Thinking of taking a 3-4 day trip to Colorado in July or August. Looking for high-end, romantic, luxe/rustic mountain lodge-type accomodations with great scenery/views. Other musts are good shopping and dining. I might throw in a round of golf also, but that's not necessary. Which would be better, Aspen or Telluride (and is there a better place for value/bang-for-the-buck)? I've never been to either. Thanks!

I like the Telluride views better, but Aspen has better shopping and more to do. Aspen will be more crowded than Telluride. You'll have more choices of places to stay in and around Aspen, and it's more convenient to Denver, if you're flying in. Your best bet for bang-for-the-buck (how's that for alliteration?) will be staying at a ski lodge. I've never stayed in either town, just driven through and camped nearby. These are probably the two most expensive places in Colorado.