As the largest city in Montezuma County, Cortez serves as an ideal home base from which to explore the surrounding attractions of Mesa Verde National Park, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, and McPhee Reservoir.
In This Article
From family-friendly resorts to boutique inns, Cortez hotels cater to travelers of all types. Read on to discover why this small Colorado city is a rising star on the US travel scene.
TL;DR
- Cortez, CO, is located near the world-famous Mesa Verde National Park and other natural and cultural sites.
- Accommodations range from convenient chain hotels to charming BandBs and guest ranches.
- Hotels offer amenities like pools, event spaces, restaurants, and access to the great outdoors.
- Specialized options exist for families, pets, weddings, conferences, and various budgets.
- Proximity to key attractions like Mesa Verde and Canyon of the Ancients is a major perk.
Destination Overview
Cortez offers visitors a blend of small-town charm and outdoor adventure. The city provides easy access to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, which is only 30 minutes away. Cortez also borders McPhee Reservoir, popular for boating and fishing, along with the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, with its striking sandstone cliffs and canyons dotting the landscape.
In addition to the wealth of archaeological and natural sites nearby, the city of Cortez itself has a fascinating history. Downtown Cortez features historic buildings from the late 1800s, many of which now house galleries, shops, and restaurants. The city also holds cultural events like the annual Ute Mountain Rodeo and the Cortez Cultural Center‘s Summer Entertainment Series.
With so much to see and do just outside the city, Cortez hotels make the perfect launch pad for exploring this scenic Four Corners region.
Local Experiences and Culture
From Ute tribal history to Old West lore, Cortez offers visitors many opportunities to engage with local culture:
- Learn about Cortez's indigenous past at the Anasazi Heritage Center's museum and archaeological sites.
- See Ute tribal dancers and artists at the annual Ute Mountain Rodeo.
- Tour downtown Cortez's late 19th-century buildings on the self-guided historic walking tour.
- Shop for regional arts and crafts at galleries and cultural centers.
- Savor New Mexico-style cuisine highlighting native ingredients like green chiles and blue corn.
By staying at a local Cortez hotel, visitors can take day trips to cultural sites before returning to relax and reflect on the area’s living heritage.
Accommodation Types
Cortez offers diverse lodging options to meet different needs and budgets, including:
Vacation Rentals
- Fully-equipped condos, cabins, and houses for extended stays
- Ideal for families and groups seeking privacy
- Suburban Studios by Choice Hotels offers extended stay options with weekly rates and special amenities like laundry, apartment-style suites, and truck parking.
Bed and Breakfasts
- Charming inns offering personalized hospitality
- Some operate as working farms or ranches.
- Grizzly Roadhouse Bed and Breakfast and Vacation Rentals is Native American-owned and offers a quiet retreat with views of the mountains and mesas.
Boutique Hotels
- Stylish, intimate hotels with upscale amenities
- Focus on providing unique travel experiences
- The Retro Inn offers nostalgic decor that feels like stepping back in time while maintaining all the modern comforts, such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.
- The Cortez Cozy Inn is family-owned and pet friendly, has a heated swimming pool, and cable tv
Chain Hotels
- Reliable brands like Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Econo Lodge, Quality Inn, Best Western Turquoise Inn and Suites, etc.
- The Wyndham hotel chain offers 3 family-friendly options in close proximity: Baymont by Wyndham Cortez, Days Inn by Wyndham Cortez, and Super 8 by Wyndham Cortez/ Mesa Verde Area. These hotels offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, indoor or outdoor family pools, free parking, and free breakfast.
- Great for business travelers or those wanting consistent standards
Guest Ranches
- All-inclusive ranch stays with horseback riding, meals
- Family reunions or corporate retreats
- Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch is a private home and rental cabins in close proximity to the natural wonders of the area
From a budget motel room to a luxury suite, Cortez has the right hotel option for every travel style and budget.
Amenities and Services
Many Cortez hotels entice guests to stay on-site by offering exceptional amenities, including:
Outdoor Fun
- Hotels with pools, hot tubs, and courtyard fire pits extend Cortez's natural splendor.
- Some properties grant access to McPhee Reservoir or are located along biking/hiking trails.
Pampering
- Full-service spas provide massages, facials, and body treatments with a scenic backdrop.
- Unwind in the sauna or steam room after a day of activity.
Dining
- On-site restaurants utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region.
- In-room dining is available 24/7 in some hotels.
Convenience
- Complimentary breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and airport shuttles.
- Concierge, business centers, fitness centers, and laundry facilities.
By anticipating needs from dining to adventure, Cortez hotels aim to make travel planning effortless.
Family- and Pet-Friendly Options
Cortez hotels pull out all the stops for families and pets, offering:
Family-Friendly
- Suites with separate kids' sleeping areas and video game consoles
- Outdoor pools, playgrounds, and organized activities
- Children's menus, babysitting services, and safety features
Pet-Friendly
- Welcoming policies for dogs, cats, and sometimes small pets
- Relief areas, dog parks, pet treats, toys, beds, bowls
- Nearby trails and dog-friendly patios
As Cortez attracts more multi-generational travelers, hotels continue enhancing their offerings with family-oriented amenities and pet-approved features.
Proximity to Attractions
With Cortez’s small-town size, hotels offer easy access to top sites like:
Mesa Verde National Park
- 1,000-year-old cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans
- Some hotels offer direct shuttles to the park entrance
Canyon of the Ancients
- Over 6,000 archaeological sites within the monument
- BLM provides canyon tours with hiking and photo stops
Walmart Supercenter
- Convenient stop for groceries, gear, souvenirs
- Some hotels within walking distance
Staying at a hotel near these attractions allows travelers to maximize sightseeing time and minimize transportation logistics.
Event and Business Facilities
To meet surging demand for meetings and events, select Cortez hotels provide:
Conference Facilities
- Flexible breakout rooms with state-of-the-art AV equipment
- Catering services and technical support
Wedding Venues
- Indoor/outdoor ceremony and reception sites
- Bridal suites, on-site coordination, and discounted room blocks
Business Centers
- Computers, printers, workspaces, administrative support
- Translation, printing, faxing, and shipping services
With spacious gathering spaces and full-service assistance, Cortez hotels excel at hosting conferences, weddings, and corporate functions.
Dining and Leisure
Beyond the meeting room, Cortez hotels also pamper guests with:
Eclectic Dining
- Southwestern fare, steakhouses, Italian trattorias, wine bars, and more
- Farm-to-table cuisine showcasing regional flavors
Recreation
- Year-round outdoor pools and hot tubs
- Fitness centers, basketball courts, sports fields
- Ski packages and shuttles to Purgatory Resort
By offering outstanding meals and leisure within hotel grounds, Cortez properties make travel seamless.
FAQ
How do I book a hotel in Cortez?
You can book Cortez hotels directly through each hotel’s website or via online travel agencies like Expedia, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor. For specialized stays, contact guest ranches or vacation rental owners directly.
What is the best area to stay in Cortez?
Downtown Cortez offers walkable access to shops and restaurants in historic buildings. To be close to recreational activities, stay along Highway 145 near McPhee Reservoir or Highway 160 near Mesa Verde.
What is there to do in Cortez besides Mesa Verde?
Top attractions include Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage Center, and McPhee Reservoir.
Are Cortez hotels pet-friendly?
Many hotels allow pets, typically dogs under 25 pounds. Some charge pet fees. Be sure to check the policies before booking.
Do Cortez hotels offer airport shuttles?
A few hotels provide shuttles to/from Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), 30 minutes away. Rental cars are also available.
Start Your Cortez Hotel Search
With ancient sites, vibrant culture, and endless adventure, Cortez is an ideal base for exploring the Four Corners. From family-friendly suites to secluded cabins, the city’s diverse hotels invite visitors to stay awhile. Discover your perfect Cortez accommodation today!
