Luxury on a Budget: Experience Denver at Ember Hostel

Ember Hostel in Denver is a boutique hostel that offers a blend of luxury and social atmosphere, set within a historic mansion in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Guests enjoy amenities such as privacy bunks with blackout curtains, a large spa jacuzzi, an outdoor fire pit, and a 420-friendly patio. The hostel is rightfully praised for its cleanliness, comfort, and engaging social events, making it a popular choice for travelers. With its prime location, it provides easy access to Denver’s main attractions, including the Denver Art Museum and numerous restaurants and bars.

Cap Hill – Denver

Capitol Hill, often referred to as “Cap Hill,” is one of Denver’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Located just southeast of downtown, it offers a rich mix of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions.

History and Architecture: Capitol Hill has a storied past, featuring many Victorian-era mansions and historic buildings. It was once home to Denver’s elite, with grand homes along “Millionaire’s Row” on Grant Street. The neighborhood has retained much of its historic charm, with notable landmarks such as the Sheedy Mansion and the Molly Brown House Museum, which tells the story of the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown
Cultural and Recreational Attractions: The area is known for its cultural institutions, including the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Art Museum, and the History Colorado Center. Civic Center Park and Cheesman Park provide green spaces for relaxation and community events, such as the People’s Fair
Demographics and Living: Capitol Hill is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of residents. It has a high percentage of young adults, with about 32% of residents aged 20-29 and 30-39 each. The neighborhood’s eclectic and bohemian vibe attracts a wide range of people, making it one of Denver’s most inclusive areas.

Capitol Hill’s blend of history, culture, and community makes it a unique and lively part of Denver, appealing to those who appreciate urban living with a historical twist.

History of Ember Hostel

Ember Hostel is a uniquely located in a renovated 9,000-square-foot historic mansion. The building’s rich history is reflected in its vintage charm, complete with original woodwork, arts and crafts stained glass windows, and a brick fireplace. Originally a mansion for Denver’s elite, it has been transformed into a boutique hostel that combines comfort with a lively social atmosphere.

Opened in 2017, Ember Hostel quickly gained a reputation for its top-tier amenities and engaging communal spaces. The hostel offers private train car-style bunks with pillow-top mattresses, king-sized pillows, and in-bed outlets, ensuring both comfort and privacy for its guests. The property also boasts a 12-person hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, a 420-friendly back patio, a wrap-around front porch and multiple co-working spaces for digital nomads or those just wishing to relax.

A unique feature of Ember Hostel is the Traveler-Centric Staff. The hostel’s staff is composed of fellow travelers who offer local insights and lead weekly events, enhancing the guest experience with their knowledge and friendliness.

Hostel, But Make it Luxury

Despite being a hostel, Ember offers luxury amenities often found in boutique hotels. Guests enjoy train car-style bunks with pillow-top mattresses, king-sized pillows, in-bed outlets, and privacy curtains. Additional features include a 12-person hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, and a 420-friendly patio.

Ember Hostel in Denver is known for its luxurious and thoughtful amenities that enhance the guest experience. Some key amenities include:

Privacy Bunks: Each bunk is designed for comfort and privacy, featuring blackout curtains, a reading light, outlets, and a shelf. The beds come with plush bedding and king-sized pillows.
Spa Jacuzzi: The hostel boasts a 12-person hot tub, providing a relaxing spot for guests to unwind after a day of exploring Denver.
Outdoor Fire Pit: The outdoor fire pit area is a popular social spot where guests can gather, share stories, and enjoy the evening ambiance.
420-Friendly Patio: For guests who partake, the hostel offers a 420-friendly patio, creating a welcoming environment for all travelers.
Common Areas: Ember Hostel has several communal spaces, including a lounge with a fireplace, a co-working space for digital nomads, and an outdoor patio.
Kitchen and Dining: Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen to prepare their own meals, as well as complimentary coffee and tea.
Events and Activities: The hostel organizes regular social events, tours, and activities, helping guests connect with each other and discover Denver’s attractions.
Free Wi-Fi and Housekeeping: High-speed internet is available throughout the property, and daily housekeeping ensures a clean and comfortable stay.

These amenities, combined with the hostel’s unique setting in a historic mansion, make Ember Hostel a standout choice for travelers seeking both comfort and a vibrant social environment in Denver.

Getting Social at Ember Hostel

Ember is known for its vibrant social scene. The hostel hosts regular events and activities, creating an engaging environment for travelers to meet and interact. The common areas, such as the fire pit and hot tub, provide excellent spaces for socializing.

Reasons to choose a hostel

Choosing a hostel over a chain hotel can offer several distinct advantages, particularly for certain types of travelers. Here are some key reasons:

Cost-Effectiveness: Hostels are generally more affordable than chain hotels, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. This lower cost allows travelers to extend their trips or allocate funds to other activities and experiences
Social Opportunities: Hostels are known for their communal and social atmosphere. They often have shared dormitories, common areas, and organized events that encourage interaction among guests. This makes them ideal for solo travelers looking to meet new people and make friends from around the world .
Unique and Authentic Experience: Many hostels are located in unique buildings, such as historic mansions (like Ember) or converted spaces, providing a more authentic and memorable stay. Hostels often reflect the local culture and can offer a more immersive experience compared to the standardized environment of chain hotels .
Local Expertise: Hostel staff are often fellow travelers or locals who can provide insider tips and recommendations about the area. This can enhance the travel experience by helping guests discover hidden gems and local favorites that they might not find through typical tourist resources .
Flexible Accommodation Options: Hostels offer a range of accommodation types, from private rooms to shared dormitories. This flexibility allows travelers to choose an option that best suits their preferences and budget .
Community and Collaboration: Hostels foster a sense of community and collaboration, with shared kitchens, co-working spaces, and communal lounges. This environment can be particularly appealing to digital nomads, solo travelers, and those who enjoy communal living .
Sustainability: Many hostels are committed to sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly products, and supporting local businesses. This focus on sustainability can be a draw for environmentally conscious travelers .

In summary, hostels offer a blend of affordability, social interaction, unique experiences, local expertise, flexible accommodations, community atmosphere, and sustainability that can make them an attractive alternative to chain hotels for many travelers.

Booking Ember Hostel

Ember Hostel

857 N Grant St, Denver, CO 80203

Gallery: Ember Hostel

About The Author

Isabel is a single mother and avid traveler based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Just over one year ago, she established this travel blog as a passion project. Letting her ‘creative juices’ flow, she was able to combine to of her hobbies: writing and photography.

Isabel’s goal for this pursuit is to highlight a growing collection of destinations that cater to a wide variety of lifestyle and budgets. Isabel has undertaken a variety of projects including: general travel guides, guides to museums and other attractions, restaurant reviews, reviews on unique lodging and even commissioned work allowing her to work with in conjunction with tourism boards to promote a certain destination.

In addition to dedicating near-full-time hours to her job as a travel blogger and micro-influencer, Isabel is a full-time emergency room paramedic and part-time firefighter. Above all, Isabel is a devoted mother to her 8-year-old daughter, Lily.