AOL PICK from our Editors
Since its purchase by Vail Resorts, Breckenridge Resort has gradually climbed the ladder of luxury, finally reaching the top with the opening of several ultra-posh lodges within the last few years. Lodging ranges from small B&Bs to condo complexes to hotels and lodges. There’s very little supply for less than $100 a night. Remember, this is a resort town where lodging is at a premium. You may be able to find a studio condo for rent by owner for less than a C-note online or in ads in the local paper, but in general if you want to stay in the best Breckenridge hotels you'll pay for the privilege. The best deals are found via resort websites or the Chamber’s websites. Oh, and in the summer months, except for the high-end lodges, don’t expect air conditioning in the room—it’s not usually necessary for the mild summer days. Simply open a window for a cool breeze at night. Screaming deals can be had midweek during early and late ski season—beginning of November to mid-December—and after April 1 to early June and during off seasons. Book by Labor Day if you want lodging for the holidays, and expect a five-night minimum requirement. Ditto for spring break; you should book by the end of the year for that busy time. Make reservations with
Breckenridge Resort Chamber at 888-251-2417, or with the
resort at 888-284-9477.
ResortQuest
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Expensive We didn't expect to find an upscale lodge tucked away in the pines of this quiet neighborhood off Four O’clock Road. But there it is, a stunning boutique hotel with 52 one- to four-bedroom condos next to the Snowflake lift three blocks from town. The warmth of the common rooms extends to the residences—a homey mountain feel throughout. Amenities include a full-service spa; hot tubs, fitness center and heated pool; game room; business center with Internet stations; meeting rooms; and Cu Tavern, an après ski lounge named for the element for copper, not the university. On-site Charter Sports rents equipment and sells accessories and lift tickets. Rated “platinum” by the management company, BlueSky is one of the premier properties in Breck. Check the website for vacation specials.
Neighborhood: Main Street Station/Peak 9 Price Range: Expensive We’ve always liked this Hyatt at the south end of Main Street. When it first opened in 2001 (replacing the iconic Bell Tower Mall), it was the first high-end residence and signaled the dawn of a new era in the town that was stuck in the 1970s. It debuted as the centerpiece to Main Street Station, a plaza with shops, restaurants and event stage. The plaza seems to have fizzled, but the Hyatt is still going strong. Though it has a rather bland, unassuming board-and-batten exterior, the interior is new Victorian with a warm, intimate ambiance that you feel immediately in the lobby-living room. The residences are equally as charming, and come with fully stocked granite kitchens and fireplaces, from studios up to four-bedroom suites. Common areas include fitness center, pool and hot tubs, media room, bar and lounge, small meeting rooms. There’s also WiFi, ski storage and heated underground parking.
Rock Resorts
Neighborhood: Peaks 7 & 8 Price Range: Expensive Smack dab at the base of Peak 8, the imposing One Ski Hill Place couldn’t sit in a better spot. Swim in the indoor pool at the aquatics center and be a window away from skiers coming down the hill. Or say “hi” from the outdoor hot tub next to the fire pit. Going to town? Hop on the free gondola (summer and winter only) or call the shuttle. But you may never want to leave this haven with two movie rooms, a game room, fitness center with sports massage, The Living Room restaurant and T-bar, conference rooms, and—get this—a two-lane bowling alley for the kiddos. Eighty-eight condos—studio to four-bedroom—are distinctively furnished, include WiFi and comply with the Green Globes standards of RockResorts, the parent company. Rates vary, and jump during ski season. A variety of discount packages are available, like RockResorts Voluntourism Package.
Neighborhood: Main Street Station/Peak 9 Price Range: Moderate This is one of the older properties in Breck, but God bless ‘em, they are diligent about remodeling and refreshing, keeping it up to date and competitive with newer places. For example, they’ve added a full-service spa to the list of amenities that includes an indoor/outdoor pool, seven hot tubs, steam/sauna, tennis court, mini golf/game room, as well as four food outlets, ski storage, covered parking and large conference center. It has about 500 WiFi-wired residences, ranging from hotel rooms and studios with mini-kitchens to one- to four-bedroom condos with living-room fireplaces and full kitchens. Many have in-room hot tubs, and some are dog friendly. The best part is the location—right at the base of Beaver Run SuperChair and Quicksilver Six-Pack on Peak 9. In fact, Beaver Run is considered a base area, with shuttle stops and skier dropoffs. Now if only they would update the exterior.
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Moderate Location is everything on vacation. So this condo complex that sits right off Four O’Clock Run (not to be confused with its address on Four O’Clock Road) and one block from Main Street is a great place to settle in. Unlike many condo multiplexes, an on-site manager staffs the office 24/7 and can answer questions about activities, restaurants and directions. Privately owned condos—one- and two-bedroom—come with two balconies each, furnished kitchens, washers/dryers, ski lockers and free WiFi in every unit. With the Free Ride bus stop at the front door, this is a perfect place for a long stay.
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Moderate This affordable lodge within an easy walk to Main Street is a good choice for those looking for a convenient location. We love its beautiful backside that backs up to the Blue River and the bike path. It could stand some updating, but for the price and setting, we like it. Lodging options range from hotel rooms to studios and one- to four-bedroom condos with a preference of lofts, private hot tubs, fireplaces and balconies. There’s also the Fireside Lounge, fitness center, outdoor pool, sauna, meeting rooms, heated garage, WiFi, ski storage and guest shuttle service.
Fireside Inn
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Budget Owners Niki and Andy serve up warm British hospitality, including afternoon tea, at their funky but comfortable B&B and hostel in an historic home. From nicely furnished suites to dorm rooms, they’ve got the basics covered: TVs, WiFi, irons and hair dryers. Common areas include an inside hot tub, sitting room with fireplace, equipment storage, dining room with a single long table, and the kitchen where all guests have access to the microwave and fridge. They serve a hearty breakfast for an additional charge. Budget lodging is in dorm rooms, either a 10-bed loft or smaller singe room with two sets of bunk beds with the “loo” down the hall. Single travelers love it, especially those from Europe where this type of lodging is common. The lowest rates are $28 for the summer season; $39 for winter.
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Budget This bare-bones lodge is a lot nicer than some budget hotels we’ve seen in bigger cities. The rustic frontier look might be a little cheesy, but at least it fits with the town’s history. Its 71 rooms have either one or two queen beds or a queen and twin bunk-bed combo, private bathrooms, TVs and phones. Your pup can stay in the room, too. The lobby has a large fireplace and comfy sofas. The kicker is that the lodge closes for the summer season. For 2010, it is closed until Nov. 5, but you can make a reservation now for ski season for $99, a bargain in Breck.
Neighborhood: Main Street Station/Peak 9 Price Range: Budget This large hotel owned by Vail Resorts got a facelift a few years back, with flat-screen TVs and WiFi in the rooms and heated underground parking. Its location next to skier services and lift at the base of Peak 9 and right off Main Street is ideal. It has conference facilities, pool and hot tubs, restaurants and a great pub, dog-friendly rooms, and, of course, much higher-end suites. But if you book early for winter, you’ll find a few rates for less than $100 for a single room, which could be the best deal in Breck considering the re-do.
Breck Inn
Neighborhood: North End of Town Price Range: Budget The two best things about Breck Inn are that it’s across the street (Colorado Highway 9) from the fabulous Breckenridge Recreation Center, tennis courts, ball fields, kayak park and bike path; and it’s on the Summit Stage free bus route. This is your basic motel dressed up in a Victorian façade. But that’s OK. It is clean and comfortable. Rooms come with king or two queen beds, flat-screen TVs, coffeemaker and air conditioning (a rare amenity in Breck). There’s a small living room lobby with a fireplace, a hot tub outside, and even a meeting room. Skip the continental breakfast they serve and head downtown to any of the hearty breakfast eateries there.
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