My husband and I recently stayed at the Mariposa Lodge for a long weekend of R&R. Our room was decorated in the bears-and-Indians motif common in the West. it was spacious and clean, and we opened two windows to let in the fresh mountain air. Breakfasts were hot, homemade and quite filling--egg dishes with sausage or bacon and fresh fruit. Hosts Bob and Cindy were very friendly, providing directions to the local botanic garden, better restaurants, and popular Strawberry Hot Springs. The lodge is on the edge of town so it was away from busy ski resort lodging and quiet but still convenient to downtown. It is adjacent to Soda Creek, but we couldn't see the creek due to vegetation. The end of August was a perfect time for a break--kids are back in school and Steamboat still hums with art galleries, river rafting, sightseeing, hiking, and more. It's a very enjoyable place in the summer when ski crowds haven't arrived.
