Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>From decked-out glampsites and fab treehouses to charismatic tiny homes, Colorado brings the heat when it comes to <a href="https://blog.colorado.com/">cool places to stay</a> — whether you’re after a sweet deal or lavish indulgence. Here are some splurge-or-save hotspots, with ideas for things to do (and taste!) nearby.</p>


Colorado's Cool Places to Stay, Splurge & Save Style

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Collective Retreats at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott

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<h2>Splurge: Royal Gorge Cabins</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/canon-city">Cañon City</a><br />
At <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/royal-gorge-cabins">Royal Gorge Cabins</a>, live the lavish life near the grand Royal Gorge in a tucked-away retreat boasting homey gathering spaces and lofty windows. Or, glamp it up in an opulent tent featuring queen beds, sleek hardwood floors and rugged antler chandeliers.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Feel the adrenaline surge with an <a href="/whitewater-rafting/echo-canyon-river-expeditions">Echo Canyon River Expeditions</a>’ Arkansas River raft trip. Take a rollicking train ride with <a href="/trains/royal-gorge-route-railroad">Royal Gorge Route Railroad</a> where you’ll chug past sheer cliff faces and under the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. Pair award-winning chardonnay with Wet Mountain vistas at <a href="/wine-wineries/winery-holy-cross-abbey">The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Treat yourself to deliciously battered cheese curds at <a href="/canon-city/world's-end-brewing-company">World's End Brewing Company</a>. Enlighten your taste buds with ginger-infused chicken tandoori at <a href="/family-restaurant/nirvana-culinary-paradise">Nirvana Culinary Paradise</a>. Tuck into creamy fettucine alfredo at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/family-restaurant/diritos-italian-restaurant">DiRito’s Italian Cuisine</a>. </p>
<h2>Splurge: Collective Retreats At 4 Eagle Ranch</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/wolcott">Wolcott</a><br />
Glamp in understated elegance surrounded by 1,000 acres of pristine nature when you stay with <a href="https://www.collectiveretreats.com/retreat/collective-vail/">Collective Retreats</a> at <a href="/guestdude-ranch/4-eagle-ranch">4 Eagle Ranch</a>. Tent stays include gourmet meals from Three Peaks Lodge, 1,000-thread-count sheets, wood-burning stoves and artisanal s’mores by the fire. </p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Revel in Colorado’s outdoors with 4 Eagle Ranch’s guided horseback rides and fly-fishing excursions. Hike the lesser-known and wildflower-strewn <a href="https://trails.colorado.gov/trails/stag-gulch-18584">Stag Gulch Trail</a> near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/edwards">Edwards</a>. Stroll <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/vail">Vail</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/beaver-creek">Beaver Creek</a>’s beguiling ski villages for a bevy of high-end shopping options.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Tear into <a href="/fine-dining/mountain-standard">Mountain Standard</a>’s sea-salt buttermilk biscuits, pepper jelly and country ham. Or, pile crusty baguettes with baked brie, strawberry compote and tart green apples at <a href="/family-restaurant/vintage-vail">Vintage</a>. (Both in Vail Village.)</p>
<h2>Splurge: Claremont Inn &amp; Winery</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/stratton">Stratton</a><br />
This one-of-a-kind winery hotel is a gem set on Colorado’s golden plains. You’ll love <a href="https://www.colorado.com/wine-wineries/claremont-winery-inn">Claremont Inn &amp; Winery</a>'s soaring, sun-soaked windows, impeccably cared-for grounds and stately rooms, not to mention an on-site chef and house-made vino. </p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Book a hotel package that includes a wine tasting and decadent chef’s-menu dinner. Motor over to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/old-town-museum-complex-burlington">Burlington Old Town Museum</a> for turn-of-the-century artifacts. Play nine holes on <a href="/golf/stratton-golf-course">Stratton Golf Club</a>’s manicured greens.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>In Stratton, indulge with burgers and peanut-butter malts at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/handisgrub/">Handi’s</a>. Or, head to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/burlington">Burlington</a> for Guajillo Barbacoa Colorado Lamb with chimichurri-infused potatoes from <a href="/family-restaurant/dish-room">The Dish Room</a> and Mexican-inspired specials (like green-chili Huevos Burgers) at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Farm-Grill-Restaurant-101170861407598">The Farm Grill &amp; Restaurant</a>.</p>
<h2>Splurge: The Crawford Hotel</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a><br />
Located above LoDo’s bustling <a href="/articles/union-station-things-see-do">Union Station</a>, this landmark railway hotel delivers it all: extravagant Victorian furnishings with modern luxuries, plus complimentary transportation via a swanky Tesla. At <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/crawford-hotel">The Crawford Hotel</a>, train enthusiasts can even book a room crafted to feel like a 19th-century Pullman sleeper car.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Explore Union Station’s historical artifacts display (including ticket stubs and found wallet photos), then peruse the depot’s boutiques and bars. Mosey over to <a href="/western-wear/rockmount-ranch-wear">Rockmount Ranch Wear</a> for their signature snap-button Western shirt — it’s so famous there’s one in the Smithsonian. Soak up mountain air and stunning views of the snow-capped Rockies at <a href="/articles/colorado-state-park-profile-golden-gate-canyon-state-park">Golden Gate Canyon State Park</a> (just 45 minutes from Denver). </p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Don’t miss <a href="/family-restaurant/mercantile-dining-provision">Mercantile Dining &amp; Provision</a>’s ricotta cheesecake — it’s so good, licking your plate clean is considered perfectly acceptable. Dive into handmade pasta coupled with wild mushrooms and artichoke-goat-cheese mousse at <a href="/fine-dining/rioja">Rioja</a>. Relish scratch-made Southern fare like honey-dusted fried chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts courtesy of <a href="https://tupelohoneycafe.com/">Tupelo Honey</a>.</p>


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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2>Save: WeeCasa Tiny House Resort</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/lyons">Lyons</a><br />
The world’s largest tiny-house resort offers big charm on a small scale. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/vacation-condo/weecasa-tiny-house-resort">WeeCasa Tiny House Resort</a> brings the fun with whimsically named accommodations like The Gnome Home (for its circular door, porthole-style windows and rugged shingles) or The Rocky Mountain High (which sports Colorado flags and our state flower, the blue columbine). </p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Hike or bike through <a href="https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/hall-ranch/">Hall Ranch</a> and <a href="https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/heil-valley-ranch/">Heil Valley Ranch</a>’s scenic open spaces. Shop for handmade bamboo fly-fishing rods at <a href="https://www.southcreekltd.com/">South Creek Ltd</a>. and cast your line on the burbling North Saint Vrain Creek. Savor Colorado Honey Whiskey from <a href="/distilleries/spirit-hound-distillers">Spirit Hound Distillers.</a></p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Get blissed on hops and tangy barbecue wings at <a href="/breweries/oskar-blues-grill-brew">Oskar Blues Grill &amp; Brew</a>. Spoil your appetite with fizzy root-beer floats from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thenewlyonsdairybar/">Lyons Dairy Bar</a>. Delight in <a href="http://mojotaqueria.com/">Mojo Taqueria</a>’s crispy beer-battered shrimp tacos.</p>
<h2>Save: Basecamp Hotel</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a><br />
With a climbing wall and toasty outdoor firepit, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotel/basecamp-hotel">Basecamp Hotel</a> is pure Colorado. Reserve The Great Indoors Room for a cool take on camping: In the themed accommodations you’ll sleep on in-ground beds, marrying the illusion of roughing it with the reality of plush mattresses.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Shop Boulder’s pedestrian-friendly <a href="/articles/pearl-street-mall-beloved-boulder-attraction">Pearl Street Mall</a>. Gaze at the jagged beauty of the jutting Flatirons rock formations from <a href="/boulder/colorado-chautauqua-national-historic-landmark">Chautauqua Park</a>. Stock up on snacks, like crisp bread boules and local cheeses, from <a href="https://www.colorado.com/farmers%27-markets/boulder-farmers%27-market">Boulder Farmers Market</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Devour <a href="/family-restaurant/salt">SALT</a>’s deliciously sinful <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-restaurant-bites-salted-caramel-tart-boulders-salt-bistro">Dark Chocolate Caramel Salt Tart</a> (served with mango curd and espresso ice cream). Sip traditional afternoon tea at the mesmerizingly ornate <a href="/theme-restaurant/boulder-dushanbe-teahouse">Dushanbe Teahouse</a>. Slurp spicy pork-belly noodles at <a href="https://www.dragonflynoodle.com/">Dragonfly Noodle</a>.</p>
<h2>Save: Three Dog Night Guesthouse</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/sugar-city">Sugar City</a><br />
This enchanting adobe guesthouse delivers views of placid <a href="https://coloradobirdingtrail.com/site/lake-meredith-swa/">Lake Meredith</a> from your very own hammock. Pack binoculars to spot pelicans and, if you’re lucky, bald eagles. BYO kayak, paddleboard and canoe for on-water fun. Or, curl up with a book in Adirondack chairs on the private patio of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/three-dog-night-guest-house">Three Dog Night Guesthouse</a>. </p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Fish Lake Meredith’s glassy waters for largemouth bass and black crappie. Look for pronghorn and rare swift foxes as you drive through <a href="https://www.colorado.com/national-forests-grasslands/us-forest-service-comanche-national-grassland">Comanche National Grassland</a> along the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/byways/santa-fe-trail">Santa Fe Trail byway</a>. The route is packed with historic Western and Native American sites. Or, motor down Section 7 of the <a href="https://www.transamtrail.com/product/colorado-tat/">TransAmerica Trail</a> — a 4,218-mile motorcycle and bikepacking route that traverses the U.S., with nearby <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pueblo">Pueblo</a> marking its halfway point.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Dig into good-as-mama’s meatloaf at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynettes-Sugar-City-Cafe/162810993788789">Lynette’s Sugar City Cafe</a>. Head to Ordway for cheesy ravioli at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Feelin.Saucy.Cantina/">Feeling Saucy Cantina</a>.</p>
<h2>Save: Rocky Mountain Treehouse</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/carbondale">Carbondale</a><br />
Sleep in the trees — literally — at this eclectic, 1970s abode. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5839043?source_impression_id=p3_1616010714_oyHaWfxltx3GdOIQ&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1">Rocky Mountain Treehouse</a> is nestled in towering spruces 25 feet in the air, making it ideal for cozying up by the wood-burning stove or stargazing from balconies as Cattle Creek sings you to sleep. </p>
<h3><strong>Must-Dos:</strong></h3>
<p>Shop for antiques, trail-running gear and souvenirs in the adorable and charming downtown area. Feed your creativity (for free!) with a self-guided tour of <a href="/art-museums/powers-art-center">Powers Art Center</a>’s Jasper Johns collection.</p>
<h3><strong>Must-Chews:</strong></h3>
<p>Dip pita in zesty tabbouleh at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/casual-dining/the-goat-restaurant">The Goat Kitchen &amp; Bar</a>. Try <a href="/family-restaurant/izakaya-carbondale">Izakaya Carbondale</a>’s spicy Carbontail Roll (think avocado, scallion and yellowtail).</p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="/blog">Find a treasure chest of lovable lodgings on our Sleep Somewhere Cool blog</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/power-down-6-places-stay-unplug-colorado">Here are six places to stay and unplug in Colorado</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging">See all hotel &amp; lodging listings</a></p>
