Discover Extraordinary Unique Places to Stay in Colorado

Introduction

Colorado, known for its breathtaking mountain vistas, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture, offers travelers more than just stunning scenery. For those seeking extraordinary accommodations, the Centennial State boasts an array of unique places to stay that are destinations in themselves. From cozy treehouses nestled in the Rockies to luxurious yurts under starlit skies, Colorado’s diverse lodging options cater to every taste and desire. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most unique places to stay in Colorado, ensuring your next visit is as memorable as the state’s majestic landscapes.

Treehouse Retreats: Elevated Escapes

Luxury in the Leaves: Rocky Mountain Treehouse

Perched high among the pines in Carbondale, the Rocky Mountain Treehouse offers a luxurious twist on childhood dreams. This unique place to stay in Colorado features a fully-equipped kitchen, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private hot tub overlooking the surrounding forest. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of nature while indulging in modern comforts.

Rustic Charm: Little Red Treehouse

For a more rustic experience, the Little Red Treehouse in Lyons provides an intimate connection with nature. This cozy retreat offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is equipped with basic amenities, making it perfect for those seeking a simple yet unique place to stay in Colorado.

Yurt Adventures: Circular Sanctuaries

Mountain Views: Never Summer Nordic Yurts

Nestled in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, the Never Summer Nordic Yurts offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. These circular dwellings provide a cozy base for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. Each yurt is equipped with wood-burning stoves, making them an ideal unique place to stay in Colorado year-round.

Stargazing Paradise: Colorado State Parks Yurts

Several Colorado State Parks offer yurt rentals, providing an affordable and unique lodging experience. The yurts at Ridgway State Park, for instance, offer stunning views of the San Juan Mountains and easy access to water activities on the reservoir.

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Cave Dwellings: Subterranean Stays

Modern Caveman: Kokopelli’s Cave

While technically just across the border in New Mexico, Kokopelli’s Cave is worth mentioning for its proximity to Colorado and sheer uniqueness. Carved into a sandstone cliff, this one-bedroom cave dwelling offers modern amenities with prehistoric charm. The cave’s location near the Four Corners region makes it an excellent base for exploring southwestern Colorado.

Historic Haven: Cliff Palace Lodge

For those fascinated by ancient cliff dwellings, the Cliff Palace Lodge near Mesa Verde National Park offers a unique place to stay in Colorado that’s inspired by the area’s rich archaeological history. While not an actual cave, the lodge’s design pays homage to the nearby Ancestral Puebloan ruins.

Glamping Galore: Luxury Under Canvas

Safari-Style: Dunton River Camp

For a truly luxurious glamping experience, Dunton River Camp in Dolores offers safari-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, private porches, and gourmet dining. This unique place to stay in Colorado combines the beauty of the San Juan Mountains with world-class amenities.

Eco-Friendly Elegance: Collective Vail

Located on a working ranch in Wolcott, Collective Vail offers upscale tents with plush bedding, private decks, and farm-to-table cuisine. This eco-friendly retreat provides a unique way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort.

Historic Hotels: Time Travel Accommodations

Mining Era Opulence: The Stanley Hotel

Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a unique place to stay in Colorado for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. This grand hotel offers stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park and boasts a storied past that includes celebrity guests and paranormal activity.

Wild West Charm: The Strater Hotel

Step back in time at The Strater Hotel in Durango. Built in 1887, this Victorian-era gem features period antiques, a vintage saloon, and a rich history of housing famous guests, including Western author Louis L’Amour.

Tiny Homes: Big Experiences in Small Packages

Mountain Minimalism: WeeCasa Tiny House Resort

Located in Lyons, WeeCasa offers a unique place to stay in Colorado for those curious about tiny home living. With a variety of custom-designed tiny homes, guests can experience minimalist living without sacrificing style or comfort.

Riverside Retreats: Tiny Town Cabins

Situated along the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Tiny Town Cabins offer cozy accommodations with stunning mountain views. These compact cabins provide a perfect base for outdoor adventures in the heart of Colorado.

Unconventional Conversions: Reimagined Spaces

School’s Out: The Old School House

In Crested Butte, The Old School House has been transformed from a 19th-century schoolhouse into charming vacation rentals. This unique place to stay in Colorado offers a blend of historic charm and modern comforts, with easy access to world-class skiing and mountain biking.

All Aboard: Caboose Cabins at Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Near Steamboat Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs offers the chance to sleep in converted railroad cabooses. These cozy cabins provide a nostalgic lodging experience, complete with access to the park’s natural hot springs.

Eco-Lodges: Sustainable Stays

Off-Grid Oasis: Shambala Mountain Center

Located in the Red Feather Lakes area, Shambala Mountain Center offers a variety of eco-friendly accommodations, from rustic cabins to lodge rooms. This retreat center focuses on mindfulness and sustainability, making it a unique place to stay in Colorado for those seeking inner peace and environmental consciousness.

Solar-Powered Serenity: Joyful Journey Hot Springs

In the San Luis Valley, Joyful Journey Hot Springs offers solar-powered yurts and rooms with access to mineral-rich hot spring pools. This eco-lodge provides a unique blend of relaxation and sustainability.

Alpine Adventures: High-Altitude Havens

Summit Slumber: Colorado Trail Friends Huts

For adventurous hikers and mountain bikers, the Colorado Trail Friends Huts offer rustic accommodations along the Colorado Trail. These backcountry huts provide a unique place to stay in Colorado for those seeking solitude and stunning alpine views.

Ski-In, Ski-Out Igloos: Copper Mountain Snow Igloos

During winter months, Copper Mountain Resort offers the chance to stay in custom-built snow igloos. These unique accommodations provide an unforgettable experience for ski enthusiasts looking for a truly immersive winter wonderland stay.

Riverside Retreats: Waterfront Wonders

Floating Fantasies: Nomad Float Trips

For a truly unique place to stay in Colorado, consider a multi-day rafting trip with Nomad Float Trips. Sleep under the stars on sandy beaches along the Colorado River, with gourmet meals and expert guides enhancing the experience.

Lakeside Luxury: The Broadmoor Cloud Camp

Perched atop Cheyenne Mountain, The Broadmoor Cloud Camp offers luxurious cabins with panoramic views of Colorado Springs and the surrounding wilderness. This unique retreat combines rustic charm with world-class amenities.

Urban Unique: City Stays with a Twist

Art Deco Elegance: The Crawford Hotel

Located in Denver’s historic Union Station, The Crawford Hotel offers a unique place to stay in Colorado’s capital city. Each room is inspired by the building’s rich history, from Pullman-style rooms to loft spaces under the station’s soaring ceilings.

Boutique Charm: The Maven at Dairy Block

In downtown Denver, The Maven at Dairy Block offers a playful and artistic lodging experience. This boutique hotel features local art installations, unique room designs, and easy access to the vibrant Dairy Block micro-district.

Wellness Retreats: Rejuvenating Resorts

Hot Springs Haven: Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs

Near Redstone, Avalanche Ranch offers rustic cabins and unique covered wagons for lodging, along with private access to tiered hot spring pools. This unique place to stay in Colorado provides the perfect blend of relaxation and mountain adventure.

Mindful Mountain Escape: True Nature Healing Arts

In Carbondale, True Nature Healing Arts offers eco-friendly accommodations alongside yoga classes, spa treatments, and a reflexology path. This holistic retreat center provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and relaxation in a stunning mountain setting.

Seasonal Spectacles: Timely Treasures

Winter Wonderland: Ice Castles

During winter months, the town of Dillon hosts a magnificent Ice Castle, complete with LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, and ice tunnels. While not an overnight accommodation, visiting this unique attraction can be paired with nearby lodging for a magical winter experience.

Autumn Splendor: Dunton Hot Springs

As fall colors paint the San Juan Mountains, Dunton Hot Springs offers a luxurious and unique place to stay in Colorado. This restored ghost town features hand-hewn log cabins, natural hot springs, and gourmet dining amidst a backdrop of golden aspens.

Adventure Packages: Unique Stays with Thrilling Experiences

Colorado’s diverse landscape offers the perfect backdrop for combining unique accommodations with exhilarating activities. These adventure packages provide an all-in-one experience for thrill-seekers looking for unique places to stay in Colorado.

Wilderness Expedition: Basecamp at Tarryall

Nestled in the heart of Park County, Basecamp at Tarryall offers an immersive wilderness experience that goes beyond traditional lodging. This unique place to stay in Colorado features comfortable yurts equipped with cozy beds, solar-powered lighting, and wood-burning stoves.

What sets Basecamp at Tarryall apart is its comprehensive adventure packages. Guests can enjoy guided fly fishing expeditions on the gold medal waters of Tarryall Creek, right outside their yurt door. The property also offers guided hiking tours through the surrounding Pike National Forest, where visitors can spot diverse wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, and various bird species.

For those seeking a more intense adventure, Basecamp at Tarryall provides rock climbing experiences on nearby crags, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. After a day of outdoor activities, guests can relax around the communal fire pit, sharing stories and gazing at the star-filled sky.

Rock Climbing Retreat: The Boulder Adventure Lodge

Located in the scenic Boulder Canyon, The Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge) is a haven for rock climbing enthusiasts. This unique place to stay in Colorado combines comfortable accommodations with world-class climbing opportunities.

The A-Lodge offers a variety of room types, from standard hotel rooms to rustic cabins, all decorated with a mountain-chic aesthetic. What makes this lodge truly special is its dedicated climbing program. Guests can book packages that include guided climbing experiences tailored to their skill level.

Beginners can start with the basics at nearby practice areas, while more experienced climbers can tackle challenging routes in Eldorado Canyon or Boulder Canyon. The lodge also offers bouldering clinics and multi-pitch climbing adventures for those looking to push their limits.

After a day on the rocks, guests can unwind in the lodge’s hot tub, enjoy a craft beer at the on-site bar, or join fellow adventurers for outdoor yoga sessions. The A-Lodge’s unique combination of comfortable lodging and accessible climbing makes it an ideal base for both seasoned climbers and those looking to try the sport for the first time.

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Pet-Friendly Unique Stays: Bringing Fido Along

For many travelers, a vacation isn’t complete without their furry companions. Colorado offers several unique places to stay that welcome four-legged friends, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy an extraordinary lodging experience.

Canine Camping: Decorated Teepees at Jellystone Park

Jellystone Park in Estes Park offers a whimsical camping experience that’s perfect for families and their pets. The park’s decorated teepees provide a unique place to stay in Colorado that combines the fun of camping with some added comfort and style.

Each teepee is spacious enough to accommodate families and their pets, with colorful interior decorations that add a playful touch to the camping experience. The teepees are equipped with comfortable beds, electricity, and even Wi-Fi, making them a great option for those who want to ease into the camping lifestyle.

What makes this stay truly special for pet owners is the park’s pet-friendly policy. Dogs are welcome in the teepees and throughout most of the park. There’s plenty of space for dogs to play, and the nearby Lake Estes offers pet-friendly trails for scenic walks.

The park also features a range of activities that both humans and dogs can enjoy together, including a swimming pool, miniature golf, and outdoor movie nights. With its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Jellystone Park’s teepees serve as a perfect base for exploring the area’s natural beauty with your canine companion.

Doggy Dude Ranch: C Lazy U Ranch

For a luxurious take on pet-friendly accommodations, C Lazy U Ranch in Granby offers a unique place to stay in Colorado that caters to both two-legged and four-legged guests. This all-inclusive dude ranch combines the charm of the Old West with modern amenities and a special program for dogs.

The ranch’s accommodations range from cozy cabins to spacious lodge rooms, all decorated in a rustic-chic style that reflects the ranch’s Western heritage. What sets C Lazy U apart is its “Doggy Dude Ranch” program, designed to ensure that canine guests have just as much fun as their human counterparts.

The program includes specially designed activities for dogs, such as scenic hikes, swimming in the ranch’s ponds, and even “yappy hour” social events where dogs can mingle while their owners enjoy cocktails. The ranch also offers dog-sitting services, allowing owners to participate in activities that might not be suitable for pets.

Human guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, and spa treatments. The ranch’s gourmet dining experiences feature farm-to-table cuisine, with options to dine outdoors with your pet by your side.

C Lazy U Ranch’s unique combination of luxury accommodations, outdoor adventures, and comprehensive pet programs make it an ideal destination for those seeking a high-end vacation experience they can share with their furry friends.

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Accessible Unique Stays: Extraordinary Experiences for All

Colorado’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its unique lodging options. These accommodations ensure that travelers with disabilities can enjoy extraordinary stays without compromising on comfort or experience.

Barrier-Free Treehouses: Deer Creek Valley Ranch

Deer Creek Valley Ranch in Bailey offers a groundbreaking approach to accessible accommodation with its barrier-free treehouses. These unique structures provide all the wonder of elevated living while ensuring full accessibility for guests with mobility challenges.

The treehouses are thoughtfully designed with wide doorways, smooth ramp access, and adapted bathrooms equipped with grab bars and roll-in showers. Despite these modifications, the treehouses maintain a rustic charm that blends seamlessly with the surrounding pine forest.

Each treehouse features a spacious deck with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, accessible via the same ramp system that leads to the entrance. Inside, the open floor plan allows for easy navigation, with lowered countertops in the kitchenette area for convenience.

Guests at Deer Creek Valley Ranch can enjoy a range of accessible activities, including adaptive fishing in the ranch’s stocked pond and wheelchair-friendly nature trails. The ranch also offers accessible horseback riding experiences, using specially designed mounting systems and adaptive saddles.

This unique place to stay in Colorado proves that the joy of a treehouse adventure can be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical abilities.

Inclusive Glamping: Zapata Ranch

Situated in the breathtaking San Luis Valley, Zapata Ranch offers an inclusive glamping experience that allows guests of all abilities to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Colorado prairie. This working bison ranch has partnered with accessibility experts to create a truly inclusive outdoor experience.

The ranch’s accessible glamping tents are spacious and well-equipped, featuring level entryways, wide doorways, and adapted bathroom facilities. The tents are connected by smooth, wide paths that allow for easy navigation across the ranch grounds.

What makes Zapata Ranch a truly unique place to stay in Colorado is its commitment to providing accessible versions of traditional ranch activities. Guests can participate in adaptive horseback riding, using specially designed saddles and mounting aids. The ranch also offers wheelchair-accessible bison tours, allowing all guests to experience the thrill of seeing these majestic animals up close.

For those interested in the area’s natural wonders, Zapata Ranch provides accessible guided tours of the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park. These tours use specially equipped vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring that all guests can explore this unique landscape.

The ranch’s dining experiences are equally inclusive, with the gourmet farm-to-table meals served in an accessible dining area. Guests can enjoy locally sourced cuisine, including grass-fed bison raised right on the ranch, while taking in views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Zapata Ranch’s thoughtful approach to accessibility, combined with its stunning natural setting and authentic ranch experiences, makes it a standout option for travelers seeking an inclusive and unique place to stay in Colorado.

Educational Stays: Learning While Lodging

For those who view travel as an opportunity for personal growth, Colorado offers unique accommodations that combine lodging with educational experiences. These stays allow guests to gain new skills or knowledge while enjoying extraordinary surroundings.

Astronomy Adventure: Dark Sky Yurts at Jackson Lake State Park

Jackson Lake State Park, designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offers a unique place to stay in Colorado that’s perfect for aspiring astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts. The park’s Dark Sky Yurts provide comfortable accommodation with the added benefit of world-class stargazing opportunities.

Each yurt is equipped with basic amenities, including beds, a kitchenette, and a wood-burning stove for chilly nights. What makes these yurts special is their location in one of the darkest areas of Colorado, free from light pollution that obscures the night sky in more populated areas.

The educational component comes in the form of regular astronomy programs offered by the park. Guests can participate in guided stargazing sessions led by expert astronomers, who use high-powered telescopes to showcase celestial objects like planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies. These sessions often include fascinating discussions about constellations, space exploration, and the latest discoveries in astronomy.

For a more hands-on experience, the park offers astrophotography workshops, teaching guests how to capture stunning images of the night sky. During the day, visitors can learn about solar observation using specially equipped telescopes.

The Dark Sky Yurts at Jackson Lake State Park offer a perfect blend of comfortable accommodation and educational experiences, making them a unique place to stay in Colorado for anyone fascinated by the wonders of the universe.

Culinary Getaway: The Cooking School of Aspen

While The Cooking School of Aspen isn’t a traditional lodging option, it offers culinary vacation packages that combine cooking classes with stays in unique local accommodations, providing a tasty twist on the Colorado experience.

The school partners with several boutique hotels and lodges in Aspen, each offering a unique place to stay in Colorado. Options range from historic hotels in downtown Aspen to mountain lodges with stunning views of the Elk Mountains. What ties these varied accommodations together is their proximity to the cooking school and their commitment to providing a luxurious home base for culinary adventures.

The heart of this experience is the cooking classes themselves. Led by professional chefs, these classes cover a wide range of cuisines and techniques. Guests might learn to prepare traditional Colorado fare using local ingredients one day, and master the art of French pastry the next. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring that participants gain practical skills they can take home with them.

In addition to cooking classes, the culinary packages often include food-focused excursions. These might involve visits to local farms or artisanal food producers, foraging expeditions in the surrounding mountains, or wine tasting sessions featuring Colorado’s burgeoning wine industry.

Evening dining experiences are a highlight of these packages. Guests enjoy meals at some of Aspen’s finest restaurants, often with special menus crafted to showcase local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Some packages even include the opportunity to cook alongside renowned guest chefs in exclusive pop-up dining events.

The Cooking School of Aspen’s culinary getaways offer a unique blend of luxury accommodation, hands-on learning, and unforgettable dining experiences. It’s a perfect option for food lovers seeking a unique place to stay in Colorado that satisfies both their palate and their curiosity.

Seasonal Pop-Ups: Limited-Time Lodging

Colorado’s dynamic landscape and changing seasons give rise to unique, temporary lodging options that offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These seasonal pop-ups provide adventurous travelers with extraordinary places to stay in Colorado, available only for a limited time each year.

Summer Sheepherder Wagons: Vega State Park

During the summer months, Vega State Park in western Colorado offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a unique slice of the state’s ranching heritage. The park’s sheepherder wagons provide a distinctive and cozy lodging option that’s only available during the warmer months.

These authentic wagons, reminiscent of those used by sheepherders in the early 20th century, have been carefully restored and adapted for modern comfort. Each wagon features a snug interior with a comfortable bed, small dining area, and basic cooking facilities. While the accommodations are rustic, they offer an unparalleled connection to Colorado’s pastoral history.

The wagons are strategically placed around the park to offer privacy and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the pristine Vega Reservoir and the distant Grand Mesa. Guests can spend their days fishing in the reservoir, hiking the park’s scenic trails, or simply relaxing and taking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

What makes this experience truly special is its seasonal nature. The wagons are only available from late spring to early fall, coinciding with the traditional sheep grazing season in the high country. This limited availability adds an element of exclusivity to the experience, making it a truly unique place to stay in Colorado.

During their stay, guests can participate in educational programs about the history of sheepherding in Colorado, the importance of ranching to the state’s economy, and the delicate balance between agriculture and conservation in the modern era.

The sheepherder wagons at Vega State Park offer a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in a vital part of Colorado’s cultural heritage while enjoying the natural beauty of the state’s western slope.

Winter Snow Igloos: Keystone Resort

When winter blankets the Colorado Rockies in snow, Keystone Resort transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with its own unique lodging option – snow igloos. Available only during the peak of the ski season, these igloos offer one of the most distinctive places to stay in Colorado.

The snow igloos are expertly crafted each season by professional snow sculptors. Each igloo is spacious enough to accommodate a small group and is furnished with insulated sleeping platforms covered in plush bedding and furs. The interiors are illuminated with soft lighting, creating a cozy and magical atmosphere.

While the igloos don’t have traditional amenities like electricity or plumbing, they offer an unparalleled immersion in the winter environment. Guests are provided with high-quality sleeping bags rated for extreme cold, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep despite the frigid outside temperatures.

The igloo experience is often combined with other winter activities offered by the resort. Guests might arrive at their igloo via a moonlit snowshoe trek or a thrilling dog sled ride. Evening activities can include stargazing sessions (the lack of artificial light makes for excellent viewing conditions) or gatherings around a bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores.

In the morning, guests can step out of their igloo directly onto the ski slopes, getting first tracks before the lifts open to the general public. This “ski-in, ski-out” access from such a unique accommodation adds an extra layer of exclusivity to the experience.

The snow igloos at Keystone Resort are a testament to Colorado’s capacity for winter magic, offering a truly unique place to stay in Colorado that’s only available for a short time each year. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of winter sports, the beauty of a snowy landscape, and the adventure of sleeping in a structure made entirely of snow.

These seasonal pop-ups – the summer sheepherder wagons and winter snow igloos – showcase how Colorado’s diverse geography and climate create opportunities for extraordinary lodging experiences. They offer travelers the chance to stay in unique places in Colorado that are as fleeting as they are unforgettable, adding an element of timeliness and exclusivity to the state’s already impressive array of accommodation options.

Conclusion

Colorado’s diverse landscape is matched only by the incredible variety of unique places to stay throughout the state. From treehouses and yurts to converted schoolhouses and luxurious glamping sites, the Centennial State offers accommodations that are destinations in themselves. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat into nature, Colorado’s unique lodging options provide unforgettable experiences that enhance the state’s natural beauty and outdoor offerings.

As you plan your next Colorado adventure, consider stepping outside the traditional hotel box and opting for one of these extraordinary accommodations. Not only will you create lasting memories, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences Colorado has to offer. From the peaks of the Rockies to the depths of desert canyons, unique places to stay in Colorado await, promising to make your visit as remarkable as the landscapes that surround them.