Why book? As the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel, the Populus brings loads of innovative sustainability strategies to the game without sacrificing creature comforts—offering delicious cuisine, friendly service, and impeccable decor while using reclaimed wood, planting one tree for every night booked, and thoroughly composting all food waste in its two on-site restaurants.
Set the scene Set in the heart of downtown Denver, Populus brings a boost of hip, upscale energy to an area beset by office buildings and colonial-style government hubs. Compared to the frenzy of cars and concrete outside, this property is a veritable zen retreat. Laptop-toting millennials flock to its light-soaked Little Owl coffee shop and mezzanine couches, Colorado fashionistas in felt hats sip mixologist-helmed cocktails as the sun sets over the rooftop bar at Stellar Jay, and well-dressed couples enjoy quieter fine dining at Pasque.
The backstory Populus first opened its doors on October 15, 2024, and was designed by 2023 AD100 architecture firm, Studio Gang, to be the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel. After creating the famous Aqua Tower in Chicago and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC, Studio Gang turned to the vibrant aspen tree (Populus tremuloides) as inspiration for this property—its first Colorado building. Designed to evoke nature at every turn, there are very few right angles in the interior and exterior of the hotel, which is shaped to resemble a large grove of aspens, complete with eye-shaped windows that allow light to spill in. To achieve its goal of carbon-positive emissions, the hotel uses low-carbon concrete, 100% renewable energy, and dozens of other innovative strategies, like turning all its food waste into compost that gets returned to local farmers. They also participate in hands-on reforestation projects in partnership with the US Forest Service.
The rooms Though the hotel is surrounded by car-addled streets and Denver’s downtown cityscape, its guest rooms feel remarkably zen—a perfect blend of light, earthy tones, locally sourced artworks, and thoughtful seating areas. Darkened hallways boosted by bespoke, forest-scented airflow give way to guest rooms that are bright, neutral, and filled with views of the surrounding mountains and historic buildings. Though the property’s Studio Suites boast dreamy bathtubs and double vanity sinks, the smaller, more affordable Grove rooms offer the same natural sunlight, 300-thread-count sheets by Bellino, and Grown Alchemist bath products that make the entire hotel shine. Try to book a “hammock room” for a window-side reading nook you’ll never want to leave.
Food and drink Both of Populus’ on-site restaurants, Pasque and Stellar Jay, show off upscale Colorado cuisine with plenty of attention on game meats, like locally sourced bison and venison skewers. Stellar Jay boasts younger, more lively rooftop dining, with an indoor-outdoor bar and dishes that are cooked over an open flame. It’s a fab place to grab a mezcal old-fashioned and a few small plates to share, like the tempura maitake mushrooms. Pasque is the hotel’s all-day dining hub, serving up elevated takes on American classics (think bison loin steaks with hay cream and rutabaga, and savory beignets you’ll want to steal the recipe for). In a hurry? Little Owl cafe can help you get caffeinated and fed with a fresh pastry in a pinch.
The neighborhood/area Though Populus’ neighborhood, which sits at the crossroads of Denver’s Golden Triangle and Capitol Hill, isn’t very residential, it is home to Denver’s enormous art museum, a series of vintage record shops, popular vegan restaurants, and bars that range from dive-y sports hangs to jazz bars in the nearby Central Business District. It’s within easy walking distance of the Denver Art Museum, the State Capitol, and several concert venues along Colfax, like the Fillmore Auditorium.
The service The service is quintessentially Coloradan: friendly, unpretentious, knowledgeable, and with more than a few tattoos on most employees. I was met by bright, friendly smiles and a staff that was able to give me recommendations on everything from chic rooftop bars to secret thrifting spots nearby.
For families Though Populus can accommodate families in its Studio Suites and Poplar Two Queen rooms, it seems best suited for hip professionals, eco-minded Denver tourists, and couples looking for an Earth-friendly sanctuary with fabulous dining options.
Eco effort Since the entire premise of Populus is to cement itself as the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel, it swings big on its environmental efforts. The property has worked with numerous organizations like Grassroots Carbon, OneTreePlanted, and Terrapass to acquire forest and soil carbon credits for US-based projects. You won’t find plastic bottles of water in your room (they prefer glass), and Populus’ restaurants source its meats and produce locally. Plus, when you’re done, the hotel turns all food waste into compost that’s given back to the same farmers. One of the coolest things the hotel does is plant one tree for every night you book, and its wooden key fobs come with a satchel of wildflower seeds that guests can take home and plant after they leave.
Accessibility It’s a short distance to the hotel’s elevators from the entryway, which makes it easy to get to the guest rooms, fitness center, and Stellar Jay without using stairs (Pasque and Little Owl are both easily accessible on the ground floor). The property also offers a handful of ADA-accessible rooms, some of which have a specialized doorbell that gives visual cues for the hearing-impaired.
Anything left to mention? You’ll want to bathe in the house-made chili honey that’s drizzled over the savory beignets at Pasque. They’re fast becoming a thing of legend in the Denver food scene. Do yourself a favor and order them.
240 14th St, Denver, Colorado 80202
United States
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