A 1956 Midcentury Motor Lodge Gets a Modern Revival on Denver's East Colfax

La Vista Motel Brings Boutique Accommodations, On-Site Coffee Shop and Bar, and a Front-Row Seat to the Rocky Mountains

May 13, 2026

DENVER, CO — La Vista Motel, a fully restored 1956 motor lodge listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open at 5500 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, Colorado. The 23-room boutique property offers midcentury modern design, self-entry accommodations, and an on-site coffee shop and cocktail bar, situated along Colfax Avenue, the longest continuous street in the United States, with direct access to the Rocky Mountains to the west and Denver International Airport to the east.

For travelers using Denver as a base for a Colorado mountain trip, La Vista offers a distinctive alternative to downtown hotels: a nationally recognized historic property, convenient proximity to downtown and the mountains, and a neighborhood bar worth coming back to.

"We wanted to restore this iconic property and bring it into the modern era," says owner and developer Nathan Beal. "Our goal was to create a space that honors the past while delivering a completely unique and modern experience."

The Property
La Vista's 23 guest rooms range from a king suite with a kitchenette to a double full. Each room is individually decorated with original artwork and vintage-inspired furniture sourced from Denver antique shops and resellers. Rooms feature self-check-in via smartphone, mini fridge, TV, and free Wi-Fi. Electric vehicle charging is available on site.

Interiors were designed by Melissa Friday of Xan Creative, known for Denver restaurants, Snooze, Steuben's, and Ginger Pig. The exterior was restored by Sopher Sparn Architects. The property's original neon sign was restored by Morry's Neon, a Denver shop with over 30 years of experience.

Beal and his team pursued and received designation from both the City of Denver and the National Register of Historic Places, requiring the restoration to meet strict standards for preserving the building's original character. The process meant uncovering and correcting decades of deferred repairs to return the structure as closely as possible to its 1956 form with the footprint, exterior lines, materials, and architectural details intact.

El Piñon
El Piñon, the on-site coffee shop and cocktail bar, is open to the public daily and has become a neighborhood destination in its own right. Operated by Weston Scott, founder of Denver's Ephemeral Rotating Taproom, El Piñon serves specialty coffee from locally roasted Servant Coffee alongside a craft cocktail program, beer, and a wine program with bubbly on tap. A street-facing patio and parking lot host regular events throughout the year, from DJ sets to seasonal parties.

Downstairs, Grandma's Basement brings the mid-century theme to life as a wood-paneled lounge designed to evoke a 1960s-70s basement rec room. The space hosts comedy shows, DJ nights, and neighborhood gatherings, and is reservable for private events, parties, and games. El Piñon hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Location and Access
La Vista sits on East Colfax Avenue, the longest continuous street in the United States, running from the Colorado plains through the heart of Denver toward the Rocky Mountain foothills. The property is near the Bluebird Theatre and Lost Lake Lounge, two of Denver's most active independent music venues, and approximately 25 minutes from Denver International Airport. Interstate 70 west, the primary route into the Rockies, is easily accessible from the property.

Rooms are bookable at lavistadenver.com.

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About La Vista Motel
La Vista Motel is a 23-room boutique motor lodge located at 5500 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, Colorado. Originally built in 1956 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property was fully restored by developer Nathan Beal and reopened in December 2025. Designed throughout in a midcentury modern style, La Vista offers self-entry guest rooms individually decorated with original artwork and vintage-inspired furnishings, alongside El Piñon, an on-site coffee shop, craft cocktail bar, and event venue open to the public daily. Situated on Colfax Avenue, the longest continuous street in the United States, La Vista serves as a gateway to both the Rocky Mountains and the cultural heart of East Denver. Visit lavistadenver.com and elpinon.co.