Gunnison or Crested butte
 

Still trying to plan this trip, leaving next week and still not sure where we want to stay for part of trip. Going from Durango to Ouray and staying one night there but dont know where to go from there. Is there anything interesting in Gunnison or should we try for Crested Butte. Not many hotels available at this time there. WE want to stay somewhere with pretty views if possible.

You can not compare Gunnison to Crested Butte. If at all possible, go to Crested Butte. It is lovely - perhaps my favorite town in Colorado.

To try to compare the two towns:
Gunnison sits on flat land, is more a ranching community with some college influence;
Crested Butte is a ski town, Victorian-influenced architecture, sits at the base of the mountain.
It's about 30- 45 minute drive between the two. Crested Butte is prettier for mountain views, Gunnison probably less expensive for lodging.

We do an art show in Crested Butte every year and stay at the Nordic Inn - it's a great place with nice views. Totally agree with other posters - no comparison, Crested Butte is gorgeous! Try to do a raft trip...I think it's the Taylor River? Anyway, it was lots of fun!

Definitely stay in Crested Butte. I am so jealous. My parents say it is wonderful up there right now. You should be there right during the middle of the Wildflower Festival.
I have no suggestions on where to stay, but Crested Butte has tons of charm and is quintessential colorado ski town, but even better in the summer while Gunnison seems brown, dry and dusty to me.

definitely try for a trip down a river. We love to fly fish the Gunnison river. Give Dragonfly Anglers in CB a call or Call Three Rivers in Almont. They do both rafting and fishing trips. Almont is a town in the bend of the road halfway between Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Some places (like the Sheraton) right on the mountain are opened for summer, at times. And condos. But don't go up to Crested at any time of year without reservations.

Thanks for the info. Crested Butte it is. Nordic Inn is booked but Grand Lodge has rooms. Anyone stayed there?

We stay at the Grand Lodge every year in January. No complaints.