My family and I (wife and two teenagers) have vacationed in Colo in the summer in Aspen, Vail, and Telluride (have also been in Park City, which we enjoyed (less so at Telluride). I have heard good thinks about Steamboat but I know nothing about it. Would I find it more like Aspen/Vail/Telluride/Park City or more like Estes Park/Breckenridge. We hated Estes Park.
We like to stay in Condo hotels that offer two bedroom suites and have a pool, such as the Mountain Lodge in Telluride or the Westgage in Park City. Are there places like that in Steamboat. Thank you for your comments

Hello,

I answered a post a day or two ago titled Colorado In July. In it, I discussed a place we stayed a couple of years ago. If you would click on my name, it should bring that post up. Otherwise, click on Colorado in the right-hand list and look for that post.

I really prefer Steamboat Springs to many other Colorado locations. It is a "real" town, but not without tourists. I don't like Estes Park either. I do like Vail and Aspen, but they do have a different feel to them. Go on Steamboat's web site and check out their info for things to do.

.

.

If you disliked Estes because it was too touristy, you can easily find places in and near Steamboat that might appeal to you because they are away from the crowds. There's plenty of open space around Steamboat where you can find a more authentic, old west Colorado experience. It's like Aspen in that respect.

Steamboat is beautiful in the summer. There's lots to do, but also enough country that you can find total peace and quiet. It sounds like you know what you want, and I think you can find it in Steamboat.


You can get any type of housing you want in Steamboat Springs and vicinity. I'm sorry I don't know the names of the best condo/suites hotels, but I imagine you can find them easily enough. What about a luxurious ranch-type setting?

Have fun planning.
>-

Thank you Maureen and Linda

It has been awhile since I have been to Steamboat, but we found a condo through Steamboat Resorts. You may want to contact them directly since you are looking for condos that are comparable to places in Telluride & Park City.

http://www.steamboatresorts.com/lodg...dging.name.asp

Steamboat does have a different feel, like GJLinda mentioned, than Aspen or Vail. I don't like Estes Park, I like Steamboat, but I like Aspen and Telluride more than Steamboat. I know that doesn't help with your decision, but it is hard to make comparisons when each town is unique in its own way.

The impression I am getting (and I could be incorrect)is that Steamboat is similar to Telluride only much less upscale than Telluride. It also seems to be less touristy than any of the towns I mentioned.

I couldn't compare Steamboat Springs and Telluride in terms of one or the other being "upscale".

Steamboat prides itself on its old west attitude, and Telluride does, too. The biggest difference might be in the ranching heritage of Steamboat with its low-slung architecture and open country, vs. the mining heritage of Telluride, with its river canyon and its Victorian styles. Both are great towns.

What didn't you like about Telluride?
>-

They rolled the sidewalks up by 8:00P.M. Aspen/Vail and Park City had many more restauarnts to choose from and were more upbeat

mrt, well, that's a good question about Steamboat, and whether or not it closes up early at night. Maybe someone can tell you who has been there recently in the summer--??

Although, I think Aspen shuts down around early. that time of year, too. It's off-season and many places are half-staffed that time of year. Good buys on skiwear, that's for sure!
>-

As summer nears I am getting more serious about my trip. Any other helpful information?

We have had such wonderful family vacations in steamboat in the summer. This year we went on the fourth of July and took everyone to the town parade, then the rodeo and watched the fireworks. One day we went to the hot air balloon festival followed by the art festival in the park. One day rent tubes and go tubing down the Yampa river and follow that with the hot springs (Strawberry). Rent a home from www.vrbo.com and plan on cooking since the restaurants are expensive and nothing to write home about. If you want bring bikes and ride along the paved trail next to the river. Check the chamber of commerce to get the dates correct and have a great time!

Steamboat is great. I recommend Spring or early Summer.

Loads of construction this fall, hopefully it will end by the time you go, in the summer.