Ouray, Ridgway or Telluride, Colorado: Fave lodging choices?
 

We'll hopefully be in this region
later Sept. Any fave/special
spots to not miss staying in?

Could use ideas.
Oh & this is for a couple...
no children along. Thanks! :-)

Oooo...and we might do Mesa Verde, too. Not sure yet, nor how far it is from Ridgway.

Any neat lodging near it?
Or just your regular motel kind of set-up? That's okay too. Just would like
the best options. Thanks.

Daydreamer, I am considering a trip to the same area and here are some of the properties I have found:
Durango-
Blue Lake Ranch
Apple Orchard b and b
Country Sunshine b and b
Telluride
Ice House Lodge
Camel's Garden Hotel
Wildwood Canyon Inn

I hope this thread will generate some opinions on those properties and maybe even some alternative suggestions! Since you will go before me, please do a trip report!

We loved Ouray and had a great time at the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Inn. Great hot springs pool and a really cool vapor cave. Beautiful little town.

Picture of the lodge:
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/49926589

Ouray:
http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/49900195

Great photos. That vapor cave looks interesting. Thanks for sharing them.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35057154

This a thread with details on how to visit the Maroon Belles. I think they are the most beautiful place in Colorado.

excuse the above, I meant to put it in a different post about Colorado

an embarrased Bonise

First, let me mention that end of Sept is still very much high season in SW Colorado. You need to make some decision pretty soon, as it is choice may be limited.

I wouldn't suggest staying in Ridgway - it is tiny with little toursit necessities [i.e. places to stay and eat].

In Telluride - the most economical place you will find is The Victorian Inn. They are basic rooms, but clean. The have a light breakfast [cold items only] and are in Telluride proper. If you want luxury and the prices that go with it - Hotel Telluride in town is very nice. It is at the beginning of town, so a short walk to main street area is needed. But it isn't far and is pretty walk.

There is also Mountain Village; you park there and take the gondola to go down into town. A nice way, but the prices are typically higher. Inn at Lost Creek is nice. So is Franz Klammer which are timeshares, but you can rent them.

In Ouray, we stayed at St. Elmos B&B and really liked it. Great breakfast. For a super nice place, Beaumont Hotel is top pick. Dinner at their restaurant Tundra is lovely. Be sure to do Box Canyon Falls hike. Breathtaking! Buen Tiempo is a good place to eat too.

In Durango, Apple Orchard B&B is top pick. Blue Ranch is remote for a short stay. The Strater is very good; right in town and old fashioned and The General Palmer is likewise old style. There's Marriott Courtyard, Best Western, Doubletree, Wyndham, Holiday Inn too and are your typical motels.

DO go to Mesa Verde, you can drive their from Durango but a closer place to stay and more reasonable is Cortez. The is nice Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Comfort Inn.

Hope this helps..
Debi

It does help, Debi. Thanks for the information.

cmc - drop me an email if you'd like - I have some info on Blue Lake or I can post here
Debi

Debi, you've got mail

Hi, Daydreamer -

We're budget/moderate travelers and have stayed at the Mountainside Inn in Telluride -- right downtown, within walking distance to everything, no frills, but a nice quiet place next to the river, complete with hot tub. It could be worse! :)

I just booked a return visit there for the 2nd week of September -- for $107/night for 2 people. Can't beat it, IMO. Here's their website: www.telluridehotels.com


Telluride is incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen are yellow. Ridgway is lovely, but, as mentioned, very quiet.

Have a great time. You will love it.

Thanks, everyone! Great places for me to check into!

Btw, the posting about the Maroon Bells not for nothing, as my hubby would like to include them, if we fly in & out of Denver. Not yet determined if we will.

That could be a separate thread, even!
If doing Denver in & out, w/main time in SW corner, I guess we really would need a full week, then? Will save that for later. Thanks!

Hi, For a great experience, check in to Far View Lodge inside Mesa Verde. It is simple and a bit basic, but the views from the decks are wide-ranging and incredible and being inside the park is fun.

ttt for Ann Riley