The luxury hotels of Colorado ski country receive most of the buzz in winter while some of the state’s finest accommodations at lower elevations often get overlooked.
Rates at these iconic, historic destinations tend to be cheaper in the colder months, which means a staycation might be closer to your price range.
The Broadmoor: Since 1918, amid Colorado Springs’ mountain splendor, the grande dame of the Rockies has stood as an ultimate pillar of elegance. The resort is legendary for its accommodations, not to mention a couple of other holdings: Seven Falls, touted as “the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado,” and Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which runs up the 14,115-foot mountain year-round. Also, no other operation in the state can claim The Broadmoor’s lengthy streak of culinary accolades. Several bars and restaurants spot the scenic property, with European flair to match the atmosphere.
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa: Go ahead and lift a pinky at high tea, a daily occasion at this Mile High City staple. Book a massage at the spa. Splurge on something savory or something sweet from the fine in-house restaurants. Live as the rich and famous — including the Beatles — have since 1892. The granite-and-sandstone edifice occupies a corner of 17th Avenue and Broadway in downtown Denver, within easy walking distance of 16th Street Mall.
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak: The hotel is said to be the longest-operating in Colorado, with a history dating to 1874. The Cliff House was the Victorian meeting place for visitors who traveled from afar for Manitou Springs’ healing, mineral-rich waters. “Hippie Mayberry” grew up around the hotel. You’ll get a sense of the vibe out the front door, meeting the penny arcade and several bars where Manitoids boogie at night. For dinner, spoil yourself back at the hotel, choosing from trout, scallops, rib eye and more.
The Springs Resort: So you might have to compete with ski traffic from not-so-distant Wolf Creek Ski Area, which, to be sure, is no Vail or Aspen. The Springs Resort, however, aims for the luxury standards of those destinations. The hotel sits at the heart of Pagosa Springs and is home to the famous Mother Spring, regarded as the world’s deepest of its kind. The many pools are sure to soothe your pains and worries, just out the door of your cozy room.
The Stanley: It is famously the inspiration for author Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Yes, you might see or hear ghosts that some say have lingered over the hotel’s 100-year history. It is otherwise a place of good cheer during the winter, the place Freelan Oscar Stanley and his wife, Flora, envisioned when they built a high-class marvel for Estes Park to match the society they knew back east. Raise a glass to them, filled with something from the impressive whiskey bar.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.