Overview: Built at the site of the famous Harbor Hotel in the heart of downtown Steamboat, Howelsen Place pays homage to ski legends that honed their skills at Howelsen Hill Park, the local ski hill just across the river where guests can still enjoy day and night skiing, snow tubing, ski jumping, and ice skating. Lodging options range from 1–3 bedroom units that accommodate up to eight guests. Design features eschew the traditional wagon wheel style found in so many Western digs and embrace a clean, modern aesthetic favoring warm tones, natural wood, and tiled fireplaces.
Notable: Guest privileges include access to the private Gondola Ski Club and storage lockers in Gondola Square. Other perks include a complimentary pass to the Old Town Hot Springs, which offers year-round water slides, hot mineral pools, and a 25-yard lap pool.
Our Take: Stay here if part of the family wants to skip a ski day and walk to gelato shops, wine stores, locovore dining, and a four-screen movie house. The heart of downtown offers Wednesday night ski-jumping on the hill, First Friday art walks, or starlit strolls on the Yampa River Core Trail.
Information: Choose from 18 units. Base rates start at $275–$475 per night during the winter months. Check the website for pre-season and early booking specials. steamboat-springs.com
—Sarah Peruzzi
From the Early Winter 2011 issue
