Estes Park hotels

Serenely located on the banks of the Fall River, the Silver Moon Inn oozes alpine charm. When I am in the area and I am staying in Silver Moon, I like to use the inn as a jumping-off point for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes. Due to its prime location a few kilometres from the park and a few steps from downtown it can be at the top of your list.

Wake up in the morning to a complimentary continental breakfast and hot coffee, then spend the day exploring. Enjoy the bubbling waters of the in-ground hot tub in the evening, followed by nightly s’mores and popcorn along the river.

When it comes to top-rated hotels in Estes Park, there are few better spots than the Silver Moon.

Bask in the views of the majestic snow-capped Rockies from Murphy’s Resort, one of the best hotels in Estes Park for family-friendly fun. At Murphy’s you can rent bikes for free, play yard games like cornhole and horseshoes, swim in the heated outdoor pool and take advantage of several board games and puzzles on offer.

In the summertime, there are live music and storytelling hours around the outdoor fire pit and complimentary movie nights complete with popcorn. I love that the environment at Murphy’s is warm and convivial, no matter when you visit, making this one of the top choices year-round.

The resort is also located near beautiful Lake Estes and mere minutes from downtown, so you’ll be in close proximity to the best outdoor activities, shopping and dining in town.

Plan to rent bikes and ride around the lake, followed by a picnic by the water.

Boulder Brook on Fall River offers privacy amid fragrant pines and stunning mountain peaks.

There are several suites to choose from, with each room bathed in natural light and boasting charming aesthetic details. This is one of the best hotels in Estes Park for romantic getaways because of its relatively secluded setting and beautiful views of the Fall River and the mountains.

If you visit with a significant other, be sure to book one of the Spa Suites. These suites are outfitted with vaulted ceilings and private riverfront decks complete with two-person jetted tubs, so you can soak under the starry night sky.

End your evening curled up by the fireplace and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the river.

Sprawled over 29 acres of pine and aspen trees, Streamside on Fall River offers a true escape deep in the woods.

Choose from 21 cabins and suites, and enjoy a plethora of on-site amenities ranging from lawn games to hammocks and an outdoor hot tub (for those who don’t have a private hot tub on their deck, that is).

The property offers unique recreation opportunities with the Fall River running through it and an on-site hiking trail up to Old Man Mountain. I loved the tranquility and the chance to hike and fish without leaving the property.

Woodlands on Fall River is one of the top-rated hotels in Estes Park for a reason (or several). There’s almost no beating this hotel’s prime location – it’s nestled right on the crystal-clear waters of the Fall River, backdropped by towering pines and craggy mountain peaks.

Woodlands on Fall River is also just three kilometres from the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, so you’ll have easy access to hiking trails and scenic drives.

From plush linens to warm wood furnishings, the accommodations (one- and two-bedroom suites) offer comfort and coziness. On previous visits, I’ve found this to be one of the best hotels in Estes Park for simply relaxing in nature.

I love waking up and sipping coffee on the riverfront deck or lounging in one of the Adirondack chairs by the water.

A list of the best hotels in Estes Park wouldn’t be complete without the Maxwell Inn. Located within walking distance of downtown, this intimate, family-run hotel has a rich history.

The building was originally constructed in the late 1930s as a single-family home and then remodelled between 1986 and 1972. Today, the rooms are beautifully appointed with custom wood furniture and upgraded finishes; book an "On the River" room for access to private riverside seating and a natural gas fireplace.

The hotel's top-notch amenities include a free continental breakfast, a hot tub, an outdoor fire pit and free movie rentals in the lobby. Plus, the walk from the hotel to downtown is lovely, along the river on a paved pathway.

Hotel Estes is a top choice for those who prefer a quiet, rustic property as opposed to a large-scale resort. A visit here feels more like staying in a family home, due to the hotel’s intimate size and excellent hospitality. The staff’s local recommendations helped enhance my stay. As for the décor, it’s warm, homey and delightfully no-frills, with wood accents, cozy leather furniture and crisp bedding. Locally-owned and operated, this is also one of the best hotels in Estes Park due to its personalized amenities and services. Guests love the hot tub, sipping cocktails around the fire pits and the s’mores bar offered every afternoon. I highly recommend requesting a room with mountain views; you won’t be disappointed.

The 4 Seasons Inn on Fall River stands out for its picturesque views of the Fall River and serene setting and rooms that are well-appointed, comfortably furnished and immaculate. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, all of which are supplied with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

In the summer months, there’s no better spot for an epic barbecue in the fresh mountain air, while winter is the perfect time for a leisurely soak in the hot tub.

The 4 Seasons Inn is located just a five-minute drive from the Fall River entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, so you can spend the day hiking before relaxing. This is another great hotel in Estes Park for couples, as it’s adults-only.

Stonebrook Resort invites you to relax amid some of the most scenic nature in the area. This adults-only resort features lovingly decorated cottages and suites overlooking the Fall River, with dramatic mountain views.

All units have fireplaces and kitchens, while cottages have private hot tubs and suites have in-room spa tubs. After a long hike, a leisurely soak in one of the tubs is pure bliss.

Make time to sit by the river, ideally with a good book and a glass of wine in hand. One evening during my last visit, I left my phone in my room, went down to the water’s edge and listened to the babbling brook as the sun set – it was the most relaxed I’d felt in a long time.

Many consider Pine Haven Resort to be among the best hotels in Estes Park for its unspoiled natural setting and beautiful grounds. The resort offers private hiking trails right outside your door, a hot tub, a playground on the river, a bar (located at the Inn on Fall River, the adjacent property) and even ATV rentals.

Take your pick from a range of gorgeously decorated cabins or book The Lodge, which can sleep up to 16 people. Cabins range from the cozy 420-square-metre Fisherman’s Cabin to the spacious, modern Sunrise Cabin, which sits across from the resort and sleeps eight.

Pine Haven Resort’s tranquil mountain environment, unique amenities, and variety of accommodations make this one of the best hotels in Estes Park.