COME TO LIFE / Cool Places to Stay 17 COOL COLORADO PLACES TO STAY 1 TUMBLING RIVER RANCH, GRANT Welcoming guests for more than 70 years, the host family at this alpine getaway makes you feel like one of their own with horseback-riding, kids programs, fly fishing, campfire songs and home-cooked meals with options for even the pickiest cowpokes. 2 HOTEL TALISA, VAIL Ski-town luxury at its finest in any season, this new hotel is nestled between a ski lift and gurgling Gore Creek. Make things easy with the ski concierge, rest recreation-weary muscles in the soaking tubs, munch fireside s’mo-res and do yoga in the garden. 3 TRINIDAD LAKE STATE PARK, TRINIDAD Live the lake life with panoramic mountain views and make-life-easy amenities like showers and laundry facilities. While away the days fishing, hiking and soaking up the views. 4 ARMSTRONG HOTEL, FORT COLLINS Situated amid other historic buildings in Old Town, the Armstrong’s three floors made it the tallest building in town in 1923. Restored in 2004, the new owners recreated original storefronts and the 1940s-era neon sign from historic photographs. 5 FIRESIDE INN CABINS, PAGOSA SPRINGS Beautifully accommodating year-round, this San Juan River-side location really sings in the summer. Cabins with Western flare wel-come you back from adventures, with front porches and barbecue grills just steps from private, on-site catch-and-release fishing. From campsites to luxury resorts, Colorado has plenty of options for every type of getaway. 6 THE BROSS HOTEL BED & BREAKFAST, PAONIA This 112-year-old confection will first charm you with the shady, rocking-chair-lined front porch. But it’s breakfast, accompanied by fruit locally grown by the owners, that will steal your heart. 7 COLORADO CHAUTAUQUA, BOULDER Delightful cottages await visitors at this National Historic Landmark inches from hiking trails, Flatirons views and the famed Dining Hall. Delicious perk: Have your groceries delivered so you never have to leave your front porch. 8 THE ART, DENVER Your remedy for bland hotel decor, the lobby serves as a high-end gallery, with works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg. It’s a refreshing ap-proach, apropos of a hotel in the Golden Triangle district, with the Denver Art Museum and Clyfford Still Museum as neighbors. 9 THE DISTILLERY INN, CARBONDALE Sample Marble Distilling Co.’s crisp vodka and the divine Gingercello liqueur until you feel like retiring to the distillery’s own five-bedroom inn. Cruiser bikes, a rooftop deck and in-room martini bar are a few fringe benefits. 10 GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT & SPA, GATEWAY This escape marries indulgence with adventure: ATVing up red-rock peaks, a desert-racing experience, horseback riding, kayaking, fly-fishing and more with on-site guides. Afterward, unwind in your private hot tub and then enjoy a five-star meal under a tapestry of stars. q 11 SURF CHATEAU, BUENA VISTA You’re unlikely to ride a massive wave at this charming hideaway, but it does sit along the banks of the Arkansas River, perfect for kayakers, SUPers, rafters and more. A bright, beachy vibe and “spa-worthy linens” make for a memorable getaway. 12 MEEKER HOTEL, MEEKER Built in 1896 on Main Street blocks from where a trout-filled White River runs through the quiet ranching town, the feel of the Old West is strong here, as we’re sure past guest Teddy Roosevelt would have attested. 13 GREAT WOLF LODGE, COLORADO SPRINGS For families, you can’t beat this all-in-one vacation spot with 84-degree weather year-round in its water park and activities for everyone from tots to teens. 14 THE BIVVI HOSTEL, BRECKENRIDGE Bunk with like-minded adventurers in European style. Perks include a healthy breakfast, happy hour in the great room, ski or bike equipment storage and access to the Breck Free Ride bus route. 15 TENNESSEE PASS SLEEP YURTS, LEADVILLE Get off the grid in a cozy yurt beside a woodstove with up to six travel pals. The best part is getting there: Depending on the season, you can make the stunning 1-ish-mile trek via hike or snowshoe/ cross-country ski. Book dinner at the nearby cookhouse so that wine and fine dining await. r u FROM TOP: GATEWAY CANYONS RESORT & SPA; THE GREAT WOLF LODGE IN COLORADO SPRINGS; WINE COUNTRY INN IN PALISADE. 16 WINE COUNTRY INN, PALISADE Snuggled amid the tidy rows of a high-country vineyard, this charmer provides dramatic sunsets from rocking chairs on the front porch, an afternoon wine reception and dozens of wineries within cycling distance. 17 LOTTIS CREEK CAMPGROUND, ALMONT Packed in among the lodgepole pines of the Taylor River Canyon, this tranquil spot near Taylor Park Reservoir is super handy for those who want to boat, fish and hike and then explore Crested Butte, Gunnison, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and more. WANT MORE? CHECK OUT COLORADO.COM/LODGING & BOOK LODGING AT RECREATION.GOV & CPW.STATE.CO.US. 68 / 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2019: Page 68
