Once the lifts close at Colorado ski resorts, hotel rates plummet. I love visiting the mountains in the off seasons of spring and fall, because my family can enjoy deals on dining and accommodations — amid very few crowds. I caution that some hotels, restaurants and local attractions may close for a few weeks during “mud season,” but others remain open to cater to residents (check for cheap prix fixe restaurant menus) and intrepid travelers who don’t mind variable weather.
Consider these top Colorado resort hotels, all of which have heated outdoor pools or indoor pools — a key amenity for my traveling kiddos in any season!
Limelight Lodge, Aspen: The downtown Aspen location of this recently renovated property is excellent: just steps from Wagner Park (and a cool climbing structure), plus plenty of restaurants and shops. This spring, through June 15, consider the Dinner and a Movie package deal: pizza, two salads and, in-room movie and double-queen room accommodations for $150/night.
Four Seasons Vail: Oh, how my children loved the huge pool, steamy hot tub and kid-sized robes at the Four Seasons Vail during our stay here this winter. Rooms are ultra-spacious; service is excellent. I found rates as low as $245/night for a standard room in mid-May; that same double-bedded room jumps to $725/night in mid-December! Kids under 5 always eat free at Flame restaurant; morning coffee and muffins in the lobby are complimentary for all.
Viceroy Snowmass: This slopeside property in Snowmass actually closes mid-April through May 25, but when it re-opens for Memorial Day weekend, prices are quite good. Stay three nights beginning May 26 through the summer with the Linger Longer deal, and one-bedroom residences with pull-out sofa for the kids start at just $166/night. My kids adore the Viceroy because they lend families in-room Wii game systems!
Sebastian Vail: If this boutique resort in Vail is good enough for Michelle Obama and her girls, it’s surely great for my family! While the Bliss Spa at this new hotel that debuted December 2010 is incredibly appealing to this mom, so are the stylish rooms and multi-bedroom suites. May rates start at $325/night ($293 with AAA membership or $244 with a “Third Night Free” promotion), compared to a rack rate of $605 in the current ski season.
One Ski Hill Place, Breckenridge: This is another slopeside resort that is hugely appealing to families with its zero-entry indoor pool (and a couple of water spray features), plus its awesome indoor bowling lanes — totally complimentary to guests. In the spring, I found $250/night rates for a one-bedroom condo; that same room configuration goes for $888/night in December 2011.
The Peaks, Telluride: With mountain views from every room, free in-room wireless, an indoor/outdoor heated pool (with water slide!) and a 42,000-square-foot world-class spa, The Peaks earns high marks in my book. It closes April 4 for a few weeks, but when it re-opens May 10, room rates start at an incredibly low $109/night — a steal!
–Kara Williams
P.S. Rock Resorts (including One Ski Hill Place) is offering last-minute spring skiing deals in Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Aspen and Keystone and Jackson Hole, Wy. The 96-hour $96 sale began today and ends April 1 but is good for travel through January 31, 2012 for early-season skiing in 2012. Rooms are as low as $96/nt! Bookings must be made online. Click here.
Captions: (Top) My son in a provided kid-sized robe (for use during stay) at Four Seasons Vail, outside at fireplace near hot tub. (Bottom) My daughter bowling in the mine-shaft-themed, two-lane bowling alley at One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge.
Kara knows a thing or two about Colorado — she lives there with her husband and children. Be sure to check out Kara’s blog The Vacation Gals and visit her website.
