The Golden Guest House - Downtown Golden
Entire home in Golden, Colorado
- 9 guests
- 4 bedrooms
- 5 beds
- 2 baths
Hosted by Laura
- Superhost
- 9 years hosting
Listing highlights
Top 1% of homes
This home is one of the highest ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.
In downtown Golden, steps from the creek
Clear Creek is right across the street, with trails, shops, and breweries all within a few blocks
A fully stocked kitchen
Breakfast basics, snacks, and pantry staples are stocked so you can settle in without a grocery run
Laura goes above and beyond
Guests consistently highlight how responsive and accommodating Laura is throughout every stay
*4 bedroom / 2 bath
* Multiple wedding venues nearby
* Family friendly
* Breakfast basics provided
* Outdoor lounging areas
* Across the street from Clear Creak
* Inner tubes provided
Gatherings are allowed with prior approval only. Includes fee up to $250.
The space
The main floor of the Golden Guest House is mostly made up of one large open kitchen and living room. Two small bedrooms (king bed) and (queen bed) sit on the East side of the house for lots of morning light, along with the Jack-and-Jill bathroom between them.
The downstairs master suite (king bed) is nestled with its back toward the street, and windows facing the back yard.
The downstairs master is connected by another Jack-and-Jill style bathroom with the “common area” bedroom (Full bed, twin bed, and twin floor mattress).
Adjacent laundry area, and separate entrance are also on the garden level. This whole garden level area is usually quiet and cool in the summer, and is easy for families to share.
To review: there are 5 beds in the house total. Additionally, a single floor mat, and 2 long living room sofas for single sleepers. You’ll find plenty of bedding to make yourselves comfortable.
The front deck is small, but it provides a spectacular view of local creekside, downtown Golden activity. You’re welcome to use the small charcoal BBQ in the back yard—please be safe. Outdoor lights are on a timer to go off two hours after sunset.
You will find breakfast basics have been purchased for you, but you will also find the kitchen stocked with pastas, grains, canned items, and other contributions from previous guests.
This is the perfect home base for walking the brewery circuit. Clear Creek also hosts a kayak park and an endless parade of inner tubers throughout the summer. Tennis courts, city parks, and baseball fields are all a 2 minute walk. Hiking/biking trails that run in front of the house will take you for miles onto the mesas and surrounding mountains. You will find a binder in the kitchen with more info, and a drawer with menus, brochures, trail maps, and coupons.
**There is an A/C wall unit which almost always feels like enough. Most hot days bring thunderstorms which cool things down significantly. However on days over 90 degrees, with a nighttime low above 70, the house can feel warm. Guests are encouraged to open the windows at night to cool the house naturally. Each bedroom has a fan.
There is a green private mini-apartment with rooftop deck connected to the back of the property. This is my personal space, as I’m required by the city of Golden to be on site, but there is a strong chance you won’t see me at all. I may be out watering the yard between 5:00am-7:00am, but I generally try to be invisible during your stay. I want you to feel like this is your home, and your yard.
Feel free to text me with any questions, or needs. Looking forward to hosting you at the Golden Guest House!🏡☀️
Guest access
Guests are welcome to use the front and back yards. The back yard has a table for 10.
The rooftop deck is open for you to use. Grab a blanket and sleep up there if it’s warm.
Leave the narrow passage behind the buildings for me - the west side of the property is where my entrance and garden area are located.
Other things to note
Golden, Colorado – A Living History
Before “Golden”: Indigenous Roots
Long before any town existed, the Clear Creek valley and the foothills around today’s Golden were home to Indigenous peoples, including bands of Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute. These lands were seasonal hunting and travel routes, with access to water, bison, deer, and trade corridors through the Front Range.
The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s disrupted these long-standing patterns of life and led to forced displacement through treaties and military action.
1859–1860s: Gold Rush and the Birth of a Town
Golden was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859. Prospectors moving west discovered placer gold in Clear Creek, just upstream from where Golden now sits. The area became a natural supply and staging point for miners heading deeper into the Rockies.
Golden City (as it was first called) was established in 1859 by settlers including A. J. Smith, who named it after Tom Golden, a prospector and guide. The town grew quickly as a commercial hub providing food, tools, lodging, and transportation for mining camps in the mountains.
Golden benefited from:
• Its location at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon
• Access to water power
• Proximity to mining districts in Central City, Black Hawk, and Idaho Springs
By the early 1860s, Golden had become one of the most important towns in the Colorado Territory.
1862–1867: Capital of Colorado Territory
From 1862 to 1867, Golden served as the capital of the Colorado Territory, beating out Denver for several years due to political maneuvering, transportation access at the time, and regional influence.
Key developments during this period:
• Territorial government buildings
• Early newspapers and printing presses
• Schools and churches
• Mills and breweries
Golden briefly envisioned itself as the future political and cultural heart of the territory. However, Denver’s rapid growth, railroad access, and economic pull soon overshadowed Golden. The territorial capital was permanently moved to Denver in 1867, a loss that shaped Golden’s identity for decades.
Railroads, Industry, and Survival After Losing the Capital
After losing the capital, Golden pivoted hard toward industry and manufacturing.
Major institutions and industries shaped Golden’s future:
Colorado School of Mines (Founded 1874)
The founding of the Colorado School of Mines anchored Golden as a center for engineering, geology, and mining sciences. The school brought:
• Stable employment
• A steady population of students and faculty
• Research and technical expertise
This single institution has arguably shaped Golden’s identity more than any other.
Coors Brewery (Founded 1873)
Adolph Coors founded the Golden Brewery in 1873. The brewery grew into one of the largest and most influential employers in the region and became inseparable from Golden’s identity.
Coors shaped:
• Employment patterns
• Local philanthropy
• The town’s economic stability
• Golden’s national reputation
For much of the 20th century, Coors dominated Golden’s industrial life, with generations of families working at the brewery.
Clay, Brick, and Cement
Golden also developed industries tied to local geology:
• Clay mines
• Brick manufacturing
• Cement production
These industries took advantage of the natural resources in the foothills and Clear Creek corridor.
Late 1800s–Early 1900s: A Working Town
Golden became a working-class industrial town with:
• Brewery workers
• Miners
• Railroad workers
• Brick and cement laborers
• Faculty and students from Mines
It was not a glamorous frontier city like Denver. Golden’s character formed around practicality, resilience, and local networks of families who stayed for generations.
Neighborhoods grew near:
• The brewery
• Industrial sites
• The school
• The rail corridor
Downtown developed as a compact main street with saloons, shops, hotels, and services for travelers heading into the mountains.
Prohibition and the Coors Exception
During Prohibition (1920–1933), many breweries failed. Coors survived by pivoting to:
• Malted milk
• Ceramic products
• Industrial alcohol
• Porcelain and insulation materials
This kept Golden economically afloat while many other brewery towns collapsed. After Prohibition ended, Coors rapidly expanded and reestablished itself as a major beer producer.
Mid-20th Century: Small Town in the Shadow of Denver
As Denver expanded after World War II, Golden became part of the metro orbit while retaining a small-town feel. Suburban growth increased across Jefferson County, but Golden resisted large-scale sprawl due to:
• Its geography (canyons, mesas, floodplains)
• The presence of Coors and Mines
• Zoning and open-space preservation
• Community identity tied to landscape
Golden began to market itself as:
• A historic town
• A gateway to the mountains
• An outdoor recreation hub
Clear Creek became a defining feature, with later efforts to restore it as a recreational corridor.
Environmental Reckoning and Urban Renewal
By the late 20th century, Golden faced environmental challenges:
• Industrial pollution
• Creek degradation
• Flooding risks
• Old industrial sites
The city invested heavily in:
• Creek restoration
• Riverwalk development
• Open space and trail systems
• Downtown revitalization
Clear Creek was transformed from a working industrial waterway into a centerpiece of Golden’s identity, with tubing, trails, and parks drawing visitors from across the Front Range.
Late 20th–Early 21st Century: Tourism, Lifestyle, and Identity Shift
Golden gradually shifted from a primarily industrial town into a tourism, recreation, and lifestyle destination.
Key shifts:
• Decline of heavy industry
• Coors modernizing and downsizing its workforce
• Growth of outdoor recreation culture
• Proximity to Denver making Golden desirable for commuters
• Rising property values
Golden leaned into:
• Trails
• Mountain biking
• Climbing
• Creek tubing
• Festivals and farmers markets
• Historic downtown branding
This transformation brought economic vitality but also tension around:
• Housing affordability
• Short-term rentals
• Traffic
• Balancing tourism with livability
• Preserving small-town character amid growth
Golden Today: A Town Balancing Forces
Modern Golden sits at the intersection of:
• Historic identity (mining town, territorial capital, brewery town)
• Academic identity (Colorado School of Mines)
• Outdoor recreation culture
• Metro Denver pressure
• Tourism economy
Golden’s character today is shaped by ongoing tensions:
• Locals vs. visitors
• Preservation vs. development
• Access vs. protection of natural spaces
• Affordability vs. desirability
The town remains physically small but culturally oversized - a place where frontier history, industrial legacy, scientific education, and outdoor lifestyle collide in a few square miles.
Why Golden Feels Different
Golden never fully became a suburb or a city. It stayed a town with gravity.
It lost the capital and built a different kind of identity - anchored in:
• Place
• Landscape
• Work
• Institutions that stayed put
Golden is less about reinvention and more about adaptation. The creek, the school, the brewery, and the foothills shaped it. Everything else followed.
Occupancy of the unit is limited to four adults and their dependents, if any.
STR-22-0015
* Multiple wedding venues nearby
* Family friendly
* Breakfast basics provided
* Outdoor lounging areas
* Across the street from Clear Creak
* Inner tubes provided
Gatherings are allowed with prior approval only. Includes fee up to $250.
The space
The main floor of the Golden Guest House is mostly made up of one large open kitchen and living room. Two small bedrooms (king bed) and (queen bed) sit on the East side of the house for lots of morning light, along with the Jack-and-Jill bathroom between them.
The downstairs master suite (king bed) is nestled with its back toward the street, and windows facing the back yard.
The downstairs master is connected by another Jack-and-Jill style bathroom with the “common area” bedroom (Full bed, twin bed, and twin floor mattress).
Adjacent laundry area, and separate entrance are also on the garden level. This whole garden level area is usually quiet and cool in the summer, and is easy for families to share.
To review: there are 5 beds in the house total. Additionally, a single floor mat, and 2 long living room sofas for single sleepers. You’ll find plenty of bedding to make yourselves comfortable.
The front deck is small, but it provides a spectacular view of local creekside, downtown Golden activity. You’re welcome to use the small charcoal BBQ in the back yard—please be safe. Outdoor lights are on a timer to go off two hours after sunset.
You will find breakfast basics have been purchased for you, but you will also find the kitchen stocked with pastas, grains, canned items, and other contributions from previous guests.
This is the perfect home base for walking the brewery circuit. Clear Creek also hosts a kayak park and an endless parade of inner tubers throughout the summer. Tennis courts, city parks, and baseball fields are all a 2 minute walk. Hiking/biking trails that run in front of the house will take you for miles onto the mesas and surrounding mountains. You will find a binder in the kitchen with more info, and a drawer with menus, brochures, trail maps, and coupons.
**There is an A/C wall unit which almost always feels like enough. Most hot days bring thunderstorms which cool things down significantly. However on days over 90 degrees, with a nighttime low above 70, the house can feel warm. Guests are encouraged to open the windows at night to cool the house naturally. Each bedroom has a fan.
There is a green private mini-apartment with rooftop deck connected to the back of the property. This is my personal space, as I’m required by the city of Golden to be on site, but there is a strong chance you won’t see me at all. I may be out watering the yard between 5:00am-7:00am, but I generally try to be invisible during your stay. I want you to feel like this is your home, and your yard.
Feel free to text me with any questions, or needs. Looking forward to hosting you at the Golden Guest House!🏡☀️
Guest access
Guests are welcome to use the front and back yards. The back yard has a table for 10.
The rooftop deck is open for you to use. Grab a blanket and sleep up there if it’s warm.
Leave the narrow passage behind the buildings for me - the west side of the property is where my entrance and garden area are located.
Other things to note
Golden, Colorado – A Living History
Before “Golden”: Indigenous Roots
Long before any town existed, the Clear Creek valley and the foothills around today’s Golden were home to Indigenous peoples, including bands of Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute. These lands were seasonal hunting and travel routes, with access to water, bison, deer, and trade corridors through the Front Range.
The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s disrupted these long-standing patterns of life and led to forced displacement through treaties and military action.
1859–1860s: Gold Rush and the Birth of a Town
Golden was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush of 1859. Prospectors moving west discovered placer gold in Clear Creek, just upstream from where Golden now sits. The area became a natural supply and staging point for miners heading deeper into the Rockies.
Golden City (as it was first called) was established in 1859 by settlers including A. J. Smith, who named it after Tom Golden, a prospector and guide. The town grew quickly as a commercial hub providing food, tools, lodging, and transportation for mining camps in the mountains.
Golden benefited from:
• Its location at the mouth of Clear Creek Canyon
• Access to water power
• Proximity to mining districts in Central City, Black Hawk, and Idaho Springs
By the early 1860s, Golden had become one of the most important towns in the Colorado Territory.
1862–1867: Capital of Colorado Territory
From 1862 to 1867, Golden served as the capital of the Colorado Territory, beating out Denver for several years due to political maneuvering, transportation access at the time, and regional influence.
Key developments during this period:
• Territorial government buildings
• Early newspapers and printing presses
• Schools and churches
• Mills and breweries
Golden briefly envisioned itself as the future political and cultural heart of the territory. However, Denver’s rapid growth, railroad access, and economic pull soon overshadowed Golden. The territorial capital was permanently moved to Denver in 1867, a loss that shaped Golden’s identity for decades.
Railroads, Industry, and Survival After Losing the Capital
After losing the capital, Golden pivoted hard toward industry and manufacturing.
Major institutions and industries shaped Golden’s future:
Colorado School of Mines (Founded 1874)
The founding of the Colorado School of Mines anchored Golden as a center for engineering, geology, and mining sciences. The school brought:
• Stable employment
• A steady population of students and faculty
• Research and technical expertise
This single institution has arguably shaped Golden’s identity more than any other.
Coors Brewery (Founded 1873)
Adolph Coors founded the Golden Brewery in 1873. The brewery grew into one of the largest and most influential employers in the region and became inseparable from Golden’s identity.
Coors shaped:
• Employment patterns
• Local philanthropy
• The town’s economic stability
• Golden’s national reputation
For much of the 20th century, Coors dominated Golden’s industrial life, with generations of families working at the brewery.
Clay, Brick, and Cement
Golden also developed industries tied to local geology:
• Clay mines
• Brick manufacturing
• Cement production
These industries took advantage of the natural resources in the foothills and Clear Creek corridor.
Late 1800s–Early 1900s: A Working Town
Golden became a working-class industrial town with:
• Brewery workers
• Miners
• Railroad workers
• Brick and cement laborers
• Faculty and students from Mines
It was not a glamorous frontier city like Denver. Golden’s character formed around practicality, resilience, and local networks of families who stayed for generations.
Neighborhoods grew near:
• The brewery
• Industrial sites
• The school
• The rail corridor
Downtown developed as a compact main street with saloons, shops, hotels, and services for travelers heading into the mountains.
Prohibition and the Coors Exception
During Prohibition (1920–1933), many breweries failed. Coors survived by pivoting to:
• Malted milk
• Ceramic products
• Industrial alcohol
• Porcelain and insulation materials
This kept Golden economically afloat while many other brewery towns collapsed. After Prohibition ended, Coors rapidly expanded and reestablished itself as a major beer producer.
Mid-20th Century: Small Town in the Shadow of Denver
As Denver expanded after World War II, Golden became part of the metro orbit while retaining a small-town feel. Suburban growth increased across Jefferson County, but Golden resisted large-scale sprawl due to:
• Its geography (canyons, mesas, floodplains)
• The presence of Coors and Mines
• Zoning and open-space preservation
• Community identity tied to landscape
Golden began to market itself as:
• A historic town
• A gateway to the mountains
• An outdoor recreation hub
Clear Creek became a defining feature, with later efforts to restore it as a recreational corridor.
Environmental Reckoning and Urban Renewal
By the late 20th century, Golden faced environmental challenges:
• Industrial pollution
• Creek degradation
• Flooding risks
• Old industrial sites
The city invested heavily in:
• Creek restoration
• Riverwalk development
• Open space and trail systems
• Downtown revitalization
Clear Creek was transformed from a working industrial waterway into a centerpiece of Golden’s identity, with tubing, trails, and parks drawing visitors from across the Front Range.
Late 20th–Early 21st Century: Tourism, Lifestyle, and Identity Shift
Golden gradually shifted from a primarily industrial town into a tourism, recreation, and lifestyle destination.
Key shifts:
• Decline of heavy industry
• Coors modernizing and downsizing its workforce
• Growth of outdoor recreation culture
• Proximity to Denver making Golden desirable for commuters
• Rising property values
Golden leaned into:
• Trails
• Mountain biking
• Climbing
• Creek tubing
• Festivals and farmers markets
• Historic downtown branding
This transformation brought economic vitality but also tension around:
• Housing affordability
• Short-term rentals
• Traffic
• Balancing tourism with livability
• Preserving small-town character amid growth
Golden Today: A Town Balancing Forces
Modern Golden sits at the intersection of:
• Historic identity (mining town, territorial capital, brewery town)
• Academic identity (Colorado School of Mines)
• Outdoor recreation culture
• Metro Denver pressure
• Tourism economy
Golden’s character today is shaped by ongoing tensions:
• Locals vs. visitors
• Preservation vs. development
• Access vs. protection of natural spaces
• Affordability vs. desirability
The town remains physically small but culturally oversized - a place where frontier history, industrial legacy, scientific education, and outdoor lifestyle collide in a few square miles.
Why Golden Feels Different
Golden never fully became a suburb or a city. It stayed a town with gravity.
It lost the capital and built a different kind of identity - anchored in:
• Place
• Landscape
• Work
• Institutions that stayed put
Golden is less about reinvention and more about adaptation. The creek, the school, the brewery, and the foothills shaped it. Everything else followed.
Occupancy of the unit is limited to four adults and their dependents, if any.
STR-22-0015
Where you’ll sleep
1 of 2 pages
What this place offers
Mountain view
Garden view
Waterfront
Kitchen
Wifi
3 nights in Golden
Oct 1, 2024 - Oct 4, 2024
Rated 4.96 out of 5 from 138 reviews.
Guest favorite
This home is in the top 1% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 97% of reviews
- 4 stars, 2% of reviews
- 3 stars, 1% of reviews
- 2 stars, 0% of reviews
- 1 stars, 0% of reviews
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value
Guest reviews mention
Where you’ll be
Golden, Colorado, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Neighborhood highlights
The Golden Guest House is in the center of downtown Golden, right across the street from Clear Creek. There are many restaurants to choose from, lots of shops, and 5 breweries within 3 blocks.
Miles of trails converge right in front of the house along Clear Creek. Walk into Clear Creek Canyon or explore the mesas without driving anywhere.
*11th Street Annual Fine Arts Festival
*Farmer’s market every Saturday
*Buffalo Bill Days
*4th of July fireworks
* Ride the Rockies
*Arts Week
*Annual downtown Chili Cook off
*Monthly Golden Bike Cruise
*Winter holiday festivals
*Annual boat races on Clear Creek
It’s hard to book a stay without a special event taking place in our neighborhood. Come visit downtown Golden!
Miles of trails converge right in front of the house along Clear Creek. Walk into Clear Creek Canyon or explore the mesas without driving anywhere.
*11th Street Annual Fine Arts Festival
*Farmer’s market every Saturday
*Buffalo Bill Days
*4th of July fireworks
* Ride the Rockies
*Arts Week
*Annual downtown Chili Cook off
*Monthly Golden Bike Cruise
*Winter holiday festivals
*Annual boat races on Clear Creek
It’s hard to book a stay without a special event taking place in our neighborhood. Come visit downtown Golden!
Meet your host
My work: Interior design consultant
I spend too much time: Pulling weeds
I’m an artist, and an interior designer. I believe beautiful spaces can comfort, rejuvenate our well being, and inspire connection. The Golden Guest House is my ongoing project—your home away from home.
This a one woman operation. Yard care, cleaning, stocking, and hosting are my full time job. I am delighted thoroughly when people report feeling comfortable, and impressed that I’ve thought of everything.
You probably won’t see me unless I’m watering plants between 5:AM-7:AM on hot days. I’m here to chit-chat if you’re the friendly type. If not, you’ll find most of my recommendations in the kitchen binder anyway.
Laura is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
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