What are the best hotels in estes park?

Este Direct knows best right? ahah? well sort of. our fun team is happy to help with all your lodgin questions in estes babe. honestly we spend half our time runing around this town so we definetly have some opinions on where you should rest your head after a long day of hikin or elk watchin.

finding the perfect spot isnt just about picking a place with a bed its about the vibe you know? do you want to feel fancy or do you want to feel like a mountian man livin off the land but with wifi. we got all that here. estes park is kind of wild because you have these massive historic places and then little roadside motels that are actually super cute and renovated. so let’s dive in and i’ll tell you what i think are the actual best spots to stay without all the corporate fluff.

The Big Famous One You Know The One

Okay we have to start with The Stanley Hotel because if i didnt mention it you would probably think i dont know what im talking about. yes its the shining hotel. yes its big and white and sits on a hill lookin over the whole town like a king. but is it the “best”? well that depends on what you want.

if you want history and ghosts and creaky floors that tell stories then yeah its the best. staying in the main building is an experiance. the rooms are old school but in a charming way mostly. sometimes the elevators are slow but hey thats part of the charm right? plus they have that whiskey bar which is dangerously good. you can sit there and pretend youre in the 1920s while sippin on something that costs more than my lunch.

but heres a pro tip from me to you. if you want the stanley vibes but dont want to sleep in a room that might be haunted or just old, check out the Aspire or the Residences on the same property. they are way more modern and have like apartment style setups. its fancy livin up there. you get the views and the access to the ghost tours but you sleep in a bed that feels brand new.

honestly tho, the best part about staying at the stanley is just walkin out onto that front porch with a coffee in the morning. the view of longs peak is unbeatable. you just stand there and breath in the thin air and realize why people have been comin here for over a hundred years.

Getting Wet and Wild at The Estes Park Resort

so if ghosts arnt your thing maybe water is. The Estes Park Resort is the only actual hotel right on the lake. lake estes is gorgeous esspecially at sunset when the sky turns all pink and purple and reflects off the water.

the resort is kinda huge and feels a bit more like a standard luxery hotel but with a lodge twist. the rooms are big and clean and a lot of them look right out at the lake. waking up and seeing the elk grazing by the water while you drink your nasty hotel room coffee (okay the coffee isnt that bad) is a core memory for sure.

they also have a resturant inside called the dunraven. its iconic here. used to be downtown but moved to the resort a while back. getting a steak and watching the water is a pretty solid way to spend an evening. plus since youre on the lake you can rent boats and stuff right there at the marina which is super close. its walkable if youre not lazy.

i think this place is best for couples or families who want that “resort” feel where you dont really have to leave the property if you dont want to. they have a spa too if you need to get a masage after hiking up to emerald lake and realizing you are wildly out of shape.

Cabin Life on the River

now this is my personal favorite way to stay in estes. forget the big hotels for a second and think about a little cabin right on the river. the fall river runs right through town and there are tons of spots lined up along it.

Streamside on Fall River is super cute. its like these little cabins spread out so you have some privacy. you can sit on your back deck and litterally listen to the water rushing by. its the best white noise machine in the world and its real. i slept like a baby there once and i usually have insomnia so that says something.

another good one is Brynwood on the River. they have these themed cabins which sounds cheesy but its actually kind of fun. they have differnt styles and some have hot tubs right on the deck. sitting in a hot tub while it’s snowing and the river is flowing right next to you? yeah thats the dream right there.

these places usually have kitchens too so you can cook your own breakfast. which saves money because eating out in estes can get pricey if you do it every meal. just go to the grocery store grab some eggs and bacon and make a feast in your cabin while lookin at the mountains. way better than a crowded breakfast buffet if you ask me.

For the Family Squads

if you are bringing the whole crew like grandma the kids and the cousins you need space. you cant all cram into a hotel room unless you want to murder eachother by day two.

YMCA of the Rockies is legendary for this. its basically its own little town. they have massive lodges and tons of cabins spread out over huge grounds. its not “fancy” fancy but its comfortable and there is SO much to do. they have mini golf, crafting centers, horse back riding, and a pool. you can just let the kids run wild and they will be tired out by bed time which is the goal.

the food at the ymca is cafeteria style which is nostalgic for some and boring for others but it feeds the masses. the best part is you are practically inside the national park. the trails start right there. you stick your head out the window and you are in nature. elk are everywhere on this property. literally they own the place and we just visit.

another good spot for groups is Rams Horn Village Resort. these are luxury cabins right near the park entrance. they are super nice inside. like nicer than my house nice. granite counters, big fireplaces, really comfy couches. its gated too so it feels safe and secluded. if you want to do a family reunion but keep it classy this is the spot.

Budget Friendly but Still Good

okay not everyone wants to drop $400 a night on a room i get it. sometimes you just need a place to crash that is clean and safe. estes has some cool motels that have been fixed up recently.

The Blue Door Inn is a classic. its right on the way into town from highway 34. you cant miss it cause the doors are blue. obviously. the rooms are simple but they are clean and the people who run it are super nice. they have a pool and breakfast and honestly what else do you need? its a bit of a walk to downtown but there is a shuttle stop nearby so you can get around easy.

Alpine Trail Ridge Inn is another gem. its closer to the park entrance than downtown. the rooms have this rustic modern vibe now since they updated them. they have a resturant right there called bird & jim which is arguably one of the best places to eat in town. staying there just to be close to the food is a valid stratagy in my book.

Discovery Lodge is also solid. its near the golf course and has a fishing pond. the views from there are surprisingly good for being down lower in the valley. plus they let you bring dogs in some rooms i think. check on that though dont just show up with your golden retriever and blame me if they say no.

Romantic Getaways for the Lovers

if you are comin here to propose or just escape the kids for a weekend you need romance. Della Terra Mountain Chateau is the big hitter here. its right at the fall river entrance to rocky mountain national park. its stunning. like fairy tale stunning.

they specialize in weddings so the whole place is built for romance. the suites are huge and have these massive soaking tubs and fireplaces. its pricey but if you want to impress your partner this is how you do it. you feel like you are in a european castle but with colorado trees outside.

Romantic RiverSong Inn is another one that is super secluded. its at the end of a road and feels like a secret hideaway. no tvs in the rooms usually so you actually have to talk to each other. scary i know. but its very peaceful and the breakfast there is amazing. homemade stuff that makes you feel warm inside.

Location Location Location

when you are picking a hotel you gotta think about where it is. estes park is spread out.

• Downtown: if you stay downtown you can walk to the taffy shops and the bars. places like The Ridgeline Hotel or Murphy’s River Lodge (the one near downtown not the resort) are good for this. you park your car once and just walk everywhere.
• Fall River Road: this is where the quiet river cabins are. its a few minutes drive to town but way more peacefull.
• Near the Park Entrance: places like The Landing or Alpine Trail Ridge mean you can beat the traffic into the park in the morning. this is crucial in the summer because the lines to get into RMNP can be gnarly. being 2 minutes away lets you sleep in a little bit longer.

What about the Elk?

people alway ask “where is the best hotel to see elk?” honestly? the elk are everywhere. they do not care about property lines. i have seen them naping on the lawn at the stanley, drinking from the pond at discovery lodge, and blocking traffic right in front of the best western.

you dont really need to pick a hotel specifically for elk because they roam around the whole town. but generally the places with more grass and open space like the golf course area or the ymca tend to have big herds hanging out. just remember they are wild animals so dont try to take a selfie with them unless you want to end up on a viral video getting chased. keep your distance babe.

Amenities to Look For

when you book make sure you check for these things because mountain hotels can be weird.

• AC: believe it or not some older cabins dont have air conditioning. usually it cools off at night so you dont need it but if you are here in july during a heat wave you might be miserable. check the listing.
• Hot Tubs: after hiking 10 miles your legs will hate you. a hot tub is medicin. public ones are fine but a private one on your deck is top tier living.
• Breakfast: free breakfast saves time and money. even if its just a waffle maker and some cereal its better than waiting in line at a diner for an hour.
• Wifi: mountain wifi can be sketchy. if you need to work remotely make sure you ask about the speed. starlink is getting popular here so it’s getting better but dont assume it will be lighting fast everywhere.

So Which One is the Winner?

there isnt one single winner. it really depends on who you are.

if you want luxury and history, go Stanley. if you want scenery and water, go Estes Park Resort. if you want cozy vibes, go Streamside or Brynwood. if you want family fun, go YMCA. if you want to save a buck, go Blue Door or Discovery Lodge.

honestly just being in estes park is the win. the air smells like pine needles, the mountains are huge, and the vibe is chill. doesnt matter if you sleep in a 5 star suite or a tent (okay maybe the tent is less comfy) you are gonna have a good time.

just book early though. seriously. in the summer everything fills up months in advance and you dont want to be the person sleeping in your car at the safeway parking lot. actually you cant do that anyway the police will move you. so plan ahead!

hope this helps you figure out the crazy maze of estes park hotels. we love this town and we want you to love it too. pick a spot that feels right and come enjoy the mountains. see ya up here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions we get about stayin in Estes Park.

What is the best part of town to stay in? It depends! If you want to walk to shops and restaurants, stay downtown. If you want quiet and nature, look along Fall River Road or near the Marys Lake area. If you want quick access to hiking, stay near the Beaver Meadows or Fall River entrances to the National Park.

Are there hotels with indoor pools? Yes! The weather can be unpredictable so indoor pools are great. The Ridgeline Hotel, Murphy’s River Lodge, and Appenzell Inn all have indoor pools. The Estes Park Resort has a nice indoor pool too that looks out at the lake.

Is it expensive to stay in Estes Park? It can be, especially in the summer (June-August). Prices skyrocket then. To save money, try coming in the “shoulder season” like May or October. The weather is usually still nice but the crowds and prices are lower. Winter is the cheapest time to visit and its beautifull with the snow.

Do I need a car if I stay at a hotel? Mostly yes. There is a free shuttle system in the summer that is actually really good, but having your own car gives you freedom to explore the park on your own schedule. If you stay downtown you can walk a lot of places but to get into the mountains you’ll want a vehicle.

Can I bring my dog? Estes Park is pretty dog friendly! The Stanley Hotel has specific rooms for dogs (but you gotta pay a fee). Discovery Lodge, Murphy’s Resort, and Swiss With A Kiss (vacation rentals) are known for being pet friendly. Just remember dogs arnt allowed on most trails in Rocky Mountain National Park so have a plan for fido if you go hiking there.

Which hotel has the best view? Hard to beat The Stanley for iconic views. The Estes Park Resort has the best lake views. Taharaa Mountain Lodge has incredible panoramic views of the valley because it sits up high. Honestly though, almost everywhere has a view here. Its the rockies.

Hope that breakdown helps you navigate the lodgin scene. rememeber to pack layers no matter where you stay because colorado weather is bipolar. enjoy your trip babe!

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