Colorado, renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, might lead you to believe that its top resorts are concentrated in Denver. However, the results of the recent 2024 World’s Best Awards survey conducted by Travel + Leisure revealed a different story. It’s the charming mountain towns of Colorado that truly captured the hearts of travelers, boasting the majority of the state’s best resorts. These havens, nestled amidst stunning scenery, are celebrated for their world-class amenities and awe-inspiring mountain vistas, drawing skiers in winter and hikers in summer.
What Makes Colorado Resorts Stand Out?
Each year, Travel + Leisure invites its readers to participate in the World’s Best Awards survey, sharing their invaluable experiences and opinions on a wide spectrum of travel aspects across the globe. This includes rating top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. The 2024 survey saw an impressive participation of over 186,000 Travel + Leisure readers, casting over 700,000 votes for more than 8,700 properties.
Hotels were categorized based on their location and offerings – resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge – and were evaluated against specific criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
Respondents rated each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these ratings.
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Aspen and Auberge Resorts Collection Shine
It’s no surprise that Aspen, arguably Colorado’s most famous ski destination, is home to the top-rated resort. The Hotel Jerome, part of the esteemed Auberge Resorts Collection, has been a cornerstone of Aspen society since 1889. Its prime location on Main Street offers unparalleled access to the ski slopes.
Another gem from Auberge Resorts Collection, the Madeline Hotel and Residences, secured the second position. Situated at the base of the ski area in Telluride, it earned praise for its “breathtaking” views. One Travel + Leisure reader highlighted, “the views from every angle are simply stunning. Whether I was sipping my morning coffee on the balcony or unwinding in the luxurious spa, I couldn’t help but feel rejuvenated by the natural beauty surrounding me.”
The prominence of Colorado’s mountain towns continued throughout the list, featuring exceptional resorts in Vail, Snowmass, and Beaver Creek, further cementing their status as premier destinations for discerning travelers seeking remarkable leisure experiences.
Colorado’s Crown Jewel: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Aspen, Colorado
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The accolades for Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, were abundant, with many readers declaring it the best resort they have ever encountered, not just in the U.S., but globally. Since its inception during Aspen’s silver rush era, this hotel quickly became the social epicenter of the town. Over a century later, its allure remains undiminished, with a Travel + Leisure reader affirming it as “the place to be in Aspen.”
Beyond its rich history and central Main Street address, guests consistently emphasize the personalized service that makes them feel more like family than just visitors. As one reader succinctly put it, “They get ‘it,’” elaborating that while Aspen boasts other excellent properties, “we feel like family at the Jerome.”
Notably, this is the second consecutive year that Hotel Jerome has been recognized as the No. 1 Colorado resort by Travel + Leisure’s discerning readership, reinforcing its commitment to exceptional travel and leisure experiences.
Discover the Full List of Top Colorado Resorts
1. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 98.24
2. Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection: Telluride, Colorado
Reader Score: 96.67
3. Sonnenalp Hotel: Vail, Colorado
Reader Score: 96.47
4. Viceroy Snowmass: Snowmass Village, Colorado
Reader Score: 94.86
5. The Little Nell: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 94.80
6. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa: Beaver Creek, Colorado
Reader Score: 94.11
7. Grand Hyatt Vail: Vail, Colorado
Reader Score: 92.50
8. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch: Avon, Colorado
Reader Score: 92.00
9. The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Reader Score: 90.33
10. Limelight Hotel Aspen: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 90.11
