[Downtown Durango. Photo: TravelingOtter] Wild West Durango, Colorado is home to a world famous narrow gauge railroad that attracts visitors from around the world. Along with three ski areas of mixed sizes and wonderful outdoor recreation, there’s a slew of great hotels serving these travelers.
As far as mountain towns go, Durango’s a big one at around 20,000 full-time residents. The historic narrow gauge railroad attracts people to town from all over the world. Because of Durango’s popular tourism there are a lot of hotels to accommodate.
Probably Durango’s Best Hotel Accommodations
Strater Hotel lobby.
Whether you want a true western flair, upscale modern or wallet friendly, Durango has it. Hotels prices in Durango, like all tourist towns, can be affected by peak seasons. Summer is the busiest, so expect that to reflect. Prices shown below are at off season time.
There are several parts of town you could consider staying. Downtown is probably the most popular, with several hotels to choose from. Purgatory Resort is the place to stay if hitting the ski slopes bright and early is a top priority. Since it’s 30 minutes from downtown, there’s a myriad of vacation rentals in between.
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Here’s our choices for the top hotels in Durango, in no particular order:
Strater Hotel – iconic, historic and classy accommodation
Main Street’s Strater Hotel. Photo: Jacqueline Poggi
Like any great skyline or downtown, a few unique buildings can really shape a place. Stroll through historic Durango and try to not awe at the Strater’s dominance on the corner of 7th and Main. The Strater Hotel was built in 1887.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Strater is convenient to everything. It also has everything, complete with it’s own theatre, restaurant and old west saloon. Mahogany Grille is a fine steakhouse with upscale Old West ambiance. Stop by for happy hour at the Diamond Belle Saloon, a ragtime piano bar with dance hall girls. Or watch a mock gunfight out front 3x per week.
- Prices from $102 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Strater Hotel
Double Tree by Hilton – upscale downtown hotel
Double Tree on the Animas River.
While it may your typical upscale hotel, Double Tree is unusual in Durango. It’s the only place like it within walking distance to everything in the historic district. It’s also the only place where you get a fresh baked cookie upon arrival, or anytime you ask.
The Double Tree sits just across Camino Del Rio (main commercial through street), which is 2 blocks off main street. The tranquil and sometimes fierce Animas River runs behind the hotel, offering views of it from many balconies and a lovely multi-use riverwalk. Edgewater Restaurant and separate Lounge are the in-house dining and bar choices.
- Prices from $124 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Double Tree by Hilton
Durango Lodge – budget, convenient, hot tub
Durango Lodge.
This budget hotel makes the list because it’s clean, affordable and almost directly beside the D&S Narrow Gauge Railroad. The location at the Durango Lodge is spectacular at the end of the historic district.
Rooms at Durango Lodge have been updated by this well-run hotel. Amenities include a continental breakfast, swimming pool and hot tub. It’s minutes walk to all the best bars and restaurants.
- Prices from $65 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Durango Lodge
Iron Horse Inn – classic western motel next to the railroad
Durango & Silverton Train passing by Iron Horse Inn. Photo: colorado.com
Durango’s Iron Horse is a long, sprawling motel with a gritty Southwest charm. It’s tucked a few minutes outside town on 160 toward Purgatory.
The vast complex has a pool, playground, game room, outdoor BBQ and stage area. Guests have a front stage view of the train (aka Iron Horse) when it passes multiple times during its season. Rooms have been updated renovated recently, some offering a unique two bedroom apartment style with kitchen. It’s a motorcycle friendly hotel with a great place to line up bikes.
- Prices from $79 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Iron Horse Inn
Homewood Suites by Hilton – upscale suite style rooms
Homewood Suites by Hilton.
This option is just west of downtown tucked away off Highway 160, a big commercial street. If you have a car and want a bigger suite style room, Homewood Suites is the place.
Complimentary tennis courts, gym, BBQ, business center, indoor swimming pool and hot tub sweeten the deal. Breakfast is tasty and usually included. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site. Rooms are large and modern, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
- Prices from $129 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Homewood Suites by Hilton
General Palmer Hotel – vintage charm, classic Old West decor
General Palmer Hotel at corner of 6th and Main. Photo: Jacqueline Poggi
Another iconic Durango hotel, the General Palmer is a 3 star, true Old West joint. Stay in vintage style and elegance, within walking distance to the best tourist attractions.
Rooms are charming and classically decorated. Each one is unique and like stepping back in town. The hotel offers the main amenities, and even a library. Unwind at the rooftop terrace with a cocktail and crisp mountain air.
- Prices from 118 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for General Palmer
Leland House and Rochester Hotel – bed & breakfast in downtown
Rochester Hotel.
Situated across the street from one another, Leland House and Rochester Hotel share 27 specially designed rooms. It’s located on 2nd Avenue, which is one block off Main Street.
This charming B&B serves a complimentary homemade breakfast. There’s also a nice bar area and plenty of comfy places to lounge around the property. Access to all the area’s attractions is easy from this guest favorite.
- Prices from $139 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Leland House & Rochester Hotel
Apple Orchard Inn – charming mountain cottages
Apple Orchard Inn cottage.
This 3.5 star resort offers charming cottage rentals just north of town in Hermosa. It’s a unique bed and breakfast with beautiful gardens situated across the property.
The staff is friendly and helpful at Apple Orchard. Before guests leave for the day they’re provided packed lunches. There’s also a fitness center and golf course on the property.
- Prices from $70 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Apple Orchard Inn
Rio Grande Best Western – warm and welcoming in historic distirct
Rio Grande Inn.
Despite its downtown Durango location, this could be the most hidden lodge on the list. It’s nestled at the end of 2nd Avenue, around a quiet corner from the main drag. It’s a wonderful, cozy hotel decorated with wood interiors, both warm and inviting.
The Best Western Rio Grande features plenty of hotel rooms facing and indoor courtyard and swimming pool. It’s an oasis and not your standard white walled hallway hotel. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, rooms with refrigerators and walking distance to the favorite bars.
- Prices from $94 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Best Western Rio Grande
The Lodge at Tamarron – mountain resort living
The Lodge at Tamarron.
A full resort, The Lodge at Tamarron offers a range of amenities and rooms. For those splitting time between the slopes and downtown, this middle location spits the distance.
Each room is uniquely decorated, with a kitchenette and necessities. There’s a restaurant and bar on site. There’s an eighteen hole golf course, gym, day spa with sauna and beauty center. The mountain views around Tamarron are fantastic in your home away from home.
- Prices from $79 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for The Lodge at Tamarron
Purgatory Village Condo by Purgatory Resort – heart of ski village
Summer at Purgatory Village Condo.
Those looking for a full ski-side mountain condo with all the amenities this is your place. Purgatory Village Condos sit at the base of the mountain in the heart of the summer and winter action.
Apartment style rooms have kitchenettes and wonderful views. There’s a hot tub, outdoor pool, sauna and kids club for guest use. Get a quick meal at the restaurant and an apres ski at the on-site bar.
- Prices from $79 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Purgatory Village Condo
Purgatory Lodge by Purgatory Resort – ski in/ski out luxury
Snowcapped peaks by Purgatory Lodge.
Ski in and ski out of this premiere on mountain hotel. Purgatory Lodge is a four star luxury accommodation in the heart of Purgatory Village.
There are 150 rooms, each well cared for and designed. Many have two bedrooms and two bathrooms for those larger groups who need space. Guests have access to an outdoor pool, fitness center and 24 hour reception. Enjoy the high mountain life at Purgatory Lodge.
- Prices from $307 night (excludes taxes)
- To book, check prices or availability for Purgatory Lodge by Purgatory Resort
Please share your favorite Durango hotel in the comments below. Thanks for checking out our list!
