Located 90 minutes from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of Colorado’s crown jewels. The sprawling park encompasses roughly 415 square miles and boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails, 156 lakes, and 77 mountain peaks. No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to keep you entertained!
Most visitors flock to RMNP during the summer months. You can easily spend your days hiking the park’s countless trails, fishing for trout in the pristine lakes and rivers, or road tripping along Trail Ridge Road – one of the most scenic drives in the US! If you want to check out the colorful fall foliage, we highly recommend visiting the park in autumn.
If you visit during the winter, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and a snow-covered winter wonderland. You can go cross-country skiing around Grand Lake, embark on a snowshoeing excursion to a frozen waterfall, or spot majestic elk and deer in one of the many meadows. It’s no wonder a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the top things to do in Colorado!
Rocky Mountain National Park is conveniently located 10 minutes from the quaint village of Estes Park. After an action-packed day exploring the park’s natural wonders, you’ll love wandering around the historic downtown area. Plus, Estes Park is home to the area’s best shops, eateries, and hotels.
As one of Colorado’s top attractions, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of luxurious lodges, dreamy riverside inns, and quaint B&Bs surrounding Rocky Mountain National Park. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park to help you plan your perfect getaway!
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Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park
Unfortunately, there is no lodging in the park so most of the best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park are located in downtown Estes Park. The Fall River entrance to RMNP is just a 10-minute drive up the road. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and attractions in town.
If you want to be surrounded by nature, there are plenty of incredible inns, B&Bs, and boutique hotels lining the shores of the picturesque Fall River. Depending on which hotel you choose, downtown Estes Park is either a 15-minute walk or no more than a 10-minute drive away and the park’s Fall River entrance is just a couple of minutes away. Staying on Fall River is a great option for couples looking for a romantic retreat or families and solo travelers wanting a truly relaxing getaway.
You can also opt to stay on or near picture-perfect Lake Estes. All of the hotels surrounding Lake Estes are roughly 2 miles east of downtown Estes Park and offer easy access to all of the lake’s attractions – especially in the summer. You can hike around the lake on Lake Estes Trail, rent a kayak and paddle around the lake, or simply take in the views from the lakeside Dunraven Italian restaurant.
Because Estes Park is so small, no matter where you decide to stay you’ll be mere minutes away from all of the attractions of both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park!
12 Best Hotels Near Rocky Mountain National Park
1. The Estes Park Resort
Nestled on 5 acres of land in Estes Park, The Estes Park Resort is the only hotel located on picture-perfect Lake Estes. Not only is this resort the perfect blend of modern and rustic, but you’ll have easy access to all of Estes Park’s restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions.
Plus, if you’re visiting in the summer you can rent a kayak, a paddleboard, or a pontoon boat and explore Lake Estes. There’s also a 3.75-mile loop trail around the lake, which offers gorgeous views and the chance to spot local wildlife from elk to bighorn sheep! When you’re not adventuring around Estes Park, you can splash around in the indoor pool, play games in the arcade, and roast s’mores around the outdoor fire pits.
Each of the 54 contemporary rooms boasts super-comfy beds with pillow top mattresses, 49-inch HDTVs, and spacious workstations. The kitchenettes with sinks, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers are handy extra features. All rooms have private patios or decks and most have stunning views of Lake Estes.
The Estes Park Resort is also home to one of the best restaurants in town. The Dunraven serves up some seriously good Italian fare. When the weather is nice, be sure to snag a table on the deck for beautiful lake and mountain views!
2. The Landing at Estes Park
Nestled right on the banks of the Big Thompson River, The Landing is hands down one of the best boutique hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park. The main lodge is “adults only” and is a great choice for couples or solo travelers who want to kick back and relax, get pampered at the on-site spa, and be at one with nature.
If you’re traveling as a family or want more space, the four newly renovated cottages are well worth the splurge. Perched just 10 feet from the river, you can sip your morning coffee on the riverfront patio, get cozy inside around the stone-clad fireplace, and prepare homemade dinners for the family in the kitchenette.
One of the many things that makes The Landing unique is that they use eco-friendly and socially responsible brands and products. Expect to find handcrafted barn wood and Old Hickory furniture, authentic American-style braided Capel rugs, and UrbanDesign patio furniture made from recycled plastic milk and water jugs throughout the rooms and property.
Surrounded by nature, it might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere but the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is roughly a mile away and all of the eateries and boutiques of Estes Park are roughly 3 miles down the road.
3. Woodlands on Fall River
The Woodlands on Fall River is perched right on the river and surrounded by a beautifully manicured property and a grove of 300-year-old trees. You can easily spend your days lounging around this serene hotel or if you’re up for an outdoor adventure the Fall River entrance to RMNP is 2 miles away. Plus, you get to wake up to amazing views of Fall River and Castle Mountain every morning!
If you’re looking for a home away from home, the 5-star Woodlands on Fall River is one of the best boutique hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park. You can choose from one or two-bedroom condos, which all come equipped with cozy bedrooms, living rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, and fully outfitted kitchens with ovens and dishwashers.
You’ll love hanging out on the private deck and taking in the river views. All decks have a gas grill so you can prepare barbeque dinners for the group. With private access to 350 feet of the river, you can even go fishing right outside your front door and cook up a freshly caught meal!
The property also boasts a hot tub with mountain views, access to plenty of walking trails, and riverside sitting areas perfect for scenic picnics!
4. The Maxwell Inn
You’ll be treated like family the moment you step inside The Maxwell Inn. Housed in a remodeled 1930s single-family home turned 1960s dental office, this rustic inn is family-owned and operated. The friendly owners, Dana and Peter, will go above and beyond to make sure you have the best stay possible.
The guest rooms seamlessly blend rustic decor with modern amenities. You’ll love the comfy Serta mattresses, custom wood trim and furniture, and the handy microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. The “On the River” rooms were completed in 2020 and have gas fireplaces, kitchenettes, and private riverside sitting areas.
The staff serves a complimentary continental breakfast in the mornings, perfect for fueling up before an action-packed day. In the evenings, soak your aching muscles in the hot tub, have a fireside chat around the fire pit, or enjoy an alfresco dinner at the barbecue and picnic area. During warmer months, there’s also a weekly outdoor movie night, which you can watch with other guests and the Maxwell family!
You can walk into town in less than 15 minutes using the paved riverside pathway or drive to the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park in mere minutes!
5. StoneBrook Resort
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to get away from it all, StoneBrook is one of the best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park. The quaint hotel is nestled in the forest on the banks of Fall River. Not only is the setting tranquil, but this resort is adults only (21+) so you’ll have nothing but peace and quiet.
All units are outfitted with rustic wood furnishings, fully outfitted kitchens, stone fireplaces, and private patios. The Riverside Cottages have spacious patios with hot tubs and gas grills overlooking the running river and the Riversuites have cozy living areas and in-room spa tubs. If you want to prepare meals at home or pack a picnic lunch, there’s a Safeway supermarket two miles down the road where you can shop for supplies.
With its unique location, it’s possible to fish in the river, go hiking in the forest, or simply take a seat on the river’s edge and enjoy the show. If you’re lucky you might even spot local wildlife, including elk and even bears!
StoneBrook is conveniently located just minutes from the Fall River entrance to RMNP and the village of Estes Park.
6. Murphy’s Resort
Located on 6.5 acres of land near Lake Estes and the marina, Murphy’s Resort is a great pick for families or couples looking for a fun-filled getaway. RMNP is just a 10-minute drive away or if you feel like exploring Lake Estes, there are plenty of trails and bike paths around the hotel. You can even borrow one of the hotel’s free bikes and cruise around!
For a low-key motel, Murphy’s has all sorts of entertaining amenities. You can go for a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool, soak in the indoor hot tub, grill some burgers or steaks at the outdoor barbeque station, or pick out a DVD from the hotel’s collection of over 1,000 complimentary movies. There are also tons of outdoor games to keep you and your little ones entertained including shuffleboard, bocce ball, yard Yahtzee, and more!
Start your morning off with the hotel’s complimentary continental breakfast. In the evenings, you can order drinks at the on-site Murphy’s Lounge. And if you want to go out to dinner, Antonio’s Real New York Pizza is next door and just happens to dish out the best wood-fired pizzas in town!
You’ll love crashing out in the rustic rooms after a long day exploring Estes Park and RMNP. Depending on which type of room you choose, you’ll have awesome amenities from comfy living areas to separate bedrooms to kitchenettes.
7. Boulder Brook on Fall River
Boulder Brook is yet another gem of a hotel located on the banks of Fall River. Each of the 19 suites offers river and forest views, so it’s the perfect pick if you’re searching for a truly relaxing retreat.
All units are outfitted with comfy bedrooms, separate living areas with fireplaces, and kitchenettes where you can prepare basic meals. If you want to treat yourself, upgraded suites boast private decks, massive whirlpool tubs with river views, and picturesque vaulted ceilings. And don’t be surprised if you spot elk chilling outside your room!
Rocky Mountain National Park is just a mile away. But when you’re not hiking or biking in the park you can stargaze from the outdoor hot tub, enjoy a glass of wine in the heated gazebo, or borrow a pole from the friendly staff and do some catch-and-release fishing in the river. If you get lucky, you can grill up your freshly caught trout using one of the outdoor barbecues!
8. Murphy’s River Lodge
If you want to be close to the park and within walking distance of Estes Park’s downtown area, Murphy’s River Lodge is one of the best hotels near Rocky Mountain State Park. All of the restaurants, shops, and galleries of the historic downtown are just two blocks away! Plus, the hotel is known for having the friendliest staff around so expect top-notch customer service.
You’ll love swimming in the massive heated indoor pool, relaxing in the hot tub, and roasting marshmallows around the outdoor fire pit. You’ll also find plenty of wood swing chairs around the property where you can curl up with a good book or marvel at the giant elk grazing around the property!
Nestled right next to Fall River, most rooms have postcard-perfect river views. All rooms boast brand new mattresses with luxury linens, flat-screen with DVD players for lazy movie nights, and microwaves for heating up leftovers. The ground-floor River Front Condos feature plush king beds, fully outfitted kitchens, living areas with stone fireplaces, and spacious patios overlooking the river.
If you feel like dining in town, you can fuel up with a hearty diner-style breakfast at The Egg of Estes, go wine tasting in the afternoon at Snowy Peaks Winery, and enjoy a barbecue dinner right down the street at the famous Big Horn Restaurant.
9. The Ridgeline Hotel
The Ridgeline Hotel is yet another great option if you want to be close to downtown Estes Park. Plus, the hotel was recently renovated so expect everything to be new, top of the line, and super stylish.
You’ll love the updated rooms which boast luxe new platform beds, funky wall art, and vintage decor. The 50-inch flat-screens, coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-fridges are nice added touches.
Downtown Estes Park is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is a mere 10-minute drive away. When you’re not busy exploring the area’s top attractions, you can do laps in the indoor pool, warm up around the outdoor fire pits, or play a game of pool or foosball in the fully outfitted game room.
If you’re hungry, Latitude 105 Alehouse is located right on-site and serves up delicious American comfort food including chicken wings, chili nachos, and massive burgers. The restaurant also has daily happy hour specials so be sure to check those out!
When the weather is nice, the hotel offers complimentary bicycles so you can feel free to cruise around downtown or explore the trails around Lake Estes!
10. The Inn on Fall River & Fall River Cabins
Set right in between the village of Estes Park and the Fall River entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, The Inn on Fall River is a prime place to base yourself. With its riverside location, spruce tree-studded grounds, and mountain views the setting is absolutely stunning.
While the rustic rooms offer the perfect respite after a long day, the brand-new Stream Suites and cottages are well worth the upgrade. The luxury suites boast ultra-comfy pillow top beds, fully outfitted kitchens, beautiful three-sided fireplaces, oversized whirlpool soaking tubs, and spacious decks overlooking the river. With their separate bedrooms, cozy living rooms, and private streamside hot tubs, the cottages are the perfect pick for families or small groups.
In the evenings, head over to the full-service bar on the second floor where you can order cocktails, beer, and wine and socialize with friends and fellow guests. Explore the property and you’ll come across plenty of riverside swings, fire pits, picnic tables, and scenic hiking trails.
11. Nicky’s Resort
Nicky’s Resort opened its doors in 1964 and has long been hailed as one of the best boutique hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park. Tucked away on an especially scenic section of Fall River, the RMNP Fall River entrance is just 3 miles up the road.
This beautiful hotel may be nearly 60 years old but the entire space has been fully renovated and transformed into a rustic-chic lodge. The beautifully decorated rooms feature pine log furniture, natural wood accent walls, and stylish mountain décor.
If you’re traveling as a family, the adorable cabins have cozy living rooms with stone fireplaces, separate bedrooms, and fully outfitted kitchens. You’ll also have a private patio with a gas grill and an alfresco dining table where you can enjoy family dinners when the weather is nice. Chances are you’ll see elk and turkeys meandering around the grounds!
During the summer months, Fall River is stocked with trout if you want to go fishing. Other amenities include communal grills, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a spacious sundeck. There’s also an on-site steakhouse and trattoria where you can fill up on hearty entrees like beef and bacon burgers, prime rib, and vegetarian lasagna.
12. The Stanley Hotel
Of course, no list of the best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park would be complete without mentioning the iconic Stanley Hotel.
Built in 1909, the historic hotel was made famous by author Stephan King, who spent one night at the (formerly) rundown hotel in 1974. King spent the night exploring the eerie, virtually abandoned hotel, which ended up being the inspiration behind his famous novel, The Shining!
The lavish 142-room Colonial Revival hotel now stands proud on a hillside in Estes Park just 5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. You can even walk to downtown Estes Park if you want!
You can choose from a variety of rooms but the original rooms in the main building are by far the most popular. These historic rooms are the perfect blend of classic furnishings and modern amenities. If you’re into paranormal activity, you’ll definitely want to stay in one of the “haunted” rooms!
If that sounds a little too spooky, you can also opt for the renovated boutique-style rooms in The Lodge or the modern apartment-style Aspire units.
The sprawling hotel is home to four restaurants and bars. You can fill up on huge breakfasts at Georgia’s, sip craft beer and snack on locally sourced fare at The Post Chicken and Beer, enjoy gourmet dinners at the main American restaurant and steakhouse, or grab a nightcap at Whiskey Bar & Lounge.
That’s it – the 12 best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park! Did we miss any cool hotels in Estes Park? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nestled on 5 acres of land in Estes Park, The Estes Park Resort is the only hotel located on picture-perfect Lake Estes. Not only is this resort the perfect blend of modern and rustic, but you’ll have easy access to all of Estes Park’s restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions. Plus, if you’re visiting in the summer you can rent a kayak, a paddleboard, or a pontoon boat and explore Lake Estes.
Nestled right on the banks of the Big Thompson River, The Landing is hands down one of the best boutique hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park. The main lodge is “adults only” and is a great choice for couples or solo travelers who want to kick back and relax, get pampered at the on-site spa, and be at one with nature.
Located on 6.5 acres of land near Lake Estes and the marina, Murphy’s Resort is a great pick for families or couples looking for a fun-filled getaway. RMNP is just a 10-minute drive away or if you feel like exploring Lake Estes, there are plenty of trails and bike paths around the hotel. You can even borrow one of the hotel’s free bikes and cruise around!
Of course, no list of the best hotels near Rocky Mountain National Park would be complete without mentioning the iconic Stanley Hotel. Built in 1909, the historic hotel was made famous by author Stephan King, who spent one night at the (formerly) rundown hotel in 1974. King spent the night exploring the eerie, virtually abandoned hotel, which ended up being the inspiration behind his famous novel, The Shining!
This was such an informative post to help me decide where to stay- I loved the photos too!
Wildwood inn
On fall river.
Quarter Mile from RMNP entrance. Great accommodations!!!
Dripping Springs BNB is great.