12 Best Resorts and Lodges in Estes Park, CO

Estes Park is the gateway town for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and as such is home to a variety of lodging options, from resorts to inns. Less than 10 minute’s drive from the park entrance and its famed Trail Ridge Road, the small town is 1.5 hours northwest of Denver. It attracts tourists year-round, although summer and fall are the two most popular times to visit.

In fall, when the leaves are changing, Estes Park and the surrounding area is particularly beautiful. This is also the elk rutting season, and often the main street is filled with these majestic animals. Keep an eye out for moose and bear as well in Estes Park.

Most visitors are coming to experience Rocky Mountain National Park and won’t be spending much time in their resort rooms. But, should you wish to spend some time on the grounds of the property where you are staying, the places listed here all offer some kind of resort amenities and cater to a range of travelers — from vacationing families with kids to couples on a romantic getaway. They also come in most budgets with the exception of five-star resorts, which do not exist in Estes Park.

Find the best place to stay for your next Rocky Mountain getaway with our list of the top resorts and lodges in Estes Park.

1. The Estes Park Resort

Accommodation: The Estes Park Resort

Highlights: On Lake Estes; upscale resort with great lake and mountain views; modern rooms and suites with balconies

Located right on Lake Estes, The Estes Park Resort boasts great views of the lake, as well as the craggy peaks in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.

Recently remodeled, this upscale resort has a range of rooms and suites, including options for families. These are modern and comfortable with private balconies with lake or park views and microwaves, as well as work desks and lounge chairs. Room service is also available.

A popular wedding venue, there is an outdoor ceremony site with a scenic mountain backdrop, as well as a ballroom that can host up to 150 people for receptions. Other amenities include the Waterfront Grille and Lounge, which serves three meals a day and brunch on Sundays.

There is also a spa with a range of treatments on-site as well as a sauna. If you want to get in a proper workout, you can check out their fitness center. There is fishing on Lake Estes, and staff can also suggest hikes and other area experiences.

2. Murphy’s Resort at Estes Park

Accommodation: Murphy’s Resort at Estes Park

Highlights: Great choice for families, with lots of amenities; walking distance to Lake Estes Marina

Within walking distance of Lake Estes Marina and just across the street from horseback riding, Murphy’s Resort is a popular, family-friendly property on 6.5 acres with lots of amenities. From outdoor games like shuffleboard, horseshoes, and bocce ball to a 1,000-title movie collection guests can watch on TVs with DVD players in their rooms, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Other on-site amenities include a large heated outdoor swimming pool, two gazebos with grills if you wish to cook out, and three fire pits for après-dark s’mores. There is often live music by the fire pits, and guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments to play as well. If you are hungry, you’ll find local restaurants on either side of the property.

The rooms and suites are clean and comfortable, with a modern look and colorful accent walls. Interconnecting rooms are available for families. The suites here have kitchenettes and Jacuzzi tubs. A continental breakfast is included in your rate.

3. StoneBrook Resort

Accommodation: StoneBrook Resort

Highlights: An adults-only resort with a romantic vibe right on Fall River; cottages have private river-facing hot tubs

Set in a gorgeous location right on the Fall River, StoneBrook Resort is a favorite place for couples. The adult-only resort has a tranquil, romantic vibe and accommodation in riverside suites and cottages.

All units come with full kitchens and fireplaces plus modern mountain decor with lots of wood and soothing colors. The suites have spa tubs in the bathrooms, but the cottages come with private hot tubs facing the river and are worth booking for these alone.

Amenities include free parking and Wi-Fi, and there are also BBQ facilities for guests to use. Horseback riding can be arranged, and the staff can point you in the right direction for good fishing spots and hiking trails. Although there is no on-site restaurant, you can either cook for yourself in the room or dine out at one of the many restaurants in town.

4. Deer Crest Resort

Accommodation: Deer Crest Resort

Highlights: Beautiful location on Fall River; romantic adults-only resort between Estes Park town and Rocky Mountain National Park entrance

Located between Estes Park town and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Deer Crest Resort is right on the beautiful Fall River. The adults-only resort has a peaceful, romantic vibe and a range of cozy rooms and suites in a variety of configurations. All are spacious, with plenty of sitting spaces. The suites have kitchenettes and fireplaces, and some have river views.

On-site amenities include catch-and-release fishing on the Fall River, a hot tub, fire pit, free loaner snowshoes and poles in winter, and a movie library guests can borrow from to watch on DVD players attached to flat-screen TVs in the rooms.

There is a restaurant and coffee shop just a two-minute walk from the resort with outdoor seating facing the river. Activities like horseback riding can also be arranged. In summer, there is a seasonal shuttle that runs from town to the national park, and Deer Crest Resort is one of its stops.

5. Appenzell Inn

Accommodation: Appenzell Inn

Highlights: European mountain ambience, indoor swimming pool, rooms and suites suitable for families or couples

With a European alpine vibe, the Appenzell Inn is a charming property with a mix of rooms and suites, many with balconies facing the mountains.

These feature bright colors, black and white art on walls, crisp white duvets on comfy beds, and lots of wood furnishings to create a cozy ambience. The suites have jetted tubs in the bathrooms, proper living rooms, and kitchenettes. The lodge is kid-friendly, and there are family room options as well.

Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, two ponds, a hot tub, and a complimentary breakfast. There is also a seasonal restaurant on-site. If you want to BBQ, there are grills for guests to use and picnic tables. Board games and puzzles can also be loaned out.

6. Romantic RiverSong Inn

Accommodation: Romantic RiverSong Inn

Highlights: Small inn ambiance with just 10 rooms and suites; gorgeous locale next to a stream; pet-friendly

Get away from the crowds with a stay at Romantic RiverSong Inn. The small lodge has just 10 rooms and is set at the end of a winding lane on a mountain stream. The rooms and suites are cozy, and each is uniquely decorated. Some have large windows with direct mountain views, others country charming furnishings and fireplaces.

A complimentary gourmet breakfast is served each morning. Guests can also arrange for massages, and there are board games and puzzles to borrow. If you are traveling with a dog, this inn is also pet friendly.

7. Murphy’s River Lodge

Accommodation: Murphy’s River Lodge

Highlights: Walking distance from downtown Estes Park; many rooms have private balconies, some have jetted tubs

On the banks of the Fall River, Murphy’s River Lodge is conveniently located just two blocks from Estes Park’s downtown and a five-minute drive from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The motel-style lodge has clean and comfortable rooms that are quite spacious and feature colorful art and wood furnishings. Many have private balconies facing the river.

The king Jacuzzi room is not on the river but comes with a jetted tub and more upmarket furnishings, including a cool wood-framed painting of the mountains behind the wooden bed frame. It is great for couples.

The property is family-friendly, and some of the rooms have bunks that are great for kids. If your child is four-legged and furry, there are also six pet-friendly rooms on-site. Those on a tight budget can book one of the value rooms. These are half the size of most of the other rooms but still on the river and come with private decks or balconies.

Murphy’s River Lodge is known for its friendly service. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning. There is no restaurant on-site for lunch or dinner, but the hotel’s location makes walking to Estes Park’s numerous dining options easy. There is an indoor heated pool and a hot tub.

8. 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River

Accommodation: 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River

Highlights: Rustic mountain vibe on Fall River; adult-focused resort with large outdoor jetted hot tub

Just a mile from downtown Estes Park where you’ll find numerous shops and restaurants and 2.5 miles from the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the boutique 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River sits right on the banks of the river.

The charming little property has a mountain rustic vibe, and it does not allow young children to stay, so you won’t be disturbed by screaming children while relaxing at one of the chairs and tables on the grassy lawn by the river or in the large outdoor jetted hot tub.

Rooms are clean and comfortable, with mountain views and lots of wooden accents. All rooms come with mini-ridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. If you are on a romantic getaway and looking for something special, book one of the studio rooms that are self-contained and come with private outdoor hot tubs and picnic tables. These also have small kitchenettes if you want to do your own cooking.

On-site amenities include a sun deck with outdoor furniture, fishing access, a snack bar, and free instant coffee and tea. There is also an outdoor fireplace, BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and 24-hour check-in. If you wish to explore on two wheels, bikes can be rented here.

9. Coyote Mountain Lodge

Accommodation: Coyote Mountain Lodge

Highlights: Mid-century modern style and eco-friendly; a boutique lodge catering to families and couples

Architecturally intriguing, the Coyote Mountain Lodge has a trendy vibe throughout and a mid-century modern style. The boutique lodge is located on the north side of Lake Estes. It has just 48 rooms and suites, and these feature a fun style, like bold purple walls and nature photography. The wooden bed frames are also eye-catching.

If you like to keep it green when you travel, Coyote Mountain Lodge generates its own electricity through solar power and is dedicated to preserving the local ecosystem. The lodge is also pet friendly if you are traveling with a dog.

Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and a playground. Kids also stay free here, and there are options to book family rooms. The staff is friendly and can help you arrange nearby activities that include horseback riding, golf, and boating and fishing on the lake.

10. Blue Door Inn

Accommodation: Blue Door Inn

Highlights: Easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park; suites have whirlpool tubs and balconies with mountain views

On the north side of Estes Park, Blue Door Inn gets high marks for cleanliness and value. The 49-room motel-style property with some resort-style amenities like a large heated swimming pool offers easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.

The rooms are tidy and comfortable, and all come with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. Book a suite if you want more space, as well as a balcony with mountain views, a gas fireplace, and a whirlpool tub.

A continental breakfast is served in the morning with homemade bread. There is also a basketball hoop and horseshoes, and if you want to cook out there are BBQ grills. Other amenities include a coin-operated laundry and vending machines.

There is no restaurant on-site, however, and the closest dining options are a short drive away. Still, if you’re visiting Estes Park to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and just need a clean place to sleep that won’t eat up too much of your vacation budget, the Blue Door Inn is a good pick.

11. Alpine Trail Ridge Inn

Accommodation: Alpine Trail Ridge Inn

Highlights: Modern and stylish; affordably priced rooms; restaurant serving farm-to-table fare; heated outdoor swimming pool

For a motel-style property, the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn is really impressive with its interior decor. The rooms are modern and stylish with vaulted wood ceilings painted white, comfy beds with nice linens and decorative pillows and throws, and balconies with mountain views. The property is family-friendly, and there are children’s channels on the TVs.

Amenities are also much more resort-style than your average motel. The restaurant here serves farm-to-table fare that changes with the seasons. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool shaded by aspen trees and surrounded by sun loungers. There is also a hot tub and outdoor fire pit. Staff here is very knowledgeable about local hikes and can help you choose one that works for your fitness level.

12. Discovery Lodge

Accommodation: Discovery Lodge

Highlights: Eco-friendly hotel powered by solar; 9-hole golf course adjacent to property; kid- and dog-friendly

Just a short walk from the shops and restaurants in downtown Estes Park, Discovery Lodge sits on four acres and has lovely mountain views. The eco-friendly property generates its own electricity through solar power.

The rooms and suites are contemporary and comfortable, with crisp white linens and duvets, as well as regional photography on the walls. They also come with balconies, fridges, and microwaves. The property is both kid and dog friendly.

Amenities here include a hot tub, a children’s playground, and a stocked fishing pond. There is a nine-hole golf course and opportunities to view elk at Lake Estes, which is adjacent to the property.

Map of Resorts and Lodges in Estes Park, CO

Estes Park, CO – Climate Chart

Estes Park is a four-season destination, but the summer and fall are the best times to visit this Colorado mountain town. June, July, August, and September are the most popular months to visit, so be ready for crowds. But, these are also some of the best months to experience the town and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Days are long and usually filled with lots of sunshine and blue skies. Although July is the rainiest month of the year, most of this precipitation falls as a result of fast-moving afternoon thunderstorms.

June, July, and August are the hottest months, with daytime highs averaging between 75 and 80 degrees, which is still comfortable. Humidity is also low. Summer nights can still be quite cool, with temps dipping into the 40s.

Fall is a beautiful time to experience Estes Park. Resort rates drop and there are fewer crowds, plus the trees put on a brilliant foliage display in September and October. This is also the elk rutting season.

Winters in Estes Park are cold, but if you want to cross-country ski or snowmobile, this is when to visit. Resort rates will also be lowest in winter. In December, January, and February, high temperatures max out at around 36 degrees, with lows averaging around 18 degrees. Days are usually sunny, however, with blue skies, so it can feel warmer.