Denver’s most iconic corridor just got a nostalgic new landmark. La Vista Motel, a fully restored 23-room boutique property originally built in 1956, has reopened along East Colfax Avenue, inviting travelers and locals alike to step into a cinematic version of Denver’s past. With its pastel-washed exterior, glowing neon sign and breezy Route 66 energy, the motel feels like a postcard brought to life.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, La Vista has been transformed by Denver developer Nathan Beal, who saw an opportunity to honor the history of Colfax while creating a stay that feels intimate, stylish and unmistakably modern.
“Our goal was to create a space that honors the past while delivering a completely unique and modern experience,” Beal says. “We like to say: ‘A little bit motel. A whole lot of mood.’”
While many motels of the era have been lost to time or redevelopment, La Vista’s revival is unusually intentional—and it shows in both the craftsmanship and the character. Every corner of the property has been touched by thoughtful restoration, from the reimagined guest rooms to the refreshed façade that maintains its original mid-century lines.
Designer Melissa Friday of Xan Creative—the creator behind Snooze, Ginger Pig and Steuben’s—gave the interiors a warm, retro-modern look that feels both stylish and lived-in. In the guest rooms, visitors can find large-scale art pieces of desert scenery and wide open roads, wood-slat headboards and globe sconces; vintage-inspired tilework and checkerboard flooring; and retro furniture, cabinetry and décor pieces salvaged from antique shops around Denver.
Meet El Piñon: Coffee, Cocktails & Colfax Nostalgia
Opening alongside the motel is El Piñon, a retro-modern coffee shop and bar operated by Weston Scott, founder of Ephemeral Rotating Taproom. The space channels the spirit of a lived-in neighborhood hangout—one part café and one part mid-century bar with warm tones, wood textures and vintage furniture that make it feel decades old by effortlessly chic.
In the mornings, guests can stop by for coffee and espresso drinks from Servant Coffee, or swing by later in the day for craft cocktails, beer, a robust wine list, and bubbles on tap. Cocktails are inspired by American classics, but done up with local spirits and fresh flavors. Take the Pear Affair, for instance: a play on a French 75 made with Family Jones gin, pear juice, lemon and prosecco. Guests can also enjoy a classic mojito or Manhattan or try a vegan White Russian or cucumber gimlet.
Below El Piñon is the aptly named Grandma’s Basement—a wood-paneled, low-lit lounge designed to evoke the coziness of a 1960s rec room. Think: plaid upholstery, intimate booths, vintage lamps and vinyl spinning on repeat. It’s available for private events, meetings, or even working remotely over a quiet morning coffee.
La Vista’s vibrant aesthetic extends outdoors, too. Sopher Sparn Architects restored the original exterior, while local artist Emma Friday added a retro-inspired floral mural that echoes the vibrant tones inside the guest rooms. And the motel’s crown jewel, its restored neon sign, received new life thanks to Morry’s Neon, a beloved Denver shop with over three decades of experience. For travelers craving a slice of Americana, the sign alone is worth the visit.
Whether you’re staying the night, grabbing coffee, or settling in for an evening out at El Piñon, La Vista invites guests to step back into Colfax’s vibrant past—no time machine required.
Book Your Stay
La Vista Motel offers a variety of room options tailored for solo travelers, couples, and families. From single and double queens to king suites with kitchenettes, each room comes with a TV, free Wi-Fi, mini fridge and all the analog charm you could want. Reservations available at lavistadenver.com.
