Hi,
planning a trip to Colorado Springs in Sept (Cheyenne Canon Inn) and are adding a few extra days and wanted to stay in the Boulder area.Any suggestions ?
There seems to be small village type places with some interesting places to stay NIWOT for instance, any one have any info that would be helpful.
I will be in the area Labor day, does anyone know if there will be many places closed,restaurants etc, i heard lots of reports about Johns,anyone have any favorites ?

I don't think anything will be closed on Labor Day... And I would stay in Boulder vs. Niwot (Niwot is a cute LITTLE town - but I can't imagine staying there). Not sure what your budget is - if money is no object, stay at the Boulderado... if it is, please give more details. An alternative would be to go on up to Estes Park...

Niwot has no lodging, just a cute main street of a block or two. Boulder has several chains now; and I think the Boulderado is incredibly overpriced for what it is, but worth visiting for a really nice breakfast or brunch, or for cocktails after dinnner. John's is ok, but overrated, and has
changed ownership/chefs recently. If you want pricey elegant lodging, the new St. Julien recently opened at the end of the mall; it has terrific Flatiron views. (If you want a bargain place to stay, but 10 minutes away, go to Louisville,a few miles east of Boulder, for tons of new hotel/motel chains.)
Brassierrie 10/10 (spelling?) on Walnut, one block from the Pearl St. pedestrian mall (itself the "must visit")is really nice. And, there are several new restaurants right near the ped. mall that are getting a buzz; French (L'absinthe) Indian (a couple, but can't remember names), and at least two great Mexican (Jaunitas and Rio Grand [best margaritas I've had]); plus many other places such as the Chatauqua dining hall (fab views, great food, good prices), Red Lion (a few miles up Boulder Canyon, great for sunset suppers esp.), and if you want to spend big $$, Flagstaff HOuse on Flagstaff Mt. (make those reservations, tho); really, many many many places for a big range in budgets.
BIG WARNING HERE!! Remember that Boulder gets thousands of students back to CU right around then, so make sure you have reservations for lodging.

If you want to visit Boulder, I think you need to stay there. Niwot and Louisville are a bit of a drive, and let's not pollute anymore than we have to, right? Plus, staying in Boulder gives you a better feel for it. Maybe try the CU-Boulder website and see what lodging they recommend for parents. On 28th street there are a couple of motel-types, for example.

Frasca on Pearl Street in Boulder (not on the mall) is a wonderful restaurant. The chef is one of "Food and Wine's" best new chefs of 2005--and a well deserved honor it is. Great wine list and not outrageously expensive. My husband and I spent a little over $100 for appetizers, entree, bottle of wine, dessert and coffee. Delish! Reservations highly recommended.

I did think Niwot had a B&B, very nice and new a couple of years ago. Don't know if it's still in business.

Syliva3 has given you some great information. I agree with all her restaurant views. I would also add Mateo's ( French bistro- style)

Is the Rose Briar B&B still in business? There are several B&B's in Boulder along with most motel chains. Chck out Boulder website for specifics.Antoher inexpensive optionin south Boulder is the Days Inn. It's close to the Boulder bike/walk/run paths and recreation center. Bus stops just out the front door and Boulder has a great bus system.

Sorry for all the misspells in my post. We're dodging tornadoes this afternoon.

Many thanks for all the replies.
I am looking into the Briar Rose, Anyone stayed there recently ?
I have noted all the restaurants and will let you know the ones we try.
The place in NITWOT was the Nitwot Inn, it looks really nice on the web and they have rooms available.
Angie

Niwot is a nice enough little town, but I recommend you stay in Boulder at the base of the Flatirons, not on the plains. If you're in Niwot, you'll be spending time in your car driving to Boulder.

If you're still interested in staying in Niwot, don't let the drive into Boulder bother you. It only takes about ten mintues to get to Pearl Street ( Boulder's main shopping, restaurant, tourist area)

I've heard you need to reserve Frasca weeks in advance, maybe a month. Unless you arrive at 5:00 when they open and sit at the bar.

Sue

Pardon me for saying this, historytraveler, and take it for what it's worth-- but that's why we have such auto pollution in this country-- because we think nothing of driving to and fro for no good reason.

Not sure if anyone mentioned the St. Julien
http://www.stjulien.com

St. Julien is gorgeous! Stay in boulder.

I wouldn't come to CO to stay in Niwot which is basically a suburb of Boulder. It is nice but not worth the trip. Stay in Boulder.

For someone who takes public transportation whenever/wherever possible,I appreciate your remarks.

However, I ws simply responding to the interest in Niwot.

historytraveler, I'm glad you didn't take my soapbox speech personally! Applause for public transit whenever/wherever.

Hi,
just returned from Boulder and stayed at the Quality Inn and suites.
very good value. Probably would stay at the Bradley next time for a bit more luxury.
We did manage to eat at 10/10 the brassierie, loved the trout and managed to snag seats outside.

We hiked the Flat Irons 1 and 2 in Chataqua park and had lunch a few times at Camiles , quiet end of Pearl st. (bangok thai chicken salad ) fab !!!
and we had tea at the tea house !.
We drove to RMP for the day and then on to Colorado springs, Hot air balloning, whitewater rafting, hiking and a wonderful stay at the Cheyenne Canon Inn !!
FYI the route from Denver airport straight to Boulder is on a new route 470A toll road all the way there.
Angie

delph17 -
How long does it take to get from the Denver airport to Boulder on this new road? We will be arriving really late and not sure if we should stay at an airport hotel.

depends where exactly you are going in Boulder... I make it in about 45 minutes...

If you aren't too exhausted to drive safely, I'd definitely recommend you go on to Boulder and not stay near the airport. So much nicer to wake up in Boulder than in the middle of nowhere by the airport. I agree with the 45 minute time-frame.