Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Katrina
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Choose from hiking, mountain biking and fishing in warm weather, and cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and snowmobiling in winter—and enjoy year-round mountain scenery. The park is located about an hour and a half from the Denver airport, with a scenic introduction along the main road into the park, Trail Ridge Road. While you’ll find the most hotels and restaurants to the east of the park—especially around the town of Estes Park—there are many options surrounding the park, too. Here are the best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Stanley (333 E Wonderview Ave.; 970-577-4000) Estes Park
This 138-room hotel dates back to 1909 but has more modern fame: it inspired the hotel in The Shining. Plus, you’re about five miles from the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Possible ghosts aside, be prepared for some old-school ambience in the main building. “It isn’t like a brand-new Hilton,” writes a Google reviewer. “It won’t have all the modern amenities, but the views and the site are incredible.” Condé Nast Traveler calls it an “elevated boutique hotel experience” and recommends the “newer Lodge building [for] the refined aesthetics of the historic Stanley with fab amenities like Tesla charging stations, iHome clocks, and updated interiors.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Estes Park Resort (1700 Colorado Peaks Dr.; 970-577-6400) Estes Park
This 54-room lodge with both rooms and cabins “commands five acres of property on Lake Estes and sweeping views of Rocky Mountain National Park,” writes US News and World Report. The lakeside location means you have easy access for renting bikes, kayaks and fishing gear. “The room had wonderful view of the lake, and the Italian restaurant has great food,” writes one Tripadvisor user while another writes, “close to everything in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park! Spent the days exploring and evening’s relaxing in the hot tub!! The cabins were so cozy and comfortable.” >> Book this hotel for less
Quality Inn Near Rocky Mountain National Park (1450 Big Thompson Ave.; 970-586-2358) Estes Park
This outpost of the Quality Inn budget chain is about 10 minutes from the park entrance and offers free breakfast as well as low key splendor, with balconies looking over fields where you might see elk. A Google user writes that the hotel is “so convenient to the park…room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Loved having the upstairs with double beds and bathroom for my two teens.” A Tripadvisor user likes the convenience: “Breakfast was amazing. Very close to everything, with a Safeway just up the road. Estes is just up the road and has some lovely shops and restaurants.” >> Book this hotel for less
Best Western Plus Silver Saddle Inn (1260 Big Thompson Ave.; 970-586-4476) Estes Park
This AAA 3-Diamond property, part of the Best Western family, is located 20 minutes from the park. A Tripadvisor who writes that they spent a week hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park says that “this hotel was the perfect distance to town for dinners and to several of the entrances at the park.” A Google reviewer writes that “we enjoyed biking around the lake and hiking at the lumpy ridge trail. The rooms were clean and the hot breakfast was good. In the evening, kids could swim in the pool while my wife and I relaxed in the hot tub.” >> Book this hotel for less
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa (3530 County Rd 83; 970-726-7000) Tabernash
Condé Nast Traveler calls this 6,500-acre resort, less than an hour from the park’s western entrance, “the epitome of luxe Colorado mountain living” and describes the decor as “somewhere between dude ranch cowboy and earthy bohemian, with wood paneling, plush bedding, leather couches, and stone fireplaces.” Online users like the wealth of onsite activities, including horseback riding, yoga and lasso lessons. “The scenery was beautiful. Wide open spaces for the grandchildren to run around and plenty of activities,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “Along with a game room there are movies for the kids, and I had a fantastic time on the zip lines.” >> Book this hotel for less
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