Nature's Way: Populus Hotel in Denver

Photos courtesy of Populus Denver

Today’s style-savvy travelers require more of their accommodations than a cozy guest room and unfussy adventure fuel; instead, they’re seeking retreats that marry a sense of place with intentional core experiences. Denver’s new Populus Hotel effortlessly meets these high standards, and as the country’s first carbon-positive urban stay, the hotel is a destination of its own.

Sustainability Made Stylish

Designed by AD100 architecture and urban design firm Studio Gang, the sculptural facade of the 13-story building mimics Colorado’s native aspen trees. Geometric eye-shaped windows emulate the tree’s bark pattern and, on the interior, double as window hammocks for guests to lounge on while observing the city beyond. This biophilic spirit extends through the public ground floor and into Populus’ 265 guest rooms, where natural tones and textures foster a relaxing sanctuary. The hotel’s sustainable practices include the use of recycled building materials, 100 percent renewable energy, on-site biodigesters that compost all of the hotel’s food waste, and a partnership with the National Forest Foundation through its One Night, One Tree program, which plants a tree for every night’s stay.

The ground floor includes Pasque and the Little Owl Coffee Bar. Above, flexible meeting spaces host business events and pop-ups.

Western-Driven Details

Led by Pittsburgh-based Wildman Chalmers Design, the hotel’s interior pays homage to the Mountain West by embracing an earthy palette and intentional details — including staining the concrete floor to simulate a natural woodland setting. A curved staircase anchors the main floor, while distressed reclaimed wood slats on the ceiling and a grand cottonwood log desk at check-in further the hotel’s arboreal allure.

Beyond Farm-to-Table

On Populus’ “forest floor,” Pasque is an all-day dining destination helmed by Chef Ian Wortham — formerly of the Michelin Guide-awarded Tavernetta. The menu fluctuates to showcase seasonal items and farm-sourced ingredients. Undulating curved banquettes echo the hotel’s organic spirit, while natural stone tables and repurposed wood ceiling details invite curiosity. Stellar Jay, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, pairs sweeping skyline views with live-fire cooking. Verdant cork wall details, green lime-washed ceilings, and soft brown decor emulate the changing light of a lush canopy.

A wood installation utilizes the Japanese art of Yakisugi, a centuries-old method of charring and preserving wood. Overhead, a series of steel disks called “The Canopy” refract light throughout the restaurant.

Biophilic Finds

Leave the faux greenery and botanical wallpaper. Instead, blur the lines between inside and out with nature-inspired decor. Raw textures, earthy tones, and verdant details infuse organic ease to well-loved living spaces.

Jude Pendant Lamp by Atelier Alz, $230, Adorno, adorno.design 2. Coastal Netted Jute Pillow Cover, $49, West Elm, westelm.com 3. Earth 45 Creator’s Edition Glintscape Clock by QLOCKTWO, $3,150, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC, octannerjewelers.com 4. Organic Curved Sofa by ET Woodcrafts, $6,080, ETW, etwoodcrafts.com 5. Hyde Side Table, $1,164, Alice Lane Home Collection, Draper, alicelanehome.com 6. Asea No. 25 Sconce by Ceren Gurkan, $1,267, Adorno, adorno.design 7. Les Rizieres EMB by Brunschwig & Fils, Into the Woods by Donghia, to the trade, Curate to the Trade, SLC, curatetothetrade.com 8. Teak Candle Holder by Montes Doggett, $47, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC, octannerjewelers.com

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