Families love Colorado vacations, with its Rocky Mountain backdrop and amazing array of activities for all ages, from spring skiing in Keystone to exploring downtown Denver’s kid friendly activities. As a long time Colorado resident with a sizeable blended family, I’ve traveled throughout the state and explored many areas with my multigenerational clan. To follow is my recommendations of hotel-scoop reviewed, family friendly Colorado hotels and resorts to make your spring break vacation over-the-top.
Step onto the balcony of your ski-in/ski-out condos at One Ski Hill Place, Beckenridge.
Downtown Denver is a kid-friendly, walkable downtown that will make even the hardest to please families happy. From a visit to the Denver Zoo to strolling its pedestrian friendly 16th Street Mall, pick a season, any season, as all are the best time to visit Denver. Located in the theater district, the Curtis Hotel nails fun for the family with its pop culture theme. Yes, that’s cartoons playing in the lobby, which keeps the kids entertained while parents check in. If there’s a line at the reception desk, give the little ones or teens a handful of change, and let them loose on the retro 5 & Dim store to shop for candy. At check-in, guests receive complimentary warm cookies for yet another sugar rush. In-room entertainment includes the complimentary board games, including Candy Land, Clue and Battleship, to take to your room.
Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region are one of my favorite places to take the family. There’s just so much to do and see, from the Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Your family will find the perfect hotel to call home at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort & Club. Making this your home base will give you access to everything Colorado Springs, but you’ll be tempted to hang out with the family at the pool or explore its 217 acre resort with golf, tennis, hiking and biking trails, and a lake. BONUS: During the summer, this family friendly resort offers Cheyenne Kidz Camp, creating programs for the kids from chef-led baking classes to scavenger hunts.
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Breckenridge is America’s hometown with its rich mining history and friendly local vibe. Stroll its Main Street and you’ll historic buildings dating back more than a century. Located at the base of Peak 8, One Ski Hill Place is the quintessential Rockies destination, with skiing just steps from your hotel room. For those year-round guests to Breckenridge, One Ski Hill Place offers convenient access to an array of activities including Breck Fun Park, mountain biking, golf, and horseback riding. And the accommodations are about as family ready as one could hope, Accommodations for my multi-generational family of 6 were exceptional: three bedrooms (including master), full kitchen, dining area, and living room, with an expansive view of the base of Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 8. We literally could step onto the balcony and watch the skiers and snowboarders access the lift and fly down the mountainside. At the end of the day, we’d slip on our pajamas and watch TV together. These are luxury accommodations so you’ll pay for the experience, but to have your family together – priceless.
Looking for a budget friendly mountain resort town? Look no farther than Keystone, a year-round destination, offering skiing, tubing, ice skating and more in the winter, and hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more in the summer. The Inn at Keystone is a small boutique hotel, where your family and your four-legged friends are welcome. I also recently road tripped here with my multigenerational family for a winter ski trip, and we opted for a stay in their town house lodging, perfect for our family of 6. Keystone lodging may be spread out a bit, but getting around Keystone is a breeze and free with the In-Resort Shuttle, the mountain town’s transportation system.. one-bedroom suite at 600 square feet.
Double Queen Standard accommodations at the Inn at Keystone
Until last summer I’ve only made a quick lunch stop in Ouray, but always wanted to stay at this historic mining town in a “box canyon” at the base of the San Juan Mountains. Located just off Main Street, the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs is the perfect base to explore this area of Colorado with your family. It’s not a high end property, but it will bring a bit nostalgia to your vacation with its mom-and-pop owners and casual setting. After a day driving the Million Dollar Highway, exploring the nearby Montrose, Telluride and Durango, the affordability of this hotel will be much appreciated. Park your car and take the family or a walk to Main Street to explore its shops and restaurants.
Less than a block from Ouray’s Main Street (Highway 550) is the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
It will be difficult to resist the charm of family friendly Durango, where you’re family will discover a “Dozen Vacations in One” Destination. This historic railroad town is an escape to the Old West, and the kids will love a ride on the famous Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Keep the Old West charm alive with a stay at the two historic hotels on Main Street: Strater Hotel or the General Palmer Hotel.
For families wanting to explore the ancient cliff dwellings at Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, plan a stay in nearby Cortez (10 miles away) at the budget friendly Best Western Turquoise Inn Suites. This hotel may not wow you with its high end amenities, but the rooms are clean; the staff are amazingly friendly; and breakfast is included with your stay. Families will also enjoy the spacious bedroom, which is separate from a living room area with TV and sofas. Its location gives you access to all the must-see Southwest Colorado area with its scenic views. Clay Mesa, Trail of the Ancients, San Juan National Forest, and the Four Corners National Monument are all within easy driving distance.
Accommodations at Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites in Mesa Verde Country, Colorado
Colorado is jam packed with family friendly hotels and resorts. Other recommendations include the historic (and haunted) Stanley Hotel in Estes Park; Armstrong Hotel in Fort Collins; High Country Lodge in Pagosa Springs; and Sheraton Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs.
Sheraton Steamboat Resort & Villas unveiled their $16 million renovation this summer.
