We'd like to stay either in Boulder or Fort Collins on our first night of our week-long trip to Colorado. Preferably, a quiet place within walking distance to some nice restaurants, shops, etc.

Any suggestions? Which town would be "better"?

We'll be going through RMNP the next day (we've been there before) on our way to Steamboat Springs.

TIA!

Personally I think Boulder would be better and more interesting. There is a BUG difference between the two towns. But have no rec for where to stay since I live in the area and do not have that need.

I would also recommend Boulder over Fort Collins. You'll want to be near the Pearl Street Mall (pedestrian). There are several options,Pearl Street B&B, St. Julian's and the Hotel Boulderado.

The area has some excellent restaurants,lots of shopping options and the Boulder Creek Path, which runs alongside Boulder Creek, is nearby.

Thanks. That's fine. We've never been to either town... just looking for informed opinions.

Part of this vacation is just that - a vacation - but the other part is a preliminary evaluation of potential places to live (we're retired).

And then there's the need to visit the home of one of our favorite beers - Fat Tire - in Fort Collins!

Loved the Boulderado Hotel in Boulder -- and it's a perfect location. You can easily walk to the fun, interesting Pearl Street Mall and great dining options -- and to a park with beautiful trails at the base of the mountains.

Another Fat Tire fan here! Agree with the others about staying in Boulder, but Fort Collins will be an easy day trip. Arrive at New Belgium early (by 10 a.m.) if you want a guided tour. We did the self-tour and sampling. The sampling menu is pretty broad and interesting. Next time I'll pass on the sour beers.

Unfortunately, our flight gets in around 10 in Denver. We might have to wing it at New Belgium.

Looks like St, Julien's is already full on a weekday in late September. Wow.

I can't seem to find a website for "Pearl Street B&B". Can anyone kindly provide it?

Boulderado looks very nice and has availability.

Does anyone have an opinion on "Bradley Boulder Inn"?

Thanks again for all the help. Very much appreciated!

I'm guessing the Pearl Street Inn is no longer.Too bad.
I had forgotten about the Bradley, but it would be an excellent choice. Location is good too.

The Boulderado is an historic hotel, well-located for walking, and has a very nice restaurant. I think it's called "Q".
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Could be that something is going on at CU that weekend; if the Boulderado is available, I'd take it (but how early are you leavng for RMNP the next day? might not be worth any added expense if you won't be around Boulder to enjoy it!)

....but the other part is a preliminary evaluation of potential places to live (we're retired).......

My earlier comments still stand but if you are looking for retirement locations, you might consider staying in Ft. Collins. Alhought personally I am not a big fan of Ft. Collins, it has hit a number of lists for good retirement locations. Climate is good, cost of living is relatively low, college town, etc. However, IF I was asked to recommend a retirement place, there would be others areas that I would prefer over Ft. Collins and Boulder. Have a good trip.

Fort Collins is a really nice town and if I was going to live anywhere else than I do currently (excluding the ski areas) it would be there. Boulder would be my pick to stay for a vacation, though, as there's more to do and it's a beautiful setting nestled in the foothills.

One thing to be aware of is average home prices in Boulder will be 2-3 times that of Fort Collins. Boulder enacted some sprawl control measures a few years back that drove their real estate prices through the roof.

Regarding retirement possibilities,I'm not sure about the cost of living, but there are several communities between Boulder and Fort Collins such as Niwot and Longmont. Boulder is very expensive as far as housing is concerned.

Thanks, folks, for the continuing help and advice!

We've gone ahead and booked our stay in the 'Bradley Boulder Inn'. Lots of good comments on TA, good looking rooms on their website, and a nice conversation with the innkeepers over the phone. I think we'll stay there 2 nights instead of 1 to give us a little more breathing room to investigate both Boulder, FC, and the areas in between like 'hisorytraveler' mentions. Again, this is just a VERY preliminary investigation.

fmpden - would be interested to hear about your preferred retirement spots. We're heading down to our (so far) favorite spot - Durango - later in the week. We were married there! We've also enjoyed Telluride (expensive & a lot of snow). Not so high on our list are Aspen ($), Vail, and Estes Park.

Moonstone1, contact me off line. I have learned that if you post a recommendation five will be for it and five will say, "how stupid can you be?" Retirement is fairly personnal and depends a lot of what you want to do and spend your time. We have lived on the south side of Denver for 27 years and will move within the next three years. Waiting for Marcia to fully retire. Let me know what you are looking for.