Where to Stay in Colorado → 13 Top Areas + Hotel Guide

Still looking where to stay in Colorado? Then jump on this guide and I’ll help you find your dream spot!

I did thorough research and found the 11 most incredible towns in the state, plus the top hotels for all budgets in each of those places (sorted by price).

In short, Denver is the best place to stay in Colorado, since it’s the state’s capital and it has countless attractions and things to do. But make sure you scroll down to check the other towns too, as I’m sure you’ll want to see more of its beauty! 

Colorado is one of the most touristy spots in the country, so make sure you book your hotels here in advance, as this destination is super busy, all year round!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book now, there’s no reason to wait a minute longer, so here’s a shortlist of the best hotels all located in Denver:

Here’s a map of all the areas where to stay in Colorado that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Denver – where to stay in Colorado for the first time

No better place to start your Colorado adventures than in Denver, its bustling capital, which has something for any type of traveler, from those who want to enjoy the city’s cultural side, to those traveling on business or families!

What I love about Denver is that it offers the perks of a mountain town (great views and fresh air) but also everything you’d find in a big urban city, like amazing museums (Denver Art Museum is a must-see), fab restaurants, a fun nightlife and plenty of fun things to do. 

Make sure you start your exploration in LoDo, the best area in the city, which has a lively atmosphere and gorgeous Victorian architecture! 

• The Ramble Hotel ($$$) – this luxurious Denver hotel has a super modern design and an on-site restaurant.
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver ($$) – enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace of this hotel that has a gym.
• Hyatt House Denver ($) – an affordable place with an indoor pool and amazing city views.

2. Colorado Springs – best place to stay for adventures 

Located 70 miles (110 km) south of Denver, Colorado Springs is known for its breathtaking scenery and it’s indeed an absolute heaven for adventure junkies!

Set at the Eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is the largest town in the state. It boasts a wide range of attractions from cultural and historical ones to more outdoorsy places like the iconic Garden of the Gods (map), a park with some incredible sandstone formations. You also can’t miss the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park (map).

PRO TIP: If you’re thinking of exploring multiple towns in Colorado, you could rent a car, and do a whole road trip, since it would be easier than riding the bus or train, especially with all the bags. 

As I mentioned, outdoor activities are big here, especially around Pikes Peak mountain (map)! You can do pretty much anything from hiking, to mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding! 

• The Broadmoor ($$$) – such a stylish hotel with 3 restaurants and 2 swimming pools. 
• Hyatt Place Colorado Springs ($$) – this modern hotel has an indoor swimming pool and family rooms 
• Buffalo Lodge Bicycle ($) – this cool family-owned motel comes with free bikes for guests and an outdoor pool. 

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Rocky Mountain National Park – for nature lovers

If heaven were a place on earth, it would look like this park! Located 70 miles (100 km) Northwest of Denver, this beautiful natural protected area is a dream come true for anyone who loves spending time in nature!

Forests, stunning hiking trails, valleys, and cute animals, you’ll find all that and more in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re more into exploring the area on foot and stopping every 5 minutes to take a picture of a pretty flower (like I usually do), or you’re more courageous and want to climb and hike one of Colorado’s tallest mountains, the Longs Peak, the park is perfect for both types of activities.

• Spirit Lake Lodge ($$$) – this hotel offers guest rooms with stone fireplaces and a garden with a picnic area.
• Gateway Inn ($$) – a rustic hideaway in the woods that has spa services and an outdoor fireplace.
• Longs Peak Campground ($) – this campground has vault toilets and only tent sites.

4. Telluride (+Ouray) – best place for festival lovers

This charming town is located in Southwestern Colorado, around a 7h drive away from Denver and it has a rich history as a mining town! Known as a major winter holiday spot, thanks to its amazing ski resorts, Telluride offers plenty of fun activities all year round!

Believe it or not, during summer Telluride hosts countless festivals from yoga to film, music, food and many others! So if you were looking for a place where you can have a good time in Colorado, you’ve found it! 

If you’re headed to Telluride, then I’d highly recommend visiting the nearby town of Ouray which is only a 1h drive away! Known as the Switzerland of America, this cute little town boasts some incredible hot springs, gorgeous scenery and unique hiking trails! 

• Hotel Columbia ($$$) – feel at home in the cozy rooms of this hotel offers ski-in-ski-out access. 
• The Hotel Telluride ($$) – enjoy the mountain views from your comfy room at this hotel that has a spa center.
• Cimarron Lodge ($) – a nice studio with ski-in-ski-out access that has a hot tub and is pet-friendly.

5. Aspen – where to stay in Colorado for skiing

Welcome to Aspen, a town located 200 miles (320 km) Southwest of Denver and one of the most famous ski resort towns where celebrities like Kate Hudson and the Kardashians like to hit the slopes!

With its winter sports season starting from late November and going strong until mid-April, Aspen is one of those magical places that you’ll never want to leave!

Although its ski resorts are the star of the show, once you see the town’s Downtown area you’ll feel as if you’re on a movie set for a Christmas rom-com! The atmosphere here is so lovely that you’ll want to take a break from all the skiing and go shopping in the quaint stores or eat some food at one of the fancy restaurants.

While in Aspen make sure you also check out Snowmass Village, another ski resort town that’s located a 20 min drive away. It has more family-friendly and lots of kid-friendly activities.

• St. Regis Aspen Resort ($$$) – a luxurious hotel set at the mountain’s base that has a pool, spa services and ski storage space. 
• Limelight Hotel Aspen ($$) – chill by the pool of this place that offers a free airport shuttle and family rooms.
• St Moritz Lodge and Condominiums ($) – after a day of skiing relax in the heated pool or steam room of this hotel

6. Estes Park – great for exploring Rocky Mountain NP

Set near the Fall River Entrance (map) of the Rocky Mountain National Park, this town is the perfect base for exploring the park!

Not only is this town super close to the National Park but it also offers a wide range of unique accommodations, great restaurants and some exciting wildlife of its own! Never a dull moment here, that’s for sure!

Apparently the elks even pop up in the Downtown area of Estes Park at times! And you can even see some bears around the city. 

Talking about the Downtown, that’s where you’ll also find countless local shops, some breweries, cafes and even a winery (map) where you have a fun tasting experience after a whole day out in the outdoors! 

• Stanley Hotel ($$$) – a famous hotel with a stunning location that served as the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s novel The Shining!
• 4 Seasons Inn ($$) – a nice and cozy inn near the National Park’s entrance that has free parking and an outdoor hot tub. 
• Pine Haven Resort ($) – this rustic place offers mountain views, barbecue facilities and family rooms. 

7. Vail (Beaver Creek) – best place for luxury

This popular ski resort town is one of the most expensive places to live in the country! Just like Aspen, Vail is much loved by celebrities and important people like the Kardashians and the Obamas. 

Vail has that ski resort town charm that we all love! Right in its main area Vail Village, you’ll find countless local shops, restaurants and cafes where you can relax when you’re not busy hitting the slopes at Vail Ski Resort (the 3rd-largest single-mountain ski resort in the U.S).

Although Vail is best enjoyed during the Winter months, you’ll find plenty of things to do during the warmer season like hiking and mountain biking.

I’d also recommend checking the Beaver Creek Ski Resort too while here! Beaver Creek is also set in the Vail Valley, around a 20 min drive away from Vail town. 

• Sonnenalp ($$$) – set right near the gondola lift, this luxurious hotel has 3 restaurants, a golf course and a spa center. 
• Manor Vail Lodge ($$) – a fab hotel with 2 swimming pools, 2 restaurants and a spa center.
• Gravity Haus Vail ($) – located in the heart of Vail Village this hotel offers a spa center and a restaurant. 

 8. Breckenridge – where to stay for tranquility

Looking for a peaceful place where you can spend your holidays? Then Breckenridge may be just the right spot for you! This is yet another amazing ski resort town in Colorado, that unlike Aspen and Vail is a bit more affordable (although you’ll find some luxury options here too).

Breckenridge is also more secluded, making it perfect for those of you who’d prefer a more quiet atmosphere. There are countless alpine activities that you can try here and the town also has a lovely Historic District where you can go for strolls and shopping! 

Everything looks so idyllic there and don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, especially on Main Street (map).

You might even recognize Main Street when you arrive there! It actually made an appearance in the movie Dumb and Dumber. 

• Residence Inn by Marriott ($$$) – surrounded by stunning scenery this place has an outdoor pool and lots of ski lifts nearby. 
• Gravity Haus ($$) – set a 4 min walk away from the ski lift. This place has family rooms and a restaurant. 
• The Bivvi Hostel ($) – this rustic-style hostel comes with a shared kitchen and a bar. 

9. Steamboat Springs – great for hot springs lovers 

Want to unwind and relax in some of the best hot springs in the state? Then head over to Steamboat Springs, a more tranquil place just like Breckenridge where tourists come to ski and also enjoy the healing benefits of the town’s hot springs! 

Make sure you hit the Old Town Hot Springs (map) and Soda Springs (map) in the Downtown area. But also don’t miss the Strawberry Park Hot Springs (map) which are around a 20 min drive away from the town. 

Spend your days hiking and exploring the nearby trails or skiing and end them with a nice sesh in one of the hot springs! 

• The Bristol By Magnuson Worldwide ($$$) – a great place that has family rooms, a restaurant and a hot tub. 
• Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas ($$) – this accommodation has spacious rooms with mountain views and a fireplace. 
• Gravity Haus ($) – enjoy a hot beverage on the terrace of this pet-friendly hotel that has a swimming pool. 

10. Durango – where to stay in Colorado for history lovers

If you’re into history, nature and quaint small towns, then you’re going to love Durango, which is located near the New Mexico border. Durango has a rich history and lots of fun places to visit from museums, to local shops and plenty of gorgeous landscapes nearby.

While here make sure you drive a bit to see the Four Corners Monument (map) which marks the quadripoint where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet! 

In fact, Durango is only a 1h drive away from the amazing Mesa Verde National Park, so definitely head there if you’ve got the chance!

• General Palmer Hotel ($$$) – boasting a Victoria decor, this hotel has a library and family rooms. 
• Historic Strater Hotel ($$) – such a great place with vintage furnishings, a restaurant and a hot tub.
• The Durango Lodge ($) – here’s something more affordable that offers free parking and an outdoor pool. 

11. Boulder – for the urban atmosphere 

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, just 30 miles (50 km) North of Denver, Boulder is a university city that offers a wide range of activities suited for both outdoor enthusiasts and people who prefer to visit museums, eat at nice restaurants, and go shopping in some cool stores.

The Pearl Street Mall (map) is a good place to start your adventure around the Downtown area as there are many shops and sometimes even some cool street performances!

Boulder is also home to some great art galleries and museums like the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. But if you’re in desperate need of a break from all the sightseeing and busy streets, don’t worry! The city is surrounded by a few natural spots where you can relax and forget the city noise, like the Boulder Reservoir or the Boulder Creek Path.

• Hotel Boulderado ($$$) – offering a central location, this hotel has rooms with mountain views. 
• Hilton Garden Inn ($$) – hit the gym and relax in the lounge area of this hotel that has a pool. 
• Foot of the Mountain Motel ($) – simple yet affordable rooms with a flat-screen Tv and free Wi-Fi. 

12. Mesa Verde National Park – for culture lovers

This park is super unique and you’ll definitely want to come back here! Not only does it offer some incredible scenery but it also has lots of sacred sites from temples to unique cliff-dwellings that belonged to the tribes who used to live here.

Of course there are lots of hiking trails to explore and wildlife to see but seeing sites like the Cliff Place (map), the Sun Temple (map) and the Long House (map), should definitely be your priority! 

• Suburban Studios ($$$) – a modern accommodation with family rooms and free parking. 
• Retro Inn at Mesa Verde ($$) – simple yet cozy rooms with mountain views and air-conditioning. 
• Morefield Campground ($) – this campground offers RV and tent spots.

13. Crested Butte – great place for flower lovers

Set in the Rocky Mountains this small town is home to a ski resort which is super family-friendly! But what sets Crested Butte apart from the other towns is its gorgeous and colorful wildflowers that bloom in the summer!

There’s even the Crested Butte Flower Festival which takes place each July, which celebrates that time of year when the green hills look as if they’re a Monet painting! If you’re visiting during the Summer time make sure you go hiking or mountain biking so that you can see the flowers in their full glory! 

• Nordic Inn – a rustic accommodation that comes with spacious rooms, a bar and free parking
• Cristiana Guesthaus – this lodge has a sun terrace and family rooms
• Old Town Inn – offering amazing views, this place comes with a hot tub and free bikes

✈️ Cost of traveling:	medium
🥾 Hiking season:	June – October
⛷️ Ski season:	December – March
📍 Best city:	Denver
👨‍👨‍👦 Best area for families:	Rocky Mountain National Park
🚡 Best ski resort:	Aspen
⛰️ Top mountain view hotel:	The Broadmoor

FAQs about where to stay in Colorado

Final thoughts on where to stay in Colorado

You’ve made it until the end of this guide on where to stay in Colorado!

I hope now you’re feeling much more confident with planning your trip in this adventure-filled state! 

Remember that Colorado is a big holiday destination all year round, so I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance!

If you’re still not sure which places to pick, here are my top 2 favorite and top rated hotels, both set in Denver, the state’s capital:

• The Ramble Hotel – a fancy hotel with stylish rooms and 3 restaurants 
• Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver – this hotel has a central location and a terrace

Have fun exploring all these incredible places in Colorado, and as always, I’m still around if you have any questions! Just drop them below and I’ll answer as soon as I can. 

Safe travels,

Victoria

---