Where to Stay in Durango CO (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Durango

Historic downtown Durango is walkable and encompasses many key sites. As you’d expect, the North Main District is just north of the city center. The multi-use Animas River Trail connects these two centrally located areas. 

Hermosa and Purgatory Resort are 15 and 30 minutes north of downtown Durango, respectively. Meanwhile, the Mesa Verde area is around 30 minutes west of town.

Historic Downtown Durango

👉 Best Area For Tourists |✨ Best Downtown Durango Hotels: Strater Hotel • General Palmer Hotel • Rochester Hotel • Gable House Bed and Breakfast Inn

Most tourists will want to stay in the historic downtown area, as it features many of Durango’s points of interest. These include the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station, the Animas River Trail, and Main Avenue’s busiest stretch. 

Peruse gift shops, galleries, and vintage clothing stores for all your Western wear needs. Good food and company are easy to come by in Durango. Start your morning at Hermosa Cafe, snag a rooftop table at Fired Up Pizzeria, down a beer at Steamworks — or if the weather’s cold, cozy up with hot cocoa at Animas Chocolate. 

While Durango is no secret, it doesn’t feel too touristed. Locals, including students attending Fort Lewis (“leisure”) College, add to the downtown crowds. Weekend nights often go late and the train whistle is your morning wake-up call. 

If you want to embrace the Old West feel of Durango, stay at the Strater Hotel. Elegant rooms are contrasted by lively ragtime piano tunes and saloon banter downstairs. Still, I got a great night’s sleep here and loved the transportive feel of this historic hotel.

However, my favorite place to stay is a few blocks from Main Avenue: the Gable House Bed and Breakfast Inn. Expect the kindest hosts, a delicious homemade breakfast, and comfortable common areas indoors and out. I would have moved in if they’d have let me!

Pros of Staying in Historic Downtown Durango:

• Close to many attractions
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• More than 80 historic buildings

Cons of Staying in Historic Downtown Durango:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Main Avenue can be noisy

North Main District

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best North Main District Hotels: Adventure Inn Durango • Hampton Inn Durango • Siesta Motel

Just north of downtown and across the Animas River, this area is a solid pick for budget travelers. Sure, you might be tempted by some of the cheap chain hotels set west and south of the city center. But frankly, their location isn’t great. You’ll need a car to comfortably get to and from downtown, which is where so much of Durango’s magic lies. 

Meanwhile, the North Main District has affordable lodging and easy access to the town’s best. Simply walk or bike along the paved Animas River Trail to get downtown. Plan to stop at the Durango Botanic Gardens and pause on the bridges to wave to the rafters floating downstream. 

Whitewater tours depart from this area. If you’d prefer a more mellow float, put-in your own kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Oxbow Park. The southern terminus of the iconic Colorado Trail is also just up the road from North Main. Hike to Gudy’s Rest if you’re looking for some nearby exercise. 

With its own attractions and walkability to downtown, this is a great place to stay. It’s just a bonus that places like Siesta Motel happen to be easy on the wallet. I absolutely love its charming Southwest theme, colorful rooms, and retro flair. 

But if you’re more into a modern aesthetic, Adventure Inn Durango is a solid pick and also reasonably priced. Not to mention, it has a cedar wood hot tub — sign me up. 

Pros of Staying in the North Main District:

• Affordable lodging options 
• Easy access to downtown via the Animas River Trail 
• Solid dining selection 

Cons of Staying in the North Main District:

• More spread out than downtown 
• Comparatively lacking in historic charm 

Hermosa

👉 Best Area For Quiet Vacations | ✨ Best Hermosa Hotels: Apple Orchard Inn • Country Sunshine Bed and Breakfast • Dalton Ranch Golf Club Home

Pretty much as soon as you exit town along Highway 550, time seems to slow. Hermosa is just 15 minutes north of Durango, but the stark change in atmosphere makes it feel worlds away. San Juan Mountain scenery begins to unfold. But as pretty as it is, you’ve got to stay alert — there’s a lot more wildlife moving around in these parts. 

While you don’t want to get too close to untamed critters, you can interact with the goats and chickens at James Ranch. I’ve dined at few places with a better view. Grass-fed beef, artisan cheese, and seasonal produce make up much of the ultra-fresh menu. Local beer, cider, and wine pair so deliciously, and live music is a regular part of summer evenings. 

Don’t linger too long, though. Nearby, Durango Hot Springs is even more relaxing after dark. The warm, mineral-rich water here is uniquely oxygenated, causing tiny bubbles to cling to your skin. Of the dozens of pools, the terraced ones in the adults-only area are my favorite. Take a couple of cold plunges if, like me, you’ve grown to actually enjoy this shock to the senses.

If soaking, scenery, and quiet solitude sound like your ideal getaway, stay in Hermosa. Country Sunshine Bed and Breakfast and Apple Orchard Inn offer rural appeal. Think home-cooked breakfasts, peaceful mornings in the garden, and fresh air with mountain views.

Pros of Staying in Hermosa Neighborhood:

• Quiet and scenic 
• Local feel

Cons of Staying in Hermosa Neighborhood:

• Limited dining options 
• Need a car to get around

Purgatory Resort

👉 Best Area For Skiing |✨ Best Purgatory Resort Hotels: Cozy Purgatory Condo • Slopeside Penthouse • Secluded Mountain Home

Like many of the state’s best mountain towns, Durango features a nearby ski resort. However, Purgatory is far less ritzy than the likes of those in Vail and Aspen. Locals and tourists alike come here to ski (without breaking the bank). All abilities will find exciting runs here, from easy groomers to double black diamond chutes. 

Make a few laps without worry of lift lines, then take part in some après fun. Think beers in the base area and springtime pond skims. Come summer, the front side of the mountain offers several bike trails. There’s also a thrilling alpine coaster and slides, which filled me with childlike glee. Just make sure to brake for the marmots with a death wish!

In all seasons, the condos and apartments in Purgatory Village make for great places to stay, especially for families and other groups. Enjoy equipped kitchens, in-unit laundry facilities, and spacious common areas. Downtown Durango is also just a 30-minute drive away.  

Pros of Staying in Purgatory Resort:

• Ski-in, ski-out lodging 
• Beautiful views
• More room, usually with equipped kitchens

Cons of Staying in Purgatory Resort:

• Not much nightlife
• You’ll need a car to get around

Mesa Verde Area

👉 Best Area For National Park Visits |✨ Best Mesa Verde Hotels: Far View Lodge • Mesa Verde Motel • Starry Nights Ranch Bed & Breakfast

Mesa Verde National Park is the state’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth experiencing. Visit in the summer to take a tour of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America; or plan a trip in the off-season to explore without crowds. Pit houses, petroglyph panels, and other archaeological sites can be seen from scenic drives and stunning hikes. 

Far View Lodge is the only place to stay within the park and therefore, its location is truly unbeatable. I’ve never seen a better night’s sky in Colorado, with the Milky Way on full display. During peak season, shuttle tours depart from the motel’s adjacent building, which also serves a complimentary breakfast. 

Alternatively, consider lodging in Mancos, the closest town to the park entrance. The newly renovated Mesa Verde Motel is in the heart of this tiny community. Start the morning at its cute coffee shop, then pick up picnic goods from Moondog Cafe (a personal favorite) before heading into the park. Attractions in Durango are 30 minutes east. 

Pros of Staying in the Mesa Verde Area:

• Close to Mesa Verde National Park
• Small town feel
• Several shops and restaurants

Cons of Staying in the Mesa Verde Area:

• Not much nightlife
• Further from Durango

Tips for Staying in Durango

Don’t Overlook Purgatory in the Summer

Sure, Purgatory Resort is best known for skiing. But if you’re planning a summer trip, don’t immediately write off this area — especially if you’re visiting as a family. This season offers a whole host of all-ages activities, from an alpine coaster to mountain bike trails, paddle boarding, and more. 

Plus, the condos in the base area are perfect for groups. Compared to downtown Durango, you’re much more likely to come across rentals with in-unit laundry machines and equipped kitchens. 

Get Groceries at Nature’s Oasis

I don’t live in Durango, but when I’m in town, I could pass as a regular at Nature’s Oasis. This natural grocery store has an incredible selection of ready-made items including sandwiches, salads, and pastas — all perfect for a picnic. 

In addition, there’s a great bulk goods section, with colorful stickers indicating staff members’ favorite backpacking snacks. I’ve probably tried most of them at this point, as I always stop here before heading out on a day’s outdoor adventures. 

You Can Hear the Train Through Downtown

Downtown is close to many of the best Durango attractions. But if you stay along Main Avenue, expect to hear the D&SNGR train whistle through town multiple times a day. Personally, I find it entirely charming. But if you’re putting a toddler down for a nap mid-day, well… you might want to consider staying elsewhere. 

Although located downtown, the Gable House Bed and Breakfast Inn is much quieter than hotels along Main. It’s part of why it’s my top-recommended choice.

🚂 Read Next: These Train Rides in Colorado are Worth the Trip

Cell Phones Can Be Unreliable in Certain Areas

Cell service north of Purgatory Resort, one of Colorado’s best ski areas, can be very spotty or entirely non-existent. If you plan to hike around Molas Pass (which I highly recommend!), or even as far north as Silverton or Ouray, it’s smart to include a satellite communicator on your hiking gear list in case of emergency. 

Pack Smart

Speaking of, you’ll want to refer to our Colorado packing list before visiting Durango. It includes all kinds of helpful items, from outdoor essentials to things you might forget to bring. For example, a swimsuit is an absolute must because you won’t want to miss an evening at Durango Hot Springs. It easily ranks in my top three of the state’s best hot springs. 

Consider Flying into Cortez

It’s convenient to fly into the Durango-La Plata County Airport from Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas (as well as Houston when seasonally available). However, depending on the time of year, tickets can be quite expensive. 

For a much cheaper rate, I recently flew from Denver into Cortez, Colorado. It’s another major city in the Four Corners region and about 45 minutes east of Durango. Although, you should have seen my face as I walked onto the tarmac to discover I’d be flying in a 9-seat prop plane. It was a little nerve wracking but the close-up views of the Rockies were entirely worth it. 

🚗 Need a Vehicle? For rentals, look no further than Discover Cars. It’s the best tool to compare agencies and score the lowest rate. 

FAQs

Is Durango expensive?

Durango can be an expensive place to visit. Tickets to popular attractions like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Purgatory Resort can add up. However, many outdoor activities are free. 

Durango hotels range from inexpensive to upscale. Consider visiting in the fall or spring for lower nightly rates, and check out hotels in the North Main District (which is where you’ll find my top-recommended budget stay, the Siesta Motel).  

Is it better to stay in Durango or Cortez?

It is better to stay in Durango than Cortez. Cortez is closer to Mesa Verde National Park, but Durango has many more attractions for tourists. There are also a variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops in historic downtown Durango. 

What is Durango known for?

Durango is known for Purgatory Resort and Durango Hot Springs, but is most famous for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This former mining town in southwest Colorado has also been featured in many movies, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 

***

Thanks for reading! Leave me a comment if you have any questions. If you’ll be spending more time in the state, be sure to check out our guide on other great places to visit in Colorado next.