Silver Moon Inn

The Silver Moon Inn’s forest surroundings, stone exterior, and carved wooden railings all contribute to the feel of a mountain cabin. In fact, downtown Estes Park is within walking distance, but you'd hardly know it from the serene quiet at the inn. Sounds of the nearby Fall River, which runs alongside the hotel, can be heard from the rooms when windows are open. Wooden furniture, fire pits, a gazebo, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and porch swings along the river create both a romantic setting for couples and a laid-back family atmosphere. The focus here is on the outdoors, and iron outdoor furniture, a fire pit, and two patio heaters flank the hotel’s entrance. The lobby is small and cozy with standard hotel tables, chairs, and a flat-screen TV near the breakfast area and popcorn maker. 

The Silver Moon Inn's convenient location -- in a quiet, forested area along the Fall River, walking distance from downtown Estes Park -- is its most prized feature. Rocky Mountain National Park, with its hiking trails and horseback riding, is five minutes away by car. Downtown Estes Park can be reach in a two-minute walk via a wooden walkway. Numerous restaurants and bars -- the Wapiti Colorado Pub, Danish Cone Factory, Wild Rose, Grubsteak, Bob and Tony’s Pizza, Lonigans Famous Pub -- are less than five minutes away on foot. Shopping, organic markets, and the Riverpointe Spa are also a five-minute walk away. The Denver International Airport is 90-minutes away by car.

Hanging quilts, Rocky Mountain accent pieces, wood-paneled walls, and polished wood furniture give all rooms at the Silver Moon Inn a cabin-inspired feel. Rooms run the gamut from smaller and standard to two- and three-bedroom suites, but all have free bottled water, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators. Some rooms have been more recently updated than others, so while some rooms have larger, newer bathrooms and decor, others feel more dated and have small, basic bathrooms. Most rooms have private balconies with carved wooden railings and views of the pool, parking lot, or the river; higher-floor rooms have the best views. Higher-tier rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes, dining rooms, sofa beds, and fireplaces.

The Silver Moon Inn gets most of its points for its prime location, but it does have some thoughtful touches on the grounds, as well. The hotel provides s'mores kits and a first bundle of firewood for free, so guests can take advantage of the many outdoor fire pits and picnic areas along the river. There are also a small outdoor pool with a fountain and two above-ground hot tubs, along with casual patio chairs and tables. Indoors, there's a small Internet corner with a computer and fax/copy machine for guests to use; there's also free Wi-Fi. In a kitchenette corner of the lobby, a free continental breakfast is set out daily. Note that there is free parking, but it is somewhat limited.