Vaquera House

There are some Colorado mountain towns that could reasonably be accused of being a bit tame, a bit overdeveloped, but not Crested Butte; it’s just remote enough to deter casual visitors, and the opportunities for outdoor adventure here are truly vast — the ski resort of the same name is just the beginning. In a place like this you can’t always count on a stylish and luxurious little boutique hotel, but in Vaquera House, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Its ten rooms and suites are sophisticated in their style, but in a way that still feels suitably rustic — this is the Mountain West without clichés or kitsch, an authenticity-based approach that’s perfectly suited to Crested Butte. Heated bedroom and bathroom floors are not just luxurious but practical, given the region’s extreme winter temperatures, as are the heated towel racks; Malin + Goetz bath products, Italian linens, and Spanish tile lend an added measure of refinement.

As for the shared facilities, they’re a bit more extensive than Vaquera House’s residential atmosphere might lead you to expect. There’s plenty of lounge space, including both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and there’s a hot tub on the roof deck with an impressive mountain view. The house serves breakfast and evening cocktails, and for everything else the staff is on hand with a wealth of local knowledge.