Hotels

The highest rates here, sometimes dramatically higher, are in summer. For help in finding accommodations, call the Estes Park Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/443-7837; www.estesparkcvb.com). National chains here include Best Western Silver Saddle, 1260 Big Thompson Ave. (U.S. 34), Estes Park, CO 80517 (tel. 800/WESTERN [937-8376] or 970/586-4476), with rates of $79 to $259 double from June to mid-September, $79 to $199 double during the rest of the year; Super 8, 1040 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517 (tel. 800/800-8000 or 970/586-5338), charging $99 to $119 double in summer, $59 to $89 double during the rest of the year; and Travelodge, 1220 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517 (tel. 800/578-7878 or 970/586-4421), charging $129 to $220 double in summer, $85 to $109 double during the rest of the year.

Although many lodging facilities in the Estes Park area do not have air-conditioning, it is seldom needed at this elevation. Unless otherwise noted, pets are not permitted. Taxes add 7.7% to hotel bills.

Moderate & Inexpensive -- In addition to the properties discussed here, the Saddle & Surrey Motel, 1341 S. St. Vrain Ave. (tel. 800/204-6226 or 970/586-3326; www.saddleandsurrey.com), with queen rooms for $89 and with kitchenettes for $145 in summer, is a good choice. In an attractive stucco building downtown, the Estes Park Hostel, 211 Cleave St. (tel. 877/213-0549 or 970/586-3149; www.estesparkhostel.com), rents dormitory bunks for $26 and private rooms for $30 (single) or $52 (double), as well as an apartment that sleeps five people and has its own kitchen for $85 a night. There are also cabins and cottages available at the Elk Meadow Campground.