Best Weekend Getaways in Colorado
Snowy peaks, cool mountain towns, and secluded lodges make Colorado a dream for couples craving relaxation and after a busy week in the city, getting outside for some fresh mountain air feels like instant renewal. From stargazing beside crackling fireplaces to sipping local wine in charming ski villages, I’m sharing my favorite ways to spend a cozy 48 hours on a romantic Colorado getaway...I hope they inspire your next escape.
1. The Little Nell - 3 hours 30 minutes from Denver
The Little Nell is one of my favorite weekend getaways in Colorado, and honestly, it feels like one of the most underrated luxury escapes in the U.S. I love how it blends over-the-top AAA Five Diamond elegance with relaxation and it’s the kind of place where I can have the best spa day, ski-out with direct access to the slopes of Aspen Mountain and the Silver Queen Gondola, then wander into a local art gallery all in the same afternoon.
The hotel is located in Aspen, tucked into the base of scenic Aspen Mountain, so I was within easy reach of hiking, fishing, skiing in winter, and it was so easy to relax in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. To reach The Little Nell on your weekend getaway, you can fly to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport or drive from Denver.
I stayed in a Mountain Side room for two days which featured a fireplace, a balcony, plush bedding, original contemporary art on the walls, and floor-to-ceiling views of Aspen Mountain that felt private and impossibly romantic. The dining at The Little Nell was another highlight, especially the wine program, which is considered one of the best in the country—sharing a bottle here made every dinner at Element 47 feel like a celebration. Ajax Tavern is one of Aspen’s most iconic après-ski patios serving it famous truffle fries and wagyu cheeseburger just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola.
I loved that there's so much to enjoy close to the hotel in Aspen like visiting the Maroon Bells, riding the Silver Queen Gondola, hiking along the Rio Grande Trail, the John Denver Sanctuary, and exploring the downtown area with spas, ice skating, and live music.
To book, check availability or prices for The Little Nell
What I loved best:
What I love most is that The Little Nell feels so luxurious while also being warm and inviting and for me it’s one of the best resorts in America.
2. Hotel Boulderado - 40 minutes from Denver
I was a big fan of Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, Colorado, and it quickly became one of my favorite romantic getaway spots, a historic gem that perfectly blends old-world romance with modern comfort.
I thought this hotel was one of the best underrated treasures in Colorado, offering couples a weekend escape filled with character, elegance, and romance. From the moment I walked into the grand lobby with its stunning stained-glass ceiling, I felt like I had stepped back in time to a more glamorous era.
My favorite part was the vintage elevator—it made even a short ride up to my room feel like part of the experience, adding to the inn’s nostalgic charm. I loved how our guest room for two days was unique, with rich wood furnishings, a cozy bed, and mountain views that made me look forward to waking up and seeing the view!
The dining options were another highlight—sharing cocktails in the speakeasy-style bar and enjoying dinner at Spruce Farm & Fish made the evenings unforgettable.
To book, check availability or prices for Hotel Boulderado
What I loved best:
For me, the best part was the location—just steps from Pearl Street, we could stroll hand in hand through Boulder’s lively shops, cafes, and galleries, then retreat back to the quiet romance of the hotel.
3. C Lazy U - 2 hours and 15 minutes northwest from Denver
I drove about 2 hours and 15 minutes northwest from Denver to C Lazy U Ranch, tracing I-70 past Idaho Springs before veering onto US-40 over Berthoud Pass. The road carved through alpine pines and rugged switchbacks, then eased into high mountain valleys dotted with clear streams.
If you want rustic Western charm with all-inclusive comfort, C Lazy U is a dream Colorado getaway surrounded by meadows and mountain views on all sides. Our cozy, upscale cabin at C Lazy U for two days had a wood-burning fireplace, plush bedding, and a private porch perfect for relaxing after a day of activities like horseback riding, hiking, and fly-fishing, and spa treatments.
To book, check availability or prices for C Lazy U
What I loved best:
Chef-prepared meals at C Lazy U was some of the best I tasted in Colorado!
4. The Antlers at Vail Hotel - 1 hour 40 minutes from Denver
I drove about 2 hours west from Denver along I-70. The Antlers at Vail Hotel is one of my favorite romantic getaways in Colorado, a hidden gem in Lionshead Village that offers the best mix of comfort, convenience, and mountain charm.
I thought this hotel was one of the most underrated escapes in Vail, perfect for couples looking for a weekend retreat filled with alpine beauty and cozy intimacy.
From the the moment I arrived, I felt like I had discovered a true sanctuary—nestled right along Gore Creek with stunning views of Vail Mountain all around.
My favorite part was the spacious condo-style suites, complete with fireplaces, private balconies, and fully equipped kitchens, which made it feel like a romantic home away from home.
I loved starting the morning with coffee on the balcony, the crisp mountain air wrapping around us as we watched the sunrise over the peaks.
The outdoor pool and hot tubs wer another highlight—soaking together while surrounded by snowy slopes or summer greenery was pure magic.
For me, the best part was the location—just steps from the gondola, we could ski or hike all day, then return to the warmth and quiet of our suite for an intimate evening together.
I thought the staff made the experience even more special, with thoughtful touches and warm hospitality that made us feel cared for at every turn.
Every detail, from creekside walks to starlit soaks, created an atmosphere that was both romantic and unforgettable.
The Antlers at Vail Hotel is truly my favorite type of romantic getaway—underrated, scenic, and filled with experiences that turn a weekend into cherished memories.
What I Loved Most: The heated pool surrounded by snowbanks, and the friendly, unpretentious vibe.
- Nearest City: Vail
- Vibe: Welcoming, relaxed, family-style
- Cost: Mid to high depending on season
5. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver
Chances are you will start your Colorado weekend getaway in Denver if you are flying from out of town. After landing, I rode the RTD train from Denver International Airport to Union Station (about 37 minutes and $10 one-way). From there, it’s a quick 2-minute taxi (around $5–$7) or a $3 bus ride downtown.
I stepped into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver lobby just after sunset, greeted by geometric ceilings and bold design.
My favorite part was our spacious room for two days, featuring a luxurious bed, spa-style bathroom with soaking tub, and playful touches that made the space feel both fun and romantic.
The on-site restaurant, Panzano, was another highlight, offering incredible Italian cuisine and a warm, candlelit atmosphere that made every dinner feel special.
I thought the Kimpton Hotel Monaco location was ideal because we could walk to theaters, shops, and take a short cab ride to famous Denver attractions like Denver Art Museum and Molly Brown House Museum.
To book, check availability or prices for Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver (from $230–290 per night)
What I Loved Most:
I thought that the best part about Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver was the little extras like the nightly wine hour in the lobby, pet-friendly policy, and the thoughtful staff who made us feel cared for at every step.
6. The Cabin at The Greenbriar Inn - 50 minutes from Denver
The Cabin at The Greenbriar Inn in Boulder, Colorado, is one of my favorite romantic hidden gems, a cozy retreat that feels worlds away while still being close to the city, just 15 minutes north from downtown Boulder along Highway 36. If you want the best of both worlds (proximity to Boulder attractions and a secluded stay), this place it ideal.
This charming historic 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin at The Greenbriar Inn was originally built around 1873 as two separate cabins for the gold and silver miners working up the canyon and the materials to build it were handpicked from the local land.
To book, check availability or prices for The Cabin at The Greenbriar Inn (from $250–350/night)
What I Loved Best:
You can enjoy the comforts of a full kitchen, 3/4 bath, cozy bedroom, living space and French doors leading to a private patio with mountain views!
7. Bella Vista, Steamboat Springs
Bella Vista in Steamboat Springs is one of my favorite mountain getaways in Colorado, and honestly, it's one of the most underrated luxury retreats in the Rockies for a family gathering.
I love how it combines elevated comfort with authentic Colorado character — it’s the kind of place where I can enjoy a peaceful morning coffee overlooking the valley, unwind in the hot tub with panoramic mountain views, then gather with friends in cozy lodge-style common spaces as the sun sets over the peaks.
We stayed in one of the estate’s suites for two days, complete with a spacious living area, plush bedding, a fully stocked kitchen, and private balcony views that made sunrise absolutely magical.
Bella Vista also offered plenty of on-site amenities for relaxing and entertaining: an outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the valley, fire pits, BBQ grills, game rooms, and communal spaces perfect for family gatherings or retreats.
To book, check availability or pricing for Bella Vista.
What I Loved Best:
The property sits on a secluded bluff just a few minutes from downtown Steamboat Springs, so I was close to everything — hiking trails, hot springs, fly-fishing, skiing at Steamboat Resort in winter, and great local dining.
8. Cedar Ridge Ranch - three hours west from Denver
I think Cedar Ridge Ranch is one of the best getaways filled with nature and creativity and we loved how it blends luxury glamping with the rustic charm of a working horse ranch—nestled on 67 acres beneath the majestic Mt. Sopris, it feels both remote and beautifully connected.
We drove a little over three hours west from Denver, the road climbing through mountain passes before dropping into wide valleys near Carbondale.
My favorite detail at Cedar Ridge Ranch is the variety of cozy accommodations (from private yurts and safari-style tents to a farmhouse and a wooded cabin) each offering individual character alongside elevated comfort.
One of the best features for me is the immersive ranch life—from guided farm tours and horseback riding to alpaca yoga and fiber crafts, every activity invites connection with nature and creativity.
I also love how pet-friendly the ranch is which adds a layer of warmth and inclusion to the experience. Another standout is the blend of adventure and relaxation—the setting offers star-filled skies and mountain tranquility, yet it's just minutes from the arts, dining, and culture of Carbondale and Aspen.
My favorite memory? Winding down after a day outdoors beside an evening campfire under the Milky Way, the quiet of Cedar Ridge Ranch wrapping around me, both serene and magical.
9. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park - 1 hour 30 minutes from Denver
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is one of the iconic mountain retreats in Colorado, a historic gem that beautifully merges classic elegance with a dash of intrigue. It’s easily among the most unforgettable luxury stays in the Rockies where afternoons are spent wandering the halls steeped in history, a relaxing massage at the spa, and evenings invite you to relax by a crackling fire or join one of the hotel’s famed ghost tours.
The atmosphere at The Stanley Hotel is pure old-world charm with gleaming woodwork, sparkling chandeliers, antique details, and warm textures throughout and there’s something romantic about the setting, from the grand staircase to the mountain light pouring through tall windows.
I stayed in one of the updated rooms in the main building for two nights, featuring soft linens, tasteful period décor, a marble bathroom and a window that opened to incredible views of Longs Peak and the surrounding valley.
To book, check rates or availability for The The Stanley Hotel.
What I Loved Best:
My favorite part was hearing about the legends that inspired The Shining during Stephen King's stay at the Stanley Hotel in 1974.
Conclusion
Colorado doesn’t ask for much, just a weekend, maybe a tank of gas, and a little curiosity. But somehow, two days away in the mountains or foothills can feel like so much more. Whether I was soaking in a hot spring, eating something wild and wonderful, or just staring at the stars from a quiet cabin porch, I kept thinking how wonderful it all was.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
