What’s not to like about Colorado? It’s no wonder that the Rocky Mountain state has achieved its current status as one of the US’s high-growth centres – its state capital Denver has added an astonishing 10% to its population within the last five years. Once very much part of the rough old Wild West, Colorado’s supreme sophistication and style has been a given for decades now, and as our selection of the best places to stay in Colorado will reveal, this scenically stunning Western vacation hotspot prides itself on surpassing visitors expectations

Colorado has it all, even those who only know the state through the legendary Westerns made here (The Searchers, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, True Grit) will have a sense of the spectacular landscape of mountains, forests, high plains, mesas (those flat-topped rock formations), canyons, plateaus, rivers, and deserts. Now a booming high-tech economy and a thriving metropolitan cultural scene have made it a magnet for new business start-ups as well as for hipsters and sophisticates looking for a lifestyle make-over, or just a glorious, liberating space in which to raise young families.

What Not To Miss

• Plenty of family attractions, including 11 national parks and outdoor adventure of every type
• Plus supremely trendy urban neighbourhoods like Denver’s LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNO (River North), Cherry Creek and the Highlands
• Colorado’s hot springs are an ideal place to relax in truly stunning surroundings.
• And, of course, ski centres which are globally celebrated for their quality and range of offering.
• You would be missing out if you didn’t sample the state’s fabulous museums, zoos and shopping experiences as well as the winter sports (we recommend Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Telluride and Snowmass).
• And we still haven’t mentioned the food. Colorado has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie paradise with the city of Boulder recently featuring as “America's Foodiest Town”, thanks to a range of top-tier restaurants (many of them specialising in Mexican food) and farmers' markets.

So much for the background, where are the best places to stay in Colorado that show the state at its best? We’ve investigated and this is our experts’ top selection:

The best places to stay in Colorado

For Cowboys and Cowgirls

• On the edge of the Gunnison National Forest, mid-way between the skiing centres of Aspen and Telluride the Smith Fork Ranch, Crawford is an outdoors-lover’s paradise,with a strong emphasis on horseback riding for would-be riders of all abilities. Quite often their treks feature a welcoming glass of wine, or a hearty breakfast at the end. Great for fishing, biking, clay pigeon-shooting and a whole lot else.
• Another great dude ranch (meaning a cattle ranch converted for guests) is to be found at The Home Ranch in the north of the state. It offers all the great outdoors activities along with touches of luxury and fine dining, largely based on homegrown “farm to fork” produce.
• Then there is the Northfork Ranch, Shawnee, not too far from downtown Denver. After 30 years in operation this delightful spot has the balance just right between comfort and ruggedness and offers the full immersion in active Western life, down to those great barbeques and steak-outs.

For city chic

• Hotel Teatro, Denver - this stylish boutique is great for business and leisure guests. Rooms are modern and large with Californian-style bathtubs. The Nickel restaurant is a popular local affair. Denver is on the doorstep as is the local history, restaurants, bars and the great out doors. Brilliant weekend break for all.

For a rural retreat

• Dunton Town House - located in Telluride, the chic Downton Town House inn offers chic, spacious accommodation and each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Hit the slopes all day in the winter and during the summer months there are some splendid mountainous hikes to experience! A classy, cosy and intimate stay.

For Spa Lovers

• Get up to your neck in hot water at Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores, a former mining ghost town turned into a luxurious resort based on the natural and mineral-rich waters that come bubbling up. There are many ways to enjoy them in the various indoor and outdoor pools and the spa service is just one of many ways to spend your time at this gorgeous spot.
• The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs is a stately and impressive resort that has been a going concern for nearly 100 years and specialises in pampering guests with a range of packages like the “woman’s weekend of wellness”.

For the life of luxury

• We recommend the Gateway Canyon Resort in Gateway, close to the Utah Border. Everything about this gorgeous resort exudes quality, from the poolside cuisine on offer to the top of the range convertibles you are invited to take for a spin on the jaw-dropping desert roads. Spectacular rock formations loom above you, along with star-filled desert skies.
• The Four Seasons Denver on 14th Street, in the heart of the Rocky Mountain foothill city is the place to see and been seen amongst the state capital’s glitterati. This is a chain with exceptionally high standards, and there’s no better base from which to explore the high life in this new American hot spot of good living.
• Another spot that attracts rave reviews - and awards - is the Lumiere, Telluride, a small-scale but supremely luxurious boutique hotel in this fashionable winter sports spot. Great design and personal service in an intimate, luxurious setting
• Franz Klammer Lodge is a year-round adventure heaven in the San Juan Mountains. The large, modern rooms have stone fireplaces and stunning views of the mountains. Restaurants close by via a short gondola ride. Winter offers snow and summer the great outdoors. Stay by the pool and spa, use the gym, hot tub and sauna.
• Sonnenalp is at the heart of Vail Mountain with a golf course, tennis courts and much more than your traditional luxury hotel. The large rooms have fireplaces and stunning views. Spoilt for choice with three restaurants and a bar. Outdoor pool and adventures on the slopes: snow or sun, relax at the spa and gym.

For budget travellers

• Everywhere in Aspen is expensive right? Wrong! The Limelight Hotel on South Monarch Street is incredibly good value considering its chic décor and fantastic outlook.
• Likewise The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, in Manitou has a great reputation for being cosy and romantic and highly affordable. Ideal for exploring this culturally rich area and priding itself on its great cuisine.

For families

• Tivoli Lodge - this owner run Tyrolean style property is in the centre of Vail, known for summer adventures and its winter slopes. The large, modern rooms have mountain views, complimentary afternoon tea during ski season and just a block from gondola and chairlifts. Activities and adventures for all the family.

For an active escape

• Hotel Jerome is an elegant hotel in the heart of Aspen with Old West-inspired atmosphere and decor combined with contemporary features. The comfortable rooms are furnished with rich fabrics and the communal spaces are elaborately and authentically decorated. The restaurant, bar and spa are all popular and sleek.
• The Sebastian is a stylish and youthful hotel in prime location in Vail Mountain Village. With a luxurious spa and outdoor pool there are spectacular views and fantastic skiing on your doorstep. The rooms combine Vail-chic features with a more contemporary twist, the bar and restaurant are charming and spirited.
• Viceroy Snowmass is a designer hotel in the Colorado Rockies with easy access to 91 trails and 3000 acres of Alpine terrain. The stylish rooms are tastefully furnished, the restaurant divine, the luxury spa expansive with a heated infinity pool. Skiing, hiking, biking, sledding, ballooning - activities to please everyone

For après-ski experience

• Telluride has often been voted America’s best ski resort and the Madeline has good claims to being Telluride’s best hotel. What could be better than enjoying the heated outdoor pool after a hard day on the slopes against a backdrop of Rocky Mountain magnificence?
• The Little Nell in Aspen, named after the silver mine close by is one of that chic resort’s top spots, and famous for the incredible cuisine served up at the Element 47 and Ajax Tavern eateries. Amazing service means it’s quite pricey, but a great place to party.
• Finally, there’s the Four Seasons Vail, which features a particularly amazing watering hole called The Remedy Bar where you can sip amazing cocktail concoctions while admiring the floor-to-ceiling mountain views or cosying up on the patio fire-pits. If you have worked up an appetite on the mountain, the food is to die for. How about the bison pizza with house-made bison pepperoni, fennel sausage and roasted sweet peppers?

For an apartment

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option this holiday - don't hesitate to visit our online partner Booking.com for a great selection of properties to suit holidays of all types.

Travel Information

• Fly to Denver International Airport located 45km (28 miles) from the centre of state capital Denver with a wide selection of domestic and International flights including to Europe and Canada.
• Alternatively, catch a train to Colorado with Amtrak rail links throughout the state and further afield.
• If you want to rent a car to explore this stunning state - for prices visit our online partner Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - for the skiing, visit from December to March. Alternatively, for warmer temperatures, visit from June to August.

Still Not Sure?

• Browse our full list of the best places to stay in Colorado and start to plan your trip.
• Expand your search to check our recommendations in New Mexico or Utah
• Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.