We are planning a last minute trip and I have been looking for places to stay in Telluride because I thought it was very close to Ouray. We have never visited the area but I have always read about how beautiful Ouray was. I am now reading that they are an hour apart.

I couldn't find any vacation rentals in Ouray--it seems to be more small hotels and B&B. We are interested in hiking, scenic drives and my husband wants to play some golf.

For those who have traveled to Ouray/Telluride, where do you stay?

Usually stay in Telluride Mountain Lodge or Telluride
Hotel on hotwire.com from $120 lots prettier town and surroundings more of an upscale vibe.

Have stayed in Ouray but more basic BBs

hotels standard ok not great the drive to Durango

with a stop at Silverton is awesome though.

mesaverde.com visit is amazing also if time

I love Ouray and like that it doesn't have an upscale vibe. Have you looked at vrbo? Lots of rentals:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...outhwest#a2376

This thread came to mind. It may be helpful as you plan -
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...or-durango.cfm

Have you typed Ouray into the search box above? Lots of threads on it.

Yes it takes a bit to drive from Telluride to Ouray and back, but it is a pretty spectacular drive.

Since you are flying in/out of Montrose, you could spend 5 nights in Telluride and then 2 nights in Ouray [or some like combination] as Ouray is closer to airport.

I like Ouray much better. Beautiful scenery, a great hot springs pool much less crowded than the famous one at Glenwood Springs.. The town has plenty of lodging, although not upscale. Check with the golf course at Ridgeway -I think it is open to the public. Go on the Ouray website to see all the information there about lodging, restaurants, and activities.Many scenic rides in the area.

How many days are you spending in the area?

There is a rather interesting water fall in Ouray: http://www.ouraycolorado.com/boxcanyon

Wow! Thanks for all the help. We have never visited this part of Colorado so I appreciate all your suggestions.

I had looked back for Ouray posts and there haven't been any since 2010.

Splitting our 7 days sounds like a good idea.

Most of the old posts are still valid, it doesn't change much out this way

The Beaumont Hotel & Spa in Ouray is certainly upscale. I'd recommend it and its restaurant. Very nice.

Just some ideas. We were in Ouray a couple of years ago (only once so not an expert). It was part of a trip from Denver to SW Colorado then back up to RMNP. We stopped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP on the way which was interesting. Then spent the night in Ouray (at a Best Western). The next morning we went to Cascade Falls and Box Canyon then down the Million Dollar Highway ending up in Durango. We didn't make it to Telluride.