Colorado Chautauqua

Stayed here recently as part of the wife's family reunion group. The parking situation is frustrating and really takes away from the experience on a daily basis. When we inquired at the front desk why there are so many vehicles without a parking pass displayed, were told it would be up to the City to do anything? Well Management, apply some pressure. Clearly the public has learned that they can bypass the paid public parking areas below and just head up to the lodging area and park anywhere without consequence. As a guest everytime one leaves to go explore around Boulder you do so knowing you will face a parking challenge when you return. Everyone in our group was voicing frustration with it, and we are only one group using 1 vehicle per rental unit. Word spreads! The location near the trails is great. The restaurant was nothing special but decent if you want something without leaving the property. The "general store" is basically souvenirs, ice cream (good) and coffee drinks. If you need actual groceries you will need to leave the property. The kids enjoyed the little park area near the guest registration office.

I've wanted to stay here a long time and unfortunately it was a mediocre experience. Currently the auditorium is under renovations for the Sundance Film Festival's relocation, which is fine however parking is reduced. You would think then that they would do a better job of policing it so that people who paid good $$ to stay here could actually park. I watched many wedding guests park in the lodging specific street and lot parking areas, as well as multiple construction workers wearing vests parking their personal cars. Then the paying guests have to park blocks away and walk up a steep hill with their luggage. I had a VIP food and drink voucher that the front desk told me had to be used in one sitting. So I went to the restaurant for dinner and ordered wine, food and then dessert to take home. I was seated and then ignored. Other tables seated after me were getting service. I finally flagged someone down and when a server finally arrived she stated there was a "mix up". The service did not improve much from there but at least I got a meal. At payment time the server disappeared with my credit card (overage from voucher) for a long time. Payment should be done table side like everywhere else in the world. Then they automatically added a 20% gratuity that was in no way earned. I tip well when the service warrants it. The food and cabin were decent. But I will never return nor recommend. Perhaps the days of Chautauqua being a Colorado "jewel" are over. I've had much better service at discount hotels.

We got a 3-bedroom yet one of the bedrooms was unsafe, located down a dangerous flight of stairs and entirely underground (like a bedroom built into the cellar from 100 years ago). Our 5-year old and 2-year old kids could not stay in the bedroom so we paid a high price for a 3-bedroom unit and squeezed into 2-bedrooms. In all practicality, it was a 2-bedroom unit with no disclosures about this upon checkout. I get the cottages are cute, but you should have to disclose material issues like this before you charge for a 3-bedroom.

My recent conference stay at the Colorado Chautauqua was truly exceptional, easily earning a 10/10 rating. This venue is an ideal combination of professional excellence and natural retreat. The historic setting, nestled directly beneath the Flatirons, is simply breathtaking. My cottage was peaceful and well-kept, offering a welcome change from a standard hotel. The conference spaces, like the Grand Assembly Hall, were beautiful and fully equipped. What sets this venue apart is the location. We could step right out of a meeting and onto a stunning hiking trail in minutes, which genuinely fostered connection and creativity among attendees. Excellent food from the Chautauqua Dining Hall was the final touch on a flawless experience. If you are looking for an inspiring and restorative place to host your next corporate event, I highly recommend the Colorado Chautauqua!

There's only one place like it and that is it.

Need a place to unplug? Look no further. The Chautauqua Cottages are within steps to a multitude of hiking trails- all with breathtaking views of the Flatirons ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs that will have you thinking, "OMG, what have a I done!" The food in the dining hall was delicious and fairly priced. Ice-cream cones from the General Store after a day of trekking was a treat. Can't wait to visit again!