If you have plans to visit the Centennial State this year, then be sure to check out this list of unique and cool places to stay in Colorado.
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always cared about the hotel I stayed in while on vacation. In my teens and 20s, I held the opinion “It doesn’t matter where I stay, I just need a place to rest my head at night.” And sometimes that still holds; mainly when I’m on a budget or in a bind. I blame some of this because “boutique” or “indie” hotels weren’t really a thing when I was growing up. Most family vacations were spent in a basic Holiday Inn or Hilton. All cookie-cutter. All boring. I was less than enthused to stay at these hotels and never really thought of the hotel as part of the experience or that it could be an experience itself.
But as I’ve gotten older and the hotel industry has shifted to more conscious travelers, wellness resorts, personalized experiences, boutique, and trendy hotels, I have found myself caring more about where I stay and where I put my dollars. Now I book based on the kind of vacation I want to have, its location, its style or uniqueness and anything that tells me I know my stay there will be one-of-a-kind.
So, below are my favorite cool places to stay in Colorado; why I chose to stay there, and why I keep going back. Each place offers plenty of historic charm, scenic views, and local vibes unique to each property.
Eagle River Inn
Tucked away in the tiny town of Minturn, just a few minutes from Vail, the Eagle River Inn has quickly become one of my favorite cool places to stay in Colorado. Resting on the banks of the Eagle River and sitting across from the iconic Minturn Saloon, the inn’s location in town makes it both scenic and accessible. The historic property was recently purchased by a husband and wife team who completely overhauled the property from top to bottom.
Why I love it: If you’re looking for a cozy and cute place to stay near Vail, without the giant price tag, this is your spot. The inn checks all my boxes for a mountain getaway: hot tub, fireplace, scenic views, in-room robes and slippers, and continental breakfast (theirs is free and more than just cold cornflakes and hard-boiled eggs), for those quick mornings before hitting the slopes. I love the mountain chic vibe without the stuffiness of Aspen or Vail with retro ski photos adorning the walls and cozy corners filled with fluffy pillows, shaggy blankets, and a Kiva fireplace.
Courtyard Country Inn
The tiny town of Westcliffe is still one of those Colorado mountain towns that still slip under the radar. I’ve been traveling here for over a decade and every time I leave I can’t wait to get back. Because the town is growing, several new lodging options have been added, but I still think the best place to stay is the Courtyard Country Inn.
The inn was recently taken over by a young couple from Texas who have big plans for the property. With updated rooms, new experience programming, and on-site food and mercantile, like Buho Market, it has everything you need for a weekend getaway in the mountains.
Why I love it: I love the inn for its main street location, putting you within walking distance of everything in town. But I keep coming for the delightful courtyard that anchors the property’s 9 rooms. Its charming and cozy corners are filled with flowers, a koi pond, and waterfalls making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Don’t miss out on experiencing the International Dark Sky community’s astrological display with their Astronomer Experience.
Mining Exchange Hotel
Located in downtown Colorado Springs, the Mining Exchange Hotel is a newly renovated property that re-emerged in 2024. The historic hotel was originally established in 1902 as a stock exchange for precious metals and was a hub for those who came to the Pike’s Peak region to strike it rich. Today, the 128-key property pays tribute to its Old West mining roots with unique design details and vintage finds.
Why I love it: While I know Colorado Springs is certainly not a small-town destination, I put the Mining Exchange Hotel on the list of cool places to stay in Colorado for its historic charm and hidden-gem vibes in a city that sometimes lacks character. I love historic hotels that have maintained parts of their past while making modern updates. Each room’s bespoke decor is anchored by colorfully papered accent walls, exposed brick details, Victrola Bluetooth speakers, and elegant bathroom fixtures you would expect from a European hotel. I give them props for creating different ways to relax during your stay with their full-service spa, including CBD massages and the Crystal Concierge service. This hotel is a great option for exploring downtown Colorado Springs on foot and as a home base for day trips to the mountains.
Mellow Moon Lodge
If you’re looking for a cool, retro-fitted, revamped roadside motel, then Mellow Moon Lodge is the place for you. Its roadside location in the small town of Del Norte (in Colorado’s San Luis Valley) puts it in the perfect position for locals and travelers alike to gather. The property’s newest owner hails from Denver and has completely reimagined this Colorado treasure.
Why I love it: I love the Mellow Moon Lodge for its ability to create a unique place where roadside motels and porch hangs are the latest fashion. You’ll feel right at home with its down-to-earth vibes that blend naturally with its elevated Western chic decor. And clean rooms accented with local art (some of which are for sale), up-cycled bohemian-style robes, and organic towels and linens. In place of a traditional hotel lobby, you’ll find a marketplace selling local goods and gifts. Hang with the locals and guests at the Lunar Lounge—an onsite full-service cafe serving coffee and cocktails.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Joyful Journey Hot Springs is a hot spring resort located in the small town of Maca; in the San Luis Valley near the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The SLV is known for its geothermal waters and ancient springs. And Joyful Journey is one of the best places to relax in the area’s healing waters. Its scenic property features three all-natural hot springs pools, plus yurts, tipis, RV sites, and a lodge for overnight stays.
Why I love it: I love visiting this resort because its remote location in the SLV deters hoards of visitors, keeping it quiet and not crowded. Its unpretentious and low-key vibe is exactly what you want you need to unwind, relax, and soak up that fresh mountain air. You’ll find other ways to relax with yoga classes and spa services. Plus, a day soak here is less than $20 a day—it’s the perfect add-on after a day hiking to one of the area’s many 14ers.
The Frontier Drive-Inn
Staying in the San Luis Valley, another cool place to stay in Colorado is the Frontier Drive-Inn. Located just 40 minutes south of Joyful Journey, the Frontier Drive-Inn received a historic re-boot in 2022 after opening in 1955 as a drive-in movie theater. Its restoration included refurbishing the original movie screen and neon sign at the entrance and adding high-end yurts and Steelmaster sheds for overnight stays.
Why I love it: The uniqueness of its location and historic revival are what make the Frontier Drive-Inn one of the coolest places to stay in Colorado. Thoughtful design went into, not just a movie makeover, but an immersive artful exprience with unique art installations, live music, indie film screenings, and more.
Stay on a camel farm
Continuing the expedition in the San Luis Valley, towards the southern border of Colorado, you’ll find a remote farm filled with sheep, donkeys, and camels. In the small town of Capulin, a family opened their camel farm to travelers offering overnight stays inside their yurt.
Why I like it: I mean what’s not to like about staying at a camel farm? Aside from the welcoming host family, you can tour the farm and meet the camels. The hard-sided yurt is spacious with basic amenities, a queen-size bed, and a futon. This is the perfect escape if you want to really get away from it all. Its remote 35-acre location borders BLM land with direct access to trails and outdoor recreation, alos offering the perfect opportunity to practice your stargazing. You can book the yurt through Airbnb.
The Western Hotel Hotel and Spa
Nestled within the San Juan Mountains, in the former mining town of Ouray, the Western Hotel and Spa is a classic example of Old West charm. The historic hotel, built in 1891, kicks off the dust and reveals its character with 16 elegant suites, a spa, a restaurant, a saloon, and endless mountain views.
Why I love it: It’s simple: I love this hotel for its style. They found a way to beautifully blend rugged Western charm with iconic style choices like the original Old West Saloon and the Gucci scarves adorning the walls. Underneath it all, the hotel’s grotto and spa facilities feel like an underground speakeasy where the apres scene is quiet and relaxing. Plus, its off-main-street location offers a bit of seclusion but is still within walking distance of everything in town.
CampV
Located in Colorado’s West End in the small town of Naturita, CampV is a historic boutique glamping and camping destination focusing on community and reviving rural Colorado. CampV was once home to the old mining camp, Vancorum, built in 1942 to house those working on the nearby Uranium Mill. Today, the glamping oasis rests on 120 acres of land featuring luxury cabins, and airstreams, Jupes, glamping tents, and traditional RV and camping sites.
Why I like it: If you’re looking for a fun glamping experience in Colorado, CampV checks all the boxes. Think of CampV as an elevated campsite, where the community comes together, and the outdoors and indoors blend seamlessly; but with nicer amenities than a pit toilet. You won’t be bored with nearby trails and a colorful tapestry of artwork and immersive creative installations, such as the Prairie Wind Chapel and the Unknown Zone, to explore. Don’t forget to check out the old Water Tower and gaze up at the International Dark Sky-certified night sky.
The Inn at Whiskey Belle Ranch
Heading to northern Colorado, you’ll find the the Inn at Whiskey Belle Ranch in the tiny town of Livermore. The remote B&B rests on a working ranch that borders the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River and offers scenic views of nearby bluffs and local wildlife. The renovated 1894 ranch house features three rooms, a great room, and a dining area for guests to enjoy.
Why I like it: I love staying here for its unexpected elegance amongst the ruggedness of the ranch. There isn’t much to find in Livermore, except sprawling ranches and BLM land. The B&B is run out of the owner’s home with just a few rooms. But this doesn’t feel like grandma’s house. Every detail of my room and bathroom was exquisite. Morning breakfasts were a delightful way of starting the day as well as porch time with a good book and coffee. My camera loved taking photos of the ranch’s treasured highland cattle and surrounding pastoral landscape.
I know there are many more cool places to stay in Colorado, so let me know what I’m missing and where I should travel to next. You can do so by signing up for our community newsletter on Substack.
*all images were taken by me and are subject to copyright
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