Steamboat Springs is your quintessential small ski town, full of many neighborhoods that have their own charm. There is a perfect place for every person, couple, or family in the valley, whether you’re looking for luxury, western hospitality, or even a covered wagon! Where you stay all depends on what amenities you would like close by.
Condominiums
Mountainside, the condominium options are endless and varied. If you prefer to be within walking distance of the resort’s base area, you might consider some of the luxury condos at Eagle Ridge or the Highmark, or the more affordable units at the West; all these condos are an easy stroll to Gondola Square and free downtown bus. Suppose you want to be on the slopes. In that case, Bear Claw and Chateau Chamonix are ski-in ski-out (“hike in, hike out” for summer), or you might consider Torian Plum or the Sheraton (although a hotel chain, Steamboat’s Sheraton is part of the brand’s vacation club and boasts stellar condominium and villa options). Both properties are exactly in the heart of the bustling restaurants, bars, and shops at the base.
On the eastern side of the mountain, you may find a little more bang for your buck. The Ranch at Steamboat, nestled on the mountainside, is one of the first condo complexes built at the ski area and has amenities that are great for families, including an outdoor heated pool, multiple hot tubs and saunas, and four tennis courts. The Bronze Tree Condominiums are technically within walking distance down to the ski hill along Right O Way if you want to take a hike, and the complex has one of Steamboat’s only indoor swimming pools. Further up you’ll find the quieter Storm Meadows units, which range from one to four bedrooms. For all of those areas, it’s best to rent a vehicle; the bus line does not run up Burgess Creek Road or its side roads.
Hotels (including Pet-Friendly Hotels)
If you prefer hotel life, then check out The Steamboat Grand, located precisely across the street from the resort. The town’s only 4-star hotel, boasts a restaurant, coffee shop, spa, and bell service, along with being closely located to the best ski area restaurants. They also provide beautiful extras like cheese platters or champagne upon arrival.
The town’s downtown greeter, the Rabbit Ears Motel, is famous for its neon pink sign and traditional rooms and is right across the street from the downtown hot springs. If you want to be in the thick of it, you might consider the Hotel Bristol, located in the heart of downtown on Lincoln and 9th Street. The historic property has been recently updated and is close to parks, shopping, restaurants, and the downtown spa, Waterside.
Ranches and Cabins
If you want to get closer to nature, you may try one of the many ranches in Routt County, north of Steamboat Springs for a scenic twenty-to-thirty-minute drive. Vista Verde is a luxury dude ranch and it is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the Old West. Vista Verde is all-inclusive by the week with a top-notch wine and culinary program and offers tons of guided outdoor activities. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, you might consider Elk River Guest Ranch, where activities are a la carte and lodging only requires a two-night minimum, making things easy for a weekend getaway. Cabins have fully equipped kitchens to prepare your own meals. If you don’t care for horses as much, you might consider Glen Eden, a resort gem that feels like a summer camp for adults, complete with volleyball, horseshoes, a bar and restaurant, and easy access to multiple rivers.
If being in unincorporated Clark is too “busy” for you, then keep heading north until you get to Hahn’s Peak, the original county seat, where you can find the Cabins at Historic Columbine, a gorgeous but rustic collection of units right on the wilderness edge, complete with a sauna for guests.
Unique Lodging Options
Family reunion? You might consider the Porches of Steamboat: luxury 4 and 5-bedroom townhomes with subzero freezers and Wolf appliances, along with access to a community clubhouse, “The Barn,” stocked with amenities perfect for a family get-together.
