Where to Stay in Estes Park, Colorado 

Five acres (2ha) of secluded space on Lake Estes are yours to savor at the Estes Park Resort. Find the perfect spot along the lake as you hike or bike the 3mi (5km) loop trail. Boss ignoring your out-of-office message? Every guest room has a work desk and ergonomic chair for replying to those “urgent” emails. Heaven forbid you’ve got to be on call, but should there be any reasons to stay in your suite, in-room massages and other spa services make it worth your while.

Situated among the trees on the banks of the Falls River, the Silver Moon Inn is one of the best places to stay in Estes Park and offers the best of both worlds: your room is only steps from downtown Estes Park, yet don’t be surprised to see the occasional elk or some other four-legged neighbor stop by for a cup of sugar. Should you want to follow the cloven-hoofed footprints in the snow, the Silver Moon Inn offers complimentary snow show rentals so you can hoof it through the woods to catch a glimpse of the creature.

It’s almost unthinkable to imagine travelling all the way to Estes Park and not venturing into RMNP. It’s a folly that could become all too real at the Ridgeline Hotel, which does its best to convince you to stay firmly planted inside. As one of the Estes Park hotels with a pool, it also includes a huge games room, and the laid-back Latitudes 105 restaurant and bar. Instead, allow them to pump up the tires on a complimentary bicycle so you can ride throughout downtown Estes Park. They’ll even pack up a delicious lunch to go for when the mountains inevitably start calling your name.

Reconnect with nature at Inn on Fall River. Choose between spacious suites, cosy cabins, or well-equipped mountain lodges until you hit your personal sweet spot of comfort, convenience, and connectivity with the great outdoors (though we will admit that the bar in the Stream Suites building does feel mighty comfy after a long hike up Old Man Mountain). The upgraded wifi is ultra-reliable, but don’t forget to put your phone on silent so as to not disturb the big horn sheep and foxes that wander the grounds.

Family owned and operated, you’ll wish Appenzell Inn would adopt you so you could stay forever. Here, Alpine design flair meets a down-to-earth warmth that’ll make you feel right at home in your spacious mountain-view suites. Lovebirds with a soft spot for corniness will get a laugh out of the heart-shaped tub and flickering gas fireplace. Whenever you’re ready to emerge from your boudoir, meet the family and other guests out by the fire for evening s’mores under shooting stars.

Always wanted your own vacation home in the mountains? Estes Park Condos is happy to oblige. Riverfront views, a fully equipped kitchen, and gas fireplaces can bring your dreams to life. Small touches like a DVD library, fishing rods and tackle boxes, and snow shoes, skis, and sleds enhance the “our place in the Rockies” vibe. Go ahead and take a walk around the block; you’ll end up in RMNP in a mile.

When deciding were to stay in Estes Park, does it get any better than relaxing in a bubbly hot tub with the cool mountain breeze blowing through? Hotels Estes challenges you to find out. Swap the hot tub for the pool then dry off around the fire pit with s’mores melting in your hand. Only 5mi (8km) from endless exploration in Rocky Mountain National Park, Hotel Estes is an awesome yet affordable way to enjoy the great outdoors.

At an elevation of 7,697ft (2,346m), the Landing is as good a place as any to set up camp for a Rocky Mountain adventure. Riverfront villas and cabins at this boutique hotel in Estes Park have the rustic charm of your dreams: stone fireplaces, handcrafted furniture, and spectacular panoramic views. Park yourself in an Adirondack chair along the riverbank and cast a rod. If the fish aren’t biting, roll right into RMNP and see if you can spot any bears that will show you how it’s done.

This sustainable, solar-powered hotel in Estes Park won’t burn up your budget. Upgraded-rustic digs with mountain views from your window will have you waking up howling with joy. Chill outside in the pool, hot tub, or along the fire pit if you’re craving that fresh Colorado air. Should your stomach need a little more substance, the Grab-n-Go is stocked with snacks, while the lobby has books, games, and other food for the mind.