Colorado’s First Pod Hotel Is Coming to Avon

What do you get when you cross a hostel with a tiny house? No, this is not a joke—Cohabit Pod Hotel might be the answer. Opening Friday, January 31, in Avon, this new hotel can accommodate 56 guests in 28 pods. Geared toward folks who would rather spend their time outdoors and their cash on après, owners Carryn and Bret Burton are looking to provide the social elements of a hostel and the comfort and privacy of a boutique hotel at an attractive price point.

With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and real estate in the Vail area, the Burtons realized there was a need for a different type of short-term rental in the area, something between couch surfing and the Ritz-Carlton.

“That’s how Cohabit was born,” says Carryn Burton. “We want to provide something affordable, great customer service, something for everybody to enjoy the mountains.”

Burton said the couple enjoyed staying in hostels while traveling, but always opted for a private room because “who likes to sleep in a huge room with 20 bunk beds in it? You need privacy.”

After seeing the capsule hotels in Japan, the Burtons started thinking about bringing the concept to Colorado. They found an ideal location: The 7,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of Chapel Square in Avon had an open floor plan perfect for pods.

Working with a tiny home builder located in Lakewood, the Burtons designed self-contained, locking pods that fit a pair of bunk beds. They outfitted them with reading lights, power outlets, comfortable memory foam mattresses, and luxury linens and towels. Eco-friendly insulation (made from recycled denim) reduces noise and a custom-engineered ventilation system provides airflow. Guests can utilize free lockers to store luggage; free, secured ski and snowboard storage is also available. The shared shower suites provide privacy and comfort with sleek, modern finishes (toiletries and towels are provided).

Cohabit Pod Hotel is one solution for those who simply want a comfy space to lay their heads after a full day in the mountains. The front door has a keypad and the pods are equipped with smart lock doors, allowing guests to check-in at their convenience with a mobile device if you’re arriving before or after the front desk hours.

But the Burtons didn’t want to lose the community feel that is present in most hostels. A crackling fireplace welcomes guests in the lobby at check-in and a communal lounge features expansive windows with views of Beaver Creek Resort and plenty of natural light. The corrugated metal wainscoting and polished concrete floor imparts a modern aesthetic while the comfy couches and cozy seating areas keep the vibe welcoming.

Cohabit also provides free high-speed wifi, a coffee bar, and the Burtons have plans for a wine/beer bar in the future. Unlike a traditional hostel, there are no kitchen facilities, but there is a City Market grocery store and several bars and restaurants within walking distance. There’s free on-site parking, too.

If you’re looking to spend a lot of time in your room (and who does when they’re in the mountains?), then Cohabit might not be for you. But if you just need a comfortable bed (sans snoring neighbors) at an affordable price in a notoriously expensive resort area, this unique accommodation may be your new favorite spot to cohabitate in the mountains.

If you go: Rates start at $100 per pod. Cohabit Pod Hotel, 240 Chapel Place, Avon. 248-797-4290