As I listened to elk bugle to one another inside Mesa Verde National Park, I reminded myself that I was not dreaming. Indeed, I was hearing elk sing their mating songs to one another as I lay comfortably in my hotel bed. Curious what it is like to stay in this hotel within Mesa Verde National Park? Read my Far View Lodge hotel review for a look inside this Mesa Verde, Colorado hotel.
What makes Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde National Park unique?
If you are interested in visiting Mesa Verde National Park for multiple days, you’ll want to book a hotel room at Far View Lodge. In reading my Far View Lodge hotel review, you’ll see for yourself what make this Mesa Verde hotel unique. Besides being the only lodge within Mesa Verde National Park, the Colorado hotel is pet-friendly and affordably priced.
Located 15 miles from the park entrance, the closest airport to Far View Lodge is Cortez Airport in Montezuma County, Colorado.
If you are looking for a hotel with a swimming pool near a national park, Far View Lodge is not the hotel for you. However, if you want a clean hotel with a fabulous location, situated on a mesa overlooking the park, this is the place for you. Built in 1974, Far View Lodge is now managed by Aramark Parks and Destinations and authorized by the National Park Service.
The 1-story lodge is comprised of 10 buildings and 150 hotel rooms. I stayed in Building 3, room #141. This was a king kiva view room, with a private deck. Buildings 2 and 3 offer the best views. The non-view rooms are pet-friendly and require an additional fee for pets. During my stay there was a $25 pet fee.
What hotel amenities are offered at Far View Lodge?
Situated 8,250 feet above sea level, Far View Lodge offers guests sweeping views into four states. There are no televisions in your hotel room, the Mesa Verde National Park views are the star of the show at this 3-star hotel. Speaking of stars, Mesa Verde National Park is the 100th International Dark Sky Park. This certification highlights the park’s night skies programming and lack of light pollution.
While Mesa Verde National Park is open year-round, Far View Lodge shuts down in the winter. The lodge offers air-conditioning in hotel rooms, as well as private bathrooms with shower/bath combinations. There is a mini fridge and a desk with chair, as well as night stands, with lamps, on each side of the bed. Additionally, my room had a wooden armoire to hang clothes. A sink and coffee station was directly across from the bathroom.
The vanity area has a built in hairdryer and mirror above the sink. The Kiva-style rooms reflect a regional southwest decor.
Dining options at Far View Lodge
Dining within a UNESCO World Heritage Site comes with certain advantages. In Mesa Verde Country, restaurant chefs are blessed with Colorado meat, fish and produce. Southwestern wines, craft beers and hard ciders are also an option.
I ordered the pan-seared, locally caught rainbow trout. If you want to “eat like a Puebloan” order the ancient grain salad with fresh tomatoes and local greens. Sutcliffe Vineyards from Cortez, Colorado is the wine to try at the Metate Room at Far View Lodge.
The Metate Room restaurant is an easy walk from Far View Lodge hotel rooms. Far View Terrace offers breakfast and lunch options, as well as specialty coffees. Additionally, there is a gift shop within Far View Terrace.
Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors some of the best preserved archeological sites in North America. I highly recommend the 700 Years Cliff Dwellings Tour offered through Aramark. You’ll want to purchase your park tour tickets online. The 4-hour tour winds through the 52,000 acre national park visiting pit house villages, cliff dwellings from the 13th century, the Balcony House, the Cliff Palace and Spruce Tree House. The motorcoach tour was comfortable, yet offered plenty of opportunity to hop on and off the bus. There is a shorter tour available, as well as self-guided options, but the professional tour guides offer a historical perspective and first-hand knowledge that can’t be beat.
Additionally, there are stargazing programs, hiking, the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and children’s programs. For something completely different, take a trail ride on horseback through Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
My king kiva hotel room rented for $185, plus tax. Far View Lodge offers AAA, military and senior discounts. There is no resort fee and complimentary self-parking is available. Check in time is 4:00 p.m. and check out time is 11:00 a.m.
Far View Lodge (800) 449-2288
Mile Marker 15
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado 81330
Far View Lodge hotel review, You Tube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of the Mesa Verde Country while researching articles for other publications. All opinions are my own.