Where to Stay in Crested Butte Colorado: My Top Hotels and Areas 2025

Crested Butte is one of the most charming little mountain towns in Colorado, cozy in winter with incredible skiing and picture-perfect under a blanket of wildflowers in summer.

When figuring out where to stay in Crested Butte, location is everything. The town is small but split between two main areas, and choosing the right one can really shape your trip.

I visited recently on a big family vacation (which I planned myself), and after researching all the hotels and holiday homes, I picked up a few tips worth sharing.

So in this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in, plus some of my favorite hotels and vacation rentals for your next ski trip, summer hiking getaway, or just a mountain escape.

Where to Stay in Crested Butte – My Experience

One thing I didn’t know before researching was how Crested Butte is basically split into two main areas: Crested Butte Old Town and Mount Crested Butte. I’m so glad I figured this out before booking because staying in the wrong spot could have made things way more complicated.

Old Town is the heart of Crested Butte, full of charming storefronts, little boutiques, and cozy cafés and restaurants. But here’s the catch, it’s not where the ski lifts are. 

Those are up in Mount Crested Butte, about a 10-minute drive away, in a smaller village with hotels, a few restaurants, ski rentals, and of course, the lifts themselves.

On our family trip, we stayed in Mount Crested Butte since skiing was our main plan. It just made life easier to be right by the lifts. We booked a beautiful holiday home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open kitchen and living area, huge windows with mountain views, a fireplace, and even a hot tub on the patio, which we used every night. Honestly, it felt like the perfect base.

I’ll link the place we stayed at below in case you’re planning a group or family trip, I highly recommend it. Also, definitely rent a car for your stay. We drove all the way from Denver and were glad we did; it made grocery runs, restaurant trips, and exploring the area so much easier.

The Best Areas to Stay in Crested Butte

Mount Crested Butte

Mount Crested Butte is where you’ll find the ski lifts, so if skiing or snowboarding is the main reason for your trip, this is the most convenient place to stay. 

The village itself is small, mostly hotels, ski rental shops, a couple of restaurants, and plenty of beautiful cabins and holiday homes scattered around. It’s not exactly buzzing with nightlife, but it makes mornings on the slopes so much easier. For dinner or a little more atmosphere, you can always drive down to Crested Butte Old Town, it’s only about ten minutes. 

However we stayed at a large holiday home with a full size kitchen so we actually ended up cooking at home quite a few nights and having drinks by the fire or in the hot tub.

Crested Butte Old Town

Crested Butte Old Town is the heart of it all and easily the most charming part of the area. Elk Avenue is my highlight here, lined with colorful storefronts, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and great restaurants. 

After visiting a few ski towns in North America, I have to say Crested Butte is one of the prettiest. The only downside is that you’re a bit removed from the ski lifts. But if you’re visiting outside the winter months or if you don’t mind a short drive to the slopes, staying here gives you that small-town charm that makes Crested Butte so special.

1. Mount Crested Butte Hotels & Holiday Homes

Cash’s Hideout (This is Where We Stayed in Crested Butte)

Cash’s Hideout is the beautiful red cabin we stayed in during our trip and I loved it so much that I had to put it at the top of this list. 

It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dedicated mudroom/ski room, and a huge garage (perfect for parking and gear storage). The kitchen was fully equipped, the living area had big windows and a cozy fireplace, and the patio featured my favorite part was the hot tub.

Evenings here were exactly what I wanted: cooking dinner together, eating around the big table, playing board games, and ending the night with a glass of wine in the hot tub while looking out over the mountains.

If you’re planning a family getaway, a group trip, or a ski weekend with friends, I can’t recommend this place enough.

Book Here: Cash’s Hideout Holiday Home

Elevation Hotel & Spa ( Best Hotel in Crested Butte Mountain)

Elevation Hotel & Spa is easily the most popular and most luxury hotel in Crested Butte. It’s located right at the base of the lifts, so you can go from your room to the slopes in about a minute. The property was recently renovated, which means spacious, modern rooms, many with incredible mountain views.

The highlights are definitely the spa, the large terrace with incredible views, and the two outdoor hot tubs. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, which is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking or skiing (or just hiding from the unpredictable mountain weather).

I’d recommend Elevation Hotel if you’re on a couples trip, prefer full hotel service, or don’t need the extra space of a holiday home. For hotel-style accommodation in Crested Butte, this is the one to book.

Book Here: Elevation Hotel & Spa

Modern 2 Bedroom Holiday Homes

Before booking the holiday home we ended up staying in, I did a fair bit of research and came across this modern 2-bedroom rental. It was a little too small for our group, but otherwise, it would’ve been a strong contender.

This vacation rental in Crested Butte offers some of the best views in town, with a patio that features an outdoor BBQ area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a hot tub overlooking the mountains. 

The bedrooms are cozy with large windows framing the scenery, and there’s plenty of storage space for bikes, skis, snowboards, and cars, perfect for a smaller group or a couple’s getaway.

Book Here: 2 Bedroom Holiday Home

2. Vacation Rentals & Hotels in Crested Butte Old Town

Purple Mountain B&B + Spa ( Best Place to Stay in Crested Butte Old Town)

Purple Mountain is easily one of the coziest and most charming places to stay in Crested Butte Old Town. 

It’s a proper bed and breakfast, with the feel of staying in someone’s home, in the best possible way. Guests rave about the warm hospitality and the incredible breakfasts: think sausage, eggs, pancakes, and fresh blueberries, exactly the kind of fuel you want before a day outdoors.

The location is spot-on, too. It’s within walking distance of Downtown Crested Butte and Elk Avenue, so you can wander to cafés, restaurants, and shops without needing to drive.

Book Here: Purple Mountain B&B

Cristiana Guesthouse

Cristiana Guesthouse has more of a classic, no-frills mountain lodge feel, but it’s family-run and super welcoming. Rooms are spacious, the views over the mountains are gorgeous, and, best of all, there’s an outdoor hot tub. Honestly, whenever I get the chance to stay in a hotel that has a hot tub, especially when I’m on a ski trip, I’ll take it, it’s just the best.

The guesthouse also has plenty of storage for bikes, skis, and gear, plus cozy common areas for relaxing. A great choice for couples, families, or even small groups.

Book Here: Cristiana Guesthouse

Crested Butte Old Town Inn

Crested Butte Old Town Inn is probably the best-known spot in the area and for good reason. 

It’s not luxury, but it’s exactly what you want in a mountain town, cozy, convenient, and friendly. 

Rooms are spacious with nice views, breakfast is included each morning, and the location is excellent, just steps from Elk Avenue and close to the shuttle stop for the ski lifts if you don’t have a car.

Book Here: Old Town Inn

FAQs About the Best Places to Stay in Crested Butte Mountain Resort

What are the best luxury hotels in Crested Butte?

Crested Butte doesn’t have the same lineup of luxury resorts you’d find in Aspen, but the best luxury hotel in Crested Butte is probably Elevation Hotel & Spa. It’s stylish, comfortable, and in a prime location near the lifts.

Where should I stay in Crested Butte with kids?

If you’re traveling with kids, I’d recommend renting a whole holiday home. Having your own space (plus a kitchen, fireplace, patio, and maybe even a hot tub or pool) makes things so much easier. I also suggest driving yourself and stopping at a Walmart or grocery store on the way in to stock up on essentials.

Do I need a car in Crested Butte?

Yes, I’d say having a car is almost a must. While you could stay close to the lifts, food options there are limited, and you’ll likely want to explore the town or grab dinner elsewhere. A car just makes everything more convenient.

What is the best hotel with a view in Crested Butte?

Elevation Hotel & Spa wins again here. It’s right by the lifts and has a fantastic terrace with sweeping mountain views.

Is Crested Butte worth visiting?

Absolutely. While it’s not the biggest or most buzzing ski resort, it’s charming, calm, and incredibly pretty. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a cozy family vacation.

Final Thoughts on Accommodation in Crested Butte

When it comes to where to stay in Crested Butte, I’m a huge fan of getting your own place, whether that’s a vacation rental, holiday home, or ski-in/ski-out condo near the lifts. 

Having your own kitchen, space to hang out, and maybe a private hot tub makes the experience so much better, especially for groups or families. I usually book my holiday homes on Vrbo.com, they have great options and often really good deals.

Hopefully, this guide helps you fiind some good Crested Butte lodging options and makes planning your trip just a little bit easier!

Check Out My Crested Butte & Denver Travel Guides

Crested Butte Restaurants: My Top Places to Eat in Crested Butte

Best Time to Visit Crested Butte: My Seasonal Guide t Crested Butte

Is Crested Butte Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Where to Stay in Crested Butte: The Top Hotels & Holiday Homes

How to Get to Crested Butte: The Easiest Ways to Get There