We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.

Mount Holly, North...
Level Contributor
138 posts
33 reviews
43 helpful votes
Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

So...is it worth spending the extra $$ on the Stanley Hotel or Estes Park Resort as opposed to a less expensive hotel, say Comfort Inn or similar. We are definately not campers; cleanliness is a must, location is key; and while we are not snobs, we do like to be comfortable. We obviously won't spend alot of time in the day at the hotel, but would like a decent place to be at night convenient to restaurants and such. From what I can see, Estes Resort and Stanley seem to be in the most convenient/scenic location. Any insight on this would be appreciated. We don't have unlimited funds, but we will pay a little more for convenience. Thanks!

Phoenix, Arizona
Level Contributor
6,358 posts
186 reviews
240 helpful votes
1. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

I am very picky about hotels. On the other hand, I won't pay an exorbitant sum for lodging. We stayed at the Estes Park Comfort Inn for two nights last summer. My husband checked out the room before me, and warned me that it wasn't up to my standards. It was a decent size, but it was a little more worn and dated than what I am used to. To sum it up, I would rate it as "fine". The room served its purpose, and we didn't spend a lot of time there. It is a little more than a mile east of town, but most people that visit Estes Park have a car, and this is a relatively short distance. The surroundings were pretty, as is most any location in this town. I am a little surprised that it is rated #5 in Estes Park.

We also took a tour at the Stanley Hotel, and got a chance to see a room. It was nice (small), but for the price I was glad that we were staying at the Comfort Inn.

florida
Level Contributor
464 posts
366 reviews
157 helpful votes
2. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

In re: The Stanley, staying there is not about the nicer accommodations, as I am sure you realize. The hotel is very old, and each step makes it creek...lol. There is a great feeling of history, etc there, and that's the allure. There are a coupe spots which may have nicer rooms than Comfort Inn, etc. I've always been interested in Della Terra, but have not visited it.

United States
Level Contributor
3,494 posts
277 reviews
132 helpful votes
3. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

Whether or not something is worth it to you is entirely subjective.

Edited: 10 years ago
Windsor, Colorado
Level Contributor
18,155 posts
126 reviews
96 helpful votes
4. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

With either the Estes Park Resort or the Stanley, you will still be getting in a car to go to dinner or to shops in downtown. Yes, they have restaurants, but they are not the ones people like most here on TA. In fact, most of the higher ranked restaurants here on TA are not in what is considered the downtown area of Estes Park.

There are so many great lodging choices in Estes Park other than hotels. Personally, I would prefer a spacious condo on Fall River like Riverwood, the extensive grounds and huge boulder outcroppings of the condos at Black Canyon Inn or being perched on a mountain side with expansive views in a vacation home or duplex at Windcliff Properties.

Comfort Inn consistently gets better reviews here on TA than the Stanley or Estes Park Resort. Reviews for condos are usually under Specialty Lodging and the various properties at Windcliff are under Vacation Rentals.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60945-Estes_Park_Rocky_Mountain_National_Park_Colorado-Hotels.html

Estes Park is not that large and the town is truly adjacent to RMNP, so almost all lodging is both close to town and close to RMNP.

Mount Holly, North...
Level Contributor
138 posts
33 reviews
43 helpful votes
5. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

Thank you for all the great tips. Like IlliniTrav, I am a bit picky about where I lay my head. The most important thing is cleanliness. We had a bad experience at a Comfort Inn in Utah a few years ago (we had several uninvited crawling guests in the room!) so I am a little leary of the lower-tier hotels. You have all confirmed what I was thinking about the Stanley and Estes Resort...not worth the price. Good point about being only a mile or so down the road. I hadn't thought about the condos...since we are only staying a couple of days in Estes area, I didn't think the condos were an option but I will definately check them out. Would any of you suggest Fort Collins as a place to stay while visiting RMNP? We are Hilton and Marriott points members, and there are several options there or in Longmont. I am not sure if I am focusing on Estes Park because it is the best place to be...or if it is just the place most often talked about. Opinions?

Phoenix, Arizona
Level Contributor
6,358 posts
186 reviews
240 helpful votes
6. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

Even though the Comfort Inn was pricy ($192) and not as nice as I had hoped, I would still stay there, just because we were close to the park. On one day, we left the motel at 6 a.m. and were at the Gem Lake trailhead at 6:10. On the other day, we went to Bear Lake, which was only about a half hour away.

We also have Hilton Honors and generally stay at Hampton Inns if that is an option. Compared to a Hampton, this Comfort Inn was not nearly as nice. It wasn't dirty, just worn.

lmf, I saw on your other post that you would be in Colorado Springs. We may be there next month, and I noticed that there is a Hampton available for just 10,000 points per night.

Mount Holly, North...
Level Contributor
138 posts
33 reviews
43 helpful votes
7. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.
Save

The nearest Hampton Inn to Estes Park is in Ft Collins. That's a bit more of a drive. I have taken fv1989's advice and am looking into the condos/lodges in Estes Park. There are alot to chose from.

Wow, IlliniTrav ...a Hampton for 10,000 points? That's a great deal. I wonder if it is a special....I will check into it for sure. We were thinking of the Embassy Suites. They have the best breakfasts and happy hours. :) and are beautiful hotels.

8. Re: Honest opinion on Estes Park Lodging.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

What are forum guidelines?
Get answers to your questions about Estes Park
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.