Blue Door Inn

The Blue Door Inn sits on a long stretch of road with a few hotels and lots of empty space nearby, and the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance. The building is set back from the street, behind a pretty courtyard sporting grass and flowers in warm weather. The building itself is long, a typical two-story motel with outdoor hallways along the front and parking by each door. It has a log-cabin feel and -- true to its name -- each door is blue. Common space is limited to the tiny lobby and breakfast area. The space is bright and functional, but the parking lot view from the sunny room seems like a missed opportunity, given the beautiful scenery of Estes Park. Clientele is mostly couples and families enjoying a quiet, leisurely vacation on a budget. 

This hotel is on highway 34, one of the main roads through northern Estes Park in Colorado. There’s not much within walking distance besides residences and other hotels. There’s a catholic church a six-minute walk away, and it’s a 10-minute walk to an area with a couple of restaurants and a bar. The bus stop is a one-minute walk from the hotel. Downtown Estes Park, a quaint row of shops, eateries, and a nice riverwalk, is a three-minute drive away. It is a 10-minute drive to the Open Air Adventure Park, an outdoor aerial course for adults and older children. Rocky Mountain National Park’s Fall River Entrance is an 11-minute drive away, and the Beaver Meadows Entrance is a 13-minute drive.  

Rooms here have modest, dated decor with a cabin feel. Ivory walls, light-wood furniture, and landscape artwork create a homey atmosphere, but the green patterned carpets and mismatched linens are less stylish. Some rooms have a wood-paneled wall, and others have olive-green accents on some walls. Red bed runners and matching bed skirts add some cheer. Each room has a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and a coffeemaker. Room options include a single king or queen-size bed, or two queen beds. Spacious Suites have slightly nicer decor and a sitting area, plus some offer a balcony, whirlpool tub, LED lights in the showerhead, and gas fireplaces. Simple bathrooms usually have a shower/tub combo, a hairdryer, and free toiletries including soap, shower gel, and shampoo. 

Blue Door Inn has a few nice extras that make it a good value for the money. The heated outdoor pool is set in a pleasant courtyard between the parking lot and the street, with a view of the mountains in the distance. There are a few chairs, loungers, and tables, though little shade. A simple, but appealing free breakfast includes fruit, eggs, yogurt, and homemade bread. The hotel does not have a restaurant or spa services. There is a health club next door, which guests can use at a discounted rate. Coin-operated laundry and vending machines are on-site, as are barbecue grills, a basketball hoop, shuffleboard, and horseshoes outside. Parking is free, with spaces right outside room doors, and the lot is under video surveillance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.