The Best Hotels to Book in Estes Park, Colorado

Kick back and relax among nature with a stay at Aspen Winds on Fall River
Kick back and relax among nature with a stay at Aspen Winds on Fall River | Courtesy of Aspen Winds on Fall River / Expedia
Nick Dauk

At the east entrance of Rocky Mountains National Park and home to its headquarters, you’ll never be short of an impressive view or two in Estes Park in Colorado. Here are the best hotels in town, bookable on Culture Trip, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the natural landscape.

There’s no doubt you will feel welcome wherever you choose to stay in Estes Park, and the fresh air will make you sleep like a baby. Located 7,522ft (2,292m) above sea level, it is the basecamp for all kinds of adventures – whether you like to hike, rock climb, fish or ski, the mountains are on your doorstep. This colorful community is surrounded by the great outdoors, providing year-round visitors with a range of accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts.

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Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Dao House, for a rustic, traditional feel

Lodge, Cabin

Exterior view of Dao House – a timber lodge – on a snowy landscape, with mountains in the distance
Courtesy of Dao House / Expedia

The Dao House has a room that fits your vision of the perfect RMNP getaway. The lodge is a more traditional, hotel-like space, complete with your own bathroom and a semi-private patio. You’ll find the rustic privacy already included in the stand-alone cabins. These private homes are ideal spots to pop a squat on the porch and wait with camera in-hand until a majestic local roams nearby. But if you’re too busy getting your backpack in order for a long hike through the park, perhaps the affordable hostel rooms will do just fine.

The Historic Crag's Lodge by Diamond Resorts, for partial self-catering

Budget Hotel

Cosy seating area at The Historic Crags Lodge by Diamond Resorts, with sofas, leather armchairs, wooden tables and a fireplace
Courtesy of The Historic Crag's Lodge by Diamond Resorts / Expedia

A studio suite at Historic Crag’s Lodge will more than suffice for any traveller looking to see and do as much as possible around Estes Park. The partial kitchen is an easy sell for the loads of leftovers you’ll bring home from the food trucks surrounding Rock Cut Brewing Company. Check Fun City and the Estes Park Aerial Tramway off your list without walking more than a half-mile.

Taharaa Mountain Lodge, for a home from home

Lodge

Exterior view of Taharaa Mountain Lodge – a timber building with large windows – on a snowy landscape with mountains in the distance
Courtesy of Taharaa Mountain Lodge / Expedia

Of the many mountains outside your window, you’ll certainly find a fondness for Lily Mountain when you stay at Taharaa Mountain Lodge. Your home from home is at her base and a seat in the outdoor hot tub is the perfect way to get acquainted with her beauty. Break away from her only to sample a spread of wild game at the Twin Owls Steakhouse. You may see other mountains putting on a show outside of the restaurant’s wide windows – just keep your eyes on your plate, lest you invoke Lily envy.

Aspen Winds on Fall River, for easy Fall River proximity

Hotel

Exterior view of Aspen Winds on Fall River – made up of a number of timber buildings with balconies – its surrounding lawn and river
Courtesy of Aspen Winds on Fall River / Expedia

Don’t let Aspen Winds on Fall River’s location fool you; this Estes Park hotel with a private hot tub in the spa suites may be 3mi (5km) from the town center, but it’s within a half-mile of the Fall River entrance to RMNP. You’ll have no traffic to contend with – save for a squirrel or two – as you make your way into the park. You’ll return just as easily, diving into the two-person jacuzzi to warm up before stargazing all night long from your private deck.

WorldMark Estes Park, for family-friendly fun

Hotel

Exterior view of WorldMark Estes Park – a number of timber buildings with large windows – with mountains in the distance
Courtesy of WorldMark Estes Park / Expedia

When you’re spending your days hiking under blue skies and your nights gazing up at the stars, you’ll wonder how life could get any better. WorldMark is ready to spur your imagination with their dreamy amenities such as outdoor hot tubs, a children’s play area, and easy access to the Trout Haven Fishing Pond. You’ll be so busy outdoors that you’ll barely have any time to appreciate the fireplace and balcony in your suite. It’s a small price to pay for hours spent cooking elk burgers in the barbecue area.

4 Seasons Inn on Fall River, for rustic charm

Hotel, Inn, Independent Hotel

Exterior view of 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River – a large timber lodge with a green roof – its surrounding lawns and river
Courtesy of 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River / Expedia.com

Situated directly on the riverfront, the 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River is an intimate owner-managed lodge with chalets, set in the midst of nature with the sound of the babbling river and views of the Rocky Mountains. Spacious rooms are simply styled with rustic pine wood-paneled walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and modern bathrooms. This is the ideal spot for a great night’s sleep, as it is away from the hustle and bustle of the town; instead of partying the night away, guests can chill out in their own private hot tub.

Silver Moon Inn, for magical forest vibes

Inn, Hotel

Room at Silver Moon Inn with a large with a double bed, white bedding, wooden furniture and a striped carpet
Courtesy of Silver Moon Inn / Expedia.com

Although only a short walk to downtown Estes Park, the Silver Moon Inn’s forest surroundings will transport you to a magical land. With the gentle murmur of the Fall River in the background, the vibe is laid-back with homey wooden furniture and porch swings that appeal to romantics as much as to families. The focus is on the outdoors, and there is plenty of communal seating, a fire pit, two hot tubs, a pool and patio heaters to keep guests cozy, while there’s a kitchenette corner of the lobby offering a free continental breakfast that’ll set you up for a day of exploring.

The Estes Park Resort, for a lakeside location

Resort, Hotel

Dining area at The Estes Park Resort – a timber-frame room with large windows, containing wooden tables and chairs, and a patterned carpet
Courtesy of the Estes Park Resort / Expedia.com

The Estes Park Resort is a stunning lodge located on the shores of Lake Estes and is framed by panoramic views of the Rockies. With a choice of 54 guest rooms and suites, there is bound to be something to fit your requirements – don’t worry, all rooms come with a view. The Italian restaurant Dunraven is the perfect place to savor some authentic Mediterranean food and, if the weather is playing ball, dine al fresco on the terrace, where your belly and eyes will have a feast.

The Landing at Estes Park – Riverside Retreat, for original features

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Cosy stone-walled room at The Landing at Estes Park – Riverside Retreat, with a fireplace, a dark-wood bed and an armchair
Courtesy of the Landing at Estes Park – Riverside Retreat / Expedia.com

Filled with family history, the Landing at Estes Park – Riverside Retreat was once home to a couple who had lived in the property for 45 years. It was sold in 2015, and out of respect for former resident Joyce and her husband, the new owners opened it up as a guesthouse to share the stunning location and breathtaking views. The property still contains many of the original details such as the handcrafted stonework, cozy fireplaces, exposed beams, brass lion heads on doors, hickory furniture and early American artwork, and you’ll be treated like part of the family.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Sara Darling.

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