Ritzy slopeside ski lodges and business-oriented hotels in downtown Denver, sure, but Colorado isn't known for its budget accommodations. It's not the easiest place to bunk for the night without breaking the bank.
Yeah, there's Motel 6 and Super 8, but they usually are where you don't want to be. Besides, what's the point of getting away from it all in a cookie-cutter room, the unique stains on the carpet notwithstanding?
To go easy on your bank statement, here are six places to stay with nightly rates of $100 or less.
Yeah, there's Motel 6 and Super 8, but they usually are where you don't want to be. Besides, what's the point of getting away from it all in a cookie-cutter room, the unique stains on the carpet notwithstanding?
To go easy on your bank statement, here are six places to stay with nightly rates of $100 or less.
Woodland Motel, Salida
This is one of the best mom-and-pop motels in the Rockies, with a wide variety of rooms within walking distance of lively downtown Salida and a 20-minute drive to the slopes at Monarch Mountain. Even in the height of peak whitewater season, you'll find rooms for less than $100. 
Three Rivers Resort, Almont
The cabins at this riverside resort range from rustic to modern, and you can nab one with two beds and a futon, a full kitchen, and a grill and firepit outside for $100 in peak summer season. It's located midway between Crested Butte and Gunnison and is a great deal in any season. 
Leadville Hostel, Leadville
"Wild Bill" Clower and Cathy Hacking run the best hostel in the Rockies. It's right up the hill from the main drag in a quiet residential area that's just a few minutes from the wild and rugged mountains surrounding Leadville. There are bunks for $23, small couple's rooms for $35 to $40, and rooms with private baths for $60. You'll meet a variety of younger travelers, retirees, and endurance athletes-in-training at the family-style meals ($7 breakfast, $13-$15 dinner). |
The Bivouac (a.k.a. The Bivvi), Breckenridge
One of the best ski hostels around, this former B&B rents bunks for under $50 and private rooms for less than $100. You're within walking distance of the ski lifts and the bars, and they also have draft beer onsite. 
Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
This is my favorite hot springs resort in Colorado, with an out-of-the-way, idyllic setting north of Steamboat, and soaking pools along aptly named Hot Springs Creek. The cabins are $65 to $75, camping is $55, and if you're feeling like splurging, there's a converted caboose for $115 -- pool admission included. The best perk: Overnight guests have the hot springs to themselves after they close the front gate for the night. 
Rancho Del Rio, Bond
The cabins at the one and only Rancho Del Rio run $65 to $100, and camping is also available. With a location on the Colorado River northwest of Vail, Rancho is one of the last of a dying breed of ramshackle river-rat communities, complete with rafting guides, rentals, a general store, and vittles and cold beer from K.K.'s BBQ ("The Center of the Universe”). |
Eric Peterson / July 2014