Grand Timber Lodge

Tall stone columns support a huge wooden carport at the entrance of the Grand Timber Lodge. However, despite its timber-frame construction, it lacks authenticity; essentially, it's a time-share condo property dressed up as a sprawling mountain lodge. The lobby has stone tiled floors and a dark, narrow reception area that doesn't take advantage of the views. The grounds, however,  are the real deal, with flower gardens between each building and a dramatic wooded landscape in every direction.

Tucked into the tree line between Peaks 8 and 9 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort, the Grand Timber Lodge has ski-in, ski-out access to the Snowflake Chairlift and Beaver Run SuperChair. The immediate area is a quiet residential neighborhood surrounded by condominiums and other hotels. The Riverwalk Event Center, which hosts concerts throughout the year, is about a 14-minute walk downhill. The bustling Main Street is just a couple minutes farther, filled with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. It's about an hour and a half to two hours from Denver International Airport by car or shuttle. 

The hotel has 157 studio and one- to three-bedroom condos, may of which are time-share rentals. The decor is dated, but not beyond what is acceptable for a mid-range property. Heavy wooden furniture and wildlife artwork add a touch of mountain flair, though most of the furnishings are generic. Studio units are on the small side, but have kitchenettes that pack in coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, two-burner stoves, and mini-dishwashers. Sitting areas have sofa beds and flat-screen TVs. The larger units sleep up to 10 people and add full kitchens with breakfast bars, dining rooms, and living rooms with gas fireplaces. Private balconies have views that vary from mountains to pool vistas. Each unit has a tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower or shower/tub combo, while larger condos add jetted tubs. 

Guests get direct access to the slopes via the nearby Snowflake Lift on Peak 8 and the Beaver Run SuperChair on Peak 9. The hotel's own grounds include picnic areas with grills, an outdoor playground, and shuffleboard courts, amid numerous quiet places to sit and take in the views. There are also two separate indoor-outdoor pool areas that are heated for year-round use, along with multiple indoor and outdoor hot tubs. There's a kids' pool for the little ones, as well as a play area with water features. Indoor entertainment can be found in an arcade room and there are frequent family game nights staged in the Grand Room, a large guest lounge with a vaulted ceiling and pool table; the Grand Room also offers free cookies in the afternoons. The Lodgepole Bar and Grill serves American standard fare including sandwiches, ribs, pasta and pizza, and there's seasonal outdoor seating on a terrace with umbrella-shaded tables. If the slopes aren't enough, a modern fitness center has pairs of stationary bicycles, treadmills, and elliptical machines. The spa has the usual treatment rooms, along with a eucalyptus steam room. A free shuttle operates on a regular schedule to dining and shopping on Main Street, and as an added perk guests can call for pick up anytime at designated locations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.