Luxury for Less: Why Midterm Rentals are Booming in Resort Towns

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in Steamboat Springs or sipping coffee on a Breckenridge patio, you might assume it comes with a sky-high price tag. But the truth is, staying longer can actually cost less.

When you book a midterm rental, typically 30 days or more, the price per night drops significantly compared to standard short-term stays.

For example, a one-bedroom condo in Breckenridge might run $250 per night during peak ski season. That’s $1,750 for one week. But book it for a full month? You could see rates closer to $2,800 total, bringing your nightly rate to under $95.

In Steamboat Springs, midterm guests save even more. According to internal data, the average monthly rate for a 2-bedroom property is 35% less per night than if booked weekly.

🧠 Insider Tip: Many homeowners offer built-in discounts for midterm guests — especially during shoulder seasons like April-May or September-October, when they’d rather keep their rental full than vacant.

✅ Bonus: Monthly stays often come with flexible check-in days, giving you more freedom to plan your travel without the weekend surge in pricing.

📌 Ready to see what’s available?
 Explore our Steamboat Springs monthly rentals or check out Grand Lake stays.

Skip the Tax: Midterm Rentals Mean Built-In Savings

Here’s a luxury travel hack most people don’t know: if you stay in a Colorado rental for 30 days or longer, you can legally skip the lodging tax altogether. It’s part of the state’s tax code.

Why does that matter?

Because in many popular resort towns, local and state lodging taxes can add up to 10%–15% on top of your booking total. That means for a one-week $2,000 stay, you’re paying $200 to $300 in taxes alone. Over the course of a month, that’s enough to cover ski lift passes, dinner at a top-rated restaurant, or even an extra few nights somewhere else.

Let’s break it down:

Destination	Lodging Tax Rate	Weekly Stay Tax	30+ Day Stay Tax
Steamboat Springs	~11.4%	$285 on $2,500	$0
Breckenridge	12.275%	$306 on $2,500	$0
Grand Lake	~10.5%	$262 on $2,500	$0

(Source: Colorado Department of Revenue – Lodging Tax Guidelines)

“Monthly rentals are no longer just a budget decision; they’re a smarter way to travel,” says Sarah Chang, a travel analyst at Skift. “Avoiding lodging tax is one of the clearest ways midterm guests are getting luxury experiences without the luxury markup.”

Why Does This Work?

When you book a nightly or weekly rental (less than 30 days), it’s treated like a hotel stay under Colorado law. The host or management company must collect lodging tax, no exceptions.

But the moment your stay hits 30 consecutive nights, it’s classified as a residential tenancy, not temporary lodging. That removes the obligation to charge short-term occupancy taxes, and puts hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

It’s one reason digital nomads, honeymooners, travel nurses, and retirees are turning to midterm rentals. They’re not just saving on the nightly rate, they’re cutting a major hidden fee that most people don’t even realize exists.

Steamboat and Breckenridge: Two Towns That Reward Longer Stays

Vacation Rental Co. guests booking 30+ day stays in Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge save an average of $750–$1,100 per month when tax exemptions are factored in. That’s real money travelers are putting toward lift passes, bike rentals, guided fly-fishing trips, or upgrading to a property with a hot tub and mountain views.

Want to see what midterm luxury looks like?
Check out our fully furnished, tax-free monthly rentals in Steamboat and Breckenridge.

Luxury Amenities Without the Extra Fees

One of the biggest differences between a midterm vacation rental and a hotel stay? What’s included. With monthly rentals, you’re not just getting a place to sleep, you’re getting an upgraded lifestyle. At no extra charge.

Whether you’re working remotely, traveling as a couple, or escaping the city for a quiet season away, midterm stays offer full access to amenities you’d typically pay extra for in a resort or hotel.

Here’s what comes standard in many Vacation Rental Co. midterm homes in Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, and Grand Lake:

Full Kitchens with Modern Appliances

Cook meals with locally sourced ingredients from Steamboat Farmers Market or Breckenridge Market & Liquor and skip overpriced resort dining. Monthly renters save an average of $400–$800 per month just by preparing a few meals at home.

“Having a full kitchen saved us more than we expected. We made breakfast and dinner almost every day, and still had the flexibility to dine out when we wanted to.”
 — Guest Review from Steamboat Springs, 2024

In-Unit Laundry

No quarters. No shared laundry rooms. No stress. Most Vacation Rental Co. properties include private washers and dryers, making it easy to settle in for a few weeks without packing your entire closet.

Dedicated Workspace & Fast Wi-Fi

With remote work on the rise, our homes are designed for productivity. Expect high-speed internet, ergonomic seating, and designated areas for video calls, so you can focus when you need to, and explore when you don’t.

In today’s remote-work landscape, the quality of internet and workspace isn’t just a bonus, it’s essential. Remote job availability is now the most important factor in career decisions, even more than salary, according to a Breeze industry survey Breeze.

That’s part of why Vacation Rental Co. vets each property for Wi-Fi strength, lighting, and ergonomic layout so your work and your stay flows effortlessly.

Outdoor Perks: Hot Tubs, Fire Pits, and Deck Views

Many of our luxury midterm rentals include hot tubs, fireplaces, mountain-facing decks, or access to community amenities like saunas and gyms. These are the kinds of features that can turn a work trip into a wellness retreat without the spa prices.

Real Value. No Hidden Fees.

Hotels and nightly rentals often nickel-and-dime you for every extra, parking, resort fees, Wi-Fi, even coffee. With a midterm rental, the price you see is usually the price you pay. That simplicity adds up fast.

Looking for a workspace with mountain views or a hot tub after Zoom calls?
Explore our remote work–ready homes and stay longer, better.

Who Midterm Luxury Rentals Are Perfect For

Not every traveller is looking for a whirlwind weekend. In fact, more and more people are seeking longer, slower, more intentional travel, especially in destination towns like Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, and Grand Lake.

Here’s who benefits most from midterm luxury rentals and why:

Digital Nomads

Remote work has untethered people from their desks and their cities. According to the Pew Research Center, 35% of jobs that can be done remotely are now fully remote. That flexibility has created a massive boom in midterm travel.

Why it works:

• Reliable Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces
• Peaceful surroundings for focus and productivity
• Affordable extended rates that keep you within budget

“Midterm rentals let me stay in bucket-list towns without blowing my monthly income. I log off Zoom and hit the slopes, then sleep in my own king bed, not a hotel room.”
 — Ashley R., Denver-based freelancer

Snowbirds and Seasonal Travellers

Whether you’re escaping harsh winters or avoiding summer heat, Colorado’s mountain towns offer ideal seasonal climates. And with monthly rentals, you get the comforts of home without being locked into a lease.

Why it works:

• No long-term contracts or penalties
• Kitchens, laundry, and parking included
• Come and go as you please, with more privacy and space than hotels

Tip: Steamboat Springs and Grand Lake are two of Colorado’s most popular midterm destinations for retirees, thanks to their slower pace and wellness-friendly lifestyle.

Extended Honeymooners

Why rush back to reality after saying “I do”? More couples are opting for month-long honeymoons in scenic destinations, especially when they realize it can cost less than a two-week resort stay.

Why it works:

• Private hot tubs, fireplaces, and gourmet kitchens come standard
• Affordable luxury lets you splurge on experiences, not lodging
• Plenty of time to explore, relax, and reconnect

Insider tip: Many Vacation Rental Co. homes are tucked away in romantic, quiet neighbourhoods with mountain views and spa-like amenities, perfect for newlyweds.

Mental Health & Wellness Seekers

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. A month in the mountains, especially in a well-appointed, peaceful rental, can do wonders for your mindset.

Why it works:

• Disconnect from city noise and work stress
• Build daily routines that support rest and balance
• Access to nature, trails, fresh air, and time to reflect

Long‑term stays are increasingly about wellness, not just adventure. As Forbes notes, travel trends for 2025 include “quietcations” as travelers prioritize rest and peace over packed itineraries. “It’s time to turn down the volume,” says Byway Travel’s CEO, amid rising demand for restorative travel experiences.

Bottom Line:

Whether you’re working remotely, healing in nature, celebrating love, or simply escaping the usual routine, a luxury midterm rental offers the ideal balance of comfort, freedom, and affordability.

 Find your perfect fit today and stay for a while.

Luxury Does Not Need to Be a Splurge

There is a common misconception that staying in a luxury rental in a mountain town like Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge requires a big budget or a special occasion.

Not anymore.

Thanks to the rise in midterm rentals, stays that are 30 nights or longer, you can experience the best of Colorado’s top destinations with more amenities, more flexibility, and a lower nightly cost. You’ll skip nightly premiums, save on taxes, and enjoy all the comforts of home without the strings of a lease.

Whether you’re:

• A remote worker looking to escape the city for a month
• A couple seeking a romantic, extended getaway
• A snowbird avoiding the cold (or chasing the powder)
• Or just someone who wants to try mountain-town life before committing…

There has never been a better time to book smart, stay longer, and experience luxury for less.

“Midterm rentals have changed the game. They’re giving travellers the freedom to live like locals, without the long-term strings or hotel price tag.”
 — Tyler Brenner, Colorado-based property investor

Ready to see what’s possible?
Explore monthly vacation rentals in Colorado and turn your travel dreams into a smart, affordable reality.