A Complete Guide to Every Colorado Hotel With a Michelin Key

It’s awards season in the hotel world: Earlier this month, the Michelin Guide announced its 2025 list of Michelin Key winners. (The designation is similar to what Michelin Stars are for restaurants.) Though the French tire company has been recommending hotels for decades, it began offering the Key distinction in 2024 to honor the best of the best.

In the United States, Michelin honored 317 outstanding hotels across the country—including 14 in Colorado.

The Centennial State’s elite are spread across Denver, Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Fort Collins, and Dolores. Six properties earned this accolade for the first time, including Dunton Hot Springs, which is the only Colorado resort to receive two Michelin Keys. (Like Stars, keys are awarded at three levels. One indicates a “very special stay,” two denotes an “exceptional stay,” and three signifies an “extraordinary stay.”)

The venues are judged based on five criteria: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting.

Of course, you’ll find several quintessential Colorado mountain resorts on the list, but the guide also recognized a ghost town turned posh retreat and an eye-catching new downtown Denver hotel. Read on to see which acclaimed accommodations made the cut.

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Two Michelin Keys
One Michelin Key
Selected Hotels

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The Armstrong Hotel (Fort Collins)
Clayton Hotel & Members Club (Denver)
The Crawford Hotel (Denver)
Dunton Hot Springs (Dolores)
The Elizabeth Hotel (Fort Collins)
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
Hotel Jerome (Aspen)
The Little Nell (Aspen)
Lumière by Dunton (Telluride)
Madeline Hotel & Residences (Telluride)
Mollie Aspen
Populus (Denver)
Sonnenalp Hotel (Vail)

Two Michelin Key Hotels in Colorado

Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores

Dunton Hot Springs. Photo courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs at dusk. Photo courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

Rustic cabin and teepee in Dunton at sunrise — Some of the accommodations at Dunton Hot Springs. Photo courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs

What Michelin Said: “…nowhere, though, is there anything like Dunton Hot Springs. Here, in remote southwestern Colorado, along the banks of the Dolores River, halfway between the ski town of Telluride and the ruins of Mesa Verde, is an authentic ghost town, an abandoned century-old gold prospectors’ camp, renovated shack by shack and rehabilitated into a truly unique luxury hotel—a place where roughing it in hand-hewn log cabins (and one teepee) neatly coincides with spa treatments, thermal baths, and fine organic dining.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: Coloradans love a hot spring moment, and Dunton delivers with five soaking options, including in the restored 19th-century bathhouse (with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of fourteener Mt. Wilson) and a trio of outdoor pools.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: Chow time. You may be visiting for the Zen-inducing spa or the convenient access to outdoor recreation, but guests stay for the seasonal, locally focused meals. Rather than choose from a fixed menu, guests enjoy custom dishes built around personal preferences served family-style in the rustic saloon (legend has it Butch Cassidy carved his name into the bar), individually in the dance hall, or intimately at the chef’s counter.

One Michelin Key Hotels in Colorado

The Armstrong Hotel, Fort Collins

Armstrong Hotel facade — The facade of the Armstrong Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Armstrong Hotel

Wooden reception desk with gold light fixtures — The Armstrong’s front desk. Photo courtesy of the Armstrong Hotel

Hotel lobby with flannel booth and a portrait gallery — The lobby featuring the portrait gallery. Photo courtesy of the Armstrong Hotel

Underground speakeasy — Ace Gillett’s Lounge. Photo courtesy of the Armstrong Hotel

What Michelin Said: “In advance of its 100th birthday, [the Armstrong Hotel has] been thoroughly updated, brought up to modern boutique-hotel standards, with swanky, stylish rooms and a pair of highly regarded dining and drinking venues.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: As the only independent hotel still operating in Old Town Fort Collins, the Armstrong maintains its bygone vibe with Oriental rugs, bronze accents, and an entire portrait gallery devoted to figures that shaped Fort Collins. For an experience that truly feels akin to time traveling, visit the property’s Ace Gillett’s Lounge, an underground speakeasy with live music, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and an extensive vinyl collection.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: Borrow one of the complimentary cruiser bikes to explore Fort Collins’ 285-plus miles of trails and award-winning breweries. The property can share custom itineraries and maps tailored to your interests.

Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Denver

Facade of the Clayton Hotel — The facade of the Clayton Hotel in Cherry Creek. Photo courtesy of the Clayton Hotel

Gray, white, and blue lounge — The Clayton Member’s Club Lounge. Photo courtesy of the Clayton Hotel

King bed — A king studio. Photo courtesy of the Clayton Hotel

Upscale hotel bathroom with double vanity and walk-in shower — The bathroom inside the Isabella Penthouse. Photo courtesy of the Clayton Hotel

Sunlit rooftop restaurant — The rooftop restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Clayton Hotel

Table with a Clayton menu, pizza, and hummus — Some of the Clayton’s food offerings. Photo courtesy of the Clayton Hotel

What Michelin Said: “Guests find themselves members of a surprisingly diverse society—one that draws heavily from Denver’s blossoming creative communities—and are set up in impressively stylish and unpretentious luxury digs as well…. The result is as plush as any downtown luxury hotel, and a good deal more memorable.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: The crown jewel of this hotel-meets-Denver-SoHo-house isn’t found within its walls. No, members and overnight guests of the Clayton know the rooftop pool is the showpiece. Though small, the alfresco area feels like a mini retreat, one complete with a poolside eatery pouring spritzes and slinging slices of margherita pizza.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: The venue’s food and beverage offerings have seen a lot of turnover since the Clayton opened, but we’re hoping the most recent addition has some staying power: Alteño is a Mexican restaurant focused on the foods of the Jaliscan Highlands—and it’s the latest from Michelin-starred chef Johnny Curiel.

The Crawford Hotel, Denver

Denver's Union Station exterior — The Crawford Hotel is inside Denver’s Union Station. Photo courtesy of the Crawford Hotel

The Crawford Parlour. Photo courtesy of the Crawford Hotel

Hotel room with a floral ceiling and a king-size bed — The LoDo Suite. Photo courtesy of the Crawford Hotel

bathroom with a freestanding tub — The bathroom inside the Crawford Suite. Photo courtesy of the Crawford Hotel

Swanky bar with big windows — Cooper Lounge. Photo courtesy of the Crawford Hotel

What Michelin Said: “The rooms are located on the upper floors in what used to be offices ringing the soaring 65-foot central hall. It took a massive renovation to make these spaces habitable, and the results are impressively luxurious, with nods to Victorian elegance, Art Deco swankiness, and contemporary post-industrial loft living, depending on the room type.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: The continually evolving Union Station—both the building and the neighborhood—make the Crawford an ideal recommendation for out-of-towners. They get comfortable, well-appointed rooms (beautifully refreshed in 2024), plus access to a bevy of shops and restaurants (Michelin-starred Brutø is only a six-minute walk away). And you get to keep your house to yourself.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: You could put on pants, or you could cozy up in a robe and enjoy in-room cocktails from the Cooper Lounge or have pancakes from Snooze delivered straight to your door. We know what we’d choose.

The Elizabeth Hotel, Fort Collins

The Elizabeth Hotel facade — The exterior of the Elizabeth Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Hotel

White spiral staircase — The spiral staircase in the Elizabeth’s lobby. Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Hotel

Suite with a piano, living room, kitchenette — The Elizabeth Music Suite. Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Hotel

Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows — The Sunset Lounge. Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Hotel

Two people standing on a balcony overlooking Fort Collins and the mountains — The view from the Sunset Lounge. Photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Hotel

What Michelin Said: “It’s a sign of how far Fort Collins has come that Colorado’s second university town should have a hotel in Marriott’s Autograph Collection of luxury boutique hotels.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: Channel your inner John Mayer and take advantage of the hotel’s most unique feature: a musical instrument lending library. Check out one of the guitars, ukuleles, or keyboards in the collection to use during your stay. If you’d rather leave the serenading to someone else, choose a wax from the vinyl lending library to play on the turntable provided in every room.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: Distract yourself from the Sunday Scaries by taking in the views from the rooftop Sunset Lounge, which serves high tea on select Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. You’ll sip on loose-leaf blends from neighbor Happy Lucky’s Teahouse while live jazz plays in the background.

Four Seasons Hotel Denver

A bedroom at Four Seasons Hotel Denver in Colorado — Inside one of the rooms at the Four Seasons Denver. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Denver

A bathroom at Four Seasons Hotel Denver in Colorado — A suite bathroom at the Four Seasons Denver. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Denver

A hot tub at Four Seasons Hotel Denver in Colorado — Unwind in the hot tub at Four Seasons Denver. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Denver

What Michelin Said: “The Four Seasons challenge has been maintaining its high standards while still managing to tailor the experience to the locality. The Four Seasons Denver is a case in point: From this spire-topped skyscraper, with its far-ranging views of the Rockies and the plains, it would be quite a feat if you managed to forget where you were. Rather than overdoing some old-West or mountain-lodge theme, the hotel has commissioned local artists to provide over 1,000 original sculptures and paintings to accent every room.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: As locals, we (sadly) don’t have reason to check in at the Four Seasons often. But we do find ourselves returning to its lobby eatery, Edge Restaurant & Bar. When we don’t want to splurge on a steak dinner, we swing by for a happy hour tipple or make a meal out of the sizable sides (including truffle mac and cheese).

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: Denver is sorely lacking in spas where you can actually laze away the day. The Four Seasons is the exception, with lockers that include whirlpools and steam rooms, accessible to both hotel guests and those with appointments for services valued at $150 or more. The outdoor pool and hot tub can also be enjoyed by spa guests Monday through Thursday (and by hotel guests every day).

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

A fire pit at Four Seasons Resort Vail in Colorado — An outdoor patio at Four Seasons Vail. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

The new Ski Chalet. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

Tavernetta Vail. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

The bar at Four Seasons Resort Vail in Colorado — A bar inside Four Seasons Vail. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

A bedroom at Four Seasons Resort Vail in Colorado — A suite inside Four Seasons Vail. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

A patio at Four Seasons Resort Vail in Colorado — Outdoor deck. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

Vail Ski Resort in the summer. Four Seasons Resort Vail in summer — Vail Ski Resort in the Summer. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Vail

What Michelin Said: “The Vail Village location lends a certain air of accessibility, as opposed to the mountainside fortresses currently in favor among high-end resorts—it’s not technically a ski-in/ski-out hotel, though with the expert assistance of the ski concierge staff, you’ll scarcely notice the difference, and the proximity to Vail’s considerable social life is an asset to those of a festive bent.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: Our favorite thing about a stay at Four Seasons Vail—besides the attentive service, new three-story ski chalet with a cozy lounge, and the heated pool—is that it understands the luxury of space. Mountain vacations require a lot of stuff, no matter the season. The rooms here offer plenty of, well, room to let gear air out and keep your night-on-the-town outfits separate from your sweaty slope wear.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: In addition to the spa’s glow-up and introduction of an entirely new wellness program last year, the property upped its F&B game, too, with the addition of Tavernetta Vail. Inspired by Italy’s wine windows, the restaurant’s Spritz Window (open daily between 3 and 9 p.m.) serves a menu of seasonal spritz cocktails—simply buzz to order.

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, Aspen

Hotel Jerome at night — Hotel Jerome. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Family walking into HOtel Jerome lobby — Hotel Jerome’s reception area. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Ornate lobby sitting area with leather couches and a fireplace — The lobby. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Western-style living room with a fireplace — The Living Room. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Bartender shakes a drink behind a bar — The Living Room bar. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Upscale restaurant — Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Outdoor patios with mountains in the background — The Garden. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

coffee shop with blue velvet couches — Felix Roasting Co. inside Hotel Jerome. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Outdoor pool — The pool. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

What Michelin Said: “These days it can’t quite compete on sheer luxury with some of its modern counterparts, but in terms of history and Western/Victorian atmosphere the Jerome is the clear frontrunner. Think of it as a swanky, classic city hotel, but one which just happens to be located in a picturesque smallish mountain town—and, come winter, doubles handily as a ski hotel.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: There are plenty of places to see and be seen in celeb hot spot Aspen. But there’s something special about the Jerome’s Living Room bar, which somehow makes an old-timey shooting lodge feel sophisticated and is just as in-demand for residents as it is for visitors (A-list or not).

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: As part of its 2025 room refresh, the hotel added the Garden Room. The indoor-outdoor space elegantly blends the property’s Victorian heritage (floral fabrics, antique mirrors, and high-backed chairs) with playful art accents and lush greenery. Enjoy it during breakfast, as a quiet respite for reading, or during the new après tea offering.

The Little Nell, Aspen

The exterior of the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado — Ski slopes overlook the Little Nell. Photo by Shawn O’Connor

Wine room at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado — The wine room. Photo by Dallas & Harris Photography

Food at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado — Dining options at the Little Nell. Photo by Emma Fishman

The bar at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado — The bar at the Little Nell. Photo by Gibeon Photography

Pool at the Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado — The Little Nell pool. Photo by Shawn O’Connor

What Michelin Said: “The Little Nell’s unassuming name can’t hide the fact that it might just be the finest ski hotel in the United States. Even in Aspen, a city that’s no stranger to slopeside luxury, this is, for many of its guests, the only game in town. It helps that its location, at the foot of the Silver Queen Gondola, is the very definition of ski-in/ski-out.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: The pillows. Hear us out: Yes, the rooms in Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel are spacious and cozy; Aspen Mountain is a quick walk away; and the garden-surrounded heated pool and hot tub aren’t to be missed. But in all of our global travels, the Little Nell remains one of just a handful of accommodations where the pillows were perfect—not too soft, not too plump. Can you ask for more than a good night’s rest?

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: The Little Nell understands why you’re in Aspen: to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. In the winter, the property curates an impressive lineup of activities, from exclusive first-tracks access on the ski hill to Friday snowcat rides into the backcountry. As the seasons change, so do the offerings—but they never waver in their bespoke nature.

Lumière by Dunton, Telluride

The exterior of Lumière by Dunton in winter — Lumière by Dunton. Photo courtesy of Lumière by Dunton

Living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and mountain views — The living room of a unit at Lumière. Photo courtesy of Lumière by Dunton

Open-concept living room and dining room — Inside a unit at Lumière. Photo courtesy of Lumière by Dunton

Kitchen — A kitchen inside a Lumière unit. Photo courtesy of Lumière by Dunton

White bedroom with three large windows — A bedroom inside a Lumière unit. Photo courtesy of Lumière by Dunton

Man fits a woman in a ski boot — Lumière offers in-room professional ski boot fitting. Photo courtesy of Lumière by Dunton

What Michelin Said: “Lumière with Inspirato combines boutique-hotel good looks with distinctly residential comforts, and its position in the enclave of Mountain Village affords a measure of seclusion from the town, as well as ski-in/ski-out access to the famous slopes.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: Lumière combines the privacy of a rental home with the amenities and hospitality of a luxury hotel. The 18 slopeside hotel residences and penthouses range from studios to five bedrooms—and all of them come with the opportunity for a professional, in-room ski boot fitting.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: This winter, the property is debuting an in-penthouse après-ski experience, which transforms your terrace or great room into a private lounge replete with cozy throws, a warm fire, wool slippers, a menu of cocktails and belly-warming nonalcoholic offerings, and plenty to nosh on.

Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Collection, Telluride

The Madeline Hotel & Residences. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Seating area with lamps, wood furniture, and comfy seating — The Great Room. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Wood bar with leather stools — The Timber Room bar. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Seating area in the Timber Room — The Timber Room. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Guestoom with a king bed and French doors onto a patio — A mountain view king room. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

Martini and small bites on a table — Dining options at the Timber Room. Photo courtesy of Auberge Collection

What Michelin Said: “Telluride, once the quirky cousin of the big-time Colorado resort towns, has now well and truly hit the big time itself—for evidence, look no further than the Hotel Madeline Telluride, a luxury resort that’s very much in the same league as the big five-star hotels of Aspen or Vail.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: The Madeline offers the best of both worlds: You need only step out the front doors to hit the slopes or hitch a gondola ride down into town. A massive 2021 design overhaul grounded the property with a luxurious mountain chalet feel that extends from the guest rooms to the sculpted oak bar in the Timber Room to the leather couches and vinyl collection in the new Kettle Coffee cafe.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: The heated outdoor pool and hot tubs aren’t only a balm for sore muscles after a day of schussing or hiking—they also overlook a quintessential San Juan Mountain view, so you never forget where you are.

Mollie Aspen

The bar at the Mollie Aspen in Colorado — The bar at the Mollie. Photo courtesy of the Mollie Aspen

The cafe at the Mollie Aspen in Colorado — The cafe inside the Mollie. Photo courtesy of the Mollie Aspen

The lobby at the Mollie Aspen in Colorado — The Mollie lobby. Photo courtesy of the Mollie Aspen

Escargot and a breadstick — Escargot at the forthcoming restaurant Petit Trois. Photo by Capra Photography

The dining room at the Mollie Aspen in Colorado — Dining at the Mollie. Photo courtesy of the Mollie Aspen

What Michelin Said: “There’s no rule that says a modern Colorado ski hotel has to look like a national park lodge or an Alpine chalet. And in these days of ‘quiet luxury,’ there’s nothing more quietly luxurious than the sort of Bauhaus-meets-Japanese-Scandinavian modernism on display here.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: Mollie’s hygge ambience is so inviting, we’re (almost) tempted to stay inside our rooms or the welcoming hotel lobby rather than go outside. But we can enjoy a little of both by spending time on the Roof Terrace, which is exclusively for hotel guests (except for special events). There are worse ways to spend an afternoon than lounging in the spa pool in the shadow of Aspen Mountain.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: On Saturdays, the community gathers for morning rise yoga, which is complimentary for guests. Refuel afterward with a meal at Petit Trois; the Ludo Lefebvre–led eatery is opening its first location outside of Los Angeles in December.

Populus, Denver

Populus Hotel exterior at sunrise — The Populus Hotel. Photo courtesy of Jason O’Rear

A tapestry of reishi mushroom leather hangs above a cocktail bar. — The reishi mushroom tapestry above the Pasque bar. Photo by Yoshihiro Makino

A sweeping staircase to the right and a coffee bar to the left in the Populus Hotel lobby — The Little Owl coffee bar in the lobby. Photo by Steve Hall

A hotel suite with a king bed and views of the Colorado Capitol Building. — The Capitol Studio Suite at the Populus Hotel. Photo by Yoshihiro Makino

The forest green interior of Stellar Jay, the Populus Hotel’s rooftop bar. — Stellar Jay, the Populus Hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Photo by Yoshihiro Makino

Bartender shakes a drink for a couple sitting at a bar. Through the large window, the Colorado State Capitol is visible. — Stellar Jay. Photo courtesy of Steve Hall

A light-filled foyer with cozy chairs and wood ceilings. — The second-level seating area. Photo by Yoshihiro Makino

The Populus Hotel stands at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and 14th Street. Photo by Jason O’Rear

What Michelin Said: “Colorado’s native aspen tree was the inspiration behind the striking and unique look of this modern eco-hotel, which opened in 2024. Its aim is to ‘bring nature back into our cities’ and for this it makes clever use of plenty of natural and recycled materials, as well as local flora.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: Even before its foundation was laid, the Populus was being marketed as the country’s first carbon-positive hotel. Travel—including hotels—can be pretty harmful to Mother Nature, so we love the idea of resting our heads in a spot where food scraps are converted into compost, every night of our stay translates into a tree planted, and the unique window design helps improve energy efficiency.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: The varied art collection, curated by Colorado artist Katherine Homes, includes a nature-focused mix of paintings, woodwork, textiles, and more. The giant tapestry dangling over the bar is the most jaw-dropping, especially when you learn it was made from 500 sheets of reishi mushroom leather.

Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail

The exterior of Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado — The Sonnenalp Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

The bedroom of Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado — Inside a bedroom at Sonnenalp Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

The sitting room of Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado — A living room inside Sonnenalp Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

The restaurant of Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado — Dining at Sonnenalp Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

The dining room of Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado — The dining room at Sonnenalp Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

The pool of Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado — The spa at Sonnenalp Hotel. Photo courtesy of Sonnenalp Hotel

What Michelin Said: “The idea of Bavaria in the Rockies may raise eyebrows, but it’s no gimmick—this remarkably authentic Alpine-style resort is owned by the same Faessler family that opened the original Sonnenalp hotel in Ofterschwang in the years immediately following the First World War. It’s the sort of personality that no contemporary designer could possibly fake: Almost more European than its counterparts in the Alps, it’s the perfect antidote to the commercial luxury on offer elsewhere in Vail.”

5280’s Top Reason To Visit: During your visit, don’t miss the Sonnenalp Spa. Curl up on the circular couch around the fire. Sink into the indoor or outdoor pools and Jacuzzis. Or enjoy a (literal) breath of fresh air from the oxygen bar. This Gore Creek–adjacent wellness retreat has it all, including, of course, an ample menu of facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, and nail services. You can also fully embrace the Swiss lifestyle with authentic fondue at the charming Swiss Chalet.

One Thing You Shouldn’t Miss: Guests at Sonnenalp also get access to the Sonnenalp Club in Edwards for workouts (over 50 weekly classes are available), swimming, golf, pickleball, and more.

Selected Hotels

The Michelin Guide highlighted the following 27 additional Colorado hotels as Selected, meaning they offer “high-quality” stays:

These Are the Best Hotels in Colorado, According to the Michelin Guide