Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, dense forests, and flowing rivers, Colorado is the quintessential holiday destination for an outdoor adventure seeker. The inland state has four National Parks and 42 State Parks, offering miles worth of space for hikers, mountain bikers, and snow sports enthusiasts to enjoy.
The Rocky Mountains and temperate northern climate set a picture-perfect backdrop for both a winter and summer vacation. Watch as the pristine ski slopes burst into color during the spring flowering months.
The capital city of Denver with its neighboring vibey university town of Boulder offers visitors a dynamic big-city experience. With some of the USA’s top restaurants, bars, and nightlife lining these historical streets, this is a common area for visitors to enjoy.
Then there are the alpine towns – from the prestigious Vail, Aspen, and Beaver Creek ski resorts to the more student-friendly Keystone, Crested Butte, and Powderhorn, Colorado is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Vacation Rentals in Colorado
Bright Historical Townhouse for 4
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Two-bedroom open plan townhouse
- > Located in central Denver
Cozy and Modern Garage Studio for 2
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Small yet homey refurbished garage studio
- > Located near Olde Town Arvada
Rustic Riverside Cabin for 2
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Quaint timber mountain cabin
- > Located near downtown Buena Vista
2 Bed Condo with Creek Views
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Luxurious, all-inclusive double-storey condo
- > Located in Vail
Stylish 4 Bed Mountain Mansion
- > $$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Luxurious private residence with Jacuzzi and fire pit
- > Located between West Vail and Central Vail
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Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Colorado.
Types of Accommodation in Colorado
Mountain Cabins and Chalets
With most visitors choosing the state for its picturesque ski resorts and mountain landscapes, the bulk of vacation rentals in Colorado are mountainside cabins and chalets. They are both found in the central villages of some of Colorado’s top ski resorts, as well as in more remote mountainous locations.
Ranging from studio cabins to six-bedroom mansion chalets, these self-catering rentals are most appropriate for families and groups of friends traveling together. They would also be useful to those planning a longer stay. Smaller homes are often so well located that they are ideal for short weekend stays.
Apartments and Studios
Apartments and studios are a great rental option for couples and families visiting Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Commonly located in central neighborhoods in major cities, these rentals are primely located for vacationers looking to experience local Coloradan art and culture, history, and cuisine.
These Colorado vacation rentals are usually smaller in size, many of which have been renovated and remodeled in trendy, up-market modern styles. You’ll also find a range of apartments, studios, and condos in Colorado’s mountainous resort towns. They offer a more affordable accommodation option in pricey ski resort locations.
Townhome Units and Resort Lodging
Semi-detached townhome units and resort lodging are other popular options for a vacation rental in Colorado. Often cheaper than private homes and inclusive of self-catering facilities, townhome units are a great option for long-stay visitors and budget travelers.
On the other hand, resort lodging can be more pricey than private rentals. Commonly located in ski resort towns and high-demand regions, resort lodging is optimal for families with young children and those in search of a conveniently located and secure home.
An added benefit of resort lodging is the communal facilities that guests can make use of. This includes shared swimming pools, Jacuzzis, barbeque areas, and garden spaces. Some up-market resorts even offer trendy dining options and spa facilities.
Top 20 Vacation Rentals in Colorado
For families, solo travelers and long-term vacationers, these are all our favorite vacation rentals in Colorado.
Best Overall Vacation Rental in Colorado | Bright Historical Townhouse for 4
- $$
- Open plan townhouse
- 4 Guests
- Located in central Denver
This traditional and historic townhouse is an art and culture fan’s dream home. It has been remodeled with warm wooden floors contrasted with brightly colored walls. Decorated from one corner to the other with eclectic furniture and exciting art and sculpture pieces.
The double-story home has two spacious bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen with washer-dryer facilities making it ideal for both short-term and long-term visits.
Best Budget Vacation Rental in Colorado | Cozy and Modern Garage Studio for 2
- $
- Small yet homey refurbished garage studio
- 2 Guests
- Located near Olde Town Arvada
Small and sweet, conveniently located and clean – this is how we would describe this garage-turned-studio apartment in the center of Arvada. Those on a budget will appreciate the attention to detail put into this vacation rental in Colorado. It has comfortable bedding and seating, and stylish furniture.
This rental also has a private balcony and free on-street parking.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Colorado start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Most Beautiful Vacation Rental | Glass Modern Mansion in Vail for 12
- $$$
- Newly built home designed to architectural perfection
- 12 Guests
- Located in the prestigious neighbourhood of West Vail
This modern mansion in West Vail is, without a doubt, one of the top luxury vacation rentals in Colorado. The home was built in 2018 with impeccable architecture successfully bringing the outdoor mountain landscapes inside.
Contrasts of modern concrete, warm wooden tones, and luxurious lighting contribute to the beauty of the home. With comfortable space for over 12 guests and exquisite patio views of Vail, this is one of the most beautiful places to stay.
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View on Osprey View on REIMost Luxurious Rental in Colorado | Stylish 4 Bed Mountain Mansion
- $$$
- Luxurious private residence with Jacuzzi and fire pit
- 8 Guests
- Located between West Vail and Central Vail
This 3,600-square-foot mountain residence oozes extravagance and luxury. Fitted with waterfall concrete countertops and edgy furniture, this is a top luxury cabin in Colorado.
The home includes four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms with heated floors, a double-door garage, and the option to use Grand Hyatt Hotel amenities. Two indoor living areas and plenty of outdoor patio space will ensure you always have your privacy, even when vacationing with a large group or family.
Best Vacation Rental in Colorado for Families | 2 Bed Condo with Creek Views
- $$$
- Luxurious, all-inclusive double-storey condo
- 4 Guests
- Within walking distance to the main town center
This condo is decorated in warm and modest tones creating an inviting family space. With a fully equipped kitchen, a downstairs living area, and two private upstairs bedrooms, this space is one of the best vacation rentals in Colorado for a family.
Best Colorado Vacation Rental for a Weekend | Modern Luxurious Loft with Pool
- $$$
- Newly renovated loft
- 6 Guests
- Located in the Winter Park neighbourhood in Fraser
This warm and inviting home is complete with wooden floors, modern cabinetry and fittings, and a big wood-burning fireplace. Located in an ultra-modern apartment block with vista views of the surrounding Fraser landscapes, this two-bedroom loft has everything you might need for a weekend in Colorado.
Best Vacation Rental with a Pool & Jacuzzi | Extravagant 6 Bed Timber Frame Home
- $$$$
- Bright and beautiful barn-style home for 12
- 12 Guests
- Panoramic views of the ski slopes
If you’re a fan of fresh mountain air, endless aspen trees, and snow-capped mountains, the views from this house will have you in awe. Aside from a gourmet equipped kitchen with top-of-the-range equipment, this home includes a basement media room with a separate bar and a games room in the loft.
With a private outdoor Jacuzzi, this home really does have all the bells and whistles you might expect from a luxury vacation rental in Colorado.
Super Accessible Vacation Rental in Colorado | Warm and Inviting 2 Bed Condo
- $$$
- Warm and homey ski-in/ski-out resort condo
- 7 Guests
- Located in Winter Park, in a vibey ski resort town
This contemporary space offers a hotel experience with a private feel. Feel free to take advantage of the shared resort facilities or enjoy the privacy of your own stunning condo. This spot is centrally located in the Winter Park ski resort and is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
The condo is fitted with a full kitchen, fireplace, large seating area with a sleeper couch, and two spacious bedrooms. Watch as your family skis down the mountain from your very own balcony or choose to stay warm inside by the cozy fireplace!
Most Central Vacation Rental in Colorado | 2 Bed Classy Lakeside Condo
- $$
- Double-storey contemporary condo in the trees
- 4 Guests
- 10 minutes to downtown Boulder by car or bike
Nestled in the trees near Boulder, you’d never expect this peaceful home to be so central. Every detail has been taken care of in this two-bedroom condo. It is surrounded by tall trees and located moments away from East and West Lake and various walking trails. Ideal for travelers looking to balance city life with an outdoor adventure, this is a beautiful escape.
Be close to all the best things to do in Colorado at this cozy home.
Best Rental for a Large Family | Huge Timber Cabin with Games Room
- $$$$
- Alpine style furnishings
- 10 Guests
- Located in Fraser
This timber mansion will make you feel like you’re in the European Alps. With ample shared living space, a dedicated games room, piano, and an outdoor Jacuzzi, this is one of the best holiday rentals in Colorado for a large family event. Towering over the surrounding Fraser valley with exquisite views, this home away from home feels like it’s completely secluded from the Fraser town.
Best Rental in Colorado for Friends | Extravagant Ultra-Modern Home for 12
- $$$$
- Full views of Aspen’s ski resort mountains
- 12 Guests
- 8 minutes’ drive from the Pitkin County Airport
This ultra-modern home blends concrete floors with wooden cabinetry and comfortable seating. The space was designed using only top-of-the-range kitchen equipment and furniture. Big enough for 12 guests it is the ideal spot for a super luxurious friends’ getaway.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors bring the outdoor light inside. Complimented by the gas fireplaces, the home turns into a cozy retreat during a cold winter season. Clean, modern, and bright – you could not ask for higher luxury if you tried.
Most Unique Vacation Rental in Colorado | Luxurious Medieval Alpine Lodge for 16
- $$
- Medieval style alpine lodge
- 16 Guests
- Located in Castle Creek Valley between the Aspen mountains
This huge lodge could easily pass as a medieval palace. The home has exposed wooden rivetted ceilings, dramatic brass chandelier features, and a huge wood-burning fireplace.
The master bedroom alone boasts a walk-in closet, exercise room, and private patio. A dramatic dining room decorated with dark wood and leather furnishings, four-poster beds in the guest suites, and monogrammed linen features makes this undoubtedly one of the most extravagant and unique holiday homes in Colorado.
Best Colorado Vacation Rental for Honeymooners | Contemporary 1 Bed Riverside Condo
- $$
- Private condo overlooking the stunning creek
- 2 Guests
- Located in the Main Street Station Lodge in Breckenridge
This simple resort condo combines everything you might need for a honeymoon vacation. Clean and bright furnishings, a central ski resort location, and an adequately equipped kitchen allow for honeymooners to enjoy the privacy of their own condo whilst still having the option to pop out for a meal in town. The room is serviced daily and includes access to shared lodge facilities.
Best Vacation Rental in Colorado for Nightlife | Trendy and Historical Boulder Studio
- $$
- Newly remodelled studio perfect for two
- 2 Guests
- Located in central Boulder
This carriage studio home is decorated with homey wooden tones and clean white finishes juxtaposed against vintage furniture pieces. Centrally located in the hip student town of Boulder, it is walking distance to many of the area’s top bars and nightclubs. This is one of the best vacation rentals in Colorado for those looking for a buzzing nightlife scene.
Best Rental in Colorado with a View | Classy Cabin with Panoramic Views
- $$$
- Beautiful mountain views
- 16 Guests
- Located in Aspen’s Fox Crossing neighbourhood
This luxurious villa has been designed to architectural perfection, with an abundance of glass windows, stone fireplace features, and wooden ceilings.
The furnishing is equally as impressive, boasting modern furniture pieces, abstract light fixtures and art, and bold wallpaper. Large bedrooms with private patios and outdoor fire pits overlook the exquisite Aspen mountains and charming village.
Most Romantic Vacation Rental for Couples | Rustic Riverside Cabin for 2
- $$
- Quaint timber mountain cabin
- 2 Guests
- Located on the Arkansas River
A romantic Colorado vacation calls for privacy and simplicity. This rustic cabin offers just that. The one-room, open-plan cabin includes a basic kitchenette, a wood-burning fireplace, and a comfortable large, double bed. While the interiors of the cabin breed warmth and romance, it’s the unrivaled views and remote feeling beyond the front door that will blow visitors away.
Best Pet Friendly Vacation Rental in Colorado | Private and Homey Suburban 2 Bed House
- $$
- Fenced in outdoor patio – perfect for pets
- 4 Guests
- Only one block away from South Broadway
This stylish family home is fitted with two queen-sized bedrooms, a large kitchen and living space decorated in a blend of modern and French Provence style.
Tucked away in a residential Denver neighborhood and with an enclosed private patio, this is one of the best holiday rentals in Colorado for those traveling with their pets. It’s also a great option for long-stay visitors such as digital nomads who are looking to set up camp in this dynamic city.
Best Golf Course Rental in Colorado | 4 Bed Family Home on Lush Golf Course
- $$
- Large home with beautiful golf course views
- 10 Guests
- Located in Granby on a private golf course
If you aren’t into skiing or hiking, a golf course holiday home in Colorado might be just for you. This large private home is warm and inviting, boasting wooden interiors, and homey furniture. With panoramic views overlooking the golf course and surrounding mountains, there is no better space to relax after a day on the course than on the balcony fitted with comfortable loungers, a warm fire pit, and barbeque facilities.
Best Ski-in/Ski-out Vacation Rental in Colorado | Up-Scale Timber Ski Resort Lodging
- $$$
- Contemporary 2 bed condo
- 6 Guests
- Ski-in/ski-out rental
Bright open space and world-class ski resort views in this newly refurbished rental will make you feel right at home during your ski vacation. A mix of modern glass, warm wooden tones, and comfortable linen furnishings create a welcoming and homey space within a secure lodge setting.
Ideal for small families or shared between couples, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a private space combined with concierge and housekeeping hotel services.
Most Remote Vacation Rental in Colorado | 3 Bed Cabin on 200 Acre Property
- $$$
- Huge mountain-side cabin with 180-degree views
- 8 Guests
- Only 1 mile from the main street in Breckenridge
Colorado is one of the greatest destinations for a remote vacation. With acres of natural parks, forests, and mountainous resorts, the state has plenty of remote vacation rentals up for grabs. This luxurious cabin has a European Alpine feel with wooden beams, glass windows, and traditional tartan furniture. With not another home in sight, this huge cabin sits completely secluded in a vast forest.
This is one of the best holiday rentals in Colorado for a large family Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration.
Don’t Forget Your Colorado Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Vacation Rentals in Colorado
Colorado’s mountains are a playground for adventure lovers. From city-center condos within walking distance of some of the country’s most trendy restaurants and bars to completely secluded cabins in the middle of remote forests and national parks, Colorado is home to some of the world’s best winter vacation rentals.
The inland state has some of the best views and a wide range of outdoor activities on offer. Whether you’re on a tight budget or are in the market for an ultra-luxurious vacation, there are plenty of exciting accommodation types to explore in Colorado.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
