The modern travel industry requires hospitality properties to evolve constantly, meeting the needs of the next generation of travelers while remaining deeply rooted in the local culture and history that defines their unique sense of place. Repositioning a hotel is about striking the perfect balance between reinvention and authenticity—combining fresh, contemporary finishes and amenities with a story that reflects the spirit of its surroundings.
When we partnered with MIG, the owners of the Alpenrock Hotel — formerly The Great Divide Lodge and later The Doubletree Breckenridge — our vision was to transform this iconic property, built in the 1980s, into a mountain destination that honors its rich history and connection to Breckenridge. Now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the Alpenrock Hotel embodies this philosophy, seamlessly blending sustainable design, crisp new finishes, thoughtful guest experiences, and the natural beauty of Colorado.
Our approach to this project was rooted in a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, reserving and revitalizing the original structure, reducing waste, and honoring the building’s “bones” by enhancing it with energy-saving upgrades. All the windows and mechanical units were replaced during the renovation, and the building now has high-performing systems that enhance guest comfort and cut down on heat loss.
Beyond energy efficiency, our team carefully selected sustainable materials, excluding any “red-list” items that could harm people or the environment. From dark-sky-compliant lighting that protects Breckenridge’s night skies to the addition of EV charging stations in the garage, every design choice was made with an eye toward reducing the property’s environmental impact. This redesign embodies our belief that luxury hospitality can—and should—embrace climate-conscious design.
Creating a welcoming arrival experience was key to achieving the design vision. The original entryway felt dark, cramped, and outdated, leading our team to re-envision the space with functionality at the forefront. The extended drive now offers a smooth, inviting drop-off area that minimizes congestion for guests and the community alike. The entire drop-off was raised several feet to cut down on the number of stairs needed to get into the lobby, and the building entry was enhanced with a ramp for both luggage handling and accessibility that did not exist prior to the renovation.
Once inside, guests are greeted by a new two-story lobby with expansive windows that frame mountain views, immersing them in the beauty of the Rockies from the moment they arrive. To achieve this experience, we cut a section of the floor above out, providing the reception area with the elevated ceiling height needed for a modern hotel entry. The registration desks are large boulders, customized and built by an artist in Wisconsin, and bring in the textures and colors of the Rocky Mountains. These signature sculptures are the first sign of the property’s new namesake. The guest reception area also features custom-designed lighting that is evocative of gondolas – a deeply ingrained piece of the ski town’s layered history.
The lobby’s two-sided fireplace, lounge, market, and cozy bar area were designed with materials that reflect Colorado’s mining heritage – a blend of stone, wood, steel, and accent metals. One of the owners is an artist, and she carefully curated the art package, which now adorns the public spaces and brings in pops of color and layers of stories with each piece. The updated public spaces offer guests a warm welcome and a place to gather, dine, work, play, and socialize throughout their stay at Alpenrock.
Our goal in designing the amenity spaces was to ensure they felt like an extension of the natural surroundings, allowing guests to enjoy the alpine environment in both comfort and style. The fifth-floor outdoor hot tub area is snuggled into the slope and protected from the elements by the building. Looking ahead, we’re excited to collaborate with the owners on plans for terraced outdoor spas and saunas thoughtfully integrated into the landscape to offer private, nature-immersed experiences.
A ski and bike valet was added to the building, allowing guests to easily drop their gear and boots off to be stored when they come off the slopes. With the lift just steps away from this property, this expanded amenity is sure to be a guest favorite. Retail space was also added and is at the street level, creating a community amenity as well as supporting the needs of hotel guests.
The event spaces were further redesigned to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. We added large windows to the lobby, restaurant, and event spaces, bringing in abundant natural light and showcasing the iconic Breckenridge landscape. This allows guests to feel connected to the outdoors even when inside. Walls were moved to add a pre-function area to the conference wing, and updates to the grand ballroom, conference rooms, and board rooms were extensive. Three of the conference rooms are open to an outdoor event deck that was built over outdoor parking below. This deck has the ability to be tented and has amazing views of the town below. Public restrooms were expanded and an entirely new kitchen was installed. Alpenrock now has the versatility to host everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, aligning with the growing demand for adaptable event venues in the area.
The hotel’s new restaurant, Edwin’s, is named for Colorado’s first naturalist, paying homage to the region’s commitment to conservation. With a cozy wood-fired pizza oven, an expanded outdoor dining deck, and a versatile layout, Edwin’s offers a dining experience that can adapt to the seasonal rhythms of mountain life. Natural preservation was a key component in our approach at Alpenrock. Only one tree had to be cut down to accommodate layout changes, and wood from that tree was thoughtfully incorporated into the design of Edwin’s host stand - we even left the carved initials. For more intimate gatherings, a speakeasy bar hidden behind a sliding art piece adds a whimsical touch, while a doré bar concept serves as a lively après-ski space, evoking the town’s mining heritage with custom murals and mixed metal accents blend rough and refined elements to create a distinctive look.
The hotel’s guestrooms have been fully updated to meet today’s needs while retaining the signature warm mountain aesthetic. Each room has been carefully updated with expanded bathrooms, custom lighting, and handcrafted furniture, creating a luxurious experience that still feels like home. The carpet pattern in the guest rooms is inspired by a topographical map reminiscent of the surrounding mountain peaks. All of the rooms fit one or two king beds, and some even fit seating areas in addition – making this a very unique property with spacious accommodations. The renovation combined rooms at the top level to create suites, which now offer family-friendly configurations, complete with kitchenettes, living and dining areas, and separate bedrooms, making it easy for guests to relax after a long day on the slopes.
This project is not just a facelift but a new chapter that respects the building’s history while meeting the demands of contemporary travelers. This reimagined property now welcomes guests with framed views, curated art throughout, well-planned and current resort amenities, and a deep-rooted connection to Breckenridge’s natural beauty.
hello@ozarch.com
303-861-5704
3003 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205