No matter the season, Travel + Leisure readers can’t get enough of the Centennial State’s majestic mountain scenery. Resorts here celebrate nature at every turn, from their activities (whitewater rafting, snowmobiling) to their designs (outdoor fire pits, floor-to-ceiling windows). Winning resorts in vacation hubs like Vail, Aspen, and Telluride provide easy access to the slopes in winter and hiking or biking trails come warm weather. Reliable, high-touch hospitality takes stays at these resorts over the top.
-
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
Auberge Resorts Collection
What Readers Loved
The resorts that T+L loved most capitalize on Colorado’s all-season appeal and deliver impeccably attentive service. In many cases, that means finding a variety of thoughtful ways to immerse guests in the outdoors. At No. 4 Sonnenalp Hotel, the staff excels in organizing nature walks or snowshoeing excursions for the whole family. “Pure magic,” says one WBA voter about their stay. In addition to more common sporty pursuits like rafting and rock climbing, the Broadmoor (No. 6) in Colorado Springs also maintains a falconry program that offers beginner and intermediate lessons with owls, hawks, and falcons.
But the charm of Colorado’s mountain towns isn’t lost on WBA voters either. Four properties are located in Aspen amid its world-class art and dining scenes. Some of the town’s best restaurants are situated within walking distance of The Little Nell (No. 7) and its 92 rooms and suites. “You can’t go wrong staying here,” shares one reader. “It’s beautiful and the staff is incredible. Easy access to the mountain if you want to see and great to come down and apres. Great people watching and can easily walk over to the Snow Lodge for a winter day party.”
This year’s No. 1, located in Telluride, rises from its runner-up spot last year by offering a little bit of everything.
The Winner
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection: Telluride, Colorado
Auberge Resorts Collection
Flanked by spectacular “14ers,” this mountain-chic escape impresses with its refined style as much as its ability to put a luxe spin on classic alpine entertainment. Common areas and all of the 153 rooms and suites lean into a sophisticated chalet aesthetic with a mix of soothing neutral hues, jewel-toned accents, and a judicious use of Western motifs. To get out into the wilderness, guests have their pick of adventurous excursions. You might brave the Via Ferrata, hop on a 4×4 for a backcountry drive, paddleboard across the still waters of Trout or Wild Boy lakes, or trek into Box Canyon for a guided hike and tea ceremony. Back at the resort, there are plenty of low-key options, including private art classes, alfresco s’mores, and Alphorn music. “Best-in-class hotel,” says one voter. “Service, location, views, amenities, and food. We have been coming here for 10 years, and they continue to elevate their customer experience.”
T+L Reader
Best-in-class hotel. Service, location, views, amenities, and food. We have been coming here for 10 years, and they continue to elevate their customer experience.
— T+L Reader
The Full List
1. Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection: Telluride, Colorado
Reader Score: 97.83
2. Limelight Snowmass: Snowmass Village, Colorado
Reader Score: 95.75
3. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 95.61
4. Sonnenalp Hotel: Vail, Colorado
Reader Score: 94.40
5. Viceroy Snowmass: Snowmass Village, Colorado
Reader Score: 93.78
6. The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Reader Score: 92.24
7. The Little Nell: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 91.69
8. Limelight Aspen: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 91.11
9. The St. Regis Aspen Resort: Aspen, Colorado
Reader Score: 90.50
10. C Lazy U Ranch: Granby, Colorado
Reader Score: 89.78
https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-resorts-colorado-11739204