Where to stay between Col. Spring & RMNP
 

Our family will be picking up our daughter from a camp in Colorado Springs in August and will leave late that evening to head towards Rocky Mountain National Park which looks to be about three hours drive away. I am looking for a recommendation on where to stay in the general vicinity of RMNP. Any help is appreciated.

There are a host of hotel/motel choices in Estes Park, which is close to RMNP.

Estes Park is a small resort town located at the entrance to RMNP. Plenty of motels there - if you want some real atmosphere try the Stanley Hotel. It was the inspiration for Steven King's "The Shining". It would be even more fun if you read the book just before your trip. Most of the details of the hotel are just as described in the book.

Just a thought. The wife & I stayed at the Mapleton Inn B&B in Boulder, Colorado. Wonderfully located in town, within short walking distance of Pearl Street Mall, & only about 30-40 minute drive up to Rocky Mtn. National Park. Great accomodations, breakfasts, & hosts.

Thanks for your help.

Of course, there is the Stanley. It is elegant, but definitely need an advance reservation during the summer months. Most places will need a reservation, since that is in high season. Most of the motels or lodges in the AAA book are decent. And there is the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park that has a variety of lodging at their camp. It's pretty nice if you like things a little rustic. <BR>In Colorado Springs, stay at the La Quinta on I 25. <BR>I think you would enjoy staying near the park more than any stop along the way.

Estes Park in the summer is a zoo--they even have a traffic cop who stands in the middle of a four-way intersection and tells you when to cross the street. If you go when you're not supposed to, he/she yells at you! Nice tourism draw. It's definitely not relaxing or peaceful there but the Stanley is neat and kind of a fun place to stay (especially if you read the Shining beforehand, as one poster suggested). I would suggest staying at the Omni Interlocken near Boulder. It's a beautiful hotel and right between your two points.

I recommend the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder. It is a really place (though expensive) and has the advantage of being a block from the Pearl Street Mall. There is always a lot going on there in the summer (street performers, etc.). Your daughter would love it. <BR> <BR>Boulder is about 35 miles from the RMNP. <BR>