This cozy, family-owned lodge features modern rustic decor, scenic mountain vistas, inviting amenities like an indoor swimming pool, and proximity to the natural wonders of historic Estes Park and its surroundings.
In This Article
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, family fun amidst alpine beauty, cultural experiences, or just a peaceful mountain retreat, Appenzell Inn in Colorado is your ideal home base to experience the best of Colorado’s stunning high country.
The lodge offers quintessential Swiss hospitality paired with the rugged grandeur of the American West. Book your getaway in our charming lodge overlooking the soaring peaks of the Continental Divide today. The mountains are calling!
TL;DR
- Appenzell Inn Colorado combines Swiss heritage charm with modern rustic mountain decor.
- Guests enjoy scenic vistas, inviting amenities like fireplaces and outdoor and indoor pool pools, and a complimentary continental breakfast daily.
- The inn offers easy access to Estes Park hiking trails, wildlife watching, cultural sites, and both summer and winter seasonal mountain activities.
Captivating Natural Surroundings
Appenzell Inn immerses you in the quintessential Colorado high country experience from the moment you arrive, making it easy to fully take in the jaw-dropping surroundings. Perched on five acres overlooking the majestic Continental Divide, Appenzell Inn treats you to breathtaking vistas of craggy peaks, lush forests, and clear mountain skies from every room. Open your curtains each morning to golden sunrise alpenglow cascading across the mountains.
With peak vistas from every room, you don’t even have to leave your plush accommodations to soak up the majestic alpine scenery. Whether admiring the craggy, snow-dusted summits from your private patio or watching the clouds dance across the valleys from your window bench, the views invite you to let the natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains work its magic.
Soak up the scenic overlooks from the comfort of Adirondack chairs dotting the property. Take leisurely strolls around the pond, watching for wildlife like elk, deer, and the over 200 species of birds that inhabit the area. You can also enjoy the property’s expansive gardens.
Grab your camera and head to the scenic lookout point, which showcases a sweeping 180-degree panorama of the glacier-carved valley below. Gather around the crackling fire pit as the sun sinks below the ragged mountain silhouette each evening.
Charming Swiss-Inspired Lodging
Inspired by the cozy hospitality of Alpine chalets, Appenzell Inn’s accommodations infuse heritage charm with modern comforts for an unforgettable high-country getaway. The main lodge exudes rustic elegance with its peaked rooflines, stone fireplace, and welcoming ambiance. Your charming, uniquely decorated guest room envelops you in warmth with plush beds, handmade quilts, and modern country decor.
Room amenities include private bathrooms, gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, and private balconies so you can soak up sweeping mountain vistas right from your room. Complimentary Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay connected and share photos of your idyllic alpine retreat with friends and family back home. Rooms are non-smoking rooms. If you have special requests, don’t hesitate to ask our staff, and we will do our best to make your stay comfortable and unforgettable.
Quintessential Amenities
The lodge’s amenities allow you to experience Swiss-inspired indulgences and frontier hospitality no matter which lodge room type you select. Wake up to the aroma of hot coffee and a complimentary continental breakfast basket delivered right to your door. Doze off in the soft embrace of beds adorned with fluffy down pillows and comforters.
Enjoy an in-room soak in your jetted tub or curl up by your flickering gas fireplace after a day of Rocky Mountain adventure.
Outdoor and Seasonal Recreation
The high country transforms into a veritable four-season playground, allowing you to tailor your adventures to the season. Watch elk graze across verdant meadows on leisurely wildlife drives through the park. Or challenge yourself by summiting one of Colorado’s famous 14,000-foot peaks. From thrilling whitewater rafting to scenic hikes through wildflower-strewn meadows, the adventures available right outside your door are as varied as the spectacular landscapes surrounding Appenzell Inn.
As golden aspens paint the hillsides in the fall, try your hand at elk bugling. When winter blankets the peaks in snow, explore on cross-country skis or snowshoes before unwinding fireside with hot cocoa back at the lodge.
In the spring, watch ice melt into thundering waterfalls as you hike through technicolor wildflower displays. And in summer, set out early to spot moose cooling off in crystal clear mountain lakes on long sunny days.
Relaxation and Family Fun
While adventure awaits right outside your door, Appenzell Inn also caters to families and guests simply seeking rest and relaxation on their alpine getaway.
Savor leisurely mornings lounging poolside and taking dips in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub or swimming in the indoor pool. The outdoor pool has a sundeck overlooking tranquil ponds where you may spot duck families paddling by. Challenge the kids to a game of cornhole, table tennis, bocce ball, or giant chess with oversized pieces provided by the inn.
In the evening, gather the family around the crackling fire pit for s’mores under starry night skies. You can also play board games fireside. With inviting amenities like these, Appenzell Inn makes it easy to balance activity with relaxation.
Family Hospitality
As a family-owned and operated lodge, Appenzell Inn specializes in welcoming guests of all ages for memorable high country vacations. Kids delight in their own check-in process, which is complete with hot cocoa and cookies. You’ll also find a game room stocked with family-friendly board games and movies for all ages.
The complimentary continental breakfast includes kid favorites like cereal, yogurt, and juice alongside hearty options to fuel your family’s adventures. At Appenzell Inn, little touches make kids feel at home.
Cultural Attractions From Alpine to the American West
While outdoor recreation abounds, Appenzell Inn also provides easy access to downtown Estes Park, which is known as Stanley Village. Located less than two miles away, you can even walk downtown if you feel inspired to.
In downtown Estes Park, you can stroll wooden boardwalks while browsing galleries and shops showcasing local arts, crafts, and traditional Swiss goods. Stop into boutique chocolate shops for decadent truffles and European pastries. Don’t miss the weekly farmers market bursting with fresh produce, local honey, and homemade goodies.
Beyond Swiss-inspired Stanley Village, Appenzell Inn also serves as a gateway to quintessential American West attractions. Marvel at panoramic vistas from the granite cliffs of Lumpy Ridge. Tour the historic MacGregor Ranch for a glimpse of frontier homestead history. And visit the centuries-old Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings preserved at Lily Lake.
With quick access to both European Alpine and rugged American West cultural sites, Appenzell Inn lets you experience the rich blend of influences that shape Estes Park’s heritage and traditions. The Estes Park Museum is an excellent attraction located at the base of the legendary Longs Peak.
You can also visit the Reel Mountain Theater, which is a small, family-owned cinema in Estes Park.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Appenzell Inn?
While beautiful year-round, the best times to visit Appenzell Inn are summer and fall to enjoy the warmest weather for outdoor adventures, wildflower displays, fall foliage, and wildlife viewing.
What amenities are included with my stay?
Guests enjoy a daily complimentary continental breakfast, Wi-Fi access, free on-site parking, access to the outdoor and indoor pools, recreation amenities like the fire pit, and kid-friendly amenities. Select rooms and suites also include gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, and private balconies.
What is there to do on a rainy day in Estes Park?
On rainy days, visit Stanley Village’s downtown galleries, shops, cafes, and Rocky Mountain chocolate shops. Or stay in to enjoy the lodge’s game room, watch movies, or relax by your in-room gas fireplace or jetted tub. The Reel Mountain Theater in downtown Estes Park or the Estes Park Museum are also excellent options for rainy days.
What are hotel policies surrounding pets at Appenzell Inn?
Upon special request, Appenzell Inn welcomes pets for a small nightly fee.
Do children receive a discounted rate?
Yes! Appenzell Inn offers discounted rates for children under 12. Kids also enjoy special welcome amenities.
What is the Stanley Hotel, and why is it famous?
The Stanley Hotel is famous because it inspired Stephen King’s novel The Shining. It was also the location for the filming of the 1997 miniseries based on The Shining.
