DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge

Though it resembles an anonymous college dorm from the outside, once inside, this chain outpost has a cozy ski-chalet vibe -- think lots of wood, stone accents, and warm, earth tones. There are alpine touches throughout the lobby, from knotty pine wood-paneling to the handsome stone fireplace surrounded by plush armchairs and couches, and there are plenty of comfortable soft-hued places to sit throughout the hotel. The overall atmosphere is casual and a tad busy, with guests and their gear crossing the common areas before heading out to ski. There are two on-site restaurants, including 9600 Kitchen which has a laid-back, comfy vibe with an outdoor terrace, and the indoor and outdoor pools (plus hot tubs) provide more places for guests to relax after a day on the slopes. This hotel draws guests from all categories, including families, couples, and business travelers. 

The hotel is a five-minute walk from multiple chair lifts that climb Breckenridge Ski Resort's Peak Nine, and there are also many non-snow-related activities nearby, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and golf. Breckenridge’s famous Main Street, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, is a six-minute walk from the hotel or a two-minute drive by car, though the hotel also offers a free shuttle that's especially helpful during the cold winter months and high-altitude holidays. The downtown area near the river has great summer events as well. The Oxygen Bar in Breckenridge, a seven-minute walk from the hotel, is a playful (and beneficial) stop for those who are suffering the effects of altitude. Other distances include:

• Six-minute walk to Mountain Top Children's Museum.
• 10-minute walk to the Breckenridge Welcome Center.
• Three-minute drive to the Stephen C. West Ice Arena for ice skating.
• Four-minute drive to City Market grocery store.
• 10-minute drive to Breckenridge Golf Club.
• One-and-a-half hour drive from Eagle County Regional Airport.
• Two-hour drive to the Denver International Airport.

The DoubleTree's rooms have subtle mountain-lodge charms and homey decor, though they aren't the freshest we've seen from a design perspective. Rooms have subtly patterned wallpaper and carpets plus warm-tone wood furniture and chocolate brown leather headboards. Some rooms are quite compact, like the Standard Room that we visited, though other rooms are a bit larger and have contemporary couches or armchairs. A few rooms have decent mountain views and all rooms have mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and safes. The bathrooms look a bit dated, with pink-and-black granite countertops, chunky light tilework, and striped wallpaper. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and come with toiletries. Many guests have complained about elevator access to higher-floor rooms, as it requires changing elevators along the way. Also, air-conditioners are the portable variety that run via tubing to the windows, which cannot otherwise be opened. Guests have complained of interior noise as well.

For a mountain hotel there are several aquatic activities on offer here, including an indoor and seasonal outdoor pool, multiple indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a sauna. There are two restaurants on site: Made Market, which offers a la carte meals all day, and 9600 Kitchen and Bar, which serves breakfast and dinner as well as cocktails. Breakfast is not included with most bookings. The hotel is dog- and kid-friendly, offering babysitting and children’s menus, though there are restrictions and fees for pets. It also has a spacious fitness center with enough floor space to stretch or do abdominal exercises, plus modern cardio and pulley equipment. There is 9,000 square feet of conference space on-site with a business center and ballroom. The hotel offers a free shuttle to Main Street and provides a free Ski Valet service, where guests' skis will be dropped off and picked up slope side. Ski equipment is also available for rent on site, as are bikes during warmer months. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but valet parking incurs fees.