Known as the “Western Gateway” to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is one of those Colorado mountain towns that you just can’t help but fall in love with — and any season is the perfect time to visit. Recently, we road tripped from Denver (just 2 hours!) to Grand Lake to check out the lakefront Western Riviera for a weekend. Here is my review of their diverse accommodations.
A four-season getaway, I first visited Grand Lake nearly 30 years ago for a snowmobiling adventure, yet the other three seasons captured my heart — and I never miss an opportunity to visit again. My go-to Grand Lake lodging is the Western Riviera as travelers can choose from a wide range of accommodations, including motel rooms, cabins, and spacious multi-bedroom condos.
Arrival in Grand Lake, Colorado
Our recent visit was in mid-May and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful and scenic weekend, and this is the perfect road trip from Denver along I-70 West to US-40 over Berthoud Pass. This drive takes you through the popular ski town of Winter Park to Grand Lake.
The Western Riviera Motel overlooks Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake, at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The motel, cabins and condos are all located just off Main Street of this Colorado mountain town. Check-in is at the main office, a vintage motel type setting. I’ve stayed at several of their lodgings, and each time I arrive and register, it feels like I’m coming home. The staff is friendly and always offers suggestions for local entertainment, dining and activities.
Types of Accommodations at the Western Riviera
Located next to the office, check-in is the quaint 16-room motel offering a view of the lake. These are the only accommodations that the Western Riv offers that I’ve not stayed at. The Western Riviera Motel offers room types that sleep from 2 (queen room) to an apartment with 2 rooms (king bed and 1 trundle bed) complete with a full kitchen.
Another lodging option is the Courtyard Cabins, also in the heart of Grand Lake. Choose from 12 cabins in three different sizes (small, medium and large). These cabins are connected in a U-shaped, all facing a courtyard with picnic tables, grills, and a gazebo. This is a perfect option when traveling with friends or several families. Although rustic, these rooms are clean and offer either mini or full kitchens.
Twice I’ve stayed at the condos, which all include a full kitchen, and as my husband said, “Perfect accommodations for an extended multigenerational family and/or a family reunion. The first time, several years ago, I stayed at the Tree House, fit for a large family of 5, lakefront views at the top of the building.
This time around, my husband, another couple, and I enjoyed accommodations at the Lake House, which sleeps up to 9, features a full kitchen — and my favorite (first picture) with a balcony overlooking Grand Lake.
The newest addition to Western Riviera lodging is now the Penthouse at 1000 Grand, offering two amazing views – one overlooking Grand Lake and the other the town park. This luxury penthouse is a fantastic option for a large family or three couples, sleeping 10 people with 3 separate living spaces. Located on the third floor just half block from Main Street, each of the three bedrooms features its own living room with a shared kitchen in the middle. The penthouse is available for either one week or by the month.
Explore Grand Lake with Lodging at the Western Riviera
Check into your motel room, quaint cabins or extended space in a condo, and then explore the Colorado town of Grand Lake. Take a hike, road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, fish or boat the state’s largest natural lake. Or walk to the historic wooden boardwalk of Grand Lake with dozens of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Western Riviera Motel & Cabins: High season Rates start at $159/night for cabins; $299/night for Tree House; $450/night for Lake House; and $2,100/week for Penthouse. Make your reservation directly on the hotel website.
Lodging courtesy of Western Riviera for purposes of a review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Photos courtesy of Western Riviera and Diana Rowe.
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