Of course Colorado
has many motels and hotels, as well as bed ’n’ breakfasts and every
other sort of tourist accommodations you’ll find anywhere else. And clearly
it is not possible to list all lodging options here. What we will attempt to do
here is to list those with particular qualities of interest to riders touring
Colorado on their motorcycles. For example, when we ride we try to find motels
with larger “family units” that will accommodate four or five or six
people, thereby reducing the expense compared to getting two or three rooms.
This
page is going to take a while to develop. Your suggestions and recommendations
are very welcome at .
| Motel
or Hotel and Location | Description/Review |
| Almont/Taylor
Reservoir – Taylor
Park Trading Post, Cafe, RV Park and Cabins, 970-641-2555 | Galen
Gibson recommended this one, saying “the trading post restaurant is to die
for at the Taylor Reservoir cabins. I would give this food 4.5 stars.” He
didn't say what the cabins are like. |
| Aspen – Hotel
Aspen and Molly Gibson Lodge, 101 W. Main St., 888-271-2304 |
Judy and I stayed here in July 2011 and we liked the place a lot. Judy's one-word summation was “elegant.” They have recently done some major renovations and they did a good job. It was the previous manager who contacted me to tell me they were motorcycle-friendly, and now they're advertising on this website so I guess that more than confirms it. The Molly Gibson Lodge and the Aspen Hotel are right across the street from each other in central Aspen, within easy walking distance of the heart of town. Most anything in Aspen is pricey so be aware of that, but their rates are very competitive.
Jeff recommends you call ahead to check, as rates change frequently. They also
offer free wi-fi, a good breakfast, and parking. |
| Breckenridge – Fireside Inn, 114 North French St., 970-453-6456 |
Niki and Andy Harris run this B&B and Hostel Inn, and as for being motorcycle-friendly, they say, “We welcome bikers to our Inn and last year accommodated 12 Norwegians on their Colorado trip on Harleys!” Additionally, “The Fireside Inn is family owned and run and we welcome singles, couples, and families to our home. We have free parking, a cozy sitting room with fireplace, and have a great hot tub for our guests to enjoy. We can tell you about great hikes, biking trails, horse riding, boating, and the history of this historic mining town and all the other activities you can take part in during your time in Summit County.” |
| Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods Motel and Cabins, 2922 W. Colorado Ave., 719-636-5271 |
Andrew and Jen Phillips stayed here while Andrew was racing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and gave a good report on the place. Jen says they were “very accommodating--extremely so.” They let Andrew park his truck and trailer out front, taking up several spaces, and they were very friendly. It's an older motel so it's “a tad dated” but you don't stay there expecting the Marriott. Jen also reports that it was very clean and had good internet access. |
| Cripple Creek
– Gold Rush Casino
and Hotel, 209 E. Bennett Ave., 1-800-235-8239 | OK, this is your
basic casino hotel but unless you're going to hit a bed & breakfast this is
really one of the better places to stay in this town. It's clean, modern, and
you get the breakfast buffet with the price of the room. And if you are the gambling
sort, it's right in the heart of town where you won't need to do anything but
walk. |
| Denver – Staybridge
Suites, 7150 S. Clinton St., 720-895-2322 | I don't know this place
either, but they contacted me to say they are motorcycle-friendly, and they have
suites that accommodate up to six people. That's always something we like to find
when we travel in a group because it costs a lot less than multiple smaller rooms.
They have lots of parking, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, and Lisa Ribordy
tells me they "would be willing to work out a reasonable rate for your bikers." |
| Dinosaur – Terrace Motel, 312 E. Brontosaurus Blvd., 970-374-2241 |
Tom Hein says, "This is a great base camp motel for day trips to Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge Nat’l Rec Area and the Dinosaur Diamond National Scenic Byway. It is a very basic motel with a Chinese take-out cabin in the parking lot. The owners are super friendly." |
| Dolores – Cozy
Comfort R.V. Park and Mountain Retreat, 1501 Central Ave., 1-800-877-7218
or 970-882-2483 | OK, this one is a little different. This is an RV park,
so if you're hauling your bikes out and need a place to be headquarters you might
want to consider this one. They also have one luxury motor coach you can have
for $70 per night. Brenda and Tony, the folks who run it, are riders. Tell them
you found them here and you'll get a 20% discount. |
| Durango
– Adobe Inn,
2178 Main Ave., 970-247-2743 |
Our experience at the Adobe Inn was mixed.
There were nine of us and we got four rooms. Two beds per room so one person had
a hide-a-bed. Unfortunately for the three in one room, the air conditioning did
not work. There was also no linen for the hide-a-bed. The guy at the desk said
he would take care of it but never did. For the rest of us it was a fine place.
A bit noisy because it's on the main drag, but so are most all of Durango's motels. |
| Durango – various |
One good place to stay in Durango
is the Comfort Inn on South El Camino Del Rio near both the
Harley and the Honda dealerships. More expensive and maybe worth the $ would be
the Strater Hotel or the other fancy historic place I can't recall the name of,
maybe the Palace or is that the good restaurant attached?? ( The historic hotels
in Durango would also require reservations as might most motels.) |
| Fort
Collins – Comfort
Suites Fort Collins, 1415 Oakridge Drive, 970-206-4597 | Rachel
Crowther, the General Manager here, contacted me to say they are very much motorcycle-friendly.
If you are familiar with Comfort Suites/Comfort Inn I presume this is what you
have come to expect. The website says they offer free wi-fi, continental breakfast,
free local calls, and have a pool and hot tub. Mention you found them here and
Rachel says you'll get a 15% discount on your room rate. |
Gunnison – Duckpond Cottage, 29 Chinook Trail, 970-641-6623
 |
Doug and Lee Engel ride and they also have a vacation rental cottage. They hope to establish a motorcyclist client base. Duckpond Cottage offers two queen bedrooms, two full baths, and a sleeping loft (ladder access) with two twin beds, as well as a private pond and large front deck. This would probably be a better option for a group than for a single or only two people. It's a few miles outside of Gunnison. Their basic rates are $150/night, 2 night minimum, based on 4 persons. Additional persons are $20/person. |
| Gunnison
– Super 8, 411 E. Tomichi Ave. (Hwy 50), 970-641-3068 |
I give them credit, this place is motorcycle-friendly, but I can't recommend it. We needed to make changes in our reservations and they jacked the rate way up on us so we ended up paying absurd rates. For details, see my blog post about the situation. |
| Gunnison
– Water
Wheel Inn, 37478 W. Hwy 50, 1-800-642-1650 or 970-641-1650 | They
hosted our fall color ride for the last two years. We've stayed at the WWI many
times. Always friendly. Lots of good riding out of Gunnison. (Recommendation by
Larry H.) |
Hot Sulphur Springs – Canyon Motel, 221 Byers Ave., 1-888-489-
3719 or 970-725-3395 |
Says Angus Simpson, manager, “We are a motorcycle-friendly establishment and we have a wonderful 3 bedroom/2 bath apartment that would be outstanding for a small group to stay in during their fall rides through the beautiful Grand County area.” |
Hotchkiss – Hotchkiss Inn, 406 Highway 133,
1-800-817-1418
 |
Kris Bartol contacted me to say they actively seek biker guests. With the Black Canyon of the Gunnison practically next door, they are located in the heart of the best of what Colorado has to offer. It's a family-run mom and pop operation with a great reputation. Kris added that “we have a deluxe continental breakfast, micro/fridge, coffee maker in rooms, internet access, DirectTV, and laundry facilities.” |
| Ignacio – Sky
Ute Casino Resort, 14324 US Hwy 172 N, 970-563-7777 |
Several
of our group are big on gambling so the Sky Ute is a favorite stop of ours. We've
stayed there several times, although they have opened an entirely new facility since we were there last. We'll definitely be back. |
| Kremmling – Allington
Inn, 215 W. Central Ave., 800-981-4091 |
This is new hotel
just opened on Jan. 2, 2009. I haven't seen it, much less stayed there, but
we stayed at the Allington Inn in South Fork and they were extremely motorcycle-friendly.
The management tells me the same is true in Kremmling. |
| Lake
City – Alpine
Moose Lodge, 1221 North Highway 149 | Art Bartlett posted this recommendation:
Bruno, the owner/operator of this quaint old-style motel, is a world class French
cook, and cooks regularly in the attached restaurant. Excellent food, decent lodgings,
and a wonderful view. A must see when traveling through Lake City! |
| Lake
City – Town Square Cabins, 3rd Street and Highway 149, 877-944-2236 |
Don't expect anything fancy here, but do expect high rates. That's the way it works in Lake City, where they can pretty much demand whatever they want because business is so strong. The cabins are old, could use some maintenance, but at least the beds are comfortable. And you're right in the heart of town. |
| Lamar – Blue
Spruce Motel, 1801 S. Main, 719-336-7454 | This is an older motel,
AAA-certified, and while it is not in the luxury category, it is decent. Our one
complaint would be the bed. On her side of the bed, my wife sank way down and
if I got too close I would almost be dumped on top of her. If you just want a
place to sleep this motel will do. If you want something fancier and newer go
to the north end of town. |
| Lamar – Days Inn, 1302
N. Main |
A bit pricier than the older motels on the south end of town,
the Days Inn is pretty much what you would expect. It is newer, has all the expected
amenities, and costs more. No complaints. |
| La Junta –
Mid-Town Motel, 215 E Third Street, 719-384-7741 |
The Mid-Town Motel
bills themselves as “The Quiet One” because they are two blocks off
the highway, while all the other motels in town are right on US 50. Of course,
they're right on the main east-west street through town so there is traffic, but
it's still quieter. More importantly, the place is clean and well-kept. Our room
even had two recliners. It cost us $46 for one night in May 2007. Incidentally,
for breakfast we recommend the Copper Kitchen, just a few blocks away in downtown,
116 Colorado Avenue. Juevos Rancheros are good. |
| La Veta
– Ranch House Inn, 1012 Cherry St., 719-742-5234 |
We stayed here in August 2011 and loved the place. Each room is individually decorated in its own theme, the place is clean and roomy, and all the rooms open onto a rear deck. Plus, the price is decent. |
| Leadville
– Innd of the Line Bed & Breakfast, 719-486-0557 |
The brand
new B&B opened in June 2007 and we stayed there in July 2007. It's still a
work in progress but don't worry about that. Jane and Bob have a nice place here
and made us feel very welcome. And it's just a two-block walk to the heart of
downtown.In addition to the very pleasant rooms, it has a great upstairs front
porch where you can look out at the Leadville
Colorado & Southern train station (Innd of the Line – get it?) and
watch the train and passsengers. If you're into B&Bs, this is a good one. |
| Leadville – various |
Leadville is a great destination
and has a good selection of accommodations. There are about a half dozen modest,
older motels in town, one newer and bigger one, one very new and even bigger (more
expensive) one, and the historic old Delaware
Hotel. In addition, there must be about seven bed and breakfasts in this small
town. Reservations are necessary whenever there is an event
going on in town because they all fill up quickly. |
Meeker – Nine Mile Guest Ranch, 9 miles north of Meeker on CO 13, 970-878-4656
 |
Sparky and Rocky Pappas run a 4-cabin guest ranch that caters to hunters but “in the summer we like to rent our cabins to travelers. We are actually on the highway, not down some bumpy lane, not on some obscure county (or country) road - very easy to find.” Judy and I stayed here in July 2011 and liked it very much. It was quiet and clean and our bed was great. You have to plan ahead for meals considering that you're outside of town. Plus, microwave and fridge are provided but no stove. |
| Monte
Vista – Best
Western Movie Manor, 2830 US Highway 160 W, 719-852-5921 |
Watch
the drive in movie from your room. Restaurant on site is good. Not far from Wolf
Creek Pass and Slumgullion Pass. (Recommendation by Larry H.) The OFMC has stayed
here as well and we liked it, too. |
| Montrose – Best
Western Red Arrow, 1702 E Main Street, 970-249-9641 | Hosted the
2008 Rockies Gold. Very motorcycle friendly. Lots of good riding out of Montrose.
(Recommendation by Larry H.) |
| Montrose – Western Motel, 1200 E Main Street, 970-249-3481 |
Tom Hein says, "A relaxing time in the hot tub mixed with a swim in the pool was just the ticket after a long day on the bike. This motel is very bike friendly (homemade pucks are stacked on the registration counter), it was a clean and was walking distance to a microbrewery and other restaurants." |
| New Castle – Rodeway Inn , 781 Burning Mountain Ave., 970-984-2363 |
OK, this is the Rodeway Inn, so that gives you a pretty good idea what to expect. It's perhaps more pertinent to let you know that New Castle is a reasonable option in terms of where to stay along the I-70 corridor, located as it is between Glenwood Springs and Rifle. Plus, the town is nice and they have some good restaurants. |
| Ouray – Box
Canyon Lodge, 45 Third Ave., 800-327-5080 | The Box Canyon Lodge
and Hot Springs is one of your first lefts coming into town off Red Mountain Pass.
It's a comfortable, reasonably priced place to stay and has the advantage of having
hot springs on the property. |
Ouray – Spangler House B&B, 520 2nd Street, 800-486-4096
 |
Jill and Steven Scheu have off-street parking for motorcycles and have been happy to host many motorcyclists at their bed & breakfast. |
Ouray – Victorian
Inn, 50 Third Ave., 970-325-7222
 |
The rooms were very clean, bedding
was wonderful, and a big room! The room included both a king size bed, couch,
and refrigerator. We and another couple arrived on our motorcycles and were welcomed
by Jan. We were able to park right outside our door and they provided cloths for
wiping down the bikes. Two hot tubs were steps away. Jan & Brian Lisk recently
bought the hotel and are doing many upgrades. They were very welcoming and friendly.
Jan is great for recommendations on restaurants, and the “must sees”
in the area. The prices were competitive for the area. Ouray is a beautiful place
to visit with a lot of outdoor activities. The Victorian Inn is the perfect place
to stay while enjoying it. (Recommendation by Steve and Terie Anderson) |
Redstone – Redstone Inn,
970-963-2526 |
This from Gary Tucker: This summer three bikers and I stayed at the Redstone Inn in Redstone, Colorado. We considered this one of the best locations on our 3,800 mile ride from Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado and back. Staff were very friendly and professional. The amenities were also excellent! I’d recommend this stop to all bikers riding through the Colorado countryside. |
| Saguache – Big Valley Motel, on the north side of US 825,
719-655-2524 | The Big Valley Motel is definitely not a luxury stop, but
if you need a place to spend the night, and/or you like staying in beautiful little
towns, you might like it here. Make no mistake, it's clean and well kept. It's
just very basic. They do have a larger room with three beds, though, so that can
be a good thing – it was for us. There's no air conditioning but it gets
cool enough at night that you don't really need it. |
| Salida
– Day's Inn,407
E. Highway 50, 719-539-6651 | This is your basic Day's Inn, and there are
a lot of other motels on this strip, so take your pick. This one does happen to
be right across the street from a Kawasaki/Polaris shop, if that matters. Anyway,
the place is clean and has all the amenities, including free computer access in
the lobby. We did have a bit of a run-in with the proprietress, so be sure to
nail down the particulars of your reservation in advance. |
| Salida
– Simple Lodge &
Hostel, 224 E. First St., 719-650-7381 |
A change of pace here.
This place offers a queen-size private suite with private bath and kitchen for $73, queen-size private rooms with shared bath for $53, and dorm style beds for $21. All guests have access to the full-size kitchen. Located close to bars, shops, and restaurants, the Simple also has hosts who know
the area and are happy to help you plan your rides. |
San
Isabel – The
Lodge at San Isabel,
CO 165, 719-489-2280 | San Isabel is a
tiny town along CO 165, in the mountains southwest of Pueblo. It's also just about
15 south of Bishop
Castle, one of the more fascinating tourist attractions in the area. The road
itself is well worth riding, and if you're looking for a place to spend the night
you could do a lot worse than the Lodge. Rates range from $65 to $130 per night
and the higher priced rooms hold more people. Meals are available from a connected
restaurant. |
| Silverton – Grand Imperial Hotel , 1219 Greene St., 800-341-3340 |
As the name implies, this is one of those grand old hotels that has been refurbished and is a welcome change from your basic motel. It's in the heart of town, on the main drag, and there are restaurants all around. There are no elevators, though, so you do have to lug your gear up and down. |
| South Fork – Allington
Inn, 182 East Frontage Rd., 1-800-285-6590 | South Fork is a wide
spot in the road before you go up over Wolf Creek Pass and down to Pagosa Springs.
This is one of several motels. It is clean and modern and the lady at the desk
suggested we park our bikes directly out front under the canopy. It definitely
met our description of motorcycle-friendly. |
| Steamboat Springs
area – Columbine
Cabins | This is my own recommendation. My wife and I have stayed
here and had a great time. This place has a varied collections of cabins, of all
sizes, and it is as close to being in the wilderness as you can get on a paved
road. In fact, the paved road ends here. To get to Columbine, take the turn at
the west end of Steamboat Springs, toward the airport, and keep going. |
| Telluride – Bear Creek Lodge, 135 San Joaquin Road, Mountain Village, 800-778-8581 |
Hollie Hannahs contacted me to let me know the Bear Creek Lodge is biker friendly and has covered garage parking, bike washing facilities, and much more. She also says they have great lodging rates, though I am not sure what they are. |
| Telluride – Fall Line Condominiums, 210 South Pine St., 866-728-4274 |
In ski resorts, condos are often a better option than motels, and the Fall Line, in Telluride, is right in the heart of town. It's nice, each room has a balcony, and they have some units that will hold more than two. Be very careful with your reservations. They got ours all screwed up and it took a lot of straightening out once we arrived. |
| Walden – North Park Inn & Suites, 625 Main St., 970-723-4271, ext. 6 |
A new building with 18 additional units and custom hot tub. Most rooms have a kitchen with refrigerator, stove, plates, cups, silverware, pots, pans, utensils, kitchen table, and chairs. Interested in expanding their motorcyclist trade. |
Westcliffe – Courtyard Country Inn Bed & Breakfast, 410 Main Street,
719-783-9616 |
John and Mo are the innkeepers at this mountain town B&B. According to their site, "All rooms offer private baths, the comfort of European feather mattresses and the warmth of duvets. Fresh ground coffee and a full breakfast are provided complimentary each morning." They have asked to be included here so obviously they are amenable to motorcycles and motorcyclists. |
| Woodland Park – Elwell's Guest Cabins, 2220 Lee Circle Drive, 719-687-9838 |
John Wood says "Absolutely I'd recommend" Elwell's Guest Cabins in Woodland Park. He and other sidecar racers stayed there during the week of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2010 and had a good stay. As for being motorcycle-friendly, John reports that it was fine with the manager for them to work on their bikes and even offered the use of his shop. This is a 2-unit place, with a 2-bedroom house and a small cabin. |
