Where to Stay in Estes Park (Best Places & Areas in 2024)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Estes Park

You’ll find 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.

Downtown Estes Park

👉 Best Area For Walkable Amenities | ✨ Best Downtown Estes Park Hotels: Silver Moon Inn • The Maxwell Inn • The Historic Crag’s Lodge

If visiting Estes Park without a vehicle, downtown will be your best place to stay in Estes Park. Here, more than 200 independently-owned establishments are within walking distance from several hotels.

These include The Maxwell Inn, great for cost-conscious travelers, and the mid-tier Silver Moon Inn. Tucked back, the Historic Crag’s Lodge by Diamond Resorts isn’t as walkable but is still very close to downtown amenities. It’s also near the family-friendly Open Air Adventure Park. 

Whether admiring the area from above or exploring each downtown shop, you’ll quickly learn why Estes Park is one of Colorado’s best mountain towns.

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: Blue Door 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.

Blue Door Inn is a budget-friendly stay and Hotel Estes is a great mid-tier choice. For a luxurious Estes Park accommodation, check out Discovery Lodge or the iconic Stanley Hotel. 

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 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 

Beaver Point

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Activities | ✨ Best Olympus Heights Hotels: Rams Horn Village Resort • The Landing at Estes Park • Alpine Trail Ridge Inn

Trekking through Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best things to do in Colorado, and Beaver Point makes a great basecamp to do so.

You’ll find some of Colorado’s most iconic hikes nearby, including Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, and Longs Peak. Horseback riding, rock climbing, and more mountain adventures are also just minutes away.

From the grand Rams Horn Village Resort to budget hotel accommodations at the Alpine Trail Ridge Inn, anyone can stay at Beaver Point. Some of the best Estes Park lodging is found within the YMCA properties. Cozy cabins, curious wildlife, and mountain views create a classic Colorado experience.

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 

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 places to stay in Estes Park 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 Nat’l Park is right up the road. The Fall River entrance is much less busy than Beaver Meadows and provides perfect access to Trail Ridge Road, one of the best road trips 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, CO 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 Nat’l 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. 

Respect the Wildlife

It probably comes as no surprise that wildlife abounds in the Rocky Mountains. But even in downtown Estes Park, you’ll likely run into the resident elk herd. Whether you spot them, a mama bear, or a friendly, chubby chipmunk, please respect the wildlife. Keep your distance, never feed them, and always have your pets on a leash. 

Consider the Altitude

Estes Park, CO 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 according to our local writer Laura, June through October are ideal months due to weather. 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. 

🖨️  Get a printable version of the Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

FAQs About Where to Stay in Estes Park, 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 in Estes Park. Check out our guide on places to visit in Colorado for more travel insights!