Sheraton Steamboat Resort
2200 Village Inn Court, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477, 800-325-3535, sheratonsteam
Rates: Now until ski season, standard rooms with two queen-sized beds start at $179 a night, and three-bedroom villas start at $359 a night. When the snow starts to fly, rates start at $279 for the two queens and $799 a night for the three-bedroom villas. Overnight parking in the covered garage is $24 for valet and $15 for self-parking.
The bottom line: It’s close to the lifts and Ski Village (very short walk), and the rooms are newly and appealingly remodeled, with flat-screen TVs, refrigerators you can actually use, leather chairs, very comfortable beds and comforters, and good-smelling bath products. They put all of the money into a much-needed $20 million renovation, which updated the rooms, making them modern but livable, transformed the lobby into a meet- and-greet space for families and business travelers alike, and added the villas, which are delightful.
Sky Hotel
709 Durant Ave., Aspen, CO 81611, 970-925-6760,
Rates: Standard rooms with one king or two double beds start at $209 and go up to $639 in the winter. Overnight parking is $26 per night.
The bottom line: You know what they say about location — this is it, at the base of the Silver Queen gondola. Although not spacious, the rooms all have small patios, thick beams, fine linens and down comforters, Internet access ($11 per day), iPod hookups, air conditioning and L’Occitane en Provence bathroom amenities. They put all of the money into the location, the pool and the lobby and bar, often the site for the ski town’s hippest parties.
Limelight Lodge
355 S. Monarch St., Aspen, CO 81611, 800-433-0832,
Rates: Standard rooms with one king $116-$432, deluxe rooms $116-$496, suites $288-$2,000 (all winter rates). Overnight parking is $5 on the street; indoor garage parking is $15 nightly.
The bottom line: Stay here if you want all the amenities of a fine hotel without paying inflated Aspen prices, close to Aspen Mountain, Wagner Park and the shops and restaurants in the heart of Aspen. The rooms are compact but amenity-rich — even in the standard rooms, guests get a desk, 32-inch flat-screen TV, wireless Internet (included in the daily room charge) petite kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave oven, sink, silverware, some basic dishware, coffee and tea. The morning breakfast buffet includes hard-boiled eggs and cold meats and cheese, as well as yogurt, pastries, juice and coffee. In the winter months, the Limelight offers wine and cheese après-ski. Coffee and hot chocolate are available all day
Lumière Telluride
118 Lost Creek Lane, Telluride, CO 81435, 866-530-9466,
Rates: Studio suites with kitchenette and one king or queen start at $269 a night in ski season. Overnight parking is $27 per night.
The bottom line: The Mountain Village gondola is out the front door and up the steps, making this an impressive new addition to the scene, a pretty and sophisticated spot that fits in with the rest of the village’s scenery. It’s the little things that add up here, such as the welcome cheese tray and breakfast in bed, all included. The rooms are: equipped either with kitchenettes, in the case of the studios, or full kitchens, as with the one- to three-bedroom “residences.” The studio suites have king or queen beds piled high with plush linens. They feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and robes, and some have decks.
Antlers At Vail
680 West Lionshead Place, Vail, CO 81657, 800-843-8245,
Rates: Condo units start at $476 a night during ski season for a one-bedroom with a queen-sized bed (note that certain times of the year require a minimum number of nights). Now through Dec. 19, rates start at $216 a night, with no minimum stay for a one-bedroom condo with bunk room that sleeps up to 4. Free parking in garage.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for more space than at a hotel, where you can cook, spread out, easily get around the Vail area and bring the kids, Antlers is it. These are clean condominiums filled with leather and wooden furniture, and also feature granite kitchen countertops, a gas fireplace, Western and Southwestern touches. TVs are in every room, as well as DVD players and stereos, and DSL Internet is free. All have balconies; many have mountain views. Nice swimming pool and hot tub area, and the Vail gondola and ski school (about 150 yards) are within walking distance, as are restaurants, Lionshead shopping and the shuttle to Vail Village.
Vail Cascade
1300 Westhaven Drive, Vail, CO 81657, 800-282-4183,
Rates: Standard rooms with one king or two queens start at $239 a night during ski season. One-bedroom condos start at $570 a night (parking included with some). Overnight parking is $25 per night ($18 for self-parking).
The bottom line: Stay here if you like to be a bit away from the hustle and bustle of Vail Village or Lionshead but still able to hop on a lift within walking distance, or ski-in/ ski-out, if you’re staying at the condos. The rooms have been remodeled with warmer, richer tones, more throw pillows and heavier fabrics, granite and stone tile, which gives them a more upscale feel without sacrificing coziness. Deluxe rooms have sitting areas with small sofas and leather chairs. The Liftside condos are the real deals, though, with plenty of space for sharing and full kitchens, with the added bonus of being mere feet from the lift.
Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
126 Riverfront Lane, Avon, CO 81620, 970-790-6000,
Rates: Studio suites with one king, a double sleeper sofa and kitchenette start at $249 a night in winter (Colorado residents get 15 percent off all season with a valid driver’s license). Check website for other deals and packages. Overnight parking is $25 per night.
The bottom line: An upscale hotel experience with condo- style amenities a mere gondola ride away from the slopes, the Westin is close to Beaver Creek Mountain, accessed by the new Riverfront Express Gondola just outside the hotel lobby doors, as well as the town of Avon. The rooms are über-chic, done in the current style using sleek furnishings with a modern, minimalist bent but not too austere or cold — lots of leather, rich browns and beiges and plenty of soft, plush fabrics. Fireplaces in every room help too. The combination of condo and hotel makes this one of the best lodgings in the area. Dogs are also welcome at no extra charge (dog bed and bowls provided).
The Osprey at Beaver Creek
10 Elk Track Lane, Beaver Creek, CO 81620, 970-754-7400, ospreyatbeaver
Rates: Standard rooms with one king or two double beds start at $356 a night in winter. Overnight parking is included in the daily resort fee, which also includes Internet, for $30 per night.
The bottom line: Stay here if you want to be a schuss away from getting on the Strawberry Park Express Life. The other lifts are across the bridge about 25 yards away, and Beaver Creek Village is right there, as well. They put all of the money into a $7 million remodel of what used to be the Inn at Beaver Creek, resulting in an intimate, pampering, boutique hotel that feels appealing and exceptional. The rooms are adorable, decorated in the latest “pod” style, with cubist furniture and clean lines, a built-in, eye-level fireplace (in most rooms), MP3 player docking stations and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. No tubs, just oversized steam-style showers. There’s also an excellent complimentary hot-and-cold breakfast buffet.
Kyle Wagner, Bill Husted, Suzanne S. Brown
