The Hostelz.com Review
The Rocky Mountain Inn & Hostel is actually in the town of Fraser, a few miles north of Winter Park. The area is only accessible by Amtrak or private car. Drivers should know that the roads to the area are treacherous, narrow, twisting, icy for most of the year, foggy, and not for the weak-hearted. Of the two roads to the valley, only one (Rt. 40, from the south) is open year-round, and this road goes up to over eleven thousand feet in elevation, so it can be dangerous in any weather in any season. Don't let this scare you off, though -- the roads are very well maintained, and the drive alone is gorgeous enough to make it worth the challenge.
The hostel building and its facilities are in excellent condition -- even better than the refined HI hostels in London. The entire hostel feels like an upscale condo. There is new hardwood and leather furniture, and very clean wall-to-wall carpeting throughout. The beds (complete with all the bedding you could want) are remarkably comfortable. There are two fully equipped kitchens (one for lunch and dinner, one for breakfast), both of which are completely outfitted with pots and pans, woks, colanders, spices, and everything else you might want in a kitchen. The private bathrooms and showers gleam, and even have complimentary hair dryers and cushy bathmats.
The main common space has a complete entertainment center with a VCR, DVD player, and video games. There is an extensive DVD collection available for guests to use for no charge. There's a free computer in the lobby, and free wireless for the laptop-toting crowd. The very inexpensive continental breakfast (everything from frozen waffles and whipped butter to fresh croissants to multitudinous hot and cold cereals) is better than any other U.S. hostel we've ever seen, and there is a grocery story directly across the street for anyone wanting further food. This hostel truly has every comfort and convenience -- if you're wondering if they have something, they probably do.
The area boasts gorgeous scenery (three-hundred and sixty degrees of mountain views from the hostel). Almost every outdoor sport (hiking, skiing and snowboarding, rafting, rock climbing) is accessible within a short drive. The biggest drawback is that the hostel has no life, even in the busy winter season. It gives off the feeling of visiting a boring, rich relative's house. The luxury of the facilities and the hostel's atmosphere make many younger or out-of-the-mainstream hostelers feel quite out of place. The guests are (and by report usually are) almost entirely sporty, middle-aged, white men. Women should be aware that they will definitely be the center of much attention here -- whether or not they want it. The area is also not gay-friendly, though the hostel is simply gay-indifferent. Many of the guests live at the hostel for months at a time, and have no interest in socializing with more transient guests. Everyone is asleep by 9 p.m.
Despite the beauty of the area and facilities, it is one of the most boring hostels we have ever visited. If you are looking for somewhere very upscale and restful, though, or just a place to get a cheap, quiet bed, this might be a good place for you -- sometimes boring is good.
The hostel building and its facilities are in excellent condition -- even better than the refined HI hostels in London. The entire hostel feels like an upscale condo. There is new hardwood and leather furniture, and very clean wall-to-wall carpeting throughout. The beds (complete with all the bedding you could want) are remarkably comfortable. There are two fully equipped kitchens (one for lunch and dinner, one for breakfast), both of which are completely outfitted with pots and pans, woks, colanders, spices, and everything else you might want in a kitchen. The private bathrooms and showers gleam, and even have complimentary hair dryers and cushy bathmats.
The main common space has a complete entertainment center with a VCR, DVD player, and video games. There is an extensive DVD collection available for guests to use for no charge. There's a free computer in the lobby, and free wireless for the laptop-toting crowd. The very inexpensive continental breakfast (everything from frozen waffles and whipped butter to fresh croissants to multitudinous hot and cold cereals) is better than any other U.S. hostel we've ever seen, and there is a grocery story directly across the street for anyone wanting further food. This hostel truly has every comfort and convenience -- if you're wondering if they have something, they probably do.
The area boasts gorgeous scenery (three-hundred and sixty degrees of mountain views from the hostel). Almost every outdoor sport (hiking, skiing and snowboarding, rafting, rock climbing) is accessible within a short drive. The biggest drawback is that the hostel has no life, even in the busy winter season. It gives off the feeling of visiting a boring, rich relative's house. The luxury of the facilities and the hostel's atmosphere make many younger or out-of-the-mainstream hostelers feel quite out of place. The guests are (and by report usually are) almost entirely sporty, middle-aged, white men. Women should be aware that they will definitely be the center of much attention here -- whether or not they want it. The area is also not gay-friendly, though the hostel is simply gay-indifferent. Many of the guests live at the hostel for months at a time, and have no interest in socializing with more transient guests. Everyone is asleep by 9 p.m.
Despite the beauty of the area and facilities, it is one of the most boring hostels we have ever visited. If you are looking for somewhere very upscale and restful, though, or just a place to get a cheap, quiet bed, this might be a good place for you -- sometimes boring is good.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2006
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Not so great We were greatly disappointed in this place. The check in was a mess. The parking when we got there in the evening was so bad! The only thing that was half way descent was the breakfast. Otherwise bring your own food or eat at the mexican place next door!!!! We stayed downstairs it was noisy the room was ok. It did not have the feel of a B&B or a hotel. — Anonymous , USA (2011-03-13) Better than the pictures This hostel was really nice. It was right in the middle of Fraser, Co. I stayed in the women's dorm and cooked in the kitchen. The kitchen is very clean, possibly due to the fact that they have two dishwashers. I felt very comfortable there. They have free DVD rentals, so there are several movies to watch. There is a Safeway across the street if you need food. Also, there are a lot of activities nearby. The view out of the windows is beautiful. — Margaret , Atlanta, GA, USA (2008-10-20) This was the best Hostel I have ever had the privilege to stay in. If I could give it ten stars I would! I'm in my early forties and was worried I wouldn't "fit" in. I was so wrong and the staff sp kind. My train was nine hours late due to flash flooding and they were kind, considerate, and sympathetic to my situation. I (and others who I will spread the word to) will be returning sooner than later. It was so clean, the kitchen so large, and the other residents so nice, I almost didn't want to go explore the surrounding mountainside. You can't go wrong here at all. If you are questioning staying here -- what are you questioning? — Al (2006-10-08) I stayed here over spring break in 2006. As a near-forty single-traveler, I was worried that I wouldn't fit in, thinking that it would be a "younger crowd." I couldn't have been more mistaken. Hostel guests ranged from college-age to middle-age, and all were friendly and hospitable towards each other. Most were repeat visitors. The hostel is very clean, neat, and well-run. Storage space is ample, the staff are very accommodating, and the beds more than comfortable. The kitchen is huge and provides anything you would need to make your own meal. A grocery store is right across the street, and several restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive away. I highly recommend The Rocky Mountain Inn & Hostel. — Mike (2006-09-04) This place is great. I recommend it in the summer when the crowds are smaller. Check out the mountain biking and hiking! — Anonymous (2004-11-11) This place is the next best thing to home (except I don't get views like that from my bedroom :))! The staff are excellent, they help you to settle in, give you advice on what to see and where to go (Al, you're the best!). Every square inch in this hostel is kept squeaky clean. The linens are fresh, the beds are comfortable, the showers are hot, and breakfast is more than the usual toast and jelly. I would recommend this place to ANYONE! I hope to come back to Colorado soon and when I do, I will definitely stay at this hostel again. — Anouck Meier (2004-11-01) This place was WONDERFUL! We went in the off-season for a little mountain biking trip and were blown away by this place and its staff! Nancy, Dena, Jerry and the others were wonderful! Go to this hostel! And don't forget to hit Hernando's for some awesome pizza! — Steamboat Couple (2004-10-19) The staff of the Inn completely spoiled me for any other hostel. I didn't meet Erik and Dianne, the owners, but the rest of the staff (Dena, Candy, Julie and Al) were absolutely wonderful. They made my stay so comfortable. The kitchen was fully equipped with everything you could want in the way of utensils and appliances. All you need to bring is food. If I ever have the opportunity to return to Colorado for any length of time, the Rocky Mountain Inn and Hostel is the only place I'll stay. The only downside was that I couldn't stay longer this time! — Diane James (2004-08-24) This is the nicest hostel I've ever seen! The beds are very modern, and the kitchen is absolutely fabulous! I love that the showers are private. Dianne and Erik are so nice, as well as everyone else that works there. The beautiful mountain view is incredible! Another bonus is that this place is completely surrounded by National Forest public lands! I highly recommend the Rocky Mountain Inn and Hostel for any stay in the mountains. It's awesome! — Dena Jones (2004-07-28)