The area surrounding Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado’s Vail Valley is a prime destination no matter the season. You may think of Beaver Creek only as a snow globe and winter paradise, which it certainly is, but there is even more fun to be had during the summer months. World-class hiking, mountain biking, rafting, golf and tennis meet incredible dining, all with the relaxed mountain atmosphere locals and tourists alike are so fond of.
Who wouldn’t want to plan a getaway to the mountains? The trouble is, these prestigious mountain vacation towns can come with an enormous price tag. Top-of-the-line resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa boast incredible accommodations with breathtaking amenities. The truth is, not everyone is willing or able to spend a small fortune on a weekend getaway. For those in search of quality and a great value, we’re here to break down your affordable lodging options near Beaver Creek.
We identified 3 main parameters to focus on: affordability, walkability, and amenities. Each hotel was rated on a 1-10 scale for each parameter.
Affordability
First and foremost, you need a hotel you will love but can afford to stay in. Locations with average summer room rates of $250 or more have been excluded.
Walkability
“A measure of how friendly an area is to walk to restaurants and other attractions”. We took into account how many and what kind of businesses or attractions you can access without a car. This includes parks, restaurants, and entertainment.
Amenities
These are the “extras” beyond your hotel room including pool, equipment rentals, gym, spa etc.
Comfort Inn, Avon
Affordability: 9
The Comfort Inn takes the #1 spot on our list for Affordability. Almost any day in the summer, you can count on them to offer a rate in the low to mid 100’s. The rooms are basic but comfortable and you generally won’t beat the price. This is a great place to stay if you don’t mind out-of-date accommodations.
Walkability: 8
Located in the town center of Avon, you will rarely need a car to get around. Since this is more of a residential town and less of a tourist area, a mix of business exist. Avon isn’t necessarily a “cute” town with a centralized shopping area, but it has everything you need. Within 2-15 minutes, there is a grocery store, multiple sporting goods store, tons of great restaurants, a bike rental shop, a bank, Walgreens, basically everything you need without much fuss. Heavy traffic, however, can make walking dangerous at times. The Avon town bus stops just outside the Comfort Inn’s doors.
You can also take a quick trip to the beautiful Nottingham Park. There are huge lawns with space for a game of catch or soccer, sand volleyball courts along the beach, paddleboard rentals, grills, and walking paths. You will be treated to a lovely view of Beaver Creek Mountain as well. This is a popular hangout spot for locals who you will see making their way down the path via foot, skateboard, bike, and even scooter. This recreation path connects all the surrounding towns.
Amenities: 6
The Comfort Inn provides a basic breakfast daily and it includes a make-your-own waffle station. Breakfast is included in your room rate so you have one less thing to worry about before you get on your way exploring Colorado.
There is also a small outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxing in after a long day.
In-room amenities include wifi, coffee, microwave, and refrigerator.
This hotel is pet friendly for an additional charge.
Christie Lodge, Avon
Affordability: 7
You can enjoy all the Vail Valley has to offer at a significantly lower price than the upscale hotels in Vail or Beaver Creek proper. Summer prices are in the mid 100’s to low 200’s.
Walkability: 8
The Christie Lodge in Avon is just across the street from the Comfort Inn Avon and boasts the same great walkability. It is a bit closer to shopping and a bit farther from Nottingham Park.
Amenities: 6
If you want hot tubs and pools, The Christie Lodge boasts plenty. With 3 hot tubs and a pool indoors, plus a pool and hot tub outdoors, you can spend a whole evening hopping from one to the other. There is also a kids center with a ping pong table and Nintendo Wii, plus a fitness center for the adults. Amenities are plentiful, although the property is due for a fresh décor update.
The Inn at Riverwalk, Edwards
Affordability: 7
This locally owned and operated boutique hotel is not the cheapest option you will find, but it presents an excellent value. The Inn at Riverwalk satisfies the traveler interested in a moderately priced accommodation that still presents a high level of service, great amenities, and a beautiful room. Keep an eye out for packages like Stay 3 Nights, Get 15% Off. Those who plan to stay for a few weeks should ask about long-stay discounts and residential condominium pricing. Prices are generally in the mid 100’s to low 200’s.
Walkability: 10
Locations don’t get better than this. The Inn at Riverwalk is located in Riverwalk in Edwards. That means restaurants, shops, bars, a movie theater, a market, yoga studios, an art center, and a small amphitheater which presents free music in the summer, are all at your fingertips. The recreation path picks up directly behind the hotel and an off-leash dog park is a 7-minute walk. If you need to head somewhere else in the valley, the local bus picks up directly in front of the Riverwalk.
Amenities: 8
The Inn at Riverwalk boasts the most robust portfolio of amenities on our list. You will be treated to some resort-level amenities at a fraction of the cost. This entire property underwent a 3 million dollar renovation in 2017, and it shows. No surface was left untouched and amenities were seriously upgraded.
An outdoor heated pool and hot tub sits close to the recreation path and river. Don’t forget to get some pool toys for the kids from the Gear Garage. There are also bikes for all ages, board games, a polaroid camera, and even a GoPro to check out. The fitness center has the best view in all the area and is filled with brand new Technogym equipment. The lobby has an excellent Lavazza coffee bar and a trail mix station perfect for a morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up.
In-room amenities include wifi, a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
While the hotel doesn’t operate a restaurant, you need only walk a few steps to a number of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and a local market.
This hotel is pet friendly for an additional charge.
Seasonal ski shuttle available to Arrowhead and Beaver Creek Landing.
The Rundown
The Vail Valley has long been known as a destination for the elite. While this is partly true, there is no need to be discouraged by the concentration of expensive hotels. There are some amazing deals to be found here year-round.
Summers in the Vail Valley boast every outdoor activity you can fathom, plus concerts and festivals galore. Come for a visit. You won’t be disappointed!