The Populus Denver Is A Leader In Eco-Friendly Travel

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“I’ve been dying to go inside that building,” a friend said when I told her I’d be spending a weekend at the Populus in her home city of Denver. Designed to resemble native aspen trees (with playful eye-shaped windows to boot), the striking hotel generated plenty of buzz among locals when it opened in October 2024, and for good reason. It didn’t take long after I arrived earlier this year to realize the Populus isn’t your typical stay — it’s actively pushing the travel industry toward a more eco-conscious future.

In fact, the Populus is the country’s first carbon-positive hotel. In other words, it removes more carbon than it emits. To achieve this impressive feat, Populus’ carbon footprint has been reduced through a mix of sustainable design decisions and construction techniques, including the use of low-carbon concrete and the intentional absence of onsite parking (guests are encouraged to use the hotel’s valet service or nearby garages).

Paying homage to the Mountain West with warm colors and natural materials, the breathtaking interiors are courtesy of Wildman Chalmers Design in partnership with Fowler Architecture and Design. Beyond their visual appeal, each detail aligns with the hotel’s sustainability-focused ethos. For instance, the carpets in the guest rooms are made from recycled materials that biodegrade in landfills, while many suites also feature headboards made from fallen beetle-killed pine. Meanwhile, the wood slats in the lobby ceiling are sourced from reclaimed wood snow fencing in Wyoming.

This is just a glimpse of what the Populus has to offer. Below, read my full review of the one-of-a-kind hotel in downtown Denver.

The Stay

As it was my first time in Denver, it would have made sense to fill my days zipping around the city exploring. But honestly, I was more than content spending most of my time in the hotel — the space was so cozy and welcoming, it was hard to leave. The property boasts 265 rooms, each with a calming, minimalist design. Meanwhile, the walls are adorned with art by Colorado-based artist and environmental activist Katherine Homes. I was lucky enough to stay in the Mountain Studio Suite, a spacious room with various seating areas, a king bed, a soaking tub, and a minibar.

Though the luxuriously comfy bed was a highlight, the views of the nearby State Capitol, Civic Center Park, and the Rocky Mountains made my experience truly exceptional. In keeping with its eco-friendly mission, the hotel plants a tree for every night’s stay, allowing guests to take part in its sustainability efforts.

The Restaurants

Even if you’re not a guest at the Populus, the restaurants inside are reason enough to stop by. On the ground floor sits Pasque, an all-day spot serving seasonal, vegetable-heavy dishes alongside proteins from land and sea. My favorites? To start, the rebel bread — aka sourdough with whipped tallow butter. For the main dish, I ate every last bite of the roasted duck breast.

Upstairs is Stellar Jay, a bustling rooftop restaurant, bar, and outdoor terrace. Named after the Steller’s jay bird, the restaurant serves mouthwatering shareable plates, from gnocchi and mussels to braised bison short ribs and roasted chicken, all complemented by refreshing cocktails.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Little Owl, the cute coffee bar situated next to the check-in counter. As a coffee connoisseur, I’m always on the hunt for the best iced lattes, and the one at Little Owl easily ranked among the top five I’ve had in recent years — no exaggeration.

What’s more, the Populus is the first hotel in downtown Denver to utilize BioGreen360’s “Food Cycling” technology, diverting 100 percent of food waste from landfills and turning it into all-natural compost. The waste is processed using BioGreen360’s waterless aerobic digesting system, with the resulting compost and fertilizer distributed to local farms in Colorado.

The Amenities

The second floor features numerous meeting and event spaces that can host everything from business meetings and co-working sessions to parties and pop-up events. Meanwhile, the top floor houses hospitality suites available for private social or corporate gatherings, all with incredible views of Denver’s parks, downtown skyline, and the neighboring Rocky Mountains. (Accommodations start at $299 per night for guest rooms and $499+ for suites.) And if you feel like breaking a sweat during your stay, head to the 24-hour gym, which features Peloton bikes, a StairMaster, treadmills, and more equipment.