Over the years, I’ve bunked many a night in Motel 6s and Super 8s. While both offer restful beds at budget-friendly prices, sometimes it’s nice to splurge.
Last year, . Winter rooms in these star-studded accommodations can exceed four figures a night. Fortunately, off-season bargains allow those of us with more meager means to swill Dom Perignon-class lodging on a Budweiser budget.
Here are some deals:
Ritz-Carlton — Bachelor Gulch
, 970-748-6200
At Beaver Creek, the Ritz offers 180 guest rooms in a massive, wood and rock edifice that looks like it was plucked straight from a national park. If Teddy Roosevelt were a skier, this would be his sort of place.
Stays start at $179 in October, rising to $299 from mid-November through early-December. Even with parking, tax and a $30 resort fee added, it’s still a tasty deal. The hotel closes from Nov. 1-18.
Park Hyatt — Beaver Creek
, 970-949-1234
The Park Hyatt feels more refined than ostentatious, and its patio restaurant has become my favorite retreat for a lunchtime burger and burgundy. It’s also a family-friendly hotel; guests can even buy s’more fixings to roast around a campfire at dusk.
Rates start at $169 per night through late November, rising to $299 through early December. Advance purchase discounts are available. Taxes, parking and $25 resort fee are extra.
Viceroy — Snowmass
, 970-923-8000
On the slopes of Snowmass, the Viceroy offers an elegant, East-meets-West feel. For those not unduly shy, some rooms feature glass-walled bathrooms with free-standing tubs.
The Viceroy’s autumn prices start at $149 for those willing to prepay for their stay. From late-November through mid-December, those pay-in-advance rates start at $191. Tax, parking and $15-30 resort fee come extra. The Viceroy closes from Nov. 1-25.
Little Nell — Aspen
, 855-920-4600
Aspen’s only five-star hotel sits at the base of the Silver Queen gondola, its flanks camouflaged by storefronts. Inside, a bright, modern look evokes a high-tech California feel that would have made Steve Jobs comfortable.
The Nell offers a Colorado resident rate starting at $189 through Nov. 25, which includes valet parking. It’s $371 for out-of-state guests. From Thanksgiving through early December, it’s $375 and up for all. Taxes and a 5 percent resort fee are extra.
Hotel Jerome — Aspen
, 855-331-7213
Recently renovated, the Jerome’s Victorian interiors have been replaced by a historically inspired decor that bridges the life of Aspen’s 126-year-old icon. If the Duke were still around, he’d continue to enjoy bunking here.
When it comes to local specials, the Jerome offers one of the best deals around. Colorado residents can book a room from Oct. 1-Dec. 14 for a mere $150 per night (plus tax, parking and $33 resort fee). Out-of-state friends will pay $300-375.
St. Regis — Aspen
, 888-627-7198
The five-story brick edifice of the St. Regis looms boldly at the edge of downtown Aspen. Inside, dark varnished woods and artwork bestow an aura of old-money elegance. The Rockefellers would have felt at home here.
For Coloradans, the St. Regis offers a $279 per night rate through Oct. 19 and again Nov. 19-Dec. 9. Out-of-state prices start at $349. The hotel closes Oct. 19-Nov. 18. Like my old Motel 6 and Super 8 standbys, they do not charge a resort fee.
Dan Leeth is a travel writer/ photographer; more at LookingForTheWorld.com.
