Crested Butte lodging

Question

Lodging walking distance to restaurants and bars for middle of September.

We need two separate rooms.

Answer

If you’re looking to stay in Crested Butte (town) in mid-September, with lodging within walking distance of the restaurants, bars, and the heart of downtown, and you need two separate rooms, here are several highly recommended options plus some tips to help you choose and book.

Crested Butte’s historic downtown area (“town of Crested Butte”) is quite compact — many lodging properties are just a block or two from Elk Avenue, which is where most of the dining, shops, and nightlife are located.

Elk Mountain Lodge — This is a historic hotel right in the heart of downtown, just one block from Elk Avenue’s restaurants and bars.
- About 19 guest rooms.
- Features include a full breakfast, a cozy lobby with a fireplace, bike/ski storage, and a little bar.
- You’ll be very well located for walking to restaurants, galleries, and shops.
Old Town Inn — A warm, family-run inn in downtown Crested Butte.
- 33 rooms, many with two queen beds (so good flexibility if you need two rooms).
- Free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, daily housekeeping.
- Breakfast included, plus afternoon cookies and coffee/tea.
- Outdoor hot tub for relaxing after a day of hiking or walking.
- Very walkable to restaurants and bars downtown. According to the Old Town Inn site, you can really “park your car and leave it there” while you stroll in town.
Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast — A boutique B&B tucked into downtown with a luxurious, cozy feel.
- Historic-modern vibe; only six rooms, each with its own private bath.
- Gourmet breakfasts, a day spa, and a hot tub.
- Complimentary “townie” bikes in summer so you can easily cruise into town.
- Quiet and intimate, yet very close to downtown shops and restaurants.
Cristiana Guesthaus — A cozy European-style guesthouse in town.
- Located just one block north of Elk Avenue (main business district) — very walkable.
- Has a sauna, fireplace, games room, and a hot tub to unwind in.
- Serves breakfast and afternoon snacks, which is great for relaxing mornings.
- Off-street parking, bike/ski storage, Wi-Fi — very convenient for town stays.

Other considerations & tips:

Because Crested Butte is small, staying “in town” means you’ll literally be in walking distance of most restaurants, bars, and shops.
If you prefer more space or a more “homey” feel, you could also consider a vacation rental or condo in town. Crested Butte Lodging (a local property manager) has a variety of fully furnished homes and condos right in the historic town.
Since you need two separate rooms, when booking at inns (which often have limited rooms), I highly recommend making reservations well in advance. September is quite popular for hiking and fall colors, so lodging can fill up.
Ask when booking about room configuration (two queens or king + queen) to ensure both rooms suit your needs.
If parking is a concern, some downtown accommodations have limited parking, so check with each property about overnight parking policies. (Some guests on forums note that street parking can be tricky.)

My recommendation: Given your desire to be very close to town amenities: the Old Town Inn is probably the best balance of comfort, location, and value, especially with two rooms needed. But if you prefer a more boutique, quieter stay, Purple Mountain B&B or Cristiana Guesthaus are excellent and charming choices.