Visting colleges with my daughter was a bit stressful and even exhausting. But for one shining moment it was an absolutely joy.
That glorious moment was when my daughter and I stayed at the Niwot Inn & Spa in Niwot, CO as we visited University of Colorado Boulder (just a 15-minute drive from the Inn).
When we saw the beautiful garden out front (truly splendid) … and stepped inside the rustic, charming Inn, I knew I had made the right choice.
The Inn is owned by a mother and daughter team. And there’s something about a family-owned business, where the owners REALLY care, that just takes the quality to a different level.
Before we even went to our room we were treated to wine and cheese in the charming and inviting Great Room. (Well, I enjoyed the wine. My daughter had tea.) After relaxing over wine, cheese, and tea … a staff member showed us to our room. (Actually, coffee and tea is available 24/7. Perfect!)
And our room was 100% wonderful …
Clean, Comfortable, and Cozy!
My daughter and I felt absolutely at home during our stay. In some ways it was even better than home. This was definitely NOT a hotel chain experience.
The room had a big Aspen Log bed … beautifully rustic. And it was even more comfortable than it was lovely.
There were some little touches that were so appreciated. Like our bathroom had a heated toilet seat (Every room featured this luxury.)
My daughter and I need to stay plugged into news and pop culture (my guilty pleasure … cute dog videos on YouTube), so the complimentary WiFi was truly appreciated.
We went during the warmer months, but the room had a fireplace – which was awesome. (I heard that all the rooms came with fireplaces. Charming!) But the air conditioning was absolutely heavenly. (Again, every room has it.)
The room had a mini-bar and snacks … great in a pinch. Plus, the room had a great flatscreen TV and FREE cable programming. Much to my daughter’s annoyance, I need the TV on to fall asleep.
Oh, last thing about the room … it came with complimentary toiletries. I was so pleased, because – of course – I forget a few things. I didn’t see any iron or ironing board in the room, but I asked and found out that’s available … you just have to ask.
A Yummy Breakfast Is Included!
Breakfast is served every morning in the Great Room, And breakfast was, well, great! I just love pancakes and waffles and Niwot Inn & Spa did not disappoint … I piled on the waffles. But there was so much more from which to choose. Yogurt, fresh fruit, pasties, boiled eggs, toasts, and a choice of cereals. My daughter groaned at how much syrup I used, while she piled on the fruit on top of her yogurt. (OK, I’ll admit … she made the healthier choice.) And, of course, there was more than enough coffee to kickstart my morning.
Not Just Nice Rooms – It’s An Top-Notch Spa, Too!
I spend most of my time caring for other people. But once in a while I want to care for myself. So, I scheduled a massage at the Spa … and it was AWESOME! This was not my first massage. I know a thing or two. But this was one of the best massages that I’ve ever had.
The stress of traveling while looking at colleges melted away. After what seemed like weeks of being worried, stressed, and “tightly wound,” I finally felt “reset.” After my session I was super relaxed, yet wonderfully energized. (Staying with your significant other? They do couple’s massages, too.)
Goldilocks Would Love This Place!
Niwot Inn & Spa is not too big … not too small … it’s just right. It’s got 14 super-cozy rooms and a 2-bedroom apartment (the Kokopelli Suite). The suite has a wood burning fireplace and tons of natural light (because it’s a corner room). The suite also features a king-sized bed … a leather recliner … a living room … a double sink in the bathroom … a Jacoozi bathtub … a full kitchen … and even a dining room. Talk about a home away from home.
Plus, the common areas like the Great Room are so comfortable, I just loved hanging out and enjoy the vibe.
Oh, one more thing … there’s even a conference room that sits up to 45 people.
Big enough for business and small enough for a mother and daughter team checking out the local university.
Get Ready To Bike Around …
The town and surrounding area is lovely. And the best way to see it is on two wheels. You see, Niwot Inn & Spa guests can bike around for free. My daughter and I were able to hit one of the great bike trails for a little exercise. Plus, we found the best way to see town was on bike. Everything was so conveniently located … great restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores, and more!
My Rating – 4.8/5 Excellent
Did I have a great stay? Heck yeah! Everything was just about perfect (except maybe the closet could have been a little bigger). The cozy rooms … the inviting common areas … the awesome Spa … the charming surrounding area … the convenient access to coffee shops, restaurants, and stores – all make the Niwot Inn & Spa (at 342 2nd Ave., Niwot, CO) a total TWO THUMBS UP!