Check out our sampling of winter getaways, grouped by travel style, that might just garner rave reviews from the only person who really matters: you.
Elevated Expectations
The ART, a Hotel, Denver
If your eyeballs can’t stand another beige hotel lobby, The Art, A Hotel in Denver is your remedy. The hotel hired longtime Denver Art Museum curator Dianne Vanderlip to treat the space as a high-end gallery, and she has filled it with works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenberg. It’s a refreshing approach and one that’s entirely apropos for a hotel in Denver’s Golden Triangle district, with the Denver Art Museum and Clyfford Still Museum as neighbors.
Tip: Ask for a brochure and take a self-guided tour of the hotel’s art collection.
Hotel Jerome, Aspen
A paragon of historic preservation, the renowned Hotel Jerome just gets everything right. From richly layered décor that evokes a mountain spirit (yet resists tired, log-cabin kitsch) to the bend-over-backward service and proximity to Aspen’s celebrity-studded ski slopes, you’ll be living the high life in one of America’s most buzzed-about ski towns.
Tip: After a day on the slopes, revitalize your skin with a High Alpine Oxygen Lift Facial at the hotel’s Auberge Spa.
Family-Friendly Lodging
Grand Lodge, Crested Butte
Parents: You need a great, easy, fun getaway. Crested Butte's Grand Lodge is just that. One call to the reservation desk and you’ll be able to book your room, ski-equipment rentals, ski lessons and lift tickets. Done. The rooms have kitchenettes (morning lifesaver!) and the heated pool will keep the kids occupied while the grownups put on their “don’t bother me” faces and melt into the hot tub.
Tip: Request a mountain-facing room on the fourth or fifth floors for breathtaking panoramas.
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park
You’re like, “What? A YMCA?” Trust us; this is not a gym floor we’re talking about. The spacious cabins of YMCA of the Rockies in gorgeous Estes Park can accommodate small to large groups, the views are stupendous and the variety of resort activities is astounding. Play in the game room, give archery a try, glide around the ice rink, swim, visit the on-site library — and weep with joy when you see the massive craft room, stocked with supplies for making mosaics, jewelry, tie-dyed garments and more.
Tip: Many activities are included in guests’ Stay Pass, but not all, so be sure to check the website for details.
Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass
It’ll cost you a pretty penny, but for that special ski trip, it might just be worth it to pony up for Viceroy Snowmass’ renowned service and ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass’ powdery trails. Plus, guests can pick up a free kids’ adventure book with colored pencils at check-in. That plus plenty of activities — baking, dog-led hikes, crafts, snowman making, town clean-ups and wildlife outings — will help enforce your ban on the phrase, “I’m bored.”
Tip: Dying for a date night? The concierge can arrange for a babysitter so you can head out for adult bevies and maybe even (gasp) a complete conversation.
At Nature’s Doorstep
Grand Hyatt Vail, Vail
At 8,150 feet in altitude the Grand Hyatt Vail is Vail’s only true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort. Discuss your ski plans with their world-class ski concierge who can help you rent equipment on site, get lift tickets and insider tips on tackling the mountain. Participate in après ski activities in the fireside lounge while looking out at the snow-covered mountain tops. Looking for the perfect photo of your ski-cation? Gore Creek rushes through the property, creating a lovely wintry scene, with steam rising off the icy water after each snowfall.
Tip: Have the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage treatment at the spa, with its heated stones to warm you up after spending the day on the slopes.
Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby
There’s no such thing as cabin fever at the no-frills family lodge of Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby. That’s because an exhaustive list of outdoor winter activities will entertain your crew: tubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, fat biking, sleigh rides and, most importantly, roasting s’mores over a campfire. Should you wish to venture farther still, you’ll be just half an hour from the splendors of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Tip: If you have a group of eight or more, be sure to book your activities in advance.
Romantic Getaways
Claremont Winery & Inn, Stratton
In the unassuming town of Stratton is an elegant surprise, with gracious hosts waiting to pull out all the stops for in-the-know guests. Each room of the opulent Claremont Winery and Inn is decorated to the nines in traditional, romantic décor. And the food is just as sumptuous — with multiple courses and the property’s own wine to accompany dinner, plus fresh croissants and a full breakfast each morning.
Tip: Book a Romantic Getaway Package and you'll find sparkling wine (made by the estate), chocolate-covered strawberries, and lotions and body butters for pampering your sweetie.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop
Tucked into the San Isabel National Forest among the towering Collegiate Peaks, you can soak up the vistas of Chalk Cliff and soak in therapeutic mineral waters with your dearest — all from one spot at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort in Nathrop. Should you wish to venture out from your cabin or the soaking pools, options abound. Cross-country ski, go on a backcountry ski tour, snowshoe and explore one of Colorado’s beautiful national monuments: Browns Canyon.
Tip: Nothing says “I love you” like a grilled Colorado lamb T-bone and herbed truffle fries; order ’em both at the Princeton Club Restaurant.
Something Different
Movie Manor, Monte Vista
The Movie Manor in Monte Vista is what would happen if a drive-in movie theater and a motel had a baby and named it Awesome. This ultra-well-kept, if humble, motel pipes the sound from its drive-in theater into your room so you can watch the big screen in complete comfort. Venture out into the San Luis Valley by day to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve; or plan to visit around the sandhill crane migration, which brings the majestic birds to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in March.
Tidbit: As you head to your room, note that each door bears the name of a movie star.
Crestone Hobbitat, Crestone
Upon first gazing at the curved roof, hodge-podge windows, whimsical spires and outdoor staircase of this fantastical getaway in Crestone, you'll immediately know it's unlike any typical stay. Boasting impeccable views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as well as unique architecture that will have you exploring every surprising nook and cranny, the two-bedroom Hobbitat not only provides comfortable accommodations, but also serves up endless photo opportunities. Can't get enough of this intricate design? Keep the quirky times going and check out the elaborate Bishop Castle in Rye while you're in the region.
Tidbit: Take a blanket out to the fire pit at night for some immaculate stargazing in this official dark-sky community.
More Places to Stay in Colorado
The Distillery Inn, Carbondale
Sample the crisp vodka and the divine Gingercello liqueur of the Marble Distilling Co. until you feel like retiring to the distillery’s own five-bedroom inn nestled in Carbondale.
Elk River Guest Ranch, Clark
Bordered by Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and offering a staggering 2,000 feet of private river frontage, find solitude and outdoor adventure at Elk River Guest Ranch in Clark, near Steamboat Springs.
Great Wolf Lodge, Colorado Springs
What’s the one thing kids want in a hotel? A pool. Colorado Springs' Great Wolf Lodge delivers in spades with an 84-degree indoor water park, plus a kid’s spa and nightly pajama parties.
Trailhead Inn, Winter Park
The same team behind the wildly popular Devil’s Thumb Ranch designed the value property, Trailhead Inn, as a basecamp for skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, biking, hiking and other alpine adventures in Winter Park.
Want More?
Colorado Ski Resorts: America’s Best Skiing & Riding
Colorado Winter Getaways
Top Hotels for a Winter Getaway
Cozy Colorado Winter B&B Getaways
Sleep Somewhere Cool Blog