With inspiring Rocky Mountain views from its north metro Denver Interstate 36 corridor, Colorado welcomes another dual-branded hotel property. Travel Writer Diana Rowe has the scoop on one of those hotels, the Residence Inn Boulder Broomfield/Interlocken. Read on for the scoop — and why this just might be your favorite away-from-downtown destination in Colorado.
I reside in the west metro Denver area, and I’m still thrilled to see new Colorado hotels sprouting up across the Front Range allowing travelers the opportunity to explore outside of Downtown Denver — although I am a fan of Denver too! Recently the Interstate-36 corridor of northwest metro Denver welcomed a new (opened October 2017) extended stay dual-branded hotel property, the Residence Inn Boulder Broomfield/Interlocken, with its Marriott branded property, a Fairfield Inn.
What the heck is a dual-branded hotel?
A dual-branded hotel is a tale of two hotels, and although the concept has been around for quite some time, it’s going through another revival of sorts (at least here in Colorado). Most dual-branded hotels feature separate brands from the same brand family.
Interestingly enough, just a few weeks ago, I checked out another dual-branded hotel, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder. My first hotel experience was during the bone-chilling 2014 polar vortex in NYC. I attended the grand opening of the Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park. Both of these featured brands from the same family, and this is the same dual-branded hotel concept (with Marriott) used in these two new hotels in Broomfield.
Location of the Residence Inn Boulder Broomfield/Interlocken
Located 40 minutes northwest of Denver International Airport and 10 minutes east of Boulder, the brand new Residence Inn by Marriott Broomfield is located near many prominent Fortune 500 and high tech companies, including Oracle, Level 3 Communications, SCL Healthcare Systems, Ball Corporation, Hunter Douglas, and Staples (within shuttle range). This creates a ready-made extended stay business market for this Broomfield hotel. This extended stay hotel is also conveniently located near a Wal-Mart and steps away from the “Main Street” complex across from FlatIron Crossing.
For leisure guests, the attractions are the nearby dining, shopping, and entertainment mall, FlatIron Crossing, and the FirstBank Center featuring many concerts and events.
Arrival at the Residence Inn Boulder Broomfield/Interlocken
I live just 15 minutes from Broomfield’s I-36 corridor, so this was a convenient weekend getaway for my hubby and me, which we tagged onto an engagement party nearby. It’s within the Main Street Complex across from the sprawling mall, and during our Saturday evening overnight, the area was very quiet. And since it is located in a shopping mall area, parking is free and convenient.
We entered through the dual-branded property’s shared entrance, and I have to admit I was impressed by the shared and expansive living-room-type lobby. Seriously it’s huge! I also really loved the mountain-lodge inspired design — because we are in Colorado. Its earth tones, rustic wood highlights, natural colors and huge windows truly brought in the beautiful mountain sunshine. And the lobby area simply set the stage for a beautiful and restful weekend getaway.
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Immediate to your right is the lobby bar, but unfortunately, during our Saturday late afternoon visit, it did not open until 5:00 pm. I spoke to the bartender and the manager, who both reported that as a new property, they were still evaluating the lobby bar times. The bartender also reported that they hoped to include a restaurant sometime in the distant future, although there are dozens of restaurants within walking or minutes drive away.
The inside back of the hotel lobby offers a view of the mountains. Step outside near the pool and enjoy chairs and fresh mountain air — and a grill for extended stay guests to feel at home – -and leisure guests to enjoy as well.
There is also a seasonally-open outdoor pool, which wasn’t open when I visited in early March (due to weather).
The entire hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi and the signal is strong — no matter whether in your room or sharing the signal with other travelers. (When we stayed, there was a girls’ college Lacrosse team, scheduled to play the next day in Boulder.)
Although I didn’t have time to check it out, there is also a library on the second floor.
Accommodations
As fitting an extended stay hotel, the residentially-inspired studios and one-bedroom suites are roomy and comfortable — and extended stays do benefit from discounts (so be sure to mention).
The suites include a full kitchen, private sleeping area, and separate living room area (which my hubby and I appreciate as he’s an early riser and I’m a night owl). Plush beds with sink-into-comfortable bedding, soft linens, and fluffy pillows ensure a good night’s sleep. The one bedroom suites, by design, are also 50 percent larger than the average hotel room.
Of course, free high-speed WiFi is offered in the room (yeah!).
Other Amenities
As I already mentioned, the outdoor pool. In addition, the hotel offers a fitness center, in-house movie room(for business presentations, movie night or inviting a group to watch the big game). A complimentary shuttle service is offered, and a complimentary hot breakfast is served in the lobby as well.
Room rates start at $209/night. Book directly with the hotel or use an OTA like Hotels.com
Note: Residence Inn Boulder Broomfield/Interlocken provided complimentary accommodations in exchange for a review; opinions expressed are my own.
