Where to Stay in Estes Park (Best Places & Areas)

You’ll find several key attractions and most hotels in central Estes Park, which encompasses the downtown region and Stanley Heights. Olympus Heights is best for lakeside fun, while Beaver Point is ideal for Rocky Mountain National Park access. Fall River Estates is in a more secluded location, great for a romantic getaway or peaceful escape.

Beaver Point

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Activities | ✨ Best Beaver Point Hotels: Rams Horn Village Resort • The Landing at Estes Park • YMCA of the Rockies

Beaver Point is a great basecamp for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll find some of Colorado’s most iconic trails nearby, including Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, and Longs Peak. Horseback riding, rock climbing, and more mountain adventures are also just minutes away.

Families visiting Estes Park can also enjoy many activities at YMCA of the Rockies. I recently stayed in one of its cozy cabins and was blown away by the size of the property. Enjoy mini golf, archery, an aerial challenge course, disc golf, guided fly fishing — the list goes on. There are also restaurants on-site, plus equipped kitchens in each private cabin. 

If you’d prefer a more luxurious stay, I recommend Rams Horn Village Resort. Its posh cabins feature plush bedding, stocked kitchens, televisions, and high-speed internet. Amenities also include complimentary bicycles in the summer, sleds in the winter, and year-round hot tubs.

Pros of Staying in the Beaver Point Neighborhood:

• Hiking trails, horseback riding, and more nearby recreation 
• You’ll find some of Estes Park’s top-rated, most popular hotels here

Cons of Staying in the Beaver Point Neighborhood:

• You’ll likely need a rental car to get around 
• Dining options are limited 

Downtown Estes Park

👉 Best Area For Walkable Amenities | ✨ Best Downtown Estes Park Hotels: Silver Moon Inn • The Maxwell Inn • Brynwood on the River

If visiting Estes Park without a vehicle, downtown will be your best place to stay. Here, more than 200 independently-owned establishments are within walking distance from several hotels. These include The Maxwell Inn, which is great for cost-conscious travelers, and the mid-tier Silver Moon Inn.

Downtown is also where many of the town’s events take place. Head to Bond Park for the Estes Park Wine Festival in July and Elk Fest in September, along with craft fairs and frequent live music.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Estes Park:

• Walking distance to hundreds of shops and restaurants
• Hotel options for every budget 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Estes Park:

• Can be crowded, especially during peak season 
• Parking is more limited than in other areas 

Stanley Heights

👉 Best Area For Accessibility | ✨ Best Stanley Heights Hotels: Appenzell Inn • Discovery Lodge • Hotel Estes 

Of all the places to stay in Estes Park, the eastern side of town is arguably the most convenient location. It provides easy access to key attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake Estes, and downtown shops and restaurants. 

One of my favorite stays in this area is the Appenzell Inn, a Swiss-inspired boutique hotel. Select rooms feature kitchenettes, fireplaces, covered balconies, and jacuzzi tubs. The property also offers a lovely indoor pool and outdoor gardens, perfect for a morning stroll.

Pros of Staying in Stanley Heights:

• Accessibility to many attractions in Estes Park, CO
• Luxurious lodging, cheap hotels, and everything in between 
• Lots of great restaurants and bars 

Cons of Staying in Stanley Heights:

• Highly trafficked; may be noisier than other areas 
• Not as walkable as the western side of town 

Olympus Heights

👉 Best Area For Lakeside Fun | ✨ Best Olympus Heights Hotels: The Estes Park Resort • Columbine Inn • Murphy’s Resort

Who needs a pool when you have a beautiful mountain lake outside your hotel? Lake Estes is a popular summer destination for fishing, boating, and paddle sports. Rent your gear from the marina or simply lounge on the beach — or on the sun deck at The Estes Park Resort! 

Murphy’s Resort is another great waterfront property. And while Columbine Inn isn’t directly on the water, it’s a great budget choice nearby. 

Pros of Staying in the Olympus Heights Neighborhood:

• Nearby water activities and gear rentals 
• Waterfront views at select hotels 
• Lodging at all price points 

Cons of Staying in the Olympus Heights Neighborhood:

• Not very many dining options
• Greater distance from Rocky Mountain National Park than other areas 

Fall River Estates

👉 Best Area For Relaxing Getaways | ✨ Best Fall River Hotels: Fawn Valley Inn • Timber Creek Chalets • StoneBrook Resort 

Tucked away from downtown’s hustle, Fall River Estates hotels are in a tranquil setting with river views. Those seeking a romantic getaway will love this neighborhood, as several accommodations are adult-only. This includes StoneBrook Resort, one of the best lodging options for couples.

Families, especially those attending a reunion, will love Fall River Estates, too. Fawn Valley Inn and Timber Creek Chalets by Rocky Mountain Resorts are great choices for privacy and ample space. The cottages include an outdoor pool, private hot tub, fitness center, and plenty of free parking. 

Though nearby amenities are lacking, Rocky Mountain National Park is just up ahead. The Fall River entrance is much less busy than Beaver Meadows and provides perfect access to Trail Ridge Road, one of the most scenic drives in Colorado. 

Pros of Staying in the Fall River Estates Neighborhood:

• Ideal for both romantic getaways and family reunions 
• Less crowded and quieter than other areas 

Cons of Staying in the Fall River Estates Neighborhood:

• No walkable amenities; you’ll need a rental car 
• Very few places to eat and drink 

Tips for Staying in Estes Park

Book a Rental Car

While western Estes Park is highly walkable, many of the town’s attractions are best accessed with a vehicle. It’s worth the added expense. But, that doesn’t mean a rental car has to be expensive! Book with our preferred partner, Discover Cars, to compare agencies and get the most affordable rate. 

Take a Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

In my opinion, it would be a major miss to not visit Rocky Mountain National Park when in Estes Park. Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, take a drive up Trail Ridge Road to admire mountain views. And if you are the outdoorsy type, well, you’re in for a real treat. 

🖨️ Get a printable version of the Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

Respect the Wildlife

Even in touristed mountain towns like Estes Park, you’ll likely run into wildlife. Please respect the resident elk herd, friendly chipmunks, and all other critters. Keep your distance, never feed them, and always have your pets on a leash. 

Consider the Altitude

Estes Park is set at 7,522 feet above sea level, which puts many travelers at risk of altitude sickness. In my video on common mistakes made by Colorado visitors, I share a few tips on how to avoid these symptoms.

These include staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, and sticking to moderate exercise for a couple of days. Trust me, you don’t want to start your trip with Longs Peak, one of Colorado’s 14ers!

Know When to Visit 

Choosing the best time to visit Colorado largely depends on your itinerary. But based on weather conditions, June through October are ideal months to experience Estes Park. Also, mountain passes like Trail Ridge Road are accessible in the summertime.

However, if you’re visiting to cross-country ski and soak in an outdoor hot tub, then come during the winter months — namely March, in my opinion. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Estes Park, Colorado

Is Estes Park safe?

Estes Park is safe according to BestPlaces, which finds violent crime and property crime to be below both the state and national averages. However, it’s important to note that Rocky Mountain National Park can be especially dangerous. This is namely due to natural occurrences and features such as lighting, cliff exposure, and wildlife. 

Is there a downtown in Estes Park? 

There is a downtown in Estes Park. It contains more than 200 independently-owned retailers and restaurants. The best way to experience this area is via the Riverwalk or by staying in one of the downtown hotels in Estes Park. 

How many days do you need in Estes Park? 

In my opinion, you need at least two days in Estes Park. Though Estes Park is one of the best day trips from Denver, a weekend getaway allows you to explore both the National Park and the downtown area. 

Is it better to stay in Estes Park or Grand Lake? 

In my opinion, it’s better to stay in Estes Park over Grand Lake. Though beautiful with many great things to do, Grand Lake isn’t as plentiful when it comes to dining and cultural attractions. It’s also not nearly as accessible to metropolitan areas. 

Is Breckenridge or Estes Park better? 

In my opinion, Estes Park is better than Breckenridge in the summer months. Boating on the lake, hiking in the National Park, and more warm-weather activities are abundant in Estes Park. On the other hand, Breckenridge is preferred in the winter, as it’s home to one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. 

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There are so many stellar hotels in Estes Park and hopefully, you now have a better idea of where to stay. Check out our guide on places to visit in Colorado for more travel insights!