Some hotels cater to couples, others to families. Elevation Hotel & Spa in Crested Butte, Colorado, welcomes both as guests and offers amenities for all. This embracing attitude makes the upscale ski lodge a favorite destination for Valentine's Day and spring break alike.
Romantic getaway
Those taking advantage of the long Valentine's Day weekend will find opportunities for romance at every turn. Champagne and strawberries will be waiting for guests staying in the deluxe one-bedroom suite, which features a king-size bed with pillow-top mattress and sumptuous bedding, soaker tubs in the oversized bathrooms, and a private patio with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The property's 11,000-square-foot spa will offer couples massages and other treatments by appointment, and its indoor and outdoor hot tubs will be kept warm and waiting for guests throughout their stay.
"There are two oversized hot tubs outdoors on the deck," says Katie Schorn, spokesperson for Elevation Hotel & Spa. "It's such a relaxing experience, and if it starts snowing ... perfection."
9380 Prime, the onsite restaurant serving delicious New American cuisine, will feature a special dinner menu for Valentine's Day, with complimentary champagne and a fresh rose adding to the already romantic candlelit atmosphere.
And every night during their stay, guests will be invited to a complimentary wine hour in the lobby of the hotel. They can enjoy an adult beverage in front of one of the property's stunning, two-sided fireplaces or mingle with other guests and staff.
Spring break with the family
The nightly wine hour serves as an example of the hotel's welcoming attitude toward all. Kids can grab a hot cider and cookie, then head downstairs to play a board game or just hang out while still in sight of their parents, thanks to the open floor plan.
The deluxe one-bedroom suite proves popular with families as well. In addition to the king-size bed, it has a sleeper sofa in the separate living room. The suite's 800 square feet also impresses parents.
"Families need space for everything that everyone needs when they travel," Schorn says. "Add to that bulky winter clothes and ski gear, and they're thankful for the extra room."
She adds that parents truly appreciate the suite's full kitchen — with microwave, two-burner stove, refrigerator and freezer, sink, coffee maker, dishes, flatware, and utensils — as it allows them to pick up the makings for meals at the grocery store in town.
Elevation Hotel & Spa has special events planned for spring breakers too, including live music Thursday through Saturday on the 9380 Prime deck, and Crested Butte hosts a multitude of events in March. For Big Air on Elk, happening March 8, organizers shut down Elk Avenue and build a jump so members of the Colorado FreeSkiers can show off their best aerial moves. Festivities continue into the night with live music and parties throughout town.
Ski vacation
All of the above simply adds to Crested Butte's status as the "Best Ski Town in North America" and the hotel's designation as the place for skiers and snowboarders to stay in the area, thanks to its location just feet from the lift lines for Mt. Crested Butte, exclusive ski-in, ski-out privileges and ski valet service.
Tod's Tip: The spa also has a salon! Book an appointment for a pedicure toward the end of your stay. Your feet will appreciate the pampering after multiple days spent in ski boots. — Tod Eason, CultureMap co-founder and managing partner
To Go: Convenient flights are available to Crested Butte from Houston, Dallas and Austin airports. Click here for more features about Elevation Hotel & Spa as well as Insider Offers for accommodations.
End your romantic day in front of a roaring fire on the deck at Elevation Hotel & Spa.
