Steamboat Springs, located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is known for its “champagne powder” skiing, western vibes, and variety of outdoor adventures. While many visit because it’s one of the best ski towns in Colorado for families, don’t miss out on the many unique things to do in Steamboat outside of skiing, including hot springs, hiking, biking, tubing, and photography tours. Most accommodations in Steamboat Springs are either in downtown or near the main ski mountain, Mount Werner. Both areas have plenty of shops and restaurants, and they are well connected by bus. Here are 9 of the most unique places to stay in Steamboat Springs, from camping at hot springs to luxury ski-on/ski-off residences.
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9 Unique Places to Stay in Steamboat Springs Highlights
On Mountain European Style B&B | Chalet Val D’Isere |
Upscale Ski-In / Ski-Out Condos | Torian Plum Plaza |
B&B Walking Distance to Town | Mariposa Lodge Bed & Breakfast |
Luxury Ski-In / Ski-Out Residences | Christie Club |
Family Friendly Villas Next to the Gondola | Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas |
Boutique Historic Hotel in Town | The Bristol Hotel |
Budget and Pet Friendly Motel in Town | Rabbit Ears Motel |
Remote Hot Springs Cabins and Camping | Strawberry Hot Springs |
Pet Friendly Hotel for Outdoor Enthusiasts | Gravity Haus |
Trying to decide which Colorado ski town is best for your family? Take our bonus quiz below:
1. On Mountain European Style B&B: Chalet Val D’Isere
For those looking for an authentic alpine experience, Chalet Val D’Isere is a great choice. Perched just at the edge of the Mount Werner, this charming B&B feels like it’s straight out of a European ski village. It has stunning mountain views and a cozy fireplace in the common area. It’s perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat after a day on the slopes (note that it is not ski-in/ski-off). Pets are not allowed.
2. Luxury Ski-In/Ski-Out Condos: Torian Plum Plaza
For those who want to be in the heart of the action, Torian Plum Plaza is an excellent choice. Located right by the ski base, this upscale condo complex offers ski-in, ski-out access and is just steps away from Steamboat’s shops and restaurants. While this is ski-in/ski-out, it is not right next to the gondola or ski school, which may be a bit of a challenge for those with young children. We found this an ideal place to stay when the kids were a bit older and more independent skiers.
The plaza also features luxurious amenities, including hot tubs overlooking the mountain. Pets are not allowed. In summer and winter, it is easy to find live music in the evenings nearby.
3. B&B Walking Distance to Town: Mariposa Lodge Bed & Breakfast
The Mariposa Lodge Bed & Breakfast is a home away from home for those who appreciate attention to detail and a touch of history. Each room is uniquely decorated, and the lodge itself is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, walking distance to town. It is a perfect romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat. It is about an 18 minute walk from the old town hot springs. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast and use of a sun lounge. The lodge is 100% pet free.
4. Luxury Ski-In / Ski-Out Residences: Christie Club
The Christie Club is known for its impeccable service and elegant and luxurious apartments. Guests enjoy direct ski-in, ski-out access, heated outdoor pools, and private ski lockers. It is located just a short walk from the shops and restaurants around the ski area base and Gondola Square. As with the Torian Plum above, it is not right next to the gondola and ski schools, and would require a long walk or drive for non-skiers to get to the base of the gondola and ski school. It’s ideal for those who know how to ski well enough to ski-in/ski-out. We’d recommend this for ski enthusiasts looking for a premium stay. Pets are unfortunately not allowed.
5. Family Friendly Villas Next to the Gondola: Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
The Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas resort is a Marriott Vacation Club, combining the comforts of home with the amenities of a full-service hotel. The villas are equipped with kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies, providing a family-friendly environment. Enjoy conveniences of hotel services like room service, a bar and restaurant, as well as a fitness center, hot tubs, 2 pools, and a sun deck. Pets are not allowed.
We enjoyed staying at this resort with young kids, since it is right next to the gondola and ski school, has full-service hotel amenities and full kitchens.
6. Boutique Historic Hotel in Town: The Bristol Hotel
For those who want to be based right on Main Street in the heart of downtown, The Bristol Hotel may be a great choice. It embodies the charm of the Old West with modern comforts. Known for its historic architecture and warm, inviting atmosphere, it offers a boutique hotel experience close to all urban activities. Guests can enjoy use of the hot tub and restaurant, and are just a short walk from the Old Town Hot Springs. Service support animals are welcome.
7. Budget and Pet Friendly Motel in Town: Rabbit Ears Motel
For those with pets or on a budget, the Rabbit Ears Motel offers comfortable and clean accommodations without breaking the bank. The property overlooks the Yampa River, with easy access to the Yampa River Core Trail. It’s also just across the street from the Old Town Hot Springs. Take a short walk into the heart of downtown Steamboat to enjoy the many restaurants and shops.
We’ve enjoyed stayed here when traveling with pets (there is an additional pet fee). In addition to being clean and budget-friendly, it includes a continental breakfast and has a BBQ grill available.
8. Remote Hot Springs Cabins and Camping: Strawberry Hot Springs
For a truly unique experience, stay at the Strawberry Hot Springs. Choose from rustic cabins, a converted train caboose, or camping under the stars. The hot springs themselves are a not-to-miss attraction, offering therapeutic, mineral-rich waters in an idyllic mountain setting.
The hot springs are well outside of town. If you are in town for a ski vacation, or would like to enjoy the downtown restaurants every evening, this may not be the ideal choice. That said, if you would like a rustic retreat, with easy access to the beautiful Strawberry Hot Springs, this would be a perfect choice. Pets are not allowed.
9. Pet Friendly Hotel for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Gravity Haus Steamboat
Catering to outdoor enthusiasts, the Gravity Haus embodies a modern and eco-friendly approach to hospitality and is situated near the base of the gondola. This newly opened hotel features sustainable practices and contemporary design. With amenities like an on-site gear garage, free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center, it’s designed to enhance the active lifestyle of its guests. The Gravity Haus is pet friendly (with an extra fee).
Steamboat Springs Places to Stay Wrap-Up
When planning your next trip to Steamboat Springs, consider the wide variety of unique places to stay that reflect the spirit of the town itself. Is there one place that we would recommend above all others? We’ve stayed at many of these over the years, and have found different best fits depending on the circumstances. For a budget visit with dogs in tow, the Rabbit Ears Motel was the right choice. As a family using the ski school, the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas was ideal. As a family with older kids who were ski racing, the Christie Club and the Torian Plum Condos were perfect. If you have visited Steamboat and have suggestions on other places to stay, let us know in the comments!
To search other lodging options in Steamboat Springs, search below:
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
Air Travel | SkyScanner |
Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
Thanks for sharing! We love Colorado, and especially Colorado Springs!
Great lodging options. Thanks for sharing.
Strawberry Hot Springs is a super popular place in Steamboat!
It’s a great spot to visit any time of year.
This is a great list of places to stay in Steamboat! The Bristol Hotel looks so cute, and the Strawberry Hot Springs just looks like a fun and rustic place to relax.
Thanks!
Thanks for including pet friendly options! It can be such a chore to figure out.
We’ve traveled with a without pets to Steamboat. It has relatively few pet friendly options, but there are some nice ones to choose from.
So many cool places to stay! Christie Club looks amazing – heated outdoor pools are some of my all-time favorites for active vacations. Thanks for sharing!
Heated pools in winter after skiing are always fun!
Awe, the Rabbit Ears Motel – such a classic, landmark spot! But, I didn’t realize it is pet friendly…
We’ve only gone with pets!
Helpful post, thanks for saving us time by doing the research comparing so many options! I’d love to stay at Strawberry Hot Springs!
It is a truly unique and fun place to stay!
Very unique places to stay while in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I think I’d choose to stay at The Bristol Hotel for its charm and because it’s right in the heart of downtown.
It does have one of the best locations in town if you want to be close to the action.
Fun and unique places to stay. Thanks for sharing. Great post!
Thanks for the feedback!
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