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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Colorado, USA

Accommodation Types

Standard Options

  • Hostels

    Limited availability, hostels mainly cater to backpackers or budget-conscious travelers. Dorm-style rooms and communal spaces exist for a social atmosphere. Find hostels on Hostelworld.

  • Motels/Budget Hotels

    Numerous motels and budget hotels are along Main Avenue and slightly outside downtown Durango. Clean lodging at more affordable price points exists, often with basic amenities like free parking and Wi-Fi. Book budget hotels on Booking.com.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Well-known chain hotels (e.g., IHG Hotels) and various independent hotels fall into this category. More amenities than budget motels are common, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and complimentary breakfast. Explore options on Agoda.

  • Boutique & Luxury Hotels

    Durango presents charming boutique hotels, often in historic buildings. Upscale properties with full services, fine dining, pools, and enhanced amenities are available. The Strater Hotel typifies historic luxury.

Specialized & Outdoor Options

  • Historic Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Durango has several charming B&Bs in beautifully preserved Victorian homes. A personalized experience with gourmet breakfasts and local insights awaits.

  • Dude Ranches

    Surrounding areas include traditional dude ranches with all-inclusive stays. Horseback riding, cattle drives, and outdoor adventures offer an immersive Western experience.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Abundant through platforms like Vrbo, these include apartments, cabins, and full homes. They suit various budgets and group sizes, popular for families needing more space and kitchens.

  • Camping & RV Parks

    The San Juan National Forest offers numerous private and public campgrounds. RV parks cater to recreational vehicles with hookups and facilities.

Neighborhood Guide

The choice of where to stay in the Durango and Silverton area influences your experience, affecting convenience, ambiance, and access to activities. All areas in Durango and Silverton are generally safe; standard precautions are recommended.

Downtown Durango

Benefits
  • Central location
  • Easy access to attractions, restaurants, bars
  • Walkable area
  • Train depot nearby
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • Parking a challenge
  • Higher accommodation prices

North Main Avenue Durango

Benefits
  • More affordable accommodation
  • Easier parking
  • Access to supermarkets and services
  • Reliable chain hotels
Considerations
  • Short drive or trolley ride to downtown
  • Lacks historic charm

Three Springs Durango

Benefits
  • Quieter environment
  • Newer facilities and amenities
  • Modern, residential atmosphere
  • Proximity to Mercy Hospital
Considerations
  • Further from downtown
  • Car needed for most activities

Location Considerations

Pondering Location

Downtown Durango is the prime choice for direct train depot access and walkable access to shops and restaurants. North Main features easy highway access and bus route connections. Purgatory provides immediate ski or mountain activity access. Silverton presents direct access to high mountain adventures and mining history. Downtown Durango may have street noise. Other areas are generally quieter. Silverton becomes very quiet in the evenings after train departures.

Silverton Considerations

Silverton, a smaller, rustic town, offers limited dining and shopping. Many businesses operate seasonally. High elevation may impact those sensitive to altitude. It is a choice for history lovers and those seeking a quieter mountain town or focused on high-altitude hiking.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help travelers secure desired accommodations at appropriate prices, especially during popular travel times.

Advance Booking

  • Peak Season (June-August, Dec-Jan, Late Sept/Early Oct): Book hotels, rentals, and especially Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tickets 3-6 months ahead. Availability drops and prices rise closer to travel dates.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, Early Sept): Booking 1-2 months ahead typically yields good options and reasonable prices.
  • Low Season (Nov, Early Dec, Late Jan-Feb): Last-minute deals are possible. Booking a few weeks ahead is still advisable for selection.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not common practice in the U.S. Hospitality industry. Fixed rates are the norm.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com present a wide hotel range and competitive prices.
  • Vacation Rentals: For apartments, cabins, and homes, use dedicated platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
  • Direct Booking: Local hotels, B&Bs, and rental companies offer incentives for booking directly through their official websites. This directly supports local businesses.
  • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Book train tickets directly through their official website for optimal availability, accurate schedules, and pricing.

Policy Variations & Price Points

Policies
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary. Read and understand them before confirming.
  • Many hotels present free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before arrival.
  • Vacation rentals often have stricter, non-refundable policies.
Price Fluctuations
  • Accommodation prices are notably higher during summer and winter peak seasons.
  • Prices also rise during special events or holidays.

Helpful Tip

Compare Prices

Use price comparison websites, but also check the hotel's official website. Direct booking sometimes presents special deals or more flexible cancellation policies.

Check Reviews

Review traveler feedback on booking platforms to inform your decision and manage expectations.

Plan Ahead

For popular dates or unique accommodations, early booking is essential for the best selection.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for various traveler types and budgets, including properties with historical appeal.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Budget Picks

For economical stays.

  • Durango Downtown Inn: Basic, clean rooms with good downtown access.
  • Motel Durango: Affordable, straightforward lodging.
  • Campgrounds: Junction Creek Campground (USFS, near Durango) and Baker's Bridge Campground (USFS, north of Durango) are good outdoor choices.
Mid-Range Picks

Good value and amenities.

  • Hampton Inn Durango: Reliable chain hotel with complimentary breakfast and a pool.
  • Holiday Inn Express Durango: Consistent chain option.
  • Durango Lodge: Well-maintained independent hotel with comfortable rooms.

Luxury & Family Choices

Luxury Picks

For an upscale experience.

  • Rochester Hotel: Boutique hotel with uniquely themed rooms and excellent service.
  • Leland House Suites of Durango: Upscale historic B&B with spacious suites.
  • The Strater Hotel: Historic Victorian luxury in downtown Durango.
Family-Friendly Options

Space and amenities for families.

  • Vacation Rentals: More space, separate bedrooms, and kitchens.
  • Hotels with pools: Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn are popular with kids.
  • Purgatory Resort lodging: Condos and larger units ideal for families with on-site activities.

Traveler-Specific Stays

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels (if available) present budget-friendly stays and opportunities to meet other travelers. Downtown hotels offer walkability to dining, shops, and evening activities, making solo exploration easy.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    For weekly or monthly stays, vacation rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo) or extended-stay hotels are prime choices. They often include kitchens and laundry facilities.

  • Group Travel

    Vacation rentals offer shared spaces and often accommodate larger groups more economically than multiple hotel rooms.

  • Pet-Friendly Options

    Many hotels and vacation rentals welcome pets; check specific property policies and fees when booking.

Properties with Historical Significance

  • The Strater Hotel (Durango)

    Built in 1887, this landmark Victorian hotel is a centerpiece of downtown Durango. Elaborate period furnishings and a storied past.

  • Rochester Hotel (Durango)

    Constructed in 1892, this historic hotel features rooms themed after classic Western films, presenting an unique and charming stay.

  • Grand Imperial Hotel (Silverton)

    Located in Silverton, this historic hotel presents a glimpse into the town's mining past, maintaining much of its original character.

  • Historic Bed & Breakfasts

    Numerous B&Bs in Durango are in beautifully restored historic homes, offering a personalized experience rich with local history.

Accommodation Comparison

Variety & Features

Durango and Silverton present a range of accommodation types, from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts and unique historic properties.

  • Hostels/Budget Motels: ~$50-100. Basic, limited privacy.
  • Mid-range Hotel: ~$100-250. Standard amenities, good value.
  • Boutique/Historic Hotel: ~$150-400. Unique character, charm, central.
  • Vacation Rental (1-2 BR): ~$150-450. Space, kitchen, privacy.
Resort & Outdoor Stays

For those seeking activity-focused or nature-immersed lodging, specific options stand out.

  • Resort (Purgatory): ~$200-600+. Direct access to activities, mountain setting.
  • Camping/RV Park: ~$20-60. Budget-friendly, nature immersion.
  • Dude Ranches: Immersive Western experience, typically all-inclusive packages.

Choosing Your Stay

Budget

Motels or campgrounds for cost-conscious travelers. Hostels are an option where available.

Experience

Historic hotels or B&Bs for cultural immersion. Resorts for activity-focused trips. Vacation rentals for a local feel.

Location

Downtown for walkability. North Main for highway access. Purgatory for slope proximity. Silverton for high-mountain history.