Estes Park is one of the best vacation destinations in the world!
With its stunning township, breathtaking scenery, and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is no wonder why so many people flock to the area year-round.
As it is a tourist destination, Estes Park naturally has many hotels. Many of these can be extremely expensive, making it nearly impossible to have an affordable vacation in Estes Park.
However, there are also many more affordable motels – you just need to know where to look to find them!
As a local, I have managed to get a good grasp on where the affordable motels are, and which ones are worth your money.
This guide will cover seven of the best motels in Estes Park to help you have the Colorado vacation of your dreams without breaking the bank. Let’s get into it!
Here are some of the most popular motels in Estes Park
While there are many accommodation options in Estes Park, some are better than others.
Here are seven of my favorite motels in Estes Park that come in at a lower price point. These are the places I always recommend family and friends to stay at when visiting the area!
1. Rocky Mountain Hotel & Conference Center
- Location: 1701 N Lake Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
- Phone number: +1 970-586-5363
- Price for standard room: $140 – $189
- Scenic views: Rocky Mountains, Estes Lake, Estes Park
- Amenities: Indoor pool, hot tub, games room, WiFi, laundry, free parking
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Website: https://www.rockymountainhotel.com/
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay near Estes Park that comes with all the amenities you could dream of and a great location, look no further than the Rocky Mountain Hotel and Conference Center!
Located at the base of the Rock Mountains, you are mere steps away from all that Estes Park has to offer.
Considering that this is a budget-friendly accommodation option, the motel offers a wide range of amenities and room types.
Rooms vary from your standard double room all the way up to a two-bedroom apartment option.
All rooms have access to the wide range of amenities that the motel has to offer. These include an indoor pool and whirlpool, a hot tub, a games room, and a bar.
Guests also have access to other more practical amenities such as laundry service, kid-friendly spaces, and unlimited free wifi.
This is a great motel to use as a base when exploring the rest of Estes Park. Estes Lake and its walking track are only a few hundred feet away, and the Estes Park township is on the motel’s doorstep!
It is a great base for the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, and the motel also has storage for skis should you wish to bring them along with you.
Additionally, Rocky Mountain Hotel has a 48-hour cancellation policy, leaving you plenty of time to make changes should something happen that requires you to miss your trip.
A tip to keep in mind before booking is that this is a very kid-friendly motel, and it is therefore popular with families.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, this may not be the best place as the motel is more suited to those looking for a family environment.
However, if you are looking for the perfect base for your next family holiday to Estes Park, I cannot recommend this motel highly enough!
2. Murphy’s Resort at Estes Park
- Location: 1650 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
- Phone number: +1 970-480-2955
- Price for standard room: $130 – $230
- Scenic views: Rocky Mountains, Estes Lake, Estes Park
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, WiFi, free breakfast, spa facilities
- Pet-friendly: Pet-friendly rooms are available for an additional fee.
- Website: https://www.murphysresort.com/
If you’re an adventurous spirit looking for a base to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park, Murphy’s Resort at Estes Park might be the motel for you.
This budget-friendly accommodation is brimming with typical Colorado charm and provides guests with everything they need for a comfortable stay!
The motel is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, right in the heart of the Estes Park township.
There are a variety of rooms available, ranging from a standard king room to a luxury suite that is ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway.
All guests have access to the motel amenities, which include an outdoor pool, indoor hot tub, unlimited WiFi, and a free breakfast every day of their stay.
One of the most attractive features of Murphy’s Resort is that it sits on 6.5 acres of land and has plenty of walking trails around the property.
This means that there’s plenty of room for you to explore the resort, whether it be via a quick after-dinner stroll or an early morning run.
If you want to explore further, the resort is a few minutes walk from Estes Lake, as well as the township.
It is also only 6.3 miles from the Fall River Entrance Station to Rocky Mountain National Park, making it the perfect base for travelers who wish to explore one of Colorado’s crown jewels!
If you book directly with Murphy’s Resort, you should be aware of their unusual cancellation policy.
If you cancel 7 or more days before the beginning of your stay, there is a $20.00 cancellation fee per room.
If you cancel less than 7 days before your arrival, you will forfeit the deposit you paid when making the booking!
This means that if you are booking this resort, make sure you are nearly certain you will be able to attend your reservation.
3. Murphy’s River Lodge
- Location: 481 W Elkhorn Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
- Phone number: +1 970-480-5081
- Price for standard room: Starting at $94
- Scenic views: Rocky Mountains, Falls River
- Amenities: Indoor heated pool, indoor soaking tub, fire pit, BBQ area, complimentary breakfast
- Pet-friendly: Dog-friendly options are available for an additional fee.
- Website: https://www.murphysriverlodge.com/
A sister hotel to Murphy’s Resort, Murphy’s River Lodge is another great place to stay in Estes Park that is affordable but doesn’t skimp on quality.
You can find it on the banks of the Fall River, just outside of the center of the Estes Park township!
This riverfront motel offers stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape that Estes Park has to offer.
There are a variety of queen, king, and double bedrooms for you to choose from. Some are even riverfront to give you a gorgeous view to wake up to each morning!
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, we recommend the King Jacuzzi room as it comes with your own private two-person jacuzzi, a large king bed, and top-of-the-line room fittings.
While Murphy’s River Lodge may not be in the heart of Estes Park, it is only a two-block walk to the historic downtown area and a few more minutes to reach the main shopping zone and the Estes Park marina.
Guests also are in close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park entrances, making it all too easy for you to spend a day or two exploring the area!
Murphy’s River Lodge is extremely popular with travelers, so if you want to stay here make sure you book well in advance (at least 6 months or so).
There is a 7-day cancellation policy, meaning if you cancel your reservation more than a week after your arrival, you won’t have to pay anything!
However, if you cancel with less than 7 days to spare, you will lose your deposit.
Murphy’s River Lodge is one of the best cost-effective motels in Estes Park – I highly encourage you to check it out next time you are booking a holiday here!
4. Historic Crags Lodge
- Location: 300 Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
- Phone number: +1 970-586-6066
- Price for standard room: Starting at $79.50
- Scenic views: Rocky Mountains, Prospect Mountain
- Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, WiFi, hot tub, on-site restaurant
- Pet-friendly: No
Established in 1914, Historic Crags Lodge is one of my favorite accommodation options in Estes Park. It is affordable, however, so you get a lot of bang for your buck!
There are three different room options, each housing at least a queen bed and a partial kitchen.
The partial kitchen is an excellent addition as it means you do not have to go out and spend money at restaurants every night of your stay.
You also have the option of a two-bedroom suite which can sleep up to 6 people. This is a great option if you have a larger family and want to all stay together in adjoining rooms.
What sets this motel apart from the rest is how gorgeous its setting and building are.
Set beneath the stunning Prospect Mountain, the historical aspects of the building have been exceptionally well-maintained, and the common areas have a rustic yet chic feel that makes for a cozy getaway!
Booking a room at Historic Crags Lodge couldn’t be easier; you can do it directly with the lodge or via your favorite travel booking site.
The motel does not have its exact cancellation policy listed online; however, when booking through third-party travel websites, it appears that there is a 48-hour cancellation policy available.
This is not a particularly large motel, so if you have your heart set on staying here, you should book as soon as you possibly can!
I always recommend Historic Crags Lodge to friends and family coming to stay in Estes Park. If you are looking for a cozy and quintessential Colorado experience, this is the motel for you.
5. Blue Door Inn
- Location: 1220 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
- Phone number: +1 970-586-4421
- Price for a standard room: Starting at $61
- Scenic views: Rocky Mountain National Forest
- Amenities: Heated pool, complimentary breakfast, WiFi, laundry, cable TV
- Pet-friendly: No
- Website: https://bluedoorinnestes.com/
Blue Door Inn is budget accommodation, but you could never tell by looking at it!
This hotel prides itself on providing the highest quality accommodation for the lowest price possible, making it one of the best places to stay in Estes Park.
The recently renovated motel features a number of room types, ranging from one-bedrooms to full suites equipped with jacuzzis, fireplaces, and private balconies. I
f you’re traveling in a larger group, I recommend choosing the 2-Queen Premium suite as it can sleep up to four people and comes with a large private balcony for you to soak in the stunning Estes Park views!
Blue Door Inn also features fantastic amenities for all guests to enjoy, including a heated swimming pool, on-site laundry facilities, and a complimentary breakfast.
Plus, all rooms are kitted out with comfort in mind; think fluffy sheets, plump pillows, and perfectly firm mattresses.
The motel’s location is also another reason why this is such a great accommodation option in Estes Park.
It is located right in the heart of Estes Park and is only a few blocks from Estes Lake.
Its central Estes Park location makes it a great motel choice for those who want to explore the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, but don’t want to camp in the park itself!
There are also many nearby shops and restaurants to keep those who are less outdoors-minded entertained.
Blue Door Inn is known to be one of the most affordable options in Estes Park, so when booking the hotel, make sure you shop around to get the best deal possible!
They enforce a 48-hour cancellation policy, allowing the flexibility to change or cancel your booking until the very last minute.
You truly won’t notice the fact that Blue Door Inn comes in at a much lower price point. With its amenities, spotless rooms, and friendly staff, this is one of the best motel experiences you can have in Estes Park!
6. Mountainside Studio North on Prospect Mountain
- Location: 300 Riverside Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
- Price for a standard room: Starting at $$88.70
- Scenic views: Prospect Mountain
- Amenities: Heated pool, bar, hot tub, BBQ area, in-room kitchen
- Pet-friendly: No
If you’re looking for something a bit different from your standard hotel when staying in Estes Park, you should consider the Mountainside Studio North on Prospect Mountain!
This hotel is housed in a cozy mountain house a little way up Prospect Mountain, surrounded by the lush forest and Colorado’s natural wildlife.
There are three different room options: studio, one-bedroom apartment, or two-bedroom apartment to suit different party sizes and needs.
What makes this accommodation so great is that the rooms are equipped with a mini-kitchen, including stove top burners, coffee makers, microwaves, and essential cooking utensils.
If your focus for your stay in Estes Park is to explore the landscape rather than spend time in town in the shops and restaurants, this might be the perfect place for you.
Despite being smaller in size, Mountainside Station features all the amenities you could ask for.
There is a pool, hot tub, unlimited WiFi, outdoor BBQ grills, and a games room. Plus, it is within walking distance of all the best places in Estes Park. The historic downtown area is a mere 12-minute walk away, the Estes Park aerial tramway is a seven-minute walk, and it is also very close to the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
When booking at Mountainside Studio North, you aren’t guaranteed a particular room location.
However, a great tip to keep in mind is that if you contact the hotel directly to request a particular location, they will try to accommodate your request if availability allows!
In terms of their cancellation policy, guests are charged a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking which will be lost upon cancellation.
Additionally, cancellations within 5 days of arrival are completely non-refundable – so make sure you are certain you will be able to fulfill your reservation before booking!
7. Saddle & Surrey Motel
- Location: 1341 S St Vrain Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United
- Phone number: +1 970-342-4400
- Price for standard room: Starting from $135
- Scenic views: Prospect Mountain
- Amenities: Heated pool, complimentary breakfast, WiFi, cable TV
- Pet-friendly: No
- Website: https://saddleandsurrey.com/
Saddle & Surrey Motel offers home-style hospitality at affordable prices!
This motel covers all the basics that you need for a comfortable stay, providing no-frills accommodation that is perfect for those who wish to spend their days out and about.
There are two different room options here – a king or queen bedroom. Each room comes equipped with a shower, and some rooms also feature kitchenettes should you wish to cook your meals.
Despite this motel being slightly more basic than other options on this list, guests also have access to a heated pool, hot tub, barbeques, and a continental breakfast in the morning.
This is a great motel for the keen golfer, as it is located just opposite the Estes Park golf course. You can make your early tee-off time with ease and will only need to walk a short distance home at the end of the day!
It is also a short walk from the center of Estes Park township, where you will find a ton of high-quality restaurants and bars for you to spend your evenings.
Rocky Mountain National Park is also not too far from the motel, making it ideal for those looking for a base while they explore the national park.
You can book directly with Saddle & Surrey Motel, or you can hunt for the best bargain possible on your favorite third-party travel booking site.
Saddle & Surrey does not have a concrete cancellation policy; instead, it varies depending on who you use to book your rooms, so make sure you read the fine print and check what type of policy will be enforced!
You can really tell that Saddle & Surrey Motel is 100% family-owned and operated.
Their service is outstanding and every staff member is extremely friendly and welcoming. While this may be a more basic option, I believe that this should be a strong contender for your next stay in Estes Park.
