When people come to visit me in Durango, Colorado I recommend staying in town. Almost everything you’d want to do is within walking distance. Durango is an old town and built on a grid format. The closer you are to historic main avenue, the easier it is going to be for you to get to restaurants, bars and shops
In the Winter the skiing is amazing if the snow is good. The drive from downtown Durango is only about 30 minutes when the roads are clear. The bars are fun and the restaurants are good so I’d recommend staying near downtown during your ski trip
In the Summer downtown is fun for the same reasons, there are great hiking trails right every direction out of town and if you have a car it is very easy to get to very remote spots
Fall is also a popular season to visit Durango because of the leaves changing. There aren’t as many trees as on the east coast but the views are incredible. I’d recommend driving the 6 hour route from Durango to Telluride to Ouray to Silverton and maybe spend a night or two in each town
Renting a house or condo is the best way to go
VRBO is a great place to find vacation rentals
The Best Hotels in Durango, Colorado
I like these hotels because they are clean and easy. Both are about a mile from downtown. Uber is in Durango, so if you like to drink its about $12 to get to town. Durango is known for DUI’s so I would be very careful about drinking and driving
Double Tree
The Double Tree is located downtown at the intersection of Camino Del Rio and 8th street. One block from main street and next to Alberstons grocery store
Hampton Inn Durango
The Hampton Inn in Durango, Colorado is clean and fairly new. The Hampton Inn is located on the northside of town near North City Market
Holiday Inn and Suites Durango Central
The Holiday Inn in Durango, Colorado stands above many of the hotels in the area. The Holiday Inn is located just over a half-mile away from downtown Durango
Camping
Dispersed camping is my favorite. I find new spots every year. The best way to find the perfect spot is pick a forest service road and go explore. There are several campgrounds near Durango. The best looking campgrounds are near Haviland reservoir, north of Durango and Lemon reservoir about 20 miles east of town