Snuggled in a box canyon near the jagged San Juan Mountains, Telluride is more than just a skier’s dream destination. It’s also a summer festival hot spot, boasting numerous cultural events along with sweeping mountain views. Its colorful Victorian-era homes and clapboard storefronts — in a town just eight blocks by 12 blocks — will make you feel like you’re walking through history. Complete your stay with a tucked-away, boutique retreat at The Hotel Telluride.
You’ll love the hotel’s plush accommodations and quiet, west-end location that’s within walking distance of the free Telluride & Mountain Village gondola, charming eateries and silver-boom-era downtown. First of all, the hotel — a modern-meets-Euro-style chalet with a sandy brick facade — is close to the action, yet set off the main drag, making it feel like a hidden gem.
Well-appointed, comfortable rooms — from standard setups to suites — deliver everything you need: luxurious linens, balconies or decks with scenic in-town views, and cozy robes to wear down to the steaming outdoor hot tubs. You’ll ogle the hotel’s mahogany furnishings and delight in cozying up to the crackling lobby fireplace with a steamy hot cocoa in hand.
Favorite amenities include the seasonal shuttle, access to cruiser bikes, a cozy fitness center and Zen-inducing spa services. Plus, you’ll love the hotel’s underground parking, a real vacation perk as street parking in Telluride can be limited.
The intimate, on-site West End Bistro serving breakfast and dinner is pretty wonderful. Here you can savor decadent goodies like truffle fries tossed in parmesan and fresh herbs or the waffle sandwich (light and fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato and avocado snuggled inside two waffles). Sidle up to the bar to appreciate a Colorado craft beer or glass of wine after a long day exploring.
It’s The Hotel Telluride’s welcoming attitude to your doggos, of course! Your furry best friends are considered registered guests and even receive a welcome bag filled with goodies, including homemade, organic pet treats. Their names are written on the dog-shaped chalkboard to welcome you upon arrival. And, 10 percent of the $25-per-night pet fee is donated to the local Second Chance Humane Society.
We think the complimentary on-site concierge service is pretty cool! The Hotel Telluride’s all-local, front-desk staff means you’ll have knowledgeable resources for vacation planning of any kind. Want to hike to Bridal Veil Falls? They’ll tell you how to get there. Or, have a special occasion you want to celebrate? They’ll help you plan it in secret (and then sneak a bottle of Champagne into your room for good measure)!
The Summit Suite is truly one of a kind. You’ll love its high, arching ceilings, separate king bedroom, Western-chic decor (including buttery leather couches), a separate dining area complete with your own wet bar, plus a walk-out deck with panoramic views of peak-strewn Telluride.
“We booked a last-minute family trip to Telluride and wanted to bring our small dog. This hotel had a vacancy and good reviews, so we decided to try it out. It is a quirky, adorable place. The lobby has a huge fireplace surrounded by several gigantic couches and chairs, a great spot on a rainy afternoon. It was clean, the beds were comfortable and the shower had incredibly hot water. The hotel was incredibly pet friendly, and our dog was treated like a queen. It’s a short walk to downtown and the gondola, about five minutes. Would definitely stay again.” — Desertmom, Tripadvisor
Telluride Ski Resort is consistently highly ranked, both nationally and internationally, for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. Expert-level skiers and boarders flock to its lift-served backcountry and hike-to terrain, while beginners and intermediate skiers shred the mountain’s pow-covered greens and blues.
Or, come in summer for one of Telluride’s numerous and magical annual events, including Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Mountainfilm, Telluride Film Festival and many more.
If you drive, be sure to meander along the San Juan Skyway to see other popular mountain towns like Durango, Silverton and Ouray. This 236-mile scenic drive traveling the Million Dollar Highway is best enjoyed in fall when autumn hues are blinging out.
More ways to have a postcard-perfect day in Telluride
Photos courtesy of The Hotel Telluride