The Victorian architecture and decor make the Hotel Boulderado (2115 13th St., 303/442-4344, www.boulderado.com) timeless and always appealing for a comfortable night’s stay. It’s one block off the Pearl Street Mall and walking distance to many recommended restaurants and shops. Rates range from $214 for a queen to $389 for the Presidential Suite. Q’s Restaurant (303/442-4880, www.qsboulder.com) is a great brunch place with family or for a business lunch.

One of Boulder’s newest hotels is the swanky St. Julien Hotel and Spa (900 Walnut St., 720/406-9696, www.stjulien.com) with over 200 rooms and suites. The St. Julien has aspirations to be an “eco-hotel” with zero waste. Rates range from $269 to $479 in the high season.

The Boulder Outlook Hotel (800 28th St., 303/443-3322, www.boulderoutlook.com, $79–179) is the city’s first zero-waste hotel. They offer allergy-friendly rooms and have a chlorine-free pool and whirlpool tub. It’s close to the university and most expensive during graduation in spring when the city fills up.

The Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast Inn (2151 Arapahoe St., 303/442-3007, www.briarrosebb.com, $129–189) is a very cute old house with eight rooms available between the main house and carriage house. Tea and organic breakfast are served daily and can be enjoyed outside in the sweet garden. The Briar Rose is close to the campus and Naropa University.

Some of the lodge rooms and cottages at Chautauqua (900 Baseline Rd., 303/442-3282, www.chautauqua.com) are available for nightly rental year-round. Cottage rates range from $104–194 per night, lodge rates range from $1,089–1,143 per night for the entire eight bedroom facility, and from mid-June through mid-August nightly rentals are available at the Columbine Lodge for $71–118. Keep in mind that there is no air-conditioning in some of the cabins and daily housekeeping is not offered.