The 11 Most Unique Places to Stay in Colorado: Hotels & Resorts

Image courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

Tucked away in vast pine forests, charming ski towns and sprawling urban centers, the most unique places to stay in Colorado offer a singular experience sure to make your vacation unforgettable. 

Besides Colorado’s stunning scenery and adventurous opportunities, these four- and five-star resorts are exciting attractions on their own. And the best way to book your stay at the coolest hotels in Colorado? Booking your trip with Fora

From expert travel tips — like the best time to visit Colorado for skiing and the top restaurants in Denver — to free hotel upgrades and perks, booking with an advisor is the best way to travel to Colorado. (Feeling inspired? Also check out our guide to the most unique places to stay in New Orleans.)

Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your getaway today.

The 11 most unique places to stay in Colorado

Image courtesy of Sonnenalp Vail

All the most unique places to stay in Colorado offer luxurious accommodations in incredible locations. Here are our favorites:

1. Dunton Hot Springs: Colorado’s coolest hotel in the San Juan National Forest

Found among the snowy peaks of the San Juan National Forest, the Dunton Hot Springs resort stands out among the most unique places to stay in Colorado because of its remote location. 

Charmingly rustic yet wholly luxurious, the entire resort is built around hot springs that provide a delightful respite from the otherwise chilly alpine climate. Dunton Hot Springs is also relatively close to Telluride, one of the best ski towns in the United States, but its secluded location may be more appealing to couples and families that desire a more intimate vacation. 

Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay in or near Telluride, as well as to learn about fun things to do while there (also see our Telluride itinerary).

2. The Little Nell in Aspen: a luxurious and unique Colorado hotel close to the slopes

Widely regarded as one of the best places to stay in Colorado, The Little Nell is a five-star boutique hotel in Aspen offering quick access to the nearby ski slopes, gourmet dining and luxe accommodations.

What makes The Little Nell such a unique Colorado hotel is its location. Everything you could want on an Aspen vacation is nearby — and whether you’re looking for a Colorado family resort or a base for your Colorado bachelorette party, The Little Nell is an excellent choice for a nature-bound summer trip or dreamy winter escape in Aspen (just check out our Aspen itinerary for the full scoop). 

3. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver: a boutique gem in one of Denver’s trendiest neighborhoods

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is one of the coolest hotels in Colorado. Located in the heart of Lower Downtown (or “LoDo”) in  Denver, this four-star Colorado boutique hotel is within walking distance of tons of trendy bars, restaurants and shops.

As for the accommodations, the Kimpton’s rooms and suites are ultra-posh and spacious, ensuring a comfortable stay while you explore Colorado. And Panzano, the hotel’s award-winning Italian restaurant, is one of the better fine dining options in the area.

4. The Ritz-Carlton Denver: one of the fanciest boutique hotels in Colorado

An elite spa, upscale dining options, 1,000-square-foot suites with skyline views of the city: The Ritz-Carlton Denver in LoDo is one of the coolest places to stay in Colorado, let alone Denver. 

Here, elegant urban decor and lavish accommodations present guests with an exceptional opportunity to unwind after exploring the city. Overall, The Ritz-Carlton is among the best boutique hotels in Denver.

And if glamor is not quite what you’re looking for, a Fora Advisor can help you decide where to stay in Denver while scoring you VIP hotel perks and upgrades. Advisors can also help you decide where to stay outside of Colorado, like unique places to stay in Utah. Connect with Fora to get started.

5. Life House, Lower Highlands: a unique place to stay in Colorado inspired by affluent pioneers

Of the most unique places to stay in Colorado, Life House, Lower Highlands in the Denver neighborhood of the same name (or LoHi) stands out with its tasteful decor inspired by the hotel’s late 19th- and early 20th-century roots. Each room employs a classy meld of Old West and Victorian themes, but with contemporary comforts.

In short, Life House, Lower Highlands is beautiful — staying here feels like staying in an art exhibit. 

6. Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa: a luxe remote resort near the Colorado-Utah border

Gateway Canyons can be found near Colorado’s central border with Utah, far from any major cities. But it’s this remoteness that lends the resort its unique appeal. In between horseback riding and digging for dinosaur bones, you can enjoy Gateway Canyons’ full spa and locally sourced dining.

If you don’t mind crossing state lines, this is one of the most romantic getaways in Utah and well worth a visit.

7. The Arrabelle at Vail Square: one of the most unique places to stay in Colorado for world-class luxury

The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a five-star resort in one of Colorado’s most coveted ski destinations. At The Arrabelle, expect nothing short of elite service and spacious accommodations, with paramount access to the nearby ski slopes. 

Plan your trip with Fora to get the most out of this luxurious boutique hotel in Colorado.

8. Sonnenalp: a unique Colorado hotel with both European and Rocky Mountain roots 

A truly unique place to stay in Colorado, the five-star Sonnenalp blends Bavarian roots with classic Colorado charm. In-room fireplaces and heated floors create a cozy refuge when you’re not enjoying Vail’s incredible snow-sports scene.

The Sonnenalp also features four upscale restaurants, a European-style café and a classy bar with top-shelf cocktails, German beer and live music performed by local musicians.

9. Vail Residences at Cascade Village: one of the coolest places to stay in Colorado for larger gatherings

The Vail Residences at Cascade Village is a collection of luxury condos and homes affiliated with Grand Hyatt Vail, another great hotel in Colorado. If you’re looking for roomy accommodations, easy access to the slopes and a fully equipped kitchen — perhaps for a large gathering or company retreat (Fora can help with that, too) — the Vail Residences are a great choice.

Guests can also enjoy all the amenities of the Grand Hyatt Vail, including the heated pool, fitness center and spa.

10. Madeline Hotel & Residences: one of Telluride’s most luxurious boutique hotels

The Madeline Hotel is one of the fanciest boutique hotels in Telluride, offering ski-in / ski-out access and incredible views of the San Juan Mountains. What really makes the Madeline Hotel unique among elite ski resorts in Colorado is its classy contemporary decor, and every room is artfully designed for comfort and opulence.

Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay at the Madeline Hotel today.

11. Hotel Jerome: a storied Aspen hotel that’s hosted many a celebrity in its time

One of the coolest hotels in Colorado, Hotel Jerome has a rich history as one of Aspen’s longest-standing buildings. It was one of the first structures west of the Mississippi River with full electric lighting and has hosted the likes of Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray and many other celebrities since it was first built over a century ago. How’s that for a unique Colorado hotel?

Find the most unique places to stay in Colorado with the help of a Fora travel advisor

When you book with Fora, you’ll find lodging at the most unique and coolest places to stay in Colorado — all while scoring awesome perks and upgrades. 

Fora Advisors can help you plan every step of your trip, providing insider insights on just about anything travel related, like where to stay in Vail, which Denver bars offer the best cocktails and so much more. Fill out the form below to get started.

Looking for more hotel recommendations around the world? Check out our guides to awesome destinations like the best places to visit in Costa Rica for the first time, the 10 best places to visit in Puerto Rico, or for somewhere completely different, plan your first time in Japan! No matter where you plan on visiting, Fora has your back.

Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your getaway today.