My husband and I, along with his brother and his wife, spent two delightful nights at the Baldpate Inn. We stayed in the Valley View Cabin which was totally charming and rustically comfy. We loved hanging out in the main lodge with it's original wood interiors and stone fireplace, "key" room, library, restaurant, bird feeders.... The staff was very helpful and friendly sharing the history of the place as well as local tidbits of info.

The included breakfast was more than ample and simply delicious. It provided excellent fuel for our hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. We also ordered box lunches, and they were very well-prepared and stocked. A couple could actually share one and still have plenty to eat. We ate their soup and salad dinner one night, and it, too, was delicious.

The location is great. I walked out the door each morning and went birding and hiking before breakfast. The inn is right across the highway from RMNP's Lily Lake. Miles of trails can be accessed from there including the Twin Sisters and Estes Cone.

The only reason I don't give the inn five stars is simply that some folks may want more luxury, larger rooms, fancier bathrooms, but we loved it just as it is.

Love the feeling of going back in time at the Baldpate.

In a time where everything is looking like Southern CA, with predictable nuetrals, the Baldpate stands out like a star. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and attended one of the theater presentations - the light rain caused a delay, but the staff was hussling to dry our chairs, provide umbrellas, blankets, cookies and hot drinks = a whole different experience than most outdoor theaters (e.g. CSF in Boulder...).

If you are looking for a cheap Motel 6, don't bother the staff here...

Building and room were nice. Staff (college kids) were a bit obnoxious. A more interested in screwing around with each other than serving guests. Tried to sit on the communal porch to enjoy the evening and one them was having a loud and long conversation on their cell phone. Which would be annoying in any case but was particularly so given that they were staff.

Breakfast was a bit strage. Three-courses were:
1. Strawberrys in a bowl and a muffin,
2. A thin piece of cornbread with half-melted cheddar and maple syrup (seriously).
3. An undercooked cinnamon roll.

Wonderful location but staff and the breakfast half of things were definitely a let down.

In July, after driving from Iowa back to California...we detoured! No ideas except I'd dreamed of going to Estes Park for years. Not only were we in awe of this grand and inviting inn, but treated like royalty! Our arrival was quite late and upon checking in, the gracious hosts ensured we had tea, brownies, and lemon poppyseed muffins in our room as well as a pitcher of ice water! Unexpected and absolutely delicious!!!
Our room had a toilet closet but no bath, which actually we didn't mind at all! The bathing rooms were FUNTASTIC! Reminded me with its claw foot tubs of an era gone by, and it was extremely relaxing!
We then headed down to breakfast and was promptly seated by a window overlooking the beautiful valley! I stared out the window praying we'd be back soon and my heart ached at the thought of check out time approaching! One day is certainly not enough at this beauty of a spot!!! Hummingbirds greeted us from outside our windows view and entertained us throughout our breakfast. Which by the way was phenomenal! Fresh berries with a Rhubarb Strawberry muffin, followed by Bacon Cheddar Maple Cake!! Yes I said cake for breakfast!!! Yummy! Followed by an extremely hearty sized cinnamon roll!!
Yes we in fact needed a to-go container!
My husband and I did a little walk around, he decided to nap before our departure, I instead headed to the library with a cup of tea and before I knew it, 2 hours had gone by..I'd fallen asleep on their cozy leather sofa! Honestly a comfortable and inviting place!
Read the Book about the 7 Keys to Baldpate, and Lois' cookbook is a MUST HAVE!
We will be back every year! I pray that those who read this review don't go expecting a 5 Star Hotel, but instead receive 5 star service from a historic, amazing and comfortable inn with LOTS of wonderful stories to tell!!
P.S. Plan to leave a key behind for their key collection and make your mark in history!
P.P.S. Lois I need more recipes!!!!

Love,
The Sheldon's
Napa, CA