it felt, to be frank. The room is designed to be super efficient; I was able to store my suitcase in the closet. Lighting around the vanity is a bit dark, so I did my make-up by the window with the portable mirror provided in the room. The window view is amazing. I did not request housekeeping since I was only there for three nights, and there were plenty of towels and amenities. I don't mind wiping down the sink by myself to keep it clean.||||I arrived early and they let me check in around noon. I also got a late checkout for 12:30pm when I left. Both restaurants on site are great, the coffee shop is very popular. I appreciate the water filling station on each floor, the steep coffee and tea provided in the room, and the kettle. ||||The location is amazing, steps away from the Art Museum, which is a must-see in Denver, BTW.||||Overall Populus is a very well-designed hotel, and customer service was great. I can't wait to stay there again when I get an opportunity to visit Denver.

Muhammad Λ.

Google
I wanted to try something different and unique when it comes to hotels and Populus didn't disappoint! I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The staff were friendly and welcoming, the room was clean and cozy, and the location was perfect—close to everything I needed. I especially loved the entire idea of this hotel along with the furniture and decor. It gives you nature vibes in a modern way! One small thing I didn't like in my king sized room, the table was very small and if you plan to eat you won't feel comfortable. Would definitely stay here again!

gb0921

Google
This hotel has a uniquely designed building, including the public spaces. It has a great rooftop cafe/bar. The rooms are clean; the staff is very helpful. It has a good fitness room. One couple of negatives: the room lighting is dim, especially over the washbasin. There is only a single light about 7 feet up. Your cheeks and neck are in shadow making it hard to shave or put on makeup. The hotel provides a small mirror but that doesn't fix the weak lighting. Also, there are no drawers for your clothes. There is a closet for hanging clothes but nothing else. You will probably keep your clothes in your suitcase. The closet is badly lit and hard to see into. A couple of minor service flaws: one day my room was not serviced. However, when I complained at 4.30pm, housekeeping quickly fixed it. The internet was generally good, but it did drop once in the middle of a Zoom call.

Dave

Google
I recently spent several days at the Populus Hotel in Denver. The experience was quite sobering and different from what I expected, largely because my expectations were shaped by the hotel’s online marketing campaign and numerous overly flattering reviews that came across as staged or curated. Although we were dismayed with all that this hotel failed to offer, the dining experience was, without a doubt, the most disappointing aspect of our stay. Calling out the Executive Chef feels necessary, not out of spite, but from a place of professional concern. Having spent a good portion of my life in the restaurant business and having worked every position from the kitchen to the front of the house and into ownership, I’ve gained a deep, and at times sobering, understanding of the hospitality industry. Had I never encountered the individual overseeing the culinary operations at the Populus Hotel, and if I were a criminal profiler investigating a serial offender systematically undermining sound culinary principles, the breadcrumbs of evidence would lead directly to the Executive Chef at the helm of this hotel. Clearly, in this establishment, the tail is wagging the dog. There is no doubt that the Populus Hotel has its fair share of problems and while the candid reviews highlight a slew of issues, there's no denying that, but on the epicurean front, I’m assuming he’s the epicenter. I’m sure none of this feedback will go very far because these are the type of people that will just double down and bury my post with more duplicitous reviews. Unfortunately, our recent experience at Populus, and particularly in both restaurants, the sophistication of the menu did not mirror the food that was served. And the service from the staff we encountered reflected a dismissive and arrogant attitude, which felt misaligned with the standards expected of a venue that’s advertised of this caliber. It may be worth considering whether the Executive Chef's leadership style is better suited to a smaller setting, where the arrogant approach we experienced, may be more appropriate, rather than in a guest-focused HOTEL environment.

Y4312FQbobbym

Google
Our experience started on the wrong foot almost immediately at check-in when we came face to face with Morgan, whose rude and unwelcoming attitude set the tone for what became an unremarkable experience and truly less than satisfactory stay. The room itself was a shock and absolutely nothing like we anticipated. Very small and uncomfortable, poorly laid out, and far from what we expected given the price. Billed as a unique eco-conscious sustainable destination, while quietly omitting the fact that almost all standard comforts are missing, despite charging as though they’re included. To make matters worse, we were nickel-and-dimed at every turn for every single offering that should have been included in the already outrageous room rate. It was insult after insult.||While dining at Pasque, we encountered sanitary issues that raised serious concerns regarding cleanliness and overall standards. Out of professionalism, I will refrain from detailing specifics, but it is clear that the hotel is aware of the problem and the conditions warrant formal review by the appropriate health officials.||We also went up to Stellar Jay for an overpriced drink and were planning to dine there. We couldn’t help but notice the hoity-toity vibes radiating from everyone working in this restaurant so we quickly pivoted and decided to leave once we saw the limited menu and outrageous prices and it became apparent how poor the service would have been had we’d stayed for a meal.||With glaring design flaws, unacceptable staffing attitudes and absurdly inflated prices, it's hard to imagine Populus thriving in the long term. If this represents the standard for a high-end hotel experience, prepare to be thoroughly disappointed. While I’ve never used this term in relation to a hotel stay before, the most fitting word to encapsulate our entire experience is simply, “disaster.” I think it’s safe to say, I would think twice before booking at this hotel. The management of this place needs to look themselves in the mirror and make some serious changes in the way they treat their customers. Our stay was not sensational and sadly, the only reviews that are accurate are the less favorable ones.

Gemutlichkeit

Google
I fled another downtown hotel after one night in poor accommodations and felt swaddled by the attentive care of Populus from the moment I arrived. I'm not keen on concept venues, but I really liked everything about this place. Granted, calling the floors things like "the understory" isn't actually necessary - but I get it. And, I'm totally willing to overlook it because the service and the venue itself.||The staff are exceptionally well trained and friendly. And the room was just a haven for me. The food was SHOCKINGLY good - I ate at both restaurants. And, when you do so for back to back meals, you realize that some of the items are iterations of the same thing. But, big whoop. It was all very good.||I loved that the minibar had a shelf that wasn't stocked with anything, so I could actually use it for my things.||A few small things to consider for improvements:||1. The lighting in the room *is* dim, and for the most part that's just fine. But bedtime reading was a challenge. Please consider some options for improving that.|2. The refillable water pitcher is a little hard to hold, and refilling it takes time. Can the water refilling stations have better water pressure?|3. The wine list is a little sub-par for the quality of the food being served.|4. Your roofop restaurant is promoted so frequently as "rooftop dining" that I almost didn't even risk trying it the day of a large rainstorm! Remind people that there is a part that is enclosed, and thus 4-seasons.

B C

Google
Everything about this room was unique and elegant. The property was very well maintained. Valet is very helpful with parking and the front staff is amazing. There are two restaurants at the hotel to choose from both have elegant and classy vibes. and if you don’t want to leave your room, there is a fully stocked mini bar with snacks available. The rooms are fantastic. Everything about this hotel is unique, I strongly recommend if you’re in downtown Denver. (if you’re 21+)

Todd H.

Yelp
One of the best hotels in Denver. Definitely worth a visit to enjoy the unique hotel design and great service - especially Brandon at The Front Desk. Make sure to visit the rooftop restaurant for amazing views and fantastic cocktails. The service team is top notch and really pay attention to the details.

Abs F.

Yelp
Coffee shop review: I wanted to see the inside of this architectural masterpiece and I am not disappointed. The interior is a modern landscape with bits of nature dispersed throughout; whether it's in the leather above the bar or the light wood accents, it's amazing. I will say it clearly looks like a hotel, which makes sense given that is what it is. I just appreciate when hotels give you the dining experience of a nice private dining area. That being said, coffee shop seating is very limited and not necessarily cozy. There is more seating upstairs, just not enough to make it look anything other than a hotel lobby with a bar in it. Whoever wrote the coffee shop menu deserves a raise, the phrasing is adorable and fits the genZ narrative to a T. I'd actually made me laugh a little. Even the drink flavors were unique, also something I thoroughly enjoyed.

Kristina B.

Yelp
Came in for coffee. Stayed for breakfast! New hotel with breakfast, coffee and rooftop dinner. Gorgeous atmosphere, we were sat in front of the bar and the tables are really low, more like a lounge vibe not great for eating, feels like you're off of your lap. Dirty chai was awesome, my husband oat milk latte was great, I think the vanilla syrup is made in house. I had the breakfast scone sandwich, it was awesome!

Bennett P.

Yelp
Newest hotel in downtown Denver. The outside wall evokes the eyelets of Aspen trees. It is a carbon positive building with substantial use of natural wood and soft tones inside. After checking in, I learned they have an on-site biodigester to process all organic matter from their two restaurants, Pasque & Stellar Jay. They have a Little Owl Coffee bar on the first floor open to the public. I noted their matcha is hand ground and excellent. My room keys were round pieces of blond wood with an embedded painted sensor to gain access to my floor in the elevator and to enter my room. The room was small with a queen size bed, a vanity with hand soap and liquid body cream in a pump bottle. The bath was a shower and a glass door. I saw an airblower to dry your hair, an ironing board and white robe in a closet. I had a small writing table with chair. The flat screen t.v. had 41 channels and movies-on-demand were available. I had 1 large sealed window looking north. The room was soundproof, but a bit of noise from revelers in the hallway. They have an on-site gym with treadmills and cardio machines. I did not partake the food & beverages offered in the room. They use Grown Alchemist products for shampoo, conditioner, body cream and body cleanser, so no free soap or bottles other than the little bar of hand soap. I had a room safe. I slept very well. Check-in is at 4pm and check-out is at 11am. I reserved the room back in the summer before they opened in October. My room rate was $309 for New Years. Current room rates are from $206-$249.

Irina R.

Yelp
Such a cool new spot in Denver! Populus is a modern hotel with a nice coffee shop, breakfast and lunch cafe as well as a roof top bar (opens at 4:30 pm). I love new modern places so Populus didn't disappoint. Coffee and breakfast were delicious and can't wait to check out their rooftop area. Didn't stay at the hotel since I am local but the atmosphere and the modern feel make this hotel feel like such a nice breath of fresh air. Looked like a wonderful place to stay while in Denver!

Yvonne L.

Yelp
Great experience at both the downstairs restaurant Pasque and the upstairs rooftop Stellar Jay!! At Pasque we had the highly recommended savory beignets which came with a phenomenal sauce, and I loved the tagliatelle with smoky Colorado lamb ragu. (Chickpea pancake was okay, personally didn't love the flavor combos.) All the cocktails were amazing, and the standout dish of the night was the unique and delicious sunchoke brûlée for dessert. We then went upstairs to check out the rooftop at Stellar Jay - we had more delicious cocktails, and I didn't realize they also had a full-blown restaurant with a completely different menu. Will definitely be back for a meal up here and to enjoy the beautiful views.

Piper C.

Yelp
Had drinks and dined at Stellar Jay, the rooftop bar. The cost was astronomical and the smoke smell that hits you in the face the second you enter the lobby is beyond overwhelming and for me, nauseating. After a $22 glass of wine and a $16 cocktail, my eyes were burning from the smoke. It's too much. Won't return because of this. The beef tartar was good however.

Stewart L.

Yelp
Funny how time goes by. This place used to be a daycare center, and now, just two years later, it's a hotel called Populous. Tonight, we had dinner and drinks on the rooftop at Stellar. Stellar indeed! E.J. was our bartender, and oh my goodness, he made me laugh so much--hilarious guy with a really nice beard. Our server, Preston, was a sweetheart--kind and just a genuinely nice human being. We also met Madeline and Rhea, the general manager. Now, you're probably wondering about the food. It was fantastic! I had some type of trout, which was great, and I shared it with my wife along with sweet potatoes bathed in smoked butter--OMG, so good. Let's talk about the view from the rooftop. This will probably become one of the most sought-after spots to get a stunning view of Denver. You can see straight up Colfax Avenue and even over into the Golden Triangle area. The ambiance in this place is top-notch; you can tell they invested some serious money to make people like you and me happy. From the welcoming staff to the ambiance and the food, I highly recommend this place. It made me want to stay right there in the hotel and not go home. I've come to realize that some of the best chefs seem to hang out at hotels. Overall, I highly suggest checking this place out. It is stellar--pun intended.

Jennifer V.

Yelp
Okay this place overall has such a great design and aesthetic feel! It's downtown, parking was decent....the greeter was super nice. When you walk into the main floor you are greeted immediately. This place would have received 5 stars but the check in process was so confusing. There was 1 person checking people in for the restaurant in the first floor. Then a 2nd person checking in people for the restaurant in the rooftop. And then a 3rd person checking in people to their rooms. But the layout was confusing for that. Regardless, the cocktails in the first floor restaurant was delicious! And the tiny cafe on the right was also very cute.

Neelina C.

Yelp
I only had a single drink and it was enough to get me buzzed. I didn't taste the liquor at all, it was very well made! We originally had a reservation for 5 but the waitress was able to accommodate our 3 extra guests. The rooftop was at capacity when our group was there so I'll have to go back another time to check it out! The food options were limited so that was unfortunate but we all just wanted to enjoy a few drinks there so that was fine.

Ashley P.

Yelp
We stayed for a night with the 2 drink + upgrade package and everything went perfectly! I recommend the hammock window rooms. The mini bar was SO good and decently priced for all local CO products. Coffee delish. Valet/Host services are eager to accommodate. We are locals and we can't wait to go back!!

Cody S.

Yelp
the GM is very off-putting. Very robotic and impersonal. Should not be in this career. Asked us to leave a space that nobody was occupying after we had spent $500.

Megan S.

Yelp
BEAUTIFUL building! I love the environmental stewardship with luxury. We stayed the night and were sooo comfortable. A unique, funky, fun experience I will treasure!