There’s glitz, there’s glam, and even an aerial tram — but Aspen isn’t just full of diamond-studded millionaires with Michael Kors handbags.
There’s hippie coffee shops and dive bars and outdoor enthusiasts roaming the streets and the surrounding mountains. There’s even a Magic Mushroom House — although, to be fair, the architect said he got inspiration from a nautilus shell, not from hallucinogens.
Aspen might be known for its rich taste — we mean wealth in this case, not chocolate — but it’s also home to some of the most down-to-earth people Colorado has to offer. Whether you’re visiting Aspen for the first time, a repeat customer, or here for an extended stay, you’ll find the perfect airbnb in the list below.
Related Read: 10 Tiny House Rentals in Colorado
1. Serene Riverfront Retreat
Why you should stay: those meditation apps will finally come in handy.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $322/night
The walls ooze with relaxation in this comfortable, secluded condo. Start your day on the breakfast bar sipping your favorite morning drink whether it be calming tea, strong espresso, or a hefty Bloody Mary (we don’t judge).
After a full day adventuring around town and the surrounding mountains, snuggle up with a good book on the fur-lined chair next to the fireplace. When night falls, view the stars on the deck overhanging the Roaring Fork River with your cocktail of choice and then fall into the large king bed for the most restful sleep.
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2. Ski-in/out Mountain Condo
Why you should stay: literally the largest refrigerator we’ve ever seen.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum Stay: 5 nights
- Rates from: $1050/night
Got kids who get bored with pretty much any vacation you’ve ever taken them on? Yeah, we thought so. Bring them to the ideal mountain retreat that will suit any child’s needs: from toddler to teenager! Included in your stay is a bunk room fit for even the tallest of adults (the twin beds are extra-long) and a gaming console to satisfy those who would rather stay inside than romp around on the slopes.
But if slopes are what you’re after, store all your gear in the enormous mudroom as you walk into your stay. Make sure to grab a farm to table dinner at Elk Camp before you leave (psst, they have a kid’s menu!).
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 12 Extraordinary Cabin Rentals in Colorado
3. Luxurious Mountain Home
Why you should stay: blare those Mary J. Blige tunes with the in-home sound system throughout — or maybe The Greatest Showman Soundtrack? No judging here.
- Sleeps: 16
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $3600/night
Feel as if you’re walking into a Victorian castle with this spectacular home’s vaulted ceilings, classy wallpaper, and faux fur accents. No need to BYOB here — craft up a fancy cocktail from the bar cart shared by your generous hosts. Or perhaps practice your culinary skills in the stunning kitchen, but it’s definitely BYO chef.
Live like the king (or queen!) you know you are flop into any of the lounge chairs found in almost every room, including a bright lime green one found in the master walk-in closet. Oh, and there’s a private hot tub.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Relaxing Cabin Rentals in Breckenridge, Colorado
4. Romantic Downtown Loft
Why you should stay: the bathroom is simply divine.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 5 nights
- Rates from: $650/night
Located in the heart of downtown Aspen, you’ll feel as if you’re miles away from any civilization in this romantic setting.
Warmth and coziness abound throughout the home where three is most definitely a crowd. The soaking tub sit at the foot of the bed — that’s right, the bed, so take your love affair from the tub to the mattress in one swift motion without batting an eye. If a tryst is what you’re after, this is the place for you.
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5. A Hidden Gem for Vacationing Friends
Why you should stay: no need for a car — steps away from the slopes and downtown’s amenities.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $540/night
You cannot beat this secret condo situated in plain sight next to Shadow Mountain Lift — or as the locals call it: Lift 1A — where the lines aren’t nearly as long as the more popular Silver Queen Gondola.
If you’re visiting in the off-season (aka non-winter), the hiking trails on Aspen Mountain are just a stroll away. But if the homebody life is more your style, this home has everything you’ll need including a communal, heated outdoor pool.
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6. The Alm Haus
Why you should stay: a private oasis with a private hot tub
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $395/night
It’s not often you find a place to stay in Aspen that doesn’t share a wall with another home, let alone having it be less than $400 per night. The Alm Haus is as unique as they come including floor to ceiling (it’s vaulted by the way!) wood walls — a true mountain cabin.
Plus, another thing it’s got going for it that you don’t often see with other vacation stays in Aspen: it’s pet-friendly! So bring Miss Pickles because she won’t want to miss the endless scents in the backyard. Yep, that’s right! You have an entire backyard to yourself too. We’ll wait while you bring your jaw up off the ground.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Exhilarating Things to Do in Aspen in the Summer
Plan Your Trip to Aspen, Colorado
There is something to do in Aspen for every personality out there. Check out these must-do recommendations!
- Make sure to download The Downtowner app which offers free electric vehicle rides around downtown Aspen.
- Grab your skis and pride flag for one of Aspen’s most famed traditions: Gay Ski Week – the longest running week-long ski even in the nation.
- If you’ve brought the family along, make sure to check out Aspen Center for Environmental Studies where kids can take a variety of programs including explorer photography and snowshoeing. Then head to the Pitkin County Library for storytime.
- If adventure is what you’re after, backpack the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to get from Aspen to Crested Butte and back!
- Or simply take the shuttle to the famed Maroon Bells known to be the most photographed peaks in the entire United States.
- If the more obscure is what you’re after, check out the almost-Aspen mayor and renowned author, Hunter S. Thompson’s shrine on Snowmass mountain.
- Take a scenic walk through one of Aspen’s famed artists (musically in this case) at the John Denver Sanctuary.
- No need to break the bank when shopping the iconic Aspen stores. Instead, head on over to The Thrift Shop which has been opened since 1949 and well-known among the locals.
- You won’t be able to beat the Happy Hour at Zane’s Tavern – $0.50 wings and $7 pitchers of beer. Your après ski game will be spot on!
Related read: 9 Picturesque Campgrounds Near Aspen, Colorado
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Seen in: Colorado, Rockies, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Colorado