Where to Stay in Telluride (Best Places & Areas)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Telluride

Telluride is set within a box canyon, surrounded by picturesque views. Downtown is very centralized, with most things to do on Colorado Avenue and the adjacent Pacific Avenue. 

A couple of blocks south of Pacific Avenue, you’ll find several accommodations along the San Miguel River. This area also features two chair lifts and the Telluride gondola, which leads to more slopeside lodging in Mountain Village. These luxury hotels are complemented by upscale eateries, galleries, and shops.

The east end of Telluride also features lavish accommodations, but these are better suited for large groups. Think mountain estates that sleep 10+ guests, perfect for family reunions and weddings. 

Downtown Telluride

👉 Best Area For Affordability & Entertainment | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: The Hotel Telluride • The Victorian Inn • Dunton Town House

Downtown Telluride is centrally located and highly walkable — and though not particularly cheap, it’s also the area’s most affordable option. Here, you’ll find The Victorian Inn, our top-recommended budget hotel featuring an outdoor hot tub and sauna.  

For more luxurious accommodations, check out The Hotel Telluride. Its overnight guests can enjoy a full-service spa, a complimentary ski shuttle, and more lavish perks.

There are a wide variety of bars and restaurants to choose from on Colorado Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and their side streets. Many of the Victorian buildings have also been converted into shops and art galleries. Telluride’s iconic ski resort is also within walking distance of downtown.

Pros of Staying Downtown:

• Budget and luxury hotel options
• Highly walkable 
• Restaurants, shopping, and more nearby entertainment
• Closest area to Telluride Regional Airport

Cons of Staying Downtown:

• Significant vehicle and foot traffic 
• Parking may be limited 

Telluride Gondola Station

👉 Best Area For Ski Resort Access | ✨ Best Telluride Gondola Station Hotels: Camel’s Garden Hotel & Condominiums • Ice House Suites and Condominiums • The Telluride Townhouse

Telluride is home to one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. The surrounding San Juan Mountains and the après ski scene are what draw many travelers during the winter months. Fortunately, there are plenty of lodging options right next to the lifts.

Ski in and out from Camel’s Garden Hotel & Condominiums, which is located right next to the free gondola. Equipment rentals and storage are among its many parks. The hotel also offers an outdoor hot tub, rooms with fireplaces and private balconies, plus more modern amenities. Downtown attractions are just a quick walk away.

Pros of Staying near Telluride Gondola Station:

• Several lodging options 
• Excellent location near the ski slopes
• Easy access to outdoor activities
• Short walk to the downtown area

Cons of Staying near Telluride Gondola Station:

• Significant foot traffic 
• Few budget-friendly accommodations  

Mountain Village

👉 Best Area For Luxury Accommodations | ✨ Best Mountain Village Hotels: Lumière with Inspirato • Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection • The Peaks Resort & Spa

Luxury travelers, look no further than Telluride’s Mountain Village. Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, this area is absolutely breathtaking. Views amaze, as does the village itself. Here, you’ll find some of the most impressive hotels in Telluride.

Lumière with Inspirato is the region’s most extravagant stay. This ski-in, ski-out hotel features spa services, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar. Its on-site restaurant is just one of many nearby options for dining. Outdoor apparel shops and fine art galleries also make up the Mountain Village Core. 

In and around this main depot, you’ll find endless outdoor recreation. Just outside Madeline Hotel & Residences lies an ice rink and rental services. Obviously, skiing and snowboarding are other winter pastimes. In summer, Mountain Village visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, disc golf, and more. 

Pros of Staying in Mountain Village:

• Luxurious accommodations and amenities 
• Easy access to skiing, mountain biking, and more outdoor activities
• Several dining options and shops 
• Panoramic scenery

Cons of Staying in Mountain Village:

• The average hotel and eatery are more expensive than in other areas 
• Mountain Village is more-so secluded from downtown attractions 

Eastern Telluride

👉 Best Area For Large Groups | ✨ Best Eastern Telluride Hotels: Modern Mountain Residence • Telluride Riverfront Home • East End Estate

If you’re planning a family reunion, wedding, or another large group gathering, the east end of Telluride is a great place to stay. These estates are stunning, having large properties and upscale amenities. 

For example, this Modern Mountain Residence features a wrap-around porch, stone fireplace, and game room. It sleeps up to 12 guests in 5 spacious rooms, each offering lovely mountain views. 

Accommodations in eastern Telluride are found along East Highway 145 Spur. Most are roughly two miles from the downtown area but feel quite secluded. Especially in the winter, this highway doesn’t experience much traffic. 

However, you may see some vehicle traffic in the summer months, as this highway leads to key Telluride attractions. These include Black Bear Pass and Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado. 

Pros of Staying in Eastern Telluride:

• Large, luxurious estates for group gatherings 
• Private parking, spacious rooms, and upscale amenities 
• Stunning scenery 
• Near key outdoor attractions 

Cons of Staying in Eastern Telluride:

• The average price for these estates is high, around $1500 per night
• A vehicle is necessary (potentially with 4WD in the winter) 
• Nearest restaurants and bars are downtown 

Tips for Staying in Telluride

Become Familiar with Flight Options

Telluride is one of the best places to visit in Colorado, but many travelers don’t realize it’s in a relatively remote location. The town is set within a box canyon, far from any metropolitan city. 

Fortunately, there’s the Telluride Regional Airport. This commercial airport has non-stop direct flights from Phoenix and Denver. Both of these major airports service a range of domestic and international flights. 

Consider Taking a Road Trip

Rather than flying, there’s also the option of renting a car in Denver and taking a road trip to Telluride. There are several routes to consider, which are all similar in drive time and mileage. Plan for 6 – 7 hours and roughly 360 miles one-way.

You can drive I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction, then south to Telluride. There’s also the option to take U.S. Route 285 south, then veer west on U.S. Route 50. Your third option is similar, which follows I-25 to Penrose, then Route 50 to your destination. 

Each of these road trips offers unique attractions. You can stop in mountain towns, national parks, hot springs, and more while on your way to Telluride. 

🚙 Need a Vehicle? Compare agencies and get the best deal by renting through Discover Cars. Or for a unique experience, consider booking an RV through Outdoorsy! 

Choose Your Own Adventure

Telluride is an eclectic town, welcoming both ski bums and luxury travelers. You can absolutely take an affordable vacation to Telluride, so long as you love the outdoors. Many natural attractions are within walking distance of downtown and via a quick ride on the free gondola. There are budget stays like The Victorian Inn, as well as camping near the area. 

Simultaneously, this mountain town is undeniably bougie. Estates in Telluride’s east end and some hotels like Lumière with Inspirato can cost more than a grand per night. Fine dining establishments also wow wealthy guests, like Allred’s and Alpino Vino. 

Explore the Outdoors

Whether you claim an affluent or affordable lifestyle, get outside when visiting Telluride. In all seasons, there are adventures to be had in and around the area. 

Telluride Ski Resort, one of the top ski areas in Colorado, is obviously a popular winter destination. There are also ice rinks, snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, and some of the state’s best hot springs nearby. 

In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, and fly fishing. There are also adrenaline-pumping tours like rafting on the San Miguel River and climbing the Telluride Via Ferrata.   

Pack Like a Pro

Here are a few important tips: dress in layers, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen. Telluride is set at 8,750 feet above sea level, causing temperatures to drastically fluctuate throughout the day. Along with that, the climate is relatively dry and the sun’s rays are extra intense. 

See my Colorado packing list for a local’s advice on what to bring on your travels! 

FAQs About Places to Stay in Telluride

Is Telluride a walkable town?

Telluride is a walkable town. If staying downtown or at the base of the ski area, nearly all key attractions are within walking distance. More activities can be accessed by riding the free gondola to Mountain Village. That area, too, is highly walkable. 

What is the difference between Mountain Village and Telluride?

Price is the key difference between Mountain Village and Telluride. Mountain Village is known for its variety of upscale hotels and eateries. Telluride, on the other hand, features lodging and activities for a variety of budgets.

Accessibility is another major difference between the two areas. It’s faster to reach the majority of attractions if staying in Telluride. Mountain Village requires a gondola ride to access many popular things to do. However, this isn’t too burdensome, as the connecting gondola is free and operates from 6:30 am to midnight. 

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I hope this guide helped you plan your next adventure! For more insights, see my list of things to do in Telluride next. Safe travels and enjoy your visit.