DENVER—Populus Hotels has appointed Manfred Steuerwald as general manager of Populus Denver, the flagship property of the carbon-positive hotel collection. Steuerwald brings four decades of hospitality experience to his new role, which will include overseeing all hotel operations, team management, and guest experience.
Opened in October 2024, Populus Denver has been recognized by numerous outlets and organizations for its design and sustainability. “Populus Denver was designed to challenge the boundaries of what a hotel can be—not only architecturally and environmentally, but in how it engages with its guests and community,” said Jon Buerge, CEO of Urban Villages, owner and creator of Populus Hotels. “Manfred’s approach to leadership, passion for nature, and respect for purpose-driven hospitality make him an ideal fit to continue building on Populus Denver’s mission and reputation as one of the world’s best hotels and a vibrant destination for guests and locals.”
Originally from Austria, Steuerwald began his career in culinary arts before advancing through global hospitality roles. After early experience in Europe and aboard luxury cruise ships, he joined Hyatt in 1998, holding leadership positions across North America. His past roles include general manager at Hyatt Regency Calgary, Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley, Calif., and most recently, Grand Hyatt Seattle.
“What drew me to Populus Denver is its clarity of purpose and how it demonstrates that hospitality can serve both people and planet,” Steuerwald said. “I am proud to lead a team that shares that passion, and I look forward to continuing the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and to reconnecting guests with nature at Populus Denver.”
Developed by Urban Villages in collaboration with Aparium Hotel Group, Populus Denver is the nation’s first carbon-positive hotel. The property features 265 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants—Pasque and Stellar Jay—a lobby café by Little Owl Coffee, and event spaces designed by Studio Gang with interiors by Wildman Chalmers Design. Its sustainability initiatives include zero-waste operations and the “One Night, One Tree” program, which plants a tree for every night’s stay.
