Steamboat Springs is a charming town that makes a great destination for a couples’ weekend getaway. Steamboat’s population is much larger than some of the other small-town ski destinations in Colorado, but it still holds a lovely mountain town feeling with more space and options.
The Yampa River running through Steamboat gives it a relaxing feeling. You can find plenty of enjoyment here in the summer and ski season. Even if you don’t ski, it’s still a great place to visit for hiking, biking, and water sports on the river.
Steamboat Springs is a bit of a drive from Denver or Colorado Springs, but it’s worth it even if just for the natural hot springs in this area. One of our favorite hot springs in Colorado, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is located just out of town. You will need an overnight stay to visit Steamboat Springs.
In Steamboat Springs you can stay right on the main street, in a quiet neighborhood close to downtown, or position yourself within walking distance to the gondola. These are the top options we found for couples:
#1. The Residences of Old Town Steamboat Airbnb
Third-floor direct views of the Howelsen Hill ski jump, perfect for people watching and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Fully stocked new kitchen for cooking and gas fireplace with lots of natural lighting.
Park your vehicle in one reserved parking spot one short block away. One block from the bus stop with a free shuttle for skiing.
#2. Steamboat Springs Soda Creek Cabin
Rustic upgraded cabin with mountain views and a private view overlooking Soda Creek. You’ll have a grill and a spacious private back patio near the creek with a firepit that can be used in the winter.
Great location near shops and restaurants in Old Town Steamboat within walking distance.
The cabin is spacious and cozy with a gas fireplace in the living room and an open kitchen area with natural lighting. There are hardwood and bamboo floors in the common areas and carpet in the bedroom.
#3. Pet-Friendly Downtown Steamboat Condo with Views
Second-story condo within walking distance to downtown and a heated garage, perfect for you and your furry friend. The balcony overlooks Yampa Street, the Yampa Core Trail, Howelson Hill Park, and the Yampa River.
Fall asleep to the lull of the river and wake up with a mountain view with French doors. Enjoy warming up with the gas fireplace or unwinding in the large soaking tub.
Transportation to skiing is nearby, take the free bus a block away. There are two bikes on the property for guests to use on the Core Trail nearby or to ride downtown.
#4. The Spruce Nest Airbnb Steamboat Springs (Pet Friendly)
The Spruce Nest is a historic two-story house built in 1907 and remodeled in 2019. The property is located on a quiet dead-end street near Downtown Steamboat. Enjoy the comfort of home with more space and privacy and only a 10-minute walk to downtown. You can also bring your pet, and there is an EV charger, a rare find.
The owner added a few unique elements to this rental: beer and kombucha on tap. There is a large entryway for storing gear and a boot dryer. Warm up with a cozy wood-burning stove near the kitchen.
Couples or solo travelers who only use one bedroom and bathroom will get a discount on the cleaning fee.
#5 Steamboat Springs Mountain View Condo
Great location with an easy, 5-minute stroll to the gondola and a peaceful and secluded feeling. First-floor corner unit with a private patio where you can indulge in a fabulous view of Emerald Mountain and the Yampa Valley. The patio is equipped for lounging and relaxing.
Relax in the hot tub and a heated pool with direct views of Mt. Werner.
If you are looking to cook, this property has a chef’s kitchen that is stocked with all you can think of to prepare a delicious meal or craft your cocktails for a happy hour. Decorated with details and luxury furnishings made in Colorado and extra space for you to store your gear.
#6. Steamboat Springs Trailhead Lodge Airbnb #5108
This upscale studio condo is perfect for a couple with easy access to the gondola and all of the amenities at Wildhorse Meadows.
This remodeled unit includes a unique antler chandelier, a fireplace, and a private balcony.
Wildhorse Meadows amenities other than the gondola include a large heated outdoor pool, three hot tubs, a fitness center, a game room, and an outdoor fire pit. On-call shuttle service is also available to take you downtown for dining and shopping.
#7. Steamboat Springs Bristol Hotel (Our Experience)
We visited in the fall of last year for a business trip mixed with pleasure and stayed here. This boutique hotel is centrally located in a remodeled historic building built in 1948.
There are 18 rooms on 2 stories and a hot tub and lounge area on the second level. Quaint rooms with comfortable beds and good use of space although on the small side. You’ll have a refrigerator in your room.
The lobby area is inviting with a fireplace and room to store your gear. The staff was friendly to our group. Free parking for guests in a designated lot right by the building. We enjoyed our stay here and loved being able to walk easily to restaurants and shops nearby.
Things To Do In Steamboat Springs (Other Than Skiing)
Hot Springs
The one thing you MUST do in Steamboat Springs is to check out Strawberry Park Hot Springs! There are two other hot springs but if you are limited on time choose Strawberry. It is one of the few natural hot springs in Colorado.
Our reservation was after dark so we didn’t get to see the full beauty of the area. There are bathrooms and changing rooms but no showers at the hot springs. Bring your own towel and come dressed in your suit to save time upon arrival. You walk a little bit to get down to the springs and at night it is very dark.
It was amazing seeing the waxing moon with the tall towering pine trees in the backdrop while having your feet in the riverbed sand along with the healing mineral water. You need to experience it for yourself to get this feeling I am describing. You really feel like you are out in the woods in the middle of nowhere, in a good way.
It was dark walking on the path between entrance points to the water, with just some small lights on the cement steps to help guide you into the water. They did a good job of keeping it natural.
Planning tips:
A reservation is required in advance and you pay in cash, with no ATM on the property. You’ll want to reserve as far in advance as you can at least a month or earlier because it will fill up. Please note that after dark no children are allowed and the spring becomes clothing optional.
4WD or AWD with chains is required from November 1 through May 1. If you are not comfortable driving or are concerned about conditions, a great option is to book a shuttle bus. Two local shuttle buses can drive you regardless of road conditions. The Hot Springs Shuttle and Sweet Pea Tours. They can pick you up from your doorstep and the price to book includes admission.
You can stay on sight by car camping, or tent camping in the summer and they have cabins you can rent. Options are very rustic with bringing your own linens, food, and gear and should be booked about 3-4 months in advance.
Hiking & Biking
There are tons of options you can find near Steamboat on the All Trails App or check out: https://www.steamboatsprings.net/307/Trails.
You can take a walk or bike along the Yampa River Core Trail. The leaves were still in the beginning stages of turning on our trip. It’s so close to the main street, it’s an easy thing to fit in your day even if you just do the short part to get views of Howelson Hill Ski area.
We also did one of the most popular hikes: Fish Creek Falls. It’s an easy hike down to the waterfall, you can the entire trail if you desire or just the out and back to the falls. You can do this stop within an hour if you are limited on time.
There were a few local artists set up along the riverside painting when we did this hike. It was very serene. Tennis shoes are ok but hiking shoes are recommended due to loose dirt and rocks on the trail.
Shopping & Dining
Old Town has a lot of unique shops for Steamboat apparel, gifts, and other souvenirs. We bought some random gifts for family and friends here and my favorite warm Steamboat sweatshirt.
There are a lot of great coffee shops and restaurants to check out, but we didn’t have enough time. If you have a weakness for large cinnamon rolls, a great place to stop for brunch on the main street is Winonas Restaurant.
There are several options of places you can dine with a great view or along the riverside. Breakfast or lunch: Creekside Cafe & Grill is very popular or for dinner or cocktails Aurum Food & Wine. Freshies Restaurant is also highly rated to name a few I found that we didn’t get to try.
We did grab a few beers at Mountain Tap Brewery and tried their wood-fired pizza. This was just a short walk for us from the Bristol Hotel. They had unique options to choose from and it was delicious!
Other Outdoor Adventures & Activities: https://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do
Summer: rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing on the river, golfing, alpine slide, scenic chairlift on Howelen Hill June-September, Zipline, Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series (July & August)
Winter: sledding or tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, scenic gondola ride, Sunset Happy Hour (January 25-March 31, 2024 most Thursday through Sunday)
Year-round: horseback riding, UTV Buggy Tours, Tread of the Pioneers Museum
In Conclusion:
Whatever time of year you choose to visit, we hope this helped generate some ideas and give you the best options for the best places to stay in Steamboat Springs. We hope you enjoy exploring more of Colorado as much as we do!
Cheers! Leah & Jorge
