4 Unique Hotels in the Rocky Mountains

There are many unique places to stay in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From yurts to shepherd’s wagons, there’s something to suit every taste. However, if you don’t like to rough it, here are some interesting hotel options that provide comfortable beds in a one-of-a-kind environment.

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer

Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer
Vail, Colorado

Arguably one of Vail Village’s most iconic businesses, Hotel Grasthof Gramshammer was opened in 1964 by Austrians Pepi and Sheika Gramshammer, and this husband and wife team has become one of Vail’s most beloved couples.

In addition to the 38-room European-style hotel, the property is home to Pepi’s Bar, which features prominently in many minds as an important and longstanding Colorado apres ski tradition. A stay at Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer is a chance to experience a little bit of Vail’s storied history as a quintessential Colorado ski town.  

Photo: Courtesy of WeeCasa

WeeCasa 
Lyons, Colorado

This property is Colorado’s first tiny home hotel, and it’s located in the charming town of Lyons. Just an hour out of Denver, Lyons feels a million miles away from the big city.

The “tiny house movement” is a description for the architectural and social movement that advocates living simply in small homes. The typical tiny home is less than 400 square feet.

WeeCasa offers 17 tiny homes along the St. Vrain River. Guests can reserve a night or multiple nights or even utilize the 10-acre property as a wedding or event destination.

For those interested in tiny homes, a stay at WeeCasa is a must, but a stay here is also a great escape to a tiny town with big offerings. Lyons offers world-class mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, a brewery and distillery, and much, much more.

Photo: Courtesy of Movie Manor

Movie Manor
Monte Vista, Colorado

Located in the San Luis Valley (the largest high-altitude valley in the world), Movie Manor is a one-of-a-kind hotel property in Monte Vista.

This Best Western hotel is attached to a historic drive-in movie theater, and guests can watch movies on the big screen from their hotel rooms from mid-May to mid-September. Want a snack with your movie? The Snack Bar, located just inside the drive-in, offers buttery popcorn, soda, and other goodies.

Monte Vista is ideally located for exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park, visiting numerous birding areas, or attending a local event, such as the Crane Festival or the Ski Hi Stampede Rodeo.

Photo: Courtesy of Carr Manor Bed & Breakfast

Carr Manor Bed & Breakfast
Cripple Creek, Colorado

School’s out for summer, but you can visit this school year-round. Carr Manor Bed & Breakfast, in the historic town of Cripple Creek, is located in the town’s former high school that was built in 1896.

The property has retained many of the features that were in place when the building was a school, including original chalkboards in several guest rooms. The school’s auditorium is now the Grand Ballroom and the site of weddings, family reunions, and other functions.

Known as a gambling destination, Cripple Creek offers visitors much more than just blackjack; after all, this town is steeped in colorful Colorado mining history. There are several museums and historic sites as well as mine tours. The Cripple Creek Jail Museum is a must-stop.