Day 117 of 365 Days of Boulderado Photos ~ Grandmother Clock

I can't remember a time when I didn't know what a grandfather clock was. I even grew up with one in my childhood home. But it wasn't until I had been working at the Hotel Boulderado for a few years that I learned there is such a thing as a grandmother clock. They look very similar except for size; the grandfather clock is tall and stands on the floor, while the grandmother clock is like a miniature version that is hung on the wall. Pictured above is a grandmother clock that lives in 505, one of our Presidential Suites.

Day 33 of 365 Days of Boulderado Photos ~ Carpet Pattern in 306

One thing you have to notice about the Victorian decor found at the Hotel Boulderado is the abundance of patterns. The Victorians loved having patterns on everything -- patterned wallpaper, patterned curtains, patterned upholstery. In the words of one long-time Boulderado employee: "Patterns on top of patterns on top of MORE patterns." I thought it would be fun to share some close-ups of some of the patterns here at the Boulderado, and I'm starting in an unlikely place -- the floor.

The above photo is a close-up of the carpet in one of our Presidential Suites, 306. It will be retired and replaced later this month, but as one last farewell, I wanted to use it as the start of another sub-series within the 365 Days of Boulderado Photos, the pattern series.

Boulderado Brides

Wow! Some of us in the office are still in post-Wedding Show world, even though it was days ago. More than two hundred people attended our annual Bridal Show on Sunday to visit with local vendors and experience the Hotel Boulderado's ambiance and catering capabilities. Yuko and I worked down at the Registration Desk in the lobby, which meant that we met everybody as they were registering. Amidst all the craziness of registration, it struck me how there are so many different kinds of brides with very different tastes. This also applies to the vendors -- some are bubbly, some are shy, some are traditional, while others are more modern. I suppose it goes to show you that finding vendors who will help you on your special day is similar to finding a mate; you have lots of options, but only one is really the best fit for you. That's why brides love wedding shows so much -- there's several vendors present, and at least one is bound to be exactly what she's looking for.

Several brides who already have their ceremonies and receptions booked at the Boulderado were in attendance. I spoke with a few of them, and each one had a different reason for choosing us. "It's just so beautiful and elegant." "The staff is always very friendly and helpful." It's also true that the Boulderado is a one-stop shop for many bridal parties. Families from out of town can use our guest rooms, we offer ceremonies and receptions on our Mezzanine (or our Ballroom, for those larger receptions), the couple can stay in a Presidential Suite for their honeymoon, and everyone can get together for breakfast in Q's Restaurant. Boulderado brides are actively reaching out to be a part of the history of our hotel when they book with us. The very first recorded wedding ceremony took place here in 1911, and over the years thousands of people have been married on our staircase's landing. This is the history our Boulderado brides share in every time the "Wedding March" starts up on the Mezzanine.

306

In recognition of the Hotel Boulderado's 100 Year Anniversary in 2009, I've decided to profile several of our signature guest rooms and suites over the coming months. Last time we took a peek inside 444, a North Wing Classic King with amazing views. Today I'm taking you back to the historic section to peek inside our other Presidential Suite, 306. (You may remember our visit inside 505 back in April.)

Room 306 is easily one of the most posh and luxurious at the Hotel Boulderado. It was originally two rooms -- 306 and 307 -- but was modified to create an extra-large suite for brides, VIPS, and celebrities alike. The living area is well-suited for entertaining, with plenty of seating, a large table for meals or small meetings, and a beautiful antique bar.

Photos by Allison M. Fleetwood, Jr.

The bedroom is tucked away through a small hallway, making it quieter and more removed from the traffic sounds outside the hotel. Like most of our suites, there is an extra television in the bedroom to make viewing more convenient. More antique style can be found here, like the mirror, the headboard, and the artwork. Like all our rooms, the bed is the ultimate in comfort and the bedding is premium and fresh. Waking up in 306 at the Hotel Boulderado is best way to start the day in Boulder.

505

In recognition of the Hotel Boulderado's 100 Year Anniversary in 2009, I've decided to profile several of our signature guest rooms and suites over the coming months. First on my list is Room 505, a top-floor Presidential Suite that offers spectacular views of downtown Boulder and the Flatirons.

When the Boulderado first opened in 1909, room 505 was not in the original inventory. The top corners of the hotel were used as open corner porches, according to Silvia Pettem's Legend of a Landmark, which quotes a 1910 Daily Camera article: "The upper story of the Hotel Boulderado was never finished or furnished. Because of the great patronage of the house, Messrs. Wallace, the leasees, have begun, by cooperation with the hotel company, to divide great garret-like rooms into comfortable living rooms, and furnishing them with windows and all the comforts of the other rooms in the splendid house."

The hotel manager used it as his own apartment, and is mentioned in a story recalling the first
Boulderado wedding ceremony. When Hugh Mark took over the manager's position in 1917, he and his young son moved into 505, while his wife and daughter lived in an apartment a few floors below. Mark turned much of the operations over to different family members, turning the Boulderado into a family-run business; his brother Leonard was a front desk clerk, brother William became an engineer in charge of the coal furnace, and yet another brother, Frank, took over operating the dining room with the help of his wife, Alza.

Today, 505 is one of our most popular rooms, with everyone from brides, celebrities, and VIPs staying in the Presidential Suite. Its beauty, spaciousness, and views make it a truly unique stay for any guest. A full-sized living room with a stereo and conference table leads into the bedroom.

Photo by A Life Exposed Photography

Photo by A Life Exposed Photography

Photo by A Life Exposed Photography

Over the years, people have left their mark on the window ledges found outside 505. Some are newlywed couples, others are just looking to add to the room's history.

Stay tuned for upcoming profiles of other guest rooms at the Hotel Boulderado!

Guess Who . . .

Plenty of famous people have stayed at the Boulderado, especially musicians. Some of the more notable names are Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Pearl Jam. Well, as of this weekend, we can add one more to the list. The legendary B.B. King stayed here Friday night after his show at the Boulder Theater down the block. He checked in to one of our Presidential Suites, but couldn't enjoy the room for more than one night because of his tour schedule. We hope B.B. King and his band enjoyed their stay at the historic Hotel Boulderado!