The Centennial State is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful Rocky Mountains, plentiful wildlife, world-renowned restaurants, concert venues, art districts, and more. In fact, in 2021 alone, Colorado saw an incredible 84.2 million visitors, confirming that the secret is officially out: Colorado is an incredible state with endless opportunities for adventure. But what about lodging? It can be overwhelming searching for places to stay for your next adventure, so we’ve done the hard work for you. Below are the 15 best places to stay in Colorado.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Colorado
Colorado is a notoriously expensive state, both in terms of the cost of living and for those looking to visit. When you explore the natural beauty of Colorado (arguably one of the most beautiful places in North America), you’ll quickly understand why. That said, exploring the Centennial State shouldn’t break the bank, and as it turns out, there are many affordable vacation rentals in Colorado. Below is a list of three of the best affordable places to stay in Colorado so that you can enjoy your getaway without hurting your budget.
- Location: Montrose, Colorado
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $107/night
- Amenities: Charming pet-friendly cottage with front porch, full kitchen, wood-burning stove, cozy living room, SmartTV, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This cozy cottage in Montrose is conveniently located with close access to Black Canyon National Park, Ouray, Grand Mesa, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. The home’s interior is spacious with ample natural light, comfortable furniture, and all the amenities you need. Sip your morning coffee on the front porch as you greet the day. Grab some firewood from the plentiful stack outside and build a wood-burning indoor fire to warm you up on those chilly evenings. Montrose is a bustling town with plenty of dining and shopping options to suit your desires, and is a great central hub if you’re exploring the nearby mountains. Utah is only a few hours’ drive west if you’re wanting to explore Moab and Arches National Park while in the area.
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Size: 7 bedrooms, 4 baths
- Price: $73/night
- Amenities: Perfect location near downtown, fully-stocked spacious kitchen with island, fireplace, satellite TV, DVD player, game room with pool table & ping pong table, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This beautiful, spacious home is situated in Historic Old North End, a charming and idyllic neighborhood of Colorado Springs. The home itself is large and perfect for large families or big groups, as it sleeps up to 15 people (7 bedrooms total). You’ll note an oversized modern kitchen with a large island, spacious dining and living rooms, a fireplace to keep warm on chilly nights, and a game room to keep kids and adults alike entertained. And if these amenities aren’t enough, you’ll fall in love with the beautifully manicured lawn outside. With close access to downtown, Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, your opportunities for outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and entertainment are endless.
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
- Location: Fruita, Colorado
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Price: $100/night
- Amenities: Modern (not so tiny) house with modern furnishings and fixtures, veranda, bike garage and wash, private backyard, fully stocked kitchen, Smart TV, full-sized washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 5 stars
This elegantly modern “tiny house” doesn’t feel so “tiny” at all. In fact, it’s quite oversized with its two bedrooms and single bathroom. Every square inch of space is perfectly utilized, homey, and pristine, from the manicured landscaping to the thoughtful interior decor. The backyard is private and roomy, with a patio, cozy furniture, a grill, a bike garage, and a bike wash. This beautiful modern rental is perfect for outdoor enthusiast couples who are searching for a rental with refined modern flair and plenty of comforts to spare. Enjoy the small town of Fruita and be sure to explore Colorado National Monument while you’re in the area – you won’t regret it.
Best Places to Stay in Colorado for Families
Colorado is an amazing state to explore with your family. There are limitless outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy year-round, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fly-fishing, snowshoeing, soaking in relaxing natural hot springs, and so much more. No matter how big or small your family is, or your child or children’s ages, you’re bound to fall in love with all the beauty and adventure Colorado offers. And lodging doesn’t have to be a challenge, either. Below, you’ll find three of the best vacation rentals in Colorado for families.
- Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Price: $324/night
- Amenities: Large home with spacious living and dining rooms, hot tub with gorgeous mountain views, huge deck with grill and patio furniture, fully stocked kitchen, multiple Smart TVs, travel crib, high chair, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 5 stars
This spacious, 3,000-square-foot home is located just a 10-minute drive from Glenwood Springs, giving you the ease of access to the town that you may desire, but the peace and quiet you crave. This home sleeps up to 12 people, so it is perfect for large families, multiple families, or a large gathering of friends. Bask in the mountain views as you soak in the luxurious hot tub and breathe in the fresh mountain air. With ample indoor furnishings for your comfort, you may not even want to leave the house! But if you do, you’ll find rejuvenating hot springs pools in Glenwood Springs, along with a wide variety of great restaurants, breweries, nearby hiking trails, kayaking, skiing, and more. You’ll be thrilled to make the Piedmont House your home away from home.
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
- Location: Winter Park, Colorado
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $688/night
- Amenities: Rustic luxury log cabin with mountain views on 40 acres, pet-friendly, large deck, fire table, wood-burning stove, charcoal grill, outdoor hot tub, game room with pool table & foosball table, fully stocked kitchen, vaulted ceilings, ample furnishings, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 5 stars
This luxurious cabin is as authentic as they come. Situated on 40 private acres, it’s the ultimate mountain getaway for families or large groups. The sweeping views of the surrounding forest and mountains are reasons enough to stay in this cabin, but when you throw in the relaxing hot tub and endless entertainment within the cabin, this is a one-of-a-kind vacation rental. The living areas and spacious rooms are each thoughtfully appointed and cozy, offering all the amenities you may need during your stay. Nearby Winter Park is a delightful ski resort town that is just a short 10-minute drive from the cabin, making it the perfect home base for skiers and snowboarders visiting the area.
Winter Park, CO 80482, USA
- Location: Columbine Lake, Colorado
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
- Price: $245/night
- Amenities: Pet-friendly log cabin in the mountains with creek access, mountain views, large wrap-around deck, hot tub, outdoor fire table, spacious living room, bay windows, gas fireplace, pet enclosure with a bed, fully-stocked kitchen, Smart TVs in every room, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This gorgeous mountain cabin is surrounded by pristine beauty of the forest and mountains. A large wrap-around deck has comfortable seating around a fire table, as well as a luxurious hot tub. Bask in the warmth of the fire or relax in the heated waters of the hot tub at night and soak in the starry sky above. A spacious living room with bay windows gives sweeping views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The peaceful Cascade Creek is within walking distance of the cabin if you’d like to explore the creek. Columbine and Electra Lakes are within an hour’s drive of the cabin and offer outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. Come relax your cares away at this beautiful mountain retreat.
Columbine Lake, Colorado 80447, USA
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Colorado for Couples
Whether you’re searching for a relaxing getaway with your significant other or a weekend adventure, there are plenty of cozy Colorado hotels and vacation rentals to suit your desires. Below are three equally charming and romantic rental options for those seeking some quality alone time with their partners. Each of these rentals offers its own character and is close to a variety of outdoor recreation, while simultaneously offering the quintessential scenic views visitors and Colorado locals alike adore.
- Location: Vallecito, Colorado
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
- Price: $145/night
- Amenities: Beautiful cabin with views of Vallecito Lake, spacious front deck, outdoor grill, ample seating in the roomy living room, fully stocked kitchen, Smart TV, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 5 stars
This charming cabin is steps away from Lake Vallecito, with views right from the spacious front deck. You’ll enjoy the rural mountain escape while still being 25 minutes from Durango if you desire a trip to town and an hour’s drive from Mesa Verde National Park. You’ll have close access to endless outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, horseback riding, water sports, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and so much more. You’re likely to encounter wildlife so keep an eye out, particularly in the mornings and evenings. This Colorado cabin is the perfect mountain getaway for the outdoorsy couple.
- Location: Snowmass Village, Colorado
- Size: Studio, 1 bath
- Price: $131/night
- Amenities: Rustic ski-in/ski-out mountain resort condo, Snowmass Village ski resort close access, spacious studio with fully stocked kitchen, beautiful appliances and furnishings, views of the ski resort, community swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and business center, concierge services available, gas fireplace, satellite TV, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
Snowmass Village is the quintessential mountain ski town. While not quite as crowded as the neighboring ski resort in Aspen, this is a major plus for those wanting to hit the slopes with lesser crowds. This spacious studio condo is cozy with its gas fireplace and plenty of comforts, and you’ll have all you need to prepare meals or walk to the nearby restaurants for a bite to eat. Soak in the community hot tub or outdoor pool after a long day of skiing, hiking, boating, mountain biking, or whatever your preferred outdoor recreational activities are. It’s the perfect home base for outdoor enthusiasts craving the peaceful respite of the mountains.
Snowmass Village, CO, USA
- Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $263/night
- Amenities: Rustic log cabin in Buena Vista, walking distance to the Arkansas River, on-site fishing and hiking, ATV trails, close to Cottonwood Hot Springs, large wrap-around deck, patio furniture, hot tub; the interior offers resort-style furnishings, fully-stocked kitchen, stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceilings, upper loft with private balcony, 2 Smart TVs, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 5 stars
This luxurious log cabin is situated right on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, a beautiful mountain town located between Leadville to the north and Salida to the south. Twin Lakes, Mt. Princeton, and Cottonwood Hot Springs are all within close access. Breckenridge Ski Resort is just over an hour away. Hike or ski the day away in the mountains, then soak all evening in the hot springs or the hot tub at the lodge. This comforting abode will feel like your home away from home. Wildlife frequents the area, so keep your eyes peeled! The town of Buena Vista has many charming shops and restaurants you’ll want to explore. Go white water rafting or fishing along the Arkansas River. Disconnect and enjoy the mountains and the peacefulness of your surroundings.
Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA
Best Places to Stay in Estes Park
Estes Park is one of Colorado’s most beloved gems. If you’ve never before visited, you are in for a treat. This quaint little mountain town is charming, friendly, and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains’ grandeur everywhere you look. It is also the visitors’ hub for the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, a photographer and nature lover’s paradise. Estes Park is notorious for its many herds of elk that frequent the town, often walking across the roads and causing traffic jams as they migrate to and from the park. Be sure to watch from a safe distance! These cabins below were hand-selected for their charm, comforts, amenities, and prime locations. So, disconnect from your devices and soak in the peace and quiet of mountain living.
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $129/night
- Amenities: Cozy cabin in a quiet neighborhood, large driveway, deck with forest views, frequent wildlife, fire pit, cozy living spaces, gas fireplace, jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom, fully-stocked kitchen, minutes from downtown Estes Park, washer & dryer, TV, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
This quaint cabin couldn’t be more perfectly located in Estes Park. Minutes from downtown, yet nestled in a quiet neighborhood with peaceful forested surroundings. Elk and other wildlife frequent the areas, so enjoy them from the deck. If you visit in the fall, you may even hear the bulls bugling! Relax in front of the warm fireplace inside or the fire pit outside. You’ll want to visit Rocky Mountain National Park as well; there, you’ll find endless hiking trails, pristine mountain beauty, and wildlife like moose and elk, if you’re lucky! Remember never to approach wildlife, and enjoy from a safe distance!
Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $167/night
- Amenities: Rustic log chalet-like condo, large deck with hot tub, indoor gas fireplace, large windows with lake and mountain views, communal swimming pool and hot tub, fully stocked kitchen, washer & dryer, WiFi, nearby access to hiking, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, and frequent wildlife, etc.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
When it comes to mountain views, they don’t get better than those found at this rustic log condo. You’ll be overlooking the beautiful Rocky Mountains and Mary’s Lake, which are within walking distance from the condo. Vaulted ceilings with large windows coupled with a large deck and hot tub provide perfect views of the valley and mountains that surround you. Estes Park is a Dark Sky community, so gaze at the stars as you soak in your hot tub at night. You can also get cozy by the gas fireplace inside as you drink your morning coffee. Be sure to take advantage of the community pool, hot tub, and fire pit as well.
Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $250/night
- Amenities: Prospect Mountain cabin, secluded yet close access to Estes Park, deck with outdoor furniture and year-round hot tub, wood-burning fireplace in the cozy living room, wood stove, fully-stocked kitchen, satellite TVs in each room and living room, video library, games for kids, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Nestle yourself within the peaceful woods of Prospect Mountain in this hidden gem of a cabin. Soak in the luxurious hot tub any time of year or relax by the indoor fireplace after a long day of outdoor adventures. With such close access to Estes Park, it’s a wonder this cabin still feels so secluded and peaceful. Head into the charming town for your shopping and dining desires, or cook your own meals in the fully-equipped kitchen. This cabin offers so many thoughtful touches throughout, you’re certain to fall in love with its charm.
Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Best Places to Stay in Denver
Colorado’s capital city of Denver is a bustling hub of culture and activity. From art museums to world-renowned concert venues, and from nature trails to eclectic nightlife, Denver has it all. There is a wide range of highly-rated VRBO listings scattered across Denver, but these listings below stood out for their uniqueness and affordability – a rare combination in such a high-cost city. Whether you’re visiting Denver for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, you’re sure to enjoy your time spent at any of these vacation rentals.
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Size: 1 bedroom, 2 baths
- Price: $129/night
- Amenities: Tri-level townhome near Santa Fe Avenue, close access to plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment, rooftop terrace with gas fire pit and lounge furniture, indoor electric fireplace, Smart TV, washer & dryer, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
This conveniently located modern Denver townhome is full of character, and for its location, its value is pretty incredible. You’ll be within walking distance of endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as walking trails and more. Easily access downtown Denver attractions such as the Denver Art Museum, or head up to the mountains, then return to a cozy abode with the most incredible rooftop terrace. Get cozy by the gas fire pit in the mornings and evenings and enjoy the bustling city of Denver.
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
- Price: $106/night
- Amenities: Victorian-era-inspired rental house near South Pearl Street in Platt Park, open concept living room, gas fireplace, fully-stocked kitchen, pet-friendly (with fee), flat-screen TV, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
This Victorian-style vacation rental in the heart of Platt Park is just as charming on the outside as it is inside. The location is prime due to its close access to Washington Park, walking trails, Overland Golf Course, countless breweries, eateries, shopping options, art museums, movie theaters, and more. Alternatively, head to downtown Denver and check out Union Station, or Cherry Creek, and immerse yourself in the Denver nightlife. Then, come back and relax in front of the fireplace with a good book to unwind after a fun-filled day of adventures. You won’t regret choosing this warm and welcoming home for your Denver vacation.
- Location: Arvada, Colorado
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
- Price: $128/night
- Amenities: Townhome in the Olde Town Arvada suburb of Denver, spacious and uniquely appointed living space, patio with comfortable seating, gorgeous fully-stocked kitchen, large driveway and garage, washer & dryer, Smart TV, WiFi, etc.
- Ratings: 5 stars
Olde Town Arvada is among the most highly-desired neighborhoods in Denver, and you’ll quickly see why when you arrive at this charming townhome. The welcoming interior is bright and airy with comfortable furnishings that include a unique chair swing! The private back patio offers ample seating so you can relax outdoors on warm days. Olde Town Arvada is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you’ll want to explore the countless restaurants, craft breweries, art galleries, bars, specialty stores, and more nearby. From there, you can easily explore Denver, Boulder, Golden, Estes Park, and all that Denver has to offer. This is the perfect vacation getaway for those wanting to immerse themselves in the historic charm of this beautiful Denver suburb.
Which of these best hotels and vacation rentals are you most excited to book first? It may be hard to choose, as they’re all charming in their own ways. That’s why they belong on the list of Best Places To Stay In Colorado! Tag someone in the comments that you’d love to visit with! And if you’re looking for attractions, hiking trails, restaurants, and more, check out this helpful hub that contains an endless list of attractions in Colorado.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places To Stay In Colorado
January 13, 2023
Jessica Moore
What are the best unique hotels in Colorado? The best unique hotels in Colorado can be found scattered across the state. The following hotels stand out above the rest:
For even more unique lodging options, these nine unique hotels in Colorado are sure to have options to peak any interest. One thing is certain: Colorado has no shortage of personality and character, and you’ll find these traits reflected in any of the unique hotels mentioned above. Where are the most unique getaways in Colorado? The most unique getaways in Colorado are often tucked away in unexpected places; you’ll need a local’s expertise to track many of them down. The rentals below make for a great start:
If you’ve still not quite found what you’re looking for in terms of unique lodging, this list of 11 unique places to stay in Colorado might offer the perfectly quirky vacation rental that fits the “outside the norm” bill.
