Gravity Haus Breckenridge, Breckenridge, Colorado

Gravity Haus Breckenridge is the coolest place to stay in Breckenridge. Part of a Colorado brand built for people who love the outdoors, it combines a modern take on the Swiss chalet with onsen-style hot tubs, a sauna and cold plunge, a serious gym and a coffee bar that locals queue for. It sits at the foot of Peak 9, a short walk from the lifts and Main Street, and it is excellent value for one of America's most popular ski towns.

Location: Breckenridge, Colorado

The hotel is at the Village at Breckenridge, at the foot of Peak 9, a few minutes' walk from the Quicksilver SuperChair and around ten minutes from the Beaver Run SuperChair. Main Street, with its restaurants, bars and Victorian shopfronts, is about a minute away on foot, and free town shuttles run nearby.

Breckenridge is one of the most popular ski resorts in Colorado, with five peaks, numbered 6 to 10, along the Tenmile Range, and one of the highest ski areas in North America, with lifts climbing to nearly 13,000 feet. The town itself was founded in the 1859 gold rush, and its Main Street is lined with colourful Victorian buildings, restaurants and bars. It is about 130 kilometres (80 miles) from Denver, usually a two-hour drive, and the altitude, with the town at around 9,600 feet, means it is worth taking the first day gently.

Rooms and suites at Gravity Haus

There are 60 rooms over four floors, from cosy doubles of around 28 square metres to larger rooms and suites sleeping up to ten, which are ideal for groups of friends. The design is clean and modern with alpine touches: pale wood, bold colours, ski-themed details and rooms with playful names.

The rooms are compact rather than lavish, but they are comfortable, well designed and practical for skiers, with space for gear. This is a hotel that wants you to spend your time out on the mountain, or down in the social spaces, rather than in your room.

Facilities at Gravity Haus

The wellness area is the highlight. Japanese onsen-inspired hot tubs, a sauna and a cold plunge are perfect for sore legs after a day on the slopes, and the gym is one of the best of any ski hotel in Colorado, with fitness classes on offer.

The coffee bar is a local favourite and the lobby lounge is a lively place to meet other guests, while Cabin Juice Eatery serves lunch and dinner and the bar has a happy hour. Gravity Haus also runs a membership programme with perks across its Colorado hotels, but you don't need to be a member to stay.

Dogs are welcome, there is covered valet parking, and the staff are known for being friendly and helpful. With guest ratings above 9 out of 10, it is one of the best-reviewed hotels in town.

The mountain moment

The Gravity Haus moment is the classic Breckenridge day done right: a flat white from the coffee bar, a short walk to the Quicksilver lift, and a morning of groomers and bowls with views of the Tenmile Range. Then it's back for a sauna, a cold plunge and a long soak in the onsen tubs, before a two-minute stroll to dinner on Main Street.

Why Gravity Haus is one of the best mountain hotels

Gravity Haus earns its place for design, atmosphere and value. It is stylish, social and fun, with excellent wellness facilities and a location that combines easy access to the lifts with Main Street on the doorstep, all at prices well below most ski hotels in Colorado. There is no pool or full spa, and the rooms are on the small side. But for active travellers who want a cool base rather than a formal luxury hotel, it is one of the best places to stay in Breckenridge.

For ski-in, ski-out condos on Peak 8, see One Ski Hill Place.

When to go to Gravity Haus

The ski season in Breckenridge usually runs from November to late April or May, thanks to its altitude, with January to March offering the most reliable snow. Early December and April are often the best value. Holiday weeks are busiest and most expensive.

In summer, Breckenridge is a superb base for hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and paddleboarding on nearby Lake Dillon, and the town hosts music and arts festivals. Gravity Haus's gym, coffee bar and hot tubs are just as welcome after a day on the trails.