Best places to stay in Estes Park? The Stanley Hotel ($250-400) for historic luxury and mountain views. Downtown hotels ($150-250) for walkability to shops and restaurants. Cabin rentals ($150-350) for privacy and mountain atmosphere. YMCA of the Rockies ($100-200) for families. Book 2-3 months ahead for summer, 6+ months for elk rut season (September-October).
Best Areas to Stay
Downtown Estes Park
Best for: First-time visitors, walkability, dining
Stay downtown if you want to walk to restaurants, shops, and the Elkhorn Avenue scene. Most hotels here are within a 5-minute walk of everything. The tradeoff: more tourists, less mountain solitude. Prices run $150-300/night in summer.
Top picks: The Ridgeline Hotel (modern, good views), Murphy's River Lodge (riverside location), Estes Park Resort (lake views).
Highway 7 Corridor
Best for: Mountain views, quieter setting, value
The stretch along Highway 7 south of town offers excellent mountain views at slightly lower prices. You're 5-10 minutes from downtown but feel removed from the tourist bustle. Great access to hiking trails and the Wild Basin entrance to RMNP.
Top picks: Rocky Mountain Park Inn, Streamside on Fall River, various cabin rentals.
Fall River Road
Best for: RMNP access, riverside settings
Stay along Fall River Road for the most convenient access to Rocky Mountain National Park's Fall River entrance. Many properties sit right on the river with the sound of rushing water. More spread out than downtown.
Top picks: Alpine Trail Ridge Inn (home of Bird & Jim restaurant), Deer Crest Resort, Fall River Village.
Historic Lodges
The Stanley Hotel
$250-400/night | Stanley Avenue
The most famous hotel in Estes Park—Stephen King stayed here and was inspired to write The Shining. The 1909 Georgian Colonial architecture is stunning, and the mountain views from the veranda are postcard-perfect. Rooms vary widely in character; the main building has the most historic charm while the Lodge offers more modern amenities.
Best for: History buffs, special occasions, ghost tour enthusiasts. Book ahead: 3-6 months for summer.
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
$200-350/night | Mary's Lake Road
Home to Twin Owls Steakhouse, this lodge offers arguably the best mountain views of any accommodation in Estes Park. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant showcase the Rockies, and the rooms share that same dramatic setting. More intimate than the Stanley.
Best for: Romantic getaways, views, fine dining on-site.
Historic Crags Lodge
$180-300/night | Mary's Lake Road
The third oldest lodge in Estes Park, with The View Restaurant offering panoramic mountain scenery. Rustic charm with modern updates. The location near Mary's Lake is quieter than downtown but still convenient.
Best for: History, quieter setting, lake access.
Cabin Rentals
Cabins are the quintessential Estes Park experience. Hundreds of privately-owned cabins rent through VRBO, Airbnb, and local management companies. Expect to pay $150-400/night depending on size and location. Most require 2-3 night minimums in summer.
What to Look For
- River frontage: The sound of rushing water adds significantly to the mountain cabin experience
- Hot tub: Perfect after a day of hiking; adds $30-50/night to the price
- Fireplace: Essential for fall and winter visits
- Kitchen: Most cabins include full kitchens—save money by cooking some meals
- Pet-friendly: Many cabins welcome dogs; confirm the pet policy before booking
Cabin Areas
Glen Haven: 7 miles north, very quiet, rustic cabins in the woods. The Dunraven Inn has excellent dining.
Drake/Big Thompson Canyon: Along the drive from Loveland. Some cabins sustained flood damage in 2013; most have been rebuilt.
Allenspark: South of town toward Boulder. More remote, excellent for stargazing.
Family-Friendly Options
YMCA of the Rockies
$100-200/night | 2515 Tunnel Road
The best value for families. This massive complex offers lodge rooms and cabins on 860 acres with mountain views. Kids love the programming: mini-golf, archery, horseback riding, swimming pools, crafts. The dining hall serves affordable family-style meals. Book 6+ months ahead for summer.
Best for: Families, groups, budget-conscious travelers, outdoor activities.
Murphy's River Lodge
$150-250/night | Downtown
Family suites with kitchenettes right on the Big Thompson River. Walking distance to downtown. The riverside rooms let kids watch the water from the balcony. Pool on-site.
Best for: Families wanting downtown convenience with river access.
Camping
Inside Rocky Mountain National Park
$30-40/night | Recreation.gov reservations
Five campgrounds operate inside RMNP. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin are the most popular, with excellent hiking access. Aspenglen is smaller and quieter. Longs Peak campground serves peak climbers. All require reservations May-October; book 6 months ahead when reservations open.
Note: No showers in park campgrounds. Limited cell service. Bears are active—use food storage lockers.
Outside the Park
Estes Park Campground: Private campground with full hookups, showers, and downtown walking distance.
Mary's Lake Campground: Quieter setting near Mary's Lake with tent and RV sites.
National Forest dispersed camping: Free camping in Roosevelt National Forest outside town. No facilities.
Booking Tips
When to Book
- Summer (June-August): Book 2-3 months ahead. Weekends fill first.
- Elk rut (September-October): Book 6+ months ahead. This is peak season for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Winter: More availability. Book 1-2 weeks ahead except holidays.
- Spring: Shoulder season with good availability. Some businesses closed.
Price Expectations
- Budget: $100-150/night (YMCA, camping, basic motels)
- Mid-range: $150-250/night (downtown hotels, cabin rentals)
- Upscale: $250-400/night (Stanley Hotel, historic lodges)
- Luxury cabins: $350-600/night (premium rentals with hot tubs, views)
What to Know
Altitude: Estes Park sits at 7,522 feet. Some visitors experience mild altitude symptoms. Drink extra water and take it easy your first day.
No chains: You won't find Marriotts or Hiltons here. Estes Park is almost entirely independent hotels and lodges.
Parking: Most accommodations include free parking. Downtown parking can be challenging in summer.
Pet policies: Many places welcome dogs, but confirm before booking. Some charge pet fees ($20-50/stay).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay for the best RMNP access?
Fall River Road area for the Fall River entrance. Highway 7 south of town for Wild Basin. The YMCA of the Rockies is close to the Beaver Meadows entrance.
Is The Stanley Hotel worth the price?
If you're interested in the history and The Shining connection, yes. The experience is unique. If you just need a place to sleep, other options offer better value.
Can I find last-minute accommodations in summer?
Unlikely for weekends. Midweek has slightly better availability. If you're flexible on dates, check cancellations a few days before arrival.
Are there pet-friendly hotels?
Yes. Many cabin rentals welcome dogs. The YMCA allows pets in some accommodations. Downtown hotels vary—call ahead to confirm.
What's the best area for a romantic getaway?
Taharaa Mountain Lodge or Historic Crags Lodge for views and fine dining. Private cabin rentals with hot tubs offer the most privacy.
Should I stay in Estes Park or Boulder?
Stay in Estes Park if RMNP is your focus—you'll save 45 minutes of driving each way. Boulder works if you want more urban amenities and plan only a day trip to the park.