The most famous hotel in Estes Park is the Stanley Hotel (333 Wonderview Ave., 970/586-3371, www.stanleyhotel.com [1], $150–750) for its association with the horror movie The Shining. The hotel does have a grand view of the town and Rocky Mountain National Park [2], but it’s not quite as magnificent on the inside.
Lakeshore Lodge (1700 Big Thompson Ave., 970/577-6400, www.lakeshorelodge.com [3], $149–349) on the northern edge of Lake Estes has views of Longs Peak from some of their comfortable rooms and wraparound decks.
Affordable lodging for large groups or families is available in the lodges and cabins of the YMCA of the Rockies/Estes Park Center (2515 Tunnel Rd., 970/586-3341, www.ymcarockies.org [4], $74–349 depending on season and group size). Winter and summer activities are available on the property.
There are five drive-in campgrounds and over 200 other campsites in the park. For information call 970/586-1206 or 800/365-2267, or go to www.nps.gov/romo [5]. Backcountry camping in the park requires a permit; call 970/586-1242.
Links:
[1] http://www.stanleyhotel.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/denver/excursions-denver/rocky-mountain-national-park
[3] http://www.lakeshorelodge.com
[4] http://www.ymcarockies.org
[5] http://www.nps.gov/romo