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Where to stay in Rocky Mountain

The 1909 hotel that inspired The Shining, above Estes Park, and a family-owned lodge on the Fall River two blocks from downtown.

  1. The Stanley HotelBoutique · Estes Park, on the hill above town$$$$
  2. Murphy’s River LodgeMid-range · Estes Park, on the Fall River two blocks from downtown$$$$
Standout pick
The Stanley Hotel · $$$
Easy choice
Murphy’s River Lodge · $$
Best time
Jun–Sep
Ideal stay
2 days

Estes Park is the gateway on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Our exclusive pick is the historic 1909 hotel on the hill above town; our accessible pick is a family-owned lodge on the Fall River, two blocks from downtown. Prices are shown as a level, from $ to $$$$: rates move with the season and the room, so check the live price before you plan.

The Stanley Hotel

$$$$
Pick no. 1 · The standoutBoutiqueEstes Park, on the hill above town

Historic 1909 hotel; 220 accommodations across four properties on the Stanley campus

Photos: The Stanley Hotel, official website. Shown courtesy of the property.

The 1909 hotel that inspired The Shining, on the hill above Estes Park, minutes from the national park.

  • Historic and paranormal tours
  • MacGregor Chophouse
  • Whiskey Bar
  • Breakfast voucher
See prices (official website)Opens the hotel’s official website.

Why we picked it

What convinced us is the story: a 1909 hotel built for mountain wellness, which inspired The Shining, with Lumpy Ridge behind it and Rocky Mountain National Park minutes away. We would book a Classic Mountain King in the Main Building, drive Trail Ridge Road by day, then take an evening tour and finish in the whiskey bar.

Best for

  • History and film buffs
  • Couples
  • Whiskey and fine dining
  • Built by F.O. Stanley in 1909, and the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining (Room 217)
  • MacGregor Chophouse, a whiskey bar with more than 1,000 whiskies, and the Flora Jane wine bar
  • Historic and paranormal tours, concerts in the Concert Hall, and the Aspire organic spa a short distance away

What the hotel offers

As listed on the hotel’s own website.

  • Historic and paranormal toursGuided tours of 60 to 75 minutes; book ahead
  • MacGregor ChophouseSteakhouse; also Flora Jane, Oscar’s, Cherry & Pie and The Post Chicken & Beer
  • Whiskey BarMore than 1,000 whiskies from around the world
  • Breakfast voucher$50 per night with rooms at The Stanley, The Lodge or Aspire (current offer)
  • Aspire SpaMassages, facials, acupuncture and cupping
  • Fitness centerWith sauna and steam room, at Aspire
  • Free Wi-FiFor hotel guests
  • Mountain-view roomsClassic Mountain King and balcony rooms facing the Rockies and Twin Owls
  • Concerts and eventsIn the Concert Hall and The Underground; tickets in advance
  • Free parkingFor overnight guests; day visitors pay $10

Murphy’s River Lodge

$$$$
Pick no. 2 · The easy choiceMid-rangeEstes Park, on the Fall River two blocks from downtown

Family-owned riverside lodge on the Fall River

Photos: Murphy’s River Lodge, official website. Shown courtesy of the property.

A family-owned lodge on the Fall River, two blocks from downtown Estes Park, with an indoor pool and free breakfast.

  • Free breakfast
  • Indoor pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
See prices (partner link, Trip.com)Official website Opens Trip.com, one of our booking partners.

Why we picked it

We would book it for the balance: a riverside room, downtown on foot for dinner, and the park entrances a short drive away. The free breakfast, indoor pool and family rooms make it an easy, good-value base for two days of Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake.

Best for

  • Families
  • Couples
  • Walking to downtown
  • On the Fall River, two blocks from historic downtown Estes Park
  • Heated indoor pool and soaking tub, free parking and free Wi-Fi
  • Free grab-and-go breakfast, hot coffee and tea, and a complimentary shuttle pickup from late May to mid-October

What the hotel offers

As listed on the hotel’s own website.

  • Free breakfastGrab-and-go cold breakfast, hot coffee and tea
  • Indoor poolHeated, with a soaking tub
  • Free Wi-FiHigh-speed
  • Free parkingOn site
  • Shuttle pickupComplimentary, late May to mid-October
  • FireplacesGel-fuel fireplaces in 11 rooms
  • KitchensFull kitchen in some rooms; microwave and compact fridge in all
  • Riverside groundsFire pit, picnic tables and grills by the Fall River
  • Family roomsChildren under 12 stay free (up to two); books, board games and free DVDs
  • Jacuzzi and garden tubsKing Jacuzzi Room and King River Room with Garden Tub
  • Heating and air-conditioningIn the rooms
  • Dog-friendly rooms$20 per pet per night, two max, on request

The Stanley or Murphy’s River Lodge: how to choose

Both are in Estes Park, a short drive from the park entrances; one is a landmark, the other a riverside lodge in town.

The Stanley: the landmark on the hill

The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 above Estes Park, with MacGregor Chophouse, a 1,000-bottle whiskey bar, tours and concerts. Choose it for history, a special trip and evenings on the property.

Downtown: on the Fall River

Murphy’s River Lodge sits on the Fall River two blocks from downtown, with free breakfast, an indoor pool and family rooms. Choose it for value, families and dinner on foot.

Planning the rest of your visit? Our Rocky Mountain National Park travel guide covers timed entry, Trail Ridge Road, the best hikes and the 2026 fees.

Our Rocky Mountain travel guide

Hotels in Rocky Mountain: your questions

Where should I stay for a first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park?

In Estes Park, the gateway on the east side, with the main entrances close by. Murphy’s River Lodge is two blocks from downtown; The Stanley Hotel is on the hill above town, a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive from downtown. Read our Rocky Mountain National Park travel guide

How far ahead should I book, and do I need a park reservation?

Book the hotel as soon as your summer dates are set, then the park: from late May to mid-October, a timed-entry reservation on recreation.gov is required from 9 am to 2 pm, and the Bear Lake Road corridor needs its own Timed Entry+ permit.

When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?

June to September, when Trail Ridge Road is usually open (late May to mid-October, weather permitting). In September and October, elk bugle in the meadows during the rut. When to visit Rocky Mountain National Park

How do I get to Estes Park from Denver?

Drive about 1 h 30 (70 miles). Both hotels have free parking for guests, and Murphy’s River Lodge offers a complimentary shuttle pickup from late May to mid-October.

Is altitude a problem?

It can be: Trail Ridge Road passes 12,000 feet. Spending a night in Estes Park first, drinking water and taking it easy helps, which is another reason to book two nights.

Which of the two hotels suits families?

Murphy’s River Lodge, with family rooms, free breakfast, an indoor pool and children under 12 free (up to two). At The Stanley, many tours are family-friendly, though some paranormal experiences suit older children better.

Can I book these hotels directly?

Yes. The See prices button under The Stanley Hotel opens the hotel’s official website. For Murphy’s River Lodge it opens Trip.com, one of our booking partners. Both open in a new tab.

Exit 10And now?Our Rocky Mountain guideWhat to do, where to eat, getting there
Exit 17Colorado Scenic Byways in 5 DaysRoad trip · 5 daysExit 24Rocky Mountain or Acadia?Compare them side by sideExit 31Trip budgetRooms, food, car, gas, passes

Hotel picks for other destinations

Picked by Kylian Dev. These are editorial picks: no hotel paid to be here, and we never describe a stay we did not make. Facts come from each hotel’s own website; the Trip.com buttons are partner links (how we make money).