Four Romantic Colorado Inns

1- Niwot Inn- Hidden Retreat in the Boulder Valley

2- Denver’s Historic Castle Marne Evokes Victorian Splendor

3- The Sod Buster Inn- A Little Piece of Heaven in Colorado’s Cowboy Country

4- The Queen Anne Inn: Victorian Charm in the Mile High City

Story and photos by Ron and Nancy Stern

Niwot Inn- Hidden Retreat in the Boulder Valley

Tucked almost unnoticed between the Colorado communities of Longmont and Boulder lies the town of Niwot, home to the delightful Niwot Inn.  Easy to miss, motorists traversing Highway 119, known as “the diagonal,” need to watch for the green road sign that diverts them to this small, sleepy community.

Upon entering the front door I was immediately welcomed by the staff. I was struck by the contemporary open floor plan and rich warm wood tones that extend even to the wood blinds. The Douglas fir post and beam construction is most notable on the stairway leading to the second floor, and I was told that many people come just to be married on these steps. Indeed, the inn reminded me of a cozy mountain lodge or chalet.

The Niwot Inn was named after Chief Left Hand whose Arapaho name was Niwot. This Native American influence is felt throughout the area with many landmarks bearing his name.  A sculpture of him hangs over the impressive stone fireplace in the great room where one can relax and share the adventures of the day.

The 14 rooms have distinctive names such as “Elbert,” “La Plata,” and “Quandary” which mystified me until I found out that they are names of Colorado mountain peaks with elevations above 14,000 feet. Each room has its own bath, TV, comfortable bed, and modem hookups. Some even have their own fireplaces, and the honeymoon suite features a Jacuzzi.

Now you many think that there isn’t much else to do in a sleepy little town like Niwot—not true!  In fact, the main street contains an eclectic blend of antique shops, Miss Attie’s Tea Room, a day spa called Prophecy, a bookstore, and even a gourmet market and café known as Treppeda’s.  Their menu had my mouth watering with delicacies like a New York chicken cutlet, smoked salmon salad, and cantaloupe and prosciutto salad.

There are outdoor activities as well. Hiking, walking, or biking can be accomplished through a series of trails and roads that leads all the way to Boulder. The North Niwot Loop winds its way through open areas and near expansive (and expensive) housing subdivisions. Along the way I stopped to watch some ducks whose brilliant green heads glimmered in the sunlight as they dove for food in one of the local ponds.

After all that fresh air and sunshine, I was ready for an afternoon snack. To my delight, I entered the front door to the smell of fresh baked cookies served every afternoon around 5 p.m. Apparently the smell of chocolate chip cookies attracts not only guests but sometimes even local wildlife. According to Laurie Adams, the general manager, there have been times when she has seen squirrels hopping across the street and into the front door when the cookies are made. On one occasion she said, “I heard a thump and there he was with a cookie in his mouth—chirping at me daring to take it away from him.”  Apparently, cuteness won out and he left with his prize.

Whether you are looking for a quiet respite from urban life or romantic weekend away from the kids, try the Niwot Inn. You may find, like many others have, that you will come back year after year.

Room prices range from $129-159 per night and they offer two packages, “The Relaxing Night” and the “Romantic Retreat,” which both include spa privileges.  A wonderful buffet continental breakfast is offered to all guests. The inn also provides rooms for corporate events as well as weddings. For more information, visit them online at www.niwotinn.com or call 303-652-8452.