Steamboat Springs might just be Colorado’s premier ski resort. The snow here is so good that this town doesn’t need the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen: the proof is simply in hitting the slopes. In fact, the town boasts a strong Olympic heritage, with many of Steamboat’s very own competing (and sometimes snagging gold) in the Winter Olympics.
If all this is new to you but you’re definitely feeling a ski vacation here is long overdue, you may be wondering where the best hotels are to base yourself. That’s where I come in.
Whether you’re looking for the convenience of a slopeside apartment, the elegance of a boutique hotel, or the cosiness of a rustic cabin, this article is your go-to guide for selecting the perfect accommodation for your spectacular trip to Steamboat Springs.
Ready? Let’s go!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Steamboat Springs?
- Steamboat Springs Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Steamboat Springs
- Steamboat Springs Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
- What To Pack For Steamboat Springs
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Steamboat Springs
- Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Steamboat Springs
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs | Best Budget Hotel in Steamboat Springs
This hotel is located off Route 40 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and provides a free shuttle to the Steamboat Ski Area. This Holiday Inn features an indoor hot tub pool and, an outdoor hot tub and heated outdoor pool, and an incredible fitness center, making it the ideal place to burn off those extra calories. The hotel offers pet friendly rooms and kids stay free at this hotel, making it ideal for families seeking for a low-cost stay.
The Steamboat Grand | Best Hotel in Steamboat Springs
Situated on an expansive alpine estate, this Steamboat Springs hotel is just a four-minute stroll from the Steamboat Ski Resort gondola. Renovated cozy rooms have two-person whirlpool baths, balconies with views of the valley or mountains, and fireplaces. Gather your pals together – The Steamboat Grand offers a number of guest apartment choices that can accommodate up to eight people! All of this makes this one of the best hotels in the Steamboat Springs area.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Steamboat Springs | Best Vacation Home in Steamboat Springs
The lodging options vary from simple studios to laid-back suites with one or two bedrooms. All have free Wi-Fi, HDTVs, and fully functional kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators. A gaming area including a pool table, a fitness center, and an indoor heated pool are among the amenities, which are ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes. And just when you thought these guys couldn’t get much better, they also offer a killer complimentary breakfast.
Steamboat Ski Resort
Away from Downtown Steamboat Springs is an area known as “The Mountain.” This unofficial district, centred around Gondola Square, is basically the resort area of town.
Downtown
Downtown Steamboat Springs is centred around the Main Street. It’s the heart of the community, and one of the oldest parts of town. Away from the tourist-heavy Mountain area with its ski lifts and lodges, Downtown is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Walton Creek
For those who want a more local experience for their stay in Steamboat Springs, you may want to consider Walton Creek. Referring to the area south of the resort-heavy Mountain area, immediately below Walton Creek Road, this is a quiet, residential part of town, away from the apres ski and backed by countryside greenery for some epic hiking in Colorado.
Steamboat Springs Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Steamboat Springs is a much more local affair than some of the trendier places to stay in Colorado. The skiing and snowboarding are good here though – crazy good. Dubbed “champagne powder,” the snow here is dry and light and allows for smooth, soft runs.
The scenery around Steamboat Springs is beautiful too, with less development than other resorts, giving it a distinctive charm. It’s a serious contender to be added to your Colorado road trip, often being dubbed as Colorado’s hidden gem. Despite being small and quaint, it’s still a composite town with a few different areas to choose from, each one making for a different experience.
The best option for first-timers in Steamboat Springs is the area around the Steamboat Ski Resort itself, “The Mountain,” as the locals dub it. This is where most Steamboat Springs hotels can be found, as this area has easy access to the slopes themselves. It’s pretty easy to see why this spot is popular.
Further north is Downtown Steamboat Springs – a good place to stay if you’re traveling the USA on a budget (or looking for a bargain). This part of town is historic and filled with plenty of buildings dating back to the early 1900s. There’s an art gallery, a local history museum, and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s fair to call this the hub of town.
Although Downtown is further from the gondolas and ski lifts, the shuttle bus that runs around Steamboat Springs (free of charge, by the way) will have you carving down the mountain in no time.
Similarly set apart from The Mountain and its apres-ski options is Walton Creek. This is a residential area with some of the best hotels in the area and a lot of vacation homes and condos to choose from. It’s a great location for families visiting Steamboat Springs.
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of these areas and see what makes them tick. best hotels
1. Steamboat Ski Resort – Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs for Your First Time
Steamboat Ski resort is one of the most renowned ski resorts in Colorado, serving as the main skiing district in the region where all the action takes place. This unofficial district, centred around Gondola Square, is basically the resort area of town. Many ski lifts depart from this area, making it the best place to stay in Steamboat Springs for anyone looking to hit the slopes.
Having great access to the best skiing in town means that the Steamboat resort is jam-packed not just with places to stay – of all kinds – but also with plenty of places to eat and drink for your apres-ski adventures. Needless to say, the entertainment options are plentiful here.
Gravity Haus Steamboat | Best Budget Hotel in Steamboat Ski Resort
This cheap hotel is tucked away at the foot of Steamboat Resort and provides ski-in/ski-out access. In the summer and winter, the Silver Bullet Gondola will transport visitors to the summit of the mountain. Simple rooms come with minifridges, coffee makers, and complimentary TVs and Wi-Fi. Gravity Haus Steamboat also boasts an outdoor hot tub and pool, as well as a cozy restaurant. Additionally, parking is free, ensuring a hassle-free visit.
The Steamboat Grand | Best Luxury Hotel in Steamboat Ski Resort
Situated on an expansive alpine estate, this luxury hotel is just a four-minute stroll from the Steamboat Resort gondola. Renovated cozy rooms have two-person whirlpool baths, balconies with views of the valley or mountains, and fireplaces. Gather your pals together – The Steamboat Grand offers a number of guest apartment choices that can accommodate up to eight people! All of this makes this one of the best hotels in the Steamboat Springs area.
Ptarmigan House | Best Condo in Steamboat Ski Resort
This exclusive condo features a brand-new, spacious outdoor hot tub and grill area, free WiFi, and an on-site front desk. The condos at Ptarmigan House have cosy furnishings, gas fireplaces, and fully functional kitchens. Park your car once you arrive, or leave it at home and let the ski season shuttles transport you where you need to go. In the summer, getting to the Steamboat resort’s base is simply a short walk away.
Hillside Haven | Best Airbnb in Steamboat Ski Resort
Located a 15-minute stroll from the base of Ski Mountain, this is the perfect base for any visitor to Steamboat Springs looking to get their ski on. It’s a modern apartment with stylish design touches throughout, making it as cool as it is comfortable to return to after a day in the mountains. In the evenings, you can warm up by the fireplace with a glass of wine, or spend time soaking in the hot tub.
Things to See and Do in The Steamboat Springs Ski Resort:
- Put your hiking boots on and head over to Fish Creek Falls, home to a 280-foot waterfall.
- Have a blast at T Bar At Steamboat, a buzzing indoor-outdoor apres ski spot, one of the most popular in town for draft beer and snacks.
- Ride the gondola all the way up to The Western Barbecue at Thunderhead Lodge for succulent food and great views…
- … Or maybe just take the gondola or ski lift and hit up one of the dozens of ski runs.
- And, of course, don’t miss riding the gondola up the mountain for skiing or snowboarding lessons for your little ones!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Downtown – Best Place to Stay in Steamboat Springs on a Budget
Downtown Steamboat Springs is centred around the Main Street. It’s the heart of the community, and one of the oldest parts of town. Away from the tourist-heavy Mountain area with its ski lifts and lodges, Downtown is popular with locals and visitors alike and is home to a fabulous selection of Steamboat Springs hotels. Here you’ll find art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops, and bars aplenty.
Staying in Downtown doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the skiing experience; it’s connected to the ski area via a free shuttle service that runs throughout town. It offers up a balanced stay in Steamboat Springs, with a variety of drinking and dining options, and some of the best hotels in the area.
Nordic Lodge | Best Hotel in Downtown Steamboat Springs
Nordic Lodge is a low key and relaxing place to stay in Steamboat Springs. Boasting Alpine style interiors, the rooms here are comfortable and classically furnished. Each comes with amenities such as a microwave, coffee maker and fridge, but there’s also a delicious free breakfast served up each morning. Guests have access to an on-site hot tub and swimming pool to make use of during their stay, too.
The Bristol Hotel | Another Great Hotel in Downtown Steamboat Springs
This laid-back hotel located on Steamboat Springs’ main street, is housed in a 1940s-era typical clapboard building. Along the street is a free city shuttle service that goes to Steamboat Ski Resort. Relaxed guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and western-style décor, some suites with whirlpool tubs. There is free parking available off-street. Mazzolas serves traditional Italian food to Bristol Hotel guests.
Charming and Affordable Place to Rest | Best Airbnb in Downtown Steamboat Springs
This very affordable option offers up a friendly place to stay in Steamboat Springs. It’s a great choice for a getaway in the mountains if you have a budget; you’ll be staying with hosts who’ll make you feel more than welcome in their warm, comfortable home. The guest room is nicely sized, with a wooden four-poster bed and homey furnishings throughout. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the lounge with the fireplace or kicking back on the terrace to soak up the amazing mountain views.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Steamboat Springs:
- Soak away the cold mountain air at the Old Town Hot Springs…
- … But perhaps you’d prefer a more secluded option; make the short drive to Strawberry Park Hot Springs for blissful bathing.
- Hit up the Tread of Pioneers Museum, a local history museum set in a Queen Anne style home.
- Hike around on Emerald Mountain and make sure to take the awesome Alpine slide back down.
- Admire the creations of regional artists at Steamboat Art Museum, housed in an old bank building.
- Check out pet friendly West Lincoln Park and its neat (and very sulphurous) Soda Spring.
3. Walton Creek – Best Neighborhood in Steamboat Springs for Families to Stay In
For those who want a more local experience for their stay in Steamboat Springs, you may find the best hotels for you lie in Walton Creek. Referring to the area south of the resort-heavy Mountain area, immediately below Walton Creek Road, this is a quiet, residential part of town, away from the apres ski and backed by countryside greenery for some epic hiking in Colorado.
Fairly quiet though this part of town is, it’s still got a fair selection of Steamboat Springs hotels and vacation rentals to suit many a traveller. Coupled with the proximity to The Mountain and all its entertainment, without having to stay directly amongst it all, Walton Creek is a solid option.
Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs | Best Budget Hotel in The South/Walton Creek
This cheap hotel is located off Route 40 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and provides a free shuttle to the Steamboat Ski Area. This Holiday Inn features an indoor hot tub and pool, an outdoor hot tub and heated outdoor pool, and an incredible fitness center, making it the ideal place to burn off those extra calories. The hotel offers pet friendly rooms and kids stay free at this hotel, making it ideal for families seeking for a low-cost stay.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Steamboat Springs | Best Vacation Home in Steamboat Springs
The lodging options vary from simple studios to laid-back suites with one or two bedrooms. All have free Wi-Fi, HDTVs, and fully functional kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators. A gaming area including a pool table, a fitness center, and an indoor heated pool are among the amenities, which are ideal for unwinding after a day on the slopes. And just when you thought these guys couldn’t get much better, they also offer a killer complimentary breakfast.
Slopeside Shanty | Best Airbnb in The South/Walton Creek
The Slopeside Shanty is a one-bedroom condo with amazing views of Steamboat Springs that is conveniently located near Gondola Square. Everything you need to cook up a storm is in the kitchen, including cutlery, dishes and everything you need to brew tea and coffee. For your next adventure, Slopeside Shanty will be the ideal home away from home. Take off your ski boots and enjoy the clean mountain air.
Things to See and Do in Walton Creek:
- Check out pet friendly Whistler Park and make full use of the BBQ area and let the kids run riot in its playground.
- Wrap up warm and take a relaxed family stroll together along the very pretty Yampa River Core Trail – it follows the river way past Downtown.
- Have a round of golf at the wonderfully scenic Haymaker Golf Course.
- Exploring nature is one of the best things to do in Colorado; enjoy wandering the compact marshy area afforded by Rotary Park Board Walk, complete with mountain views, of course.
- Catch a concert at Yampa River Botanic Park in the summer, or simply get lost in the beautiful botanical gardens.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Steamboat Springs and where to stay.
What To Pack For Steamboat Springs
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Where are the best hotels for couples?
Due to the peace and quiet the location offers, Walton Creek has some of the best hotels for a romantic getaway. This area offers the quiet and solitude you and your loved one are longing for, all while being in close proximity to restaurants and ski slopes.
Is Steamboat Springs a walkable town?
Yes! Downtown Steamboat Springs is a walkable neighborhood full of the best hotels, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and entertainment venues. If you’re wanting to head to the slopes, the free city bus that circuits between Downtown and the ski resort is perfect for a trip where you can leave your car at home.
What is the best area to stay in Steamboat Springs if I’m on a budget?
Downtown Steamboat Springs has the best hotels for those budget-conscious travelers visiting Steamboat Springs. You’ll find a loads of accommodation with cheap per night options here. It’s a quaint, historical part of town and is home to a museum, art gallery and lots of places to enjoy a meal.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Steamboat Springs
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Steamboat Springs
There are some awesome places to visit in Colorado, and Steamboat Springs is definitely somewhere you should be thinking about visiting if you’ve never been. This is an awesome place to hit the slopes, soak in hot springs afterward, and enjoy the lively and local flavor of its apres-ski options.
If it is your first time, then staying in the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort area is probably your best bet; the convenience of this part of town puts its awesome ski areas at your fingertips and is home to the best hotels. But for an all-round great accommodation option, you can never go wrong with Downtown with its array of restaurant and entertainment options.
Still need a run down of the hottest spots in Steamboat Springs? Here’s a reminder of my top picks:
The Steamboat Grand is PERFECT for your skiing getaway with pals, family, the full works. Its multi-room apartments with hot tubs, balconies with views of the valley or mountains, and fireplaces guarantee you for a cracker of a holiday with your gang.
If you’re looking for somewhere just a little further away from the action so you can kick back and relax Homewood Suites by Hilton Steamboat Springs is the perfect place, situated in Walton Creek. Aside from the cosy rooms and impressive gaming and fitness facilities, they also serve up a bangin’ free breakfast. I’m a sucker for a free brekky.
If you’re up for something wilder, Colorado’s cabins offer some unique accommodations to bring you even closer to nature.
No matter where you choose to stay when visiting Steamboat Springs, I’m sure you’ll have a blast. So pack your warm gear and prepare yourself for the champagne powder slopes. We’re going skiin’ baby.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
