Rabbit Ears Motel, Steamboat

Why you should experience Rabbit Ears Motel in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Rabbit Ears Motel is the kind of lodging that makes you feel like you've stepped into the heart of Steamboat itself, neon sign flickering, Yampa River running right behind you, the pulse of the town just outside your door.

Built in the 1950s and still owned and operated by a family, this downtown motel brings together vintage character and mountain ease in a way most big resorts can't touch. Rooms feel honest and welcoming: clean, comfortable, updated just enough that you sleep well, and then you wake up to something rare in ski towns: the feeling you're already part of the rhythm. Swing open your balcony and you'll hear river flow, locals biking past, restaurants lighting up for the evening. The bus to the slopes stops right out front. The hot springs sit within walking distance. Lincoln Avenue's shops and taverns are a few steps away. Instead of driving or dealing with shuttles, you arrive and you're already immersed in the mountain town's everyday magic. Rabbit Ears isn't about glamour. It's about being here, really here, where a stay feels rooted, familiar, and authentically Steamboat.

What you didn't know about Rabbit Ears Motel.

The story behind the motel is quietly rich: it's stood as a landmark in Steamboat, survived ski booms, style shifts, and mountain trends, yet it's remained true to its essence.

The neon rabbit-ears sign? Once mocked as tacky, now beloved for its iconic status; at dusk it glows like a beacon to arriving guests and locals alike. Many rooms overlook the Yampa River, offering wake-ups with the soft, rushing sound of water, a subtle luxury that big resorts too often miss. Inside, the rooms have been updated with modern amenities, microwaves, fridges, USB ports, while preserving the textured simplicity of the place. There's a bus stop right outside, making the gondola accessible without the hassle of parking or shuttle scheduling. For pet travelers, the motel welcomes dogs (and occasionally cats) so your whole crew gets the trip. An understated detail worth noting: the motel offers EV-charging stations now, marking a modern upgrade that doesn't overshadow its vintage charm. The front desk staff know the town's trails, secrets, and best dining spots, not just because they work there, but because they live and breathe this place. Staying at Rabbit Ears means staying in the legend of Steamboat's downtown, to trade the luxury of altitude for the altitude of feeling rooted, connected, and real.

How to fold Rabbit Ears Motel into your trip.

Use this motel as your launchpad into the genuine soul of Steamboat Springs, not just the slopes, but the town, the river, the community rhythm.

For a winter adventure: You arrive, drop your bags, walk the few steps to the bus stop, ride into the base with minimal fuss, ski all day, then return downtown to your balcony view of the river and the creak of walking boots in the snow. Choose a room with a river view if you can; it makes the stay feel expansive even though you're right in town. After skiing, soak away the day at Old Town Hot Springs across the street, then stroll to dinner on Lincoln Avenue as lights flicker over snow-lined storefronts. In summer: wake to river air, maybe grab a coffee at a nearby café, hop on your bike or explore the Core Trail along the Yampa. The motel's central downtown site means you're just steps from galleries, live music venues, craft beer pubs, and evenings that feel alive without needing to leave the block. For budget-savvy luxury seekers, Rabbit Ears hits the sweet spot: you get comfort where it matters, character where it counts, and location that's impossible to beat. Pack a walk-out jacket, your boots, a sense of arrival, and let the motel be your steady anchor while the town spins itself around you. Rabbit Ears Motel doesn't just host your stay, it houses your memory of what Steamboat feels like.

MAKE IT REAL