Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 970-577-9495;
www.maryslakelodge.com
;
2625 Marys Lake Rd; r & d from $99, cabins from $199;
)
This atmospheric old wooden lodge, perched on a ridge looking over its namesake
lake, is an utterly romantic place to slumber. Built from polished pine logs, it reeks of
Wild West ambience and has an amazing covered front porch with panoramic Rocky
Mountain views.
The rooms and cabins are a blend of modern and historic, and many of the latter have
private hot tubs. Both the saloon-style
Tavern
(mains $7-20; 11am-11pm)
and fine-dining
Chalet
Room
(mains $12-20; 5-10pm)
serve delicious fresh lake fish (and flown-in seafood), and
have seating on the heated porch. A big hot tub under the stars, fire pit and live music five
nights per week round out amenities, while an on-site spa takes care of gritty hiking feet
and sore muscles . Mary's is 3 miles south of Estes Park off Hwy 7.
Stanley Hotel
( 970-577-4000;
www.stanleyhotel.com
; 333 Wonderview Ave; r from $199; )
The white Geor-
gian Colonial Revival hotel stands in brilliant contrast to the towering peaks of Rocky
Mountain National Park that frame the skyline. A favorite local retreat, this best-in-class
hotel served as the inspiration for Stephen King's famous cult novel
The Shining
. Rooms
are decorated to retain some of the Old West feel while still ensuring all the creature com-
forts.
The Stanley boasts great mountain views, splendid dining and even ghost tours of the
building on weekend nights! And if it's ghosts you're after, you should book room 401 to
increase your chances of ghost-spotting - staff consider it the 'most haunted.' The public
areas encompass vast open spaces warmed with stone fireplaces and plump leather
couches.
HOTEL
$$$
Black Canyon
( 800-897-5123, 970-586-8113;
www.blackcanyoninn.com
;
800 MacGregor Ave; 1-/2-/3-bed r from $195/260/399;
)
A fine place to splurge, this lovely, secluded 14-acre property offers luxury
suites and a 'rustic' log cabin (which comes with a Jacuzzi). The rooms are dressed out
with stone fireplaces, dark wood and woven tapestries in rich dark colors.
LODGE
$$$
Eating
