I have reservations at the Far View Lodge @ Mesa Verde NP in August and am having second thoughts. Can anyone advise me whether we should stay within the park or at the Holiday Inn in Cortez (the pool is a welcome feature for my 11 year old). I am worried about some negative posts regarding the lodging at Far View and the lack of AC. Thanks!

Kms--You can read my trip report from our visit last week. The Far View is a nice place and has great views BUT in the summer I would not stay there again. It is not that far to Cortez so try to do the ruins tours then leave Mesa Verde.

kms -

It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on the differences between the two hotels. it is about a 45 minute drive from Cortez to the visitor center in MV, so it's certainly not un-doable to stay in Cortez. It sounds like that might be a better option for you with the pool.

Re: the AC at Far View, I have never found it to be a problem. I have stayed there twice in July, and never really thought it was that bad. The views and the stargazing more than make up for it to me. As a side note, the average night temperature is about 10 degrees cooler on top of the mesa than in Cortez.

Have fun!

ditto--Far View is great in the fall in particular, but rooms are very small, and no air, and eating options are much better in town.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I switched to the Holiday Inn Express in Cortez - I know my kids will be happy to have a pool after a hot day.

I will post a trip report once we get back.