Best Romantic Hotels in Colorado

What’s more romantic than sitting in an outdoor hot tub with your sweetheart as a powdery snow falls gently around you? How about if you add a dramatic backdrop of the Colorado Rocky Mountains? Pour a glass of wine and sit back because we’ve got that and more with these best romantic hotels in Colorado.

Downtown Denver hotels and resorts, such as the Crawford Hotel in Union Station, are some of our favorite hotels for romance.

As a Denver metro resident, I’ve explored the corners of my city and state for more than 30 years — and stayed at dozens of hotels throughout Colorado.  Whether you’re looking for a quick romantic overnight stay or a weekend getaway, these are my top picks of best romantic hotels in Colorado.

Romantic Getaways in Denver

A couple of years ago, I did a round-up of Downtown Denver’s best romantic hotels, but since then, I’ve explored new hotels in Denver, which I’ve added below.

The Maven Hotel, Lower Downtown Denver

Say hello to the historical, chic, and boutique – The Maven Hotel, just one block from Coors Field, between 18^th and 19^th Streets on Wazee in LoDo (Lower Downtown). The lobby sets the stage for a lovely stay with its chic boutique feel, and the lobby bar serves up throw-back “speakeasy” style drinks. Playful, modern, hip, and just a fun place to stay, don’t miss an opportunity to spend the night at The Maven.

The ART Hotel, Denver’s Cultural District

Another addition to the Denver skyline is the 165-room ART Hotel, which opened in 2015. Located in downtown Denver’s Cultural District, the boutique hotel is simply unique, capturing the contemporary art scene as if the hotel were its sketching pad.

When my husband and I stayed there, one of our favorite things to do order a cocktail at the rooftop bar and then step out onto the  FIRE Terrace, a unique Denver rooftop bar and restaurant experience with a fourth-floor patio that overlooks the bustling life of the Broadway Street below.

Hotel in Fort Collins, Colorado

On the corner of College Avenue and Olive Street sits the 43-room Armstrong Hotel, a 1923 Landmark Hotel in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado, one hour north of Denver. You’ll love this boutique hotel, walkable to brewpubs, restaurants, and shopping in Fort Collins.

Ready to get romantic?  Stop in and enjoy the Armstrong’s on-site speakeasy-era jazz club,  Ace Gillett’s Lounge, located in the basement of the Armstrong Hotel. An underground shadowy enclave with nearly 100 years of history, order from their signature drink of martinis, wine and local brews, and kick back with your sweetheart in two cozy rooms featuring live jazz music 4 nights a week.

Historic Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Old World meets ghostly charm at the 135-room Stanley Hotel in Estes Park,  just an hour from Denver. Located six miles from the Rocky Mountain National Park in the shadow of Pikes Peak, the Stanley is a “shining” example of a romantic place to stay in Colorado, secluded and haunted. Make it a weekend getaway as there is so much to do and see in the surrounding area, from visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to exploring the beautiful downtown.

For those into paranormal pursuits or just plain love history, be sure to book a tour Stanley Hotel ghost tour — so worth it!

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Highland Haven Creekside Inn, Evergreen, Colorado

Escape from the city with a romantic getaway just 30 minutes west of Denver to the Highland Haven Creekside Inn in Evergreen. This family-owned and operated Colorado Mountain B&B will charm you upon the moment of entering the wooded grounds.

Their website describes it as an opportunity to create your own “Colorado Woodland Fairytale.” And it is that adorable.  Rustic. Quiet. Charming. And far enough away from it all to feel like a real Colorado romantic getaway.

Romantic Colorado Getaway Hotels Away From the Big City

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Without a doubt, one of the favorite romantic Colorado getaways for my husband and me is a stay at the luxurious and historic Broadmoor, the longest standing Five-Star Five-Diamond hotel in the United States.  With its impeccable personalized service, the moment you step onto its property, you are treated like A VIP — and encouraged to unwind and unplug.

Broadmoor West Renovated Room

Located just 90 minutes south of Denver, The Broadmoor’s Mediterranean-style resort is Old World elegance meets modern elegance. Couples experience pure luxury at every turn, from their rooms to the divine cuisine at their on-site restaurants to a romantic spa treatment. 

This is the kind of storied property every serious hotel manager wants to work in, so you can be assured of top-tier, well-trained staffers to take care of all your needs. 

Hotel Denver in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

The famous hot springs of Glenwood is a must-see and do for all romantics. Located in Glenwood Springs, less than 3 hours from Denver, the historic and local family-owned Hotel Denver spans more than 100 years with many stories to tell, including Colorado immigrants, prohibition, gangsters, world wars, and even a Wild West shooting or two.

This romantic Colorado hotel has bragging rights to prime real estate in historic downtown Glenwood Springs, close to the train, many restaurants, shopping, the Hot Springs Pool, and our personal favorite, the Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

Palace Hotel, Salida, Colorado

The Centennial State is dotted with cool little towns, in the heart of the Rockies, as little as 1 hour and up to 3 hours from Denver. This is where I discovered the historic and romantic Palace Hotel in Salida, a boutique hotel that stole my heart — and it will do the same to you. 

Located steps from the banks of the Arkansas River, the renovated Palace Hotel is in a red-brick building located across from the Riverside Park. Think edgy Victorian and recycled furniture, an eclectic mix of old and new. Photovoltaic panels line the roof of the historic building, providing renewable electricity.

Salida is a totally walkable town (with gorgeous historic buildings and facades). The Palace Hotel is the perfect home base to explore — and do make time to experience the Salida Hot Springs, the largest indoor hot-springs facility in the country.

Austria Haus Hotel: European Charm in Vail

While my grandkids were great company, my only regret about staying at the family-friendly and romantic Austria Haus Hotel is that my husband wasn’t with me. Located in Colorado’s Rockies at the base of Vail Mountain, this  25-room boutique property gives guests just a taste of Europe with its Bavarian-style architecture and pedestrian-only cobbled walkway at its entrance.

You’ll feel really spoiled (especially in Vail!) with complimentary WiFi,  complimentary underground valet parking, and free breakfast buffet including a surprisingly hefty selection of pastries, breads, fruits, meats, cheeses, cold cereals, and eggs, as well as juice, tea, and coffee. And the outdoor heated swimming pool is worth taking the plunge just for the view. 

Romantic Hotels in Colorado’s Western Slope

Durango, Colorado

If you’ve not visited Durango, you’re in for a special treat, and we’re partial to this town as my hubby’s family homesteaded nearby.  Their downtown is a step back into the Old West and includes two historic and romantic hotels: the General Palmer Hotel, and The Strater Inn.

General Palmer Hotel, Durango

Victorian elegance sets the standard for southwestern hospitality at the General Palmer Hotel, located in the heart of Durango, Colorado. Opened in 1898, it was named for one of this town’s founding fathers and remains as the only historical Four-Diamond in southwestern Colorado. In the heart of downtown Durango, you can park your car and enjoy easy walking distance to art galleries, specialty shops, and a variety of restaurants.

Its prime location on Main Street next to the train depot offers guests an opportunity to watch the departure and return of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from the hotel’s wraparound patio deck. If you head north to Silverton from here, you can take in the panoramic mountain views from the Million Dollar Highway. 

The Strater Hotel, Durango

Another historic and romantic hotel in Durango is The Strater Hotel. This hotel was special to our family as my husband’s great-great-aunt aunt actually worked here. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, the Strater is one of those iconic Old West hotels where you literally feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to experience the romance of the Victorian era and the rails of the late 1800s. Located two blocks from the train depot and the General Palmer, you can also watch the train from this hotel.

Our favorite thing to do at the Strater is to step into the Diamond Belle Saloon is off the main lobby. With costumed dance hall girls and bartenders, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped into a spaghetti Western movie. (This is the bar that inspired Louis L’Amour, who always requested a room above the saloon.)

Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards, Hotchkiss

Our last (but definitely not least!) romantic getaway hotel in Colorado is the Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards. This secluded B&B is surrounded by vineyards and the valleys and mesas of the Grand Mesa located on 54 acres. 

Sip their wine while gazing from the Leroux Creek Inn’s flower-bedecked patio onto their vineyards. Near the small town of Hotchkiss, the acreage also includes a creek, dry arroyos, grass pastures, sagebrush, and trees.

Leroux Creek Inn Vineyards

Disclaimer: Over the years, many of the above hotels in this round-up of romantic getaways in Colorado have hosted me for the purposes of a review; opinions expressed are my own.