Travel
Flight
Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is one of the closest large airports to Crested Butte. But be prepared for a bit of a drive, although beautifully scenic and well worth the time if chosen. Alternately, flights to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport ( smaller Regional Airport) can be arranged and allows for only a 35-minute drive to Crested Butte over a well-maintained county highway. From Denver, there are three main routes to take: 1) Interstate 70 to Copper Mountain, then SR 91 to Leadville, then US 24 to Buena Vista, then SR 306 over Cottonwood Pass (elev. 12,126 ft) to Almont, then CR 135 to Crested Butte. Estimated drive time is 4 hrs 16 minutes. We did not travel the portion of this route from Denver to Buena Vista, but did travel from Buena Vista over Cottonwood Pass (elev. 12,126 ft) to Almont and then Crested Butte, which was very beautiful. The route from Copper Mountain to Buena Vista is said to be as scenic. Note the Cottonwood Pass is closed to traffic in winter / late spring snows. 2) Interstate 70 to US285, US285 to Buena Vista, then SR 306 over Cotton Pass (elev. 12,126 ft) to Almont, the CR 135 to Crested Butte. Estimated drive time is 4 hrs 19 minutes and voted the most scenic by us. This is the route we took into Crested Butte. Note the Cottonwood pass is closed to traffic in winter / late spring snows. 3) Interstate 70 to US 285, then US 285 to Poncha Springs, Then US 50 over Monarch Pass (elev 11,312 ft) to Gunnison, then CR 135 to Crested Butte. Estimated drive time is 4hrs 24 minutes. A very scenic route but less so than over Cottonwood Pass; however, it is a better route to travel if snowy conditions exist. Note the Monarch Pass is open to traffic in winter / late spring snows except very heavy snow until plowing has been completed.
Flight
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport
The closest airport to Crested Butte is the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, which is only 30 minutes from CB. The flights will be more expensive, but will minimize any possible snow-related travel issues. And we can arrange to have you picked up, so no need to rent a car. If you stay downtown and don't plan on traveling elsewhere, this may be a good option for you.
Hotel
Elevation Hotel & Spa
If you like a more "ski resort" vibe, then the Elevation Hotel may be right for you. It has a modern feel to it, with a large modern fireplace and bar in its spacious lobby. There are also spa services, a fitness room, a separate lounge, bike rentals and the Jose Crested Butte restuarant. There is a separate parking and resort fee.
Hotel
Elk Mountain Lodge
If you're looking for old-world character and history, then the Elk Mountain Lodge was one of our favorite places. Built in 1919 as a miner's hotel, the lodge has a touch of the past with modern conveniences. There is a authentic feel and elegance finish of the common lobby, bar and sun room. The renovated hotel also offers a complimentary full breakfast (not just muffins -- think quiche) and 19 guest rooms. The top floors all have balconies.
Hotel
Cristiana Guesthaus
This is another downtown hotel with character, modeled as a European style lodge. It's a cozy family run bed and breakfast lodge built in the 1960s. It has a casual environment with a large stone fireplace, and its lobby is very inviting with games, puzzles and cards for you to enjoy. Cookies are always served in the afternoon!