Colorado Family Reunion: Overlook Hotel or nah?
October 3, 2017 9:52 AM Subscribe
Against my better judgment, I have volunteered to help organize my family's every-four-years reunion. We are looking for places to host approximately 40 folks probably in late July around Estes Park/Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park area. Help!
The original plan was to go to the YMCA of the Rockies, but their better lodging options are already booked up. We also have a few people who have been there before and prefer something a bit more resort-like (and less camp-like). So... I am trying to feel out other options.
It will probably be around 3-4 days starting on or near July 29th, 2018.
We'd like to be close to the park and away from Estes Park traffic as much as possible
We're not super-outdoorsy, but would like to do some hiking, fishing, etc. (but not camping)
Some folks will probably want to spend more $$ for nice accommodations, while others of us are on tighter budgets. Some place with multiple options or that splits the difference well is great.
There are a few kids, but we are mostly young adults and regular adults
Looking at condos/cabins/hotel rooms with some facilities for DIY food (like an outdoor grill and small fridge) but don't need a full kitchen.
There is interest in a golf outing.
We'd need a place to host a "nice dinner" one night.
We've stayed here in Door County, WI 2x before - that place has worked well.
We are drinkers - so booze friendly is kind of key.
Thanks for any suggestions!
The original plan was to go to the YMCA of the Rockies, but their better lodging options are already booked up. We also have a few people who have been there before and prefer something a bit more resort-like (and less camp-like). So... I am trying to feel out other options.
It will probably be around 3-4 days starting on or near July 29th, 2018.
We'd like to be close to the park and away from Estes Park traffic as much as possible
We're not super-outdoorsy, but would like to do some hiking, fishing, etc. (but not camping)
Some folks will probably want to spend more $$ for nice accommodations, while others of us are on tighter budgets. Some place with multiple options or that splits the difference well is great.
There are a few kids, but we are mostly young adults and regular adults
Looking at condos/cabins/hotel rooms with some facilities for DIY food (like an outdoor grill and small fridge) but don't need a full kitchen.
There is interest in a golf outing.
We'd need a place to host a "nice dinner" one night.
We've stayed here in Door County, WI 2x before - that place has worked well.
We are drinkers - so booze friendly is kind of key.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Best answer: My wife lived in Estes Park for a decade and has the following recommendations:
- Mary's Lake Lodge
- Aspen Lodge/Dao House
- Valhalla!
- Ram's Horn Village Resort
All of these places are very nice and most have hot-tubs. However, she also said 'looking for rooms in July is going to be tough' as it is absolute peak season. Apparently there may also be good cabins in and around Grand Lake, CO which may be a bit less crowded. She also said 'Don't stay at the Stanley in peak season, that's madness'.
posted by Happy Dave at 10:58 AM on October 3, 2017
- Mary's Lake Lodge
- Aspen Lodge/Dao House
- Valhalla!
- Ram's Horn Village Resort
All of these places are very nice and most have hot-tubs. However, she also said 'looking for rooms in July is going to be tough' as it is absolute peak season. Apparently there may also be good cabins in and around Grand Lake, CO which may be a bit less crowded. She also said 'Don't stay at the Stanley in peak season, that's madness'.
posted by Happy Dave at 10:58 AM on October 3, 2017
Oh yeah, I thought you were actually asking about whether the Stanley was a good choice. I think out of towners would get a kick out of staying there. They have multiple ghost or history tours that are kind of fun and the grounds are really beautiful and include different gardens and porches where you could meet up and have drinks. The other thing that might be fun, especially those with kids, is you can get day passes to the YMCA of the Rockies and do rock climbing or group hikes or swimming or s'mores nights or whatever. Their schedule changes daily though, so just make sure you check before you plan on going that they are offering what you want to do.
posted by LKWorking at 1:19 PM on October 3, 2017
posted by LKWorking at 1:19 PM on October 3, 2017
I stayed at the Stanley a few years ago. It was...okay. The room was small, the water pressure was wimpy, there were no screens on the windows and no AC (open the windows to get some air, get the bugs. Close out the bugs, room heats up to 100 degrees). It was a beautiful building and I DEFINITELY recommend the late night ghost tours, but unless you're serious history/Shining fans, I'd recommend staying somewhere less $$$$ and better amenities and just visiting the Stanley. Estes Park isn't that big. Wherever you stay in town, you'll be a short drive/walk from it.
posted by Elly Vortex at 4:00 PM on October 3, 2017
posted by Elly Vortex at 4:00 PM on October 3, 2017
When my wife and I got married we rented a big giant house near Breckenridge, and put everyone attending the wedding (about 45 people) up in the big house. It was awesome.
Not quite in Estes proper, but here are some options if that approach appeals to you.
posted by craven_morhead at 12:23 PM on October 4, 2017
Not quite in Estes proper, but here are some options if that approach appeals to you.
posted by craven_morhead at 12:23 PM on October 4, 2017
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posted by Faint of Butt at 10:10 AM on October 3, 2017 [4 favorites]