DoubleTree by Hilton Durango

This hotel’s public spaces are decidedly different from most chain hotels. It has the look and feel of a historic independent property, with a memorable lobby that features high ceilings, lots of golden oak paneling, and intricate wood carvings adorning the walls. It’s a spacious lobby that’s appropriate for its Old West surroundings, although some guests might find it a bit dated. A hiking and biking path separates the back of the hotel from the banks of the scenic Animas River, providing guests with a peaceful place to get some exercise or just relax. The thematic motif continues into the Edgewater Grille & Lounge, which has leather booths and a cozy bar. Expect to find mostly tourists in summer visiting Mesa Verde National Park, and more business travelers in winter.

The hotel is located in a peaceful setting on the banks of the Animas River, on the outskirts of downtown Durango. A grocery store shares the same parking lot (a two-minute walk), and a Denny’s restaurant is four minutes on foot. Most of downtown’s restaurants and shops are between a five- and 10-minute walk. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum is an eight-minute walk. Fort Lewis College is an eight-minute drive, and Durango-La Plata County Airport is a 25-minute drive or shuttle ride provided by the hotel. The Purgatory and Durango Mountain ski resorts are about 35 minutes by car, and Mesa Verde National Park is a 40-minute drive. 

In contrast to the property's public spaces, the guest rooms' decor is more in line with typical mid-range chain hotels. Light-gold patterned wallpaper and accents throughout give these comfortable and well-maintained rooms a warm glow. The white duvets and matching wood furniture with a light amber finish further enhance the cheerful ambiance, as does tasteful art depicting local mountain scenery. Crimson armchairs and floral-print drapes add splashes of deeper color. 

At 405 square feet, Standard rooms (Kings and Double Queens) are generously sized. Larger Deluxe rooms with sleeper sofas are available, and Suites that add wet bars and separate livings rooms are part of the inventory as well. Bathrooms also are comfortably sized, with light beige tiling and shower/tub combos, wide vanities, and good lighting. Some rooms have additional vanities outside bathrooms. 

All units come with small balconies offering pleasant views of the downtown streets and the surrounding mountains, or overlooking the Animas River behind the hotel. Other standard amenities include, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no safes. Rooms facing the back (river) tend to hear less ambient noise from the street fronting the hotel. 

This older property has an attractive lineup of features for a comfortable stay. Edgewater Grille & Lounge serves breakfast, though it costs extra. Lunch and dinner menus focus on American classics, including steaks and seafood. Happy hour drink specials and outdoor seating overlooking the Animas River are available. The Animas River Café also is open during the summer, featuring light lunches and a dinner menu on some nights. Room service is available. 

While the hotel's heated indoor pool is a perk, it's on the small side, but is has a whirlpool. The fitness is small too, with four pieces of Precor cardio equipment weights wedged into a cramped room. There's also a 24-hour business center, and plenty of events are hosted at the hotel, with a ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 people. 

Other amenities include a guest laundry room with multiple washer/dryers, valet dry cleaning and laundry, and an on-site gift shop that sells sundries, and Southwestern jewelry and clothing. There's a free shuttle runs within a three-mile radius of the hotel, as well as to Durango-La Plata County Airport. Other freebies include DoubleTree’s warm chocolate chip cookies and coffee, on-site parking, and Wi-Fi throughout. Pets are welcome with a surcharge and certain restrictions.