Rocky Mountain Travel Where to stay in Estes Park
A Guide to Cabins, Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Choosing where to stay in Estes Park can shape your entire trip experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or outdoor adventure, the town offers a wide variety of lodging options.
As the main gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is known for its scenic accommodations—many featuring riverfront settings, mountain views, and easy access to hiking, wildlife, and downtown.
Best Areas to Stay in Estes Park
Downtown Estes Park
This lodging area is walkable to shops, restaurants, and riverwalk. It is great for first-time visitors, and ideal for couples and short stays.
👉 Best for: convenience + walkability
Fall River Area
This lodging area has some of the most original lodging properties within Estes Park. It is quiet, scenic, and lined with cabins. It is close to the RMNP entrance and offers a peaceful, nature-focused experience as the Fall River runs through or along many of the properties.
👉 Best for: relaxation + riverfront cabins
Lake Estes Area
This part of town is considered the north side of town, has more modern accommodations and is along 34 highway where the majority of hotels are located. Open views and easy access to bike trails and sidewalks. Great for biking and family activities and is slightly removed from downtown crowds.
👉 Best for: families + outdoor access
Beaver Meadows Entrance Area
This side of town is closest to the Beaver Meadow entrance to RMNP. It runs along Hwy 66 and heads out towards the YMCA of the Rockies. There are hotels, cabins and RV parks along this area and gives quick access to early morning hikes in the park.
👉 Best for: hiking-focused trips
Types of Lodging in Estes Park
Cabins
Cabins are one of the most popular lodging options in Estes Park—and for good reason. They tend to be situated on more private, peaceful setting settings, offering mountain or river views. Most have full kitchens and outdoor space. There are rustic cabins for a classic Colorado feel, family cabins with multiple bedrooms and some properties have luxury cabins with hot tubs and fireplaces.
Cabins are perfect for travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in the mountain environment.
Popular Cabin Properties:
Mountain Shadows Resort
Offers charming cabins with rustic interiors, fireplaces, and mountain views.
Nicky’s Resort
A classic Estes Park property with cabins and lodge rooms along Fall River.
Idlewilde by the River
Quiet, scenic cabins right on the river—perfect for relaxing stays.
👉 Not all cabins are open year round as they are seasonal properties.
Hotels & Lodges
Hotels and lodges offer convenience and amenities while still providing that mountain feel. They offer easy check-in and full-service amenities such as outdoor pools and hot tubs. Many have on-site dining or nearby restaurants. Some provide riverfront or mountain-view rooms. Popular Options include boutique hotels downtown, historic lodges with character such as the Seven Keys Lodge, the Stanley Hotel and Meeker Lodge in Allenspark.
Notable Hotels & Lodges:
The Stanley Hotel
One of the most iconic hotels in Colorado. Known for its historic charm, mountain views, and famous connection to The Shining. Offers upscale rooms, dining, and a unique experience.
The Estes Park Resort
Located on Lake Estes, this property offers waterfront views, private balconies, and a quieter setting just outside downtown.
Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park
A modern, family-friendly hotel with updated amenities, a pool, and easy access to town and RMNP.
Discovery Lodge
A budget-friendly, comfortable lodge near downtown with a classic mountain feel.
Streamside on Fall River
A peaceful riverside lodge offering cabins and suites along Fall River.
There are also family-friendly resorts such as Lake Estes Resort and the Coyote Lodge.
These are ideal for travelers who want a balance of comfort and location.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are perfect for longer stays, families, and group travel. They provide more space and privacy, have full kitchens and living areas and are ideal for multi-family trips. Some are professionally managed by one of the many property management companies in town, or operated by the owner themselves.
👉 Many vacation rentals are pet friendly
Luxury Lodging
For a more upscale experience, Estes Park offers a selection of luxury accommodations. Features may Include spa services, fine dining, private balconies with mountain views and premium finishes and amenities.
Luxury lodging is perfect for romantic getaways or special occasions.
Family-Friendly Lodging
Estes Park is one of the best family destinations in Colorado. Many of the lodging properties are designed with families in mind. These lodging properties are multi-bedroom cabins or rentals, they have private outdoor space (we don’t have yards here). Outdoor pools is a family favorite and evening kid programs hosted on site are among some of the amenities.
👉 There are adult only properties, so be sure to ask.
Pet-Friendly Lodging
Who wouldn’t want to come to the mountains and bring their dog? Estes Park understands that it is one of the most pet-friendly mountain destinations in Colorado. Many of the properties and vacation rentals are pet friendly.
Pet-Friendly Properties:
The Ridgeline Hotel Estes Park
Nicky’s Resort – cabins with outdoor space
Many vacation rentals allow pets with fenced yards
👉 Pets are not allowed on any trails in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Additional Estes Park Resources
Planning Guides:
- Getting around Estes Park
- Best time to visit Estes Park
Activity Guides: