Populus Hotel, a revolutionary eco-conscious hotel designed with nature at its core, is now open in the heart of Denver. Developed by Urban Villages and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, Populus combines innovative, biophilic architecture with a commitment to sustainability, offering a unique experience in Denver’s thriving downtown.
The 265-room property invites guests to connect with the natural world while reducing their environmental footprint.
The hotel’s iconic design, inspired by Colorado’s native aspen trees, is the work of Studio Gang, an acclaimed architecture firm led by Jeanne Gang. Every detail of Populus has been crafted with sustainability in mind. Each “Aspen-eye” window is designed to maximize light, offer views of the nearby State Capitol, Civic Center Park, and the Rocky Mountains, and reflect the surrounding natural beauty.
Adding to the building’s eco-friendly design, a rooftop garden and tree-lined streetscape, designed by local firm Superbloom, enhance biodiversity and contribute to Denver’s green urban landscape.
Within Populus, guests encounter a thoughtful blend of architecture, art, and nature. The interior design by Wildman Chalmers Design, in partnership with Fowler Architecture and Design, evokes the essence of the Mountain West. The use of reclaimed materials, such as wood from Wyoming snow fences and biodegradable carpets, exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to eco-friendly interiors. Guest rooms, ranging from minimalist Grove rooms to the luxurious Pando Suite, immerse guests in views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains through large Aspen-eye windows, with some even featuring cozy window hammocks.
Populus’ 265 guest rooms are intentionally designed to provide a relaxing and stylish escape. They range in offerings from the Grove and Aspen rooms, which offer a minimalistic yet charming retreat, to the spacious and luxurious Pando Suite, perched on the top floor and featuring a dining area, kitchenette, 1.5 baths, a soaking tub, and panoramic views. In all the light-filled guest rooms and suites, the views take center stage, offering expansive mountain or city views through the Aspen-eye windows. In many rooms, the windows themselves extend into a window hammock – a curved, cushioned bench that provides a space for guests to unwind and connect with the outdoors.
Populus takes its environmental impact seriously with initiatives that extend beyond design. The hotel is the first in the U.S. to be carbon-positive, offsetting its carbon footprint through partnerships with Grassroots Carbon, OneTreePlanted, and Terrapass.
Through its “One Night, One Tree” program with the National Forest Foundation, Populus plants a tree for every night’s stay, aiming to plant up to 20,000 trees in 2024 alone. This commitment is further supported by on-site initiatives, such as the use of a biodigester to compost 100% of food waste from its zero-waste dining.
The hotel’s culinary offerings also reflect its eco-conscious ethos. Pasque, the all-day dining restaurant, serves regionally inspired dishes with a focus on plant-based ingredients and sustainable sourcing. On the rooftop, Stellar Jay offers bold, live-fire cuisine and cocktails in a lively, open-air setting with panoramic views. The Little Owl coffee bar on the ground floor adds another touch of local charm, offering grab-and-go options for guests and locals alike.
General Manager George Prine said, “Our team has poured their passion into every detail of Populus, ensuring that our mission to protect the environment seamlessly enhances the guest experience. We are confident that everyone, whether traveling for work or pleasure, joining us for lunch or dinner, or enjoying Friday night drinks on the rooftop, will leave Populus feeling inspired, delighted, and connected.”
Populus also prioritizes zero-waste dining in its restaurants, using an onsite biodigester from BioGreen360 to divert 100% of food waste away from landfills and into compost for local farms – taking the food from table to farm and establishing a circular solution for food waste. In partnership with Zero Foodprint and Wolfe’s Neck Center, the restaurants will further support regenerative farming practices that sequester carbon and improve the food system. In fact, as a Zero Foodprint member, Populus is committing one percent of its restaurant sales to regenerative farming, which is then matched by Wolfe’s Neck, through its USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities**, immediately doubling environmental and community impact.
Populus’ commitment to sustainability extends to its operations, with renewable energy powering the property and waste being converted to compost for local farms. Its dedication to regenerative practices is evident through its partnerships with local farms and sustainability organizations, creating a circular ecosystem that directly benefits the environment.
Situated at the crossroads of Civic Center Park and Denver’s 5280 Trail, Populus Hotel is ideally located for visitors looking to explore Denver’s cultural attractions. The hotel is close to the Denver Art Museum, Performing Arts District, and the upcoming revitalized Civic Center Plaza. As the city grows as a destination for modern, eco-conscious travelers, Populus stands as a testament to the evolution of sustainable hospitality.
Denver: A Destination for the Modern Traveler
As Denver continues to rise as a top travel destination, Populus stands out as a symbol of the city’s evolution towards a more sustainable future. While its design and ethos are inspired by nature and the surrounding landscape, Populus is primely located in the epicenter of Denver’s thriving downtown, providing guests with a unique mix of both nature and urban environments.
Built at the crossroads of Civic Center Park and Denver’s 5280 Trail project, the hotel offers panoramic views of both city and mountains, along with immediate proximity to some of the city’s best arts and cultural offerings, including the Denver Art Museum and the Performing Arts District. Studio Gang has also been selected to lead the revitalization of nearby Civic Center Plaza, including an updated amphitheater and promenade, which will further enhance the neighborhood’s vibrancy and architectural design.
