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Airbnb started as a hotel alternative, letting travelers pick from a budget-friendly room in someone’s dwelling or claim an entire house for an extended family trip or bachelor/bachelorette party pad. However, in Colorado’s ski resort towns, Airbnb is upping the luxury ante.
Airbnb launched its Luxe site in June 2019 featuring the world’s most extraordinary places to stay with “five-star everything, incredible service and experiences for the most discerning guest,” Michael Bong, who represents Airbnb Luxe through the public relations firm Weber Shandwick, wrote in an email interview. “Each home on the platform is evaluated against a 300-plus criteria to ensure it meets a set of strict standards.”
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Take a gander at the Airbnb Luxe homepage. The towns listed under United States and Canada may look familiar—five out of the 21 locations are in Colorado. These rentals aren’t for the faint of wallet*, but if you have the dough (or just want to dream), check out these extravagant listings in Colorado mountain towns.
Aspen
$15,000/night
Details: 7 bedrooms, 7.5 baths; sleeps 18 guests (pictured above)
When it comes to luxury in Colorado, Aspen has it in spades. From Louis Vuitton and Prada to $120 caviar crepes in Snowmass, it’s easy to lighten your wallet in this tony mountain enclave. If you’re looking for high-end lodging (and only ski-in, ski-out will do), check out this “architectural masterpiece at Schuss Gully ski run.” This sleek chalet features vaulted ceilings and views of Schuss Gully and Little Nell runs on Aspen Mountain. There’s also a pool table, wine cellar, and grand piano for impromptu concerts after a soak in the hot tub or a quick workout in the gym.
Total cost: With a seven-night minimum stay and occupancy taxes and fees of $11,865, the grand total is $116,865. In May, prices drop to a mere $5,000 per night.
Vail
$20,000/night
Details: 6 bedroom, 7.5 baths; sleeps 14
Vail’s opulence might be a little more understated than Aspen’s, but it is built into the town’s bones from the heated pavers of the pedestrian streets to the myriad upscale dining options. For ski-in luxury in Vail (accessible from the Born Free trail), check out this “modernist ski chalet in the forest.” With sleeping options for 14, guests also enjoy a private wellness center (complete with a sauna and its own massage room), fire pit, and hot tub.
Total cost: A five-night minimum stay, plus hospitality fees ($500) and occupancy taxes and fees ($15,600), brings the grand total to $116,100.
Steamboat Springs
$13,000/night
Details: 7 bedroom, 7.5 baths; sleeps 16
Don’t let the cowboy façade fool you—there is plenty of luxury in Steamboat Springs. Take this “fully-staffed chateau by ski runs on Mt. Werner,” for example. Known as the “Over the Edge” chalet, this stone-clad home is ski-in/ski-out (to Right-O-Way and Swinger runs) at Steamboat Ski Resort. Amenities are overflowing at this escape from the expected, like a rooftop hot tub, to some you might not expect, like a basketball court for a spur-of-the-moment pickup game.
Total cost: With a four-night minimum stay, plus $10,348 in occupancy taxes and fees, your grand total is $62,348. However, the $13,000 rate was during Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday period. The next available dates (in May) will cost just $2,500 per night.
Telluride
$8,625 to $10,350/night
Details: 11 bedrooms, 11.5 baths; sleeps 26
Telluride has a reputation as an under-the-radar getaway for celebrities who aren’t interested in paparazzi and pretense. If that’s your flavor of luxe, head to this “majestic castle-like chalet at Double Cabins run” near the Sunshine Express in Mountain Village. This home has all of the necessities you’d expect, including a heated outdoor pool, workout equipment (with a view), pool table, wine cellar, and movie room. But there are also some surprising perks like a massage room and grotto-like pool, arcade room, and a bowling alley.
Total cost: With a four-night minimum stay, plus hospitality fees ($4,193) and occupancy taxes and fees ($5,237), the grand total is $50,830.
Breckenridge
$4,614/night
Details: 8 bedrooms, 8 baths; sleeps 24
Breckenridge enjoys a similar, laid-back vibe as Telluride. You’re more likely to spot Olympic medalists than movie stars, but there are also plenty of high-end digs for those who are looking for a lavish winter vacation. This “vintage log cabin among the evergreens on Peak 8” is one such abode with ski-in/ski-out access to Breckenridge Ski Resort, a home cinema, three full kitchens, an eight-person hot tub, and plenty of room for group gatherings (if the hot tub gets too crowded).
Total cost: With a four-night minimum stay, plus hospitality fees ($70) and occupancy taxes and fees ($2,265), your grand total is $20,791.
*As with most lodging options, the price for these rentals varies according to season. During the spring, you can score these properties for a reduced (though still several thousand dollars a night) rate.