Hotel Review: The Rocky Mountain Chalet in Winter Park, Colorado

Finding affordable or budget-friendly ski lodging is often hard to find at a destination ski resort. Fortunately for travelers to Winter Park Ski Resort and Winter Park - Fraser, Colorado, an economical lodging choice is available nearly year-round. As a guest of the Rocky Mountain Chalet over several ski seasons, this is what I've discovered at this inexpensive ski lodging choice in Winter Park, Colorado.

Location:

The Rocky Mountain Chalet is located at the only stoplight on US Hwy 40 in Fraser, Colorado. It has free off-street parking and is located next to a bus stop on the free ski bus shuttle system that runs to Winter Park Resort. The Amtrak train station is two blocks away and the Home James shuttle service to Denver International Airport (DIA) is headquartered across the street.

Available lodging:

The Rocky Mountain Chalet is a former bed & breakfast that now offers a mixture of private rooms and single-gender dormitory rooms. The private rooms are mainly located on the ground floor with a few on the upper floor. The upper floor contains the hostel dormitory rooms, private family rooms, the shared bathrooms & showers, the kitchen & dining area, and a TV viewing area. The hostel rooms do have generous-sized lockable lockers for guest use.

The private rooms come in a variety of sizes that accommodate groups of up to 6 people. They have private bathrooms, refrigerators, a free continental breakfast, and access to a private kitchen area. Private room guests also have use of the main upstairs kitchen, great room, and the ski/bicycle storage facilities.

Amenities:

Guests of the Inn have use of an extensive DVD library, free wi-fi on your laptop, internet access for a fee on the RMI's computer, BBQ grill, morning coffee or tea, and outside gear storage. Groceries can be purchased at a Safeway grocery store across the street. Hostel guests can also purchase the morning continental breakfast for around $2. It includes - hard-boiled eggs, pastries, cereal, oatmeal, frozen pancakes or waffles, fresh fruit, milk, juice, and coffee.

Kitchen amenities:

The main Inn kitchen is unlike the majority of hostel kitchens. There are two modern stoves with all the pots, pans, and utensils needed for meal preparation. The cupboards are well stocked with coffee cups, glasses, plates and eating utensils. There are two well-maintained modern dishwashers in the upstairs kitchen but you should pre-scrub any dishes before loading them into a dishwasher. Guests are expected to hand wash any pots or pans used and clean up any kitchen or dining spills.

Shared bathroom facilities:
There are four separate small shower rooms. They are well ventilated and are kept clean. There are four separate bathrooms with a toilet and sink that are also kept well clean. Guests have access to clean towels at no additional fee. If you forgot shampoo and conditioner, there are usually generous amounts left behind by other guests.

Guest service:
The staff has always been friendly and efficient every time I've stayed at the RMC. Check-in and a hostel bed assignment usually take less than five minutes. Features I really like are the ability to check room date availability and book a room online. If I've had any questions, I've always gotten a polite answer.

Guests:
Staying in a hostel is a new experience for most US citizens. Negative experiences have been a rare occurrence for me when I've stayed at RMI. Most guests are friendly and outgoing. Those who break the rules or create disturbances are quickly asked to leave. Hostel guests from a wide age range are frequent visitors as are large church groups.

Negatives:
The Rocky Mountain Chalet is located near the main Union Pacific freight line as is most lodging in Winter Park and Fraser. In the winter coal freight trains can come frequently throughout the night. Bring earplugs if you are susceptible to noise.

The downstairs private rooms can be subject to noise from the upstairs occupants. There are strict quiet hours after 10 pm but there can still be noise from the bathrooms throughout the evening.

Recommended for:
Budget travelers, single travelers, outdoor activity enthusiasts, and international travelers.

Not recommended for:
Romantic weekends, people with disabilities, pet owners, those with young children, and those needing pampering or luxurious lodging amenities.

Room rates:
Private rooms start at $53.00/night
Dorm Rooms start at $19.00/night

If you are looking for inexpensive lodging while traveling solo at Winter Park Resort, The Rocky Mountain Chalet is a great option. They have all the comforts of home at budget prices.

15 C.R. 72, Box 600
(across the street from the Safeway in Fraser)
Fraser, CO 80442-0600
(970) 726-8256
1-866-467-8351 (US/Canada toll free)
http://www.therockymountainchalet.com/

Source:
Personal experience