Fall River Village — Local services in Estes Park

My family and I stayed here for a reunion and it was beyond words. The views were breathtaking, all day everyday from sunrise to sunset. When the sun rose on this little community, I felt so close to the environment around me and to nature. It was like something out of a Mary Kate and Ashley movie, where they show the scenic views to emphasize the setting, but this was much more real and immersive. Estes Park is one of those places where your brain can't possibly completely process what you are seeing, because everything is so big and distant, but also close and beautiful. It really makes you appreciate nature. The buildings at Fall River Village were nothing short of perfect. They were cozy and homey, yet still spacious and perfect for having people over. I got my own room (which came with its own bathroom), and I had a pretty good view of the sunrise. I know I keep talking about the sunrise, but I cannot oversell or over-hype this- it is so peaceful. And to watch as the sun hits the stylized buildings in this wonderful resort? Priceless. The beds were really comfy and roomy. There's also enough room for sleepovers, as my cousin and I shared a room one night. The kitchen was awesome. There was enough room to cook and bake, and the fridge was spacious. Fall River Village is super close to the town, and there are so many sweets and places to eat, so the fridge came in handy a lot. Speaking of the town, there was so much to do and I am so happy that it was within walking distance. I bought a cowboy hat, and as a Michigander, I am incredibly happy with my purchase. The staff was so kind and helpful. When I was here, as much I felt like I was on vacation, I felt like I was home. I know it sounds cliche, but I just felt so connected to the world. There were elk right behind my unit, and they were so calm. The wildlife was amazing and it was really just a down to earth experience that could not have been possible without FRV and the environment they provide and sustain. There is so much to do in Estes Park, and Fall River Village is the perfect place to stay.

10/10, you will...

We just stayed at the Fall River Village and had the BEST TIME EVER!! We had a family reunion, so different age groups from 5 yr old to over 60! We loved the resort so much, it just had EVERYTHING! We enjoyed the pool, jacuzzi, BBQ grills, fire pits, etc. The view all over the resort was breath taking, the walk along the river so peaceful and we saw may elk from the property, but the best was when 6 elk decided to lounge right out behind out condo and we got some great pictures! The parking lot gave plenty of room for the kids to ride their scooters and play various games. It was just a few minutes to walk to the cutest little town for ice cream, restaurants, shopping, ice cream, the park for the little ones, fudge, a large open grassy space for playing tag with the kids, and more ice cream! Couldn't ask for more :) The 3 bedroom condo we stayed in was gorgeous and fully equipped with all needed. There were extra blankets and pillows, kitchen had all dishes, pots & pans, utensils, towels...you name it, we didn't want for anything. Each room had its own bathroom with showers, which was great with teenage kids, there was even an extra bathroom in the laundry area for guests. The living room was spacious and kitchen was huge, much larger than what we have at home! We ventured out and did some road trips to the National Park and went on some trails and small hikes....beautiful!!! We also drove to the Continental Divide, where there was still snow in summer...but beautiful. The restaurants in the area were great, wonderful food. So we had some meals out to be waited on and visit more and we also grilled and enjoyed each others company and finished it off with the fire pits and s'mores while telling childhood stories...was the BEST!! Any staff members that we spoke with for any reason were just great! I would recommend coming and staying at this resort, just your own family or with friends/family...YOU WILL NOT BE...

Let’s start with what this place got right.

The property is located at a very walkable distance from the main drag. The curve of Elkhorn Ave as you drive towards the property obscures the fact that the back of the property has a very walkable trail alongside the Fall River that saves you a LOT of fuss with downtown parking.

Elk o’clock; most days we were at the property, a family of Elk would show up, hang out, and be all photogenic. Keep your distance, but enjoy this little slice of wild heaven.

Well equipped kitchenette; we were able to make our own breakfasts and lunches (check out the photo of the pancakes being enjoyed on the rear deck).

Now let’s talk about the low ratings for the room and service.

We received an email with instructions day of check in. The link to the property map was dead. And the promised lockbox with keycards that were supposed to be hanging on the front door was not there. Someone did come out to help us when we called the service number. If we had been a little bit more late, when the office was closed, I’d hope that we would have been able to get into the room that night.

The casement window in the master bedroom was broken. In the summer, that means the room gets warm without a way to ventilate. My wife and I were forced to sleep in the room with the bunk beds, as that had a functioning window.

The master shower refused to dispense hot water for more than 5 minutes. Every other faucet in the room would dispense as much hot water as we needed; except the one in the master shower.

We did not make a fuss about these negatives, and maybe we should have. We really just wanted to get into Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy our other activities rather than argue with the hotel about making...