The Baldpate Inn, Estes Park

What a dump!!! If old, run down and expensive is charming then this is your place. It is hard to get to and built down a dirty, gravel drive. We visited after a early fall snowstorm and it was treacheous to get to. We ate in the main dining room and although the view was nice, you always felt like the place was going to collapse and giveway. The Salad buffet was pretty basic - a few basic salad choices and two soups (our trip was Red Chili (Veggie Chili) and Pumpkin Curry Soup (I wouldn't recommend it). The 3-4 types of breads and muffins were the best part of the overpriced buffet. The serving pieces on the buffet are silver, but they were tarnished. Only about 15-20 people were in the restaurant when we attended on a Sunday Lunch. The waiter was pleasant but did a very poor job of clearing dishes. He was more interested in serving us a slice of pie for $5. The rest of the Inn was odd. The Fireplace room was dark and not worthy of spending any time. The Key room (while it has an interesting story) was cold and dark. Nobody was around to even talk about the Key Room. They hang from the ceiling and most are rusty. Some might call that charming - I thought it was just dumpy. Take my advice and stay away - Estes Park has lots of better spots to eat (that are warmer, cleaner, cheaper and more enjoyable).

The Baldpate Inn just exudes comfort and relaxation from every pore. The attentive service is top-notch across the board. The food is beyond excellent--all homemade recipes (they do sell a cookbook), which are eclectic and interesting. When we stayed, our three-course breakfast consisted of banana-butterscotch muffins with a heaping bowl of fresh strawberries, a sizable slice of homemade asparagus quiche, and a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Lunch/dinner is soup/salad bar--but amazingly, this fills you up more than you would think. The key collection can keep you busy and is very interesting. Be sure to bring an old key of your own to leave for them. The front porch has a wonderful view of the Rockies, as well as a wonderful view of the myriad hummingbirds whizzing by the feeders hanging there. Inside, the lobby has massive, comfy couches in front of an inviting fireplace. Evening snacks and refreshments were a nice surprise while we were there. The rooms are a little on the smaller size, since the inn is rather old (built in 1917, I think). At least some of the rooms (ours included) do not include a full bath. However, a short walk down the hall to beautifully appointed shower rooms, bath/toilets did not pose any problem (even for my young children). You will not be disappointed by staying here. Charm, comfort, and hospitality will make you want to tell everyone you know about this place (or maybe not, so you can keep it your own "little secret").