You’ve decided on Alamosa, Colorado, for your next vacation, but now comes the hard part—choosing where to stay among the variety of hotels, motels, inns, vacation rentals, and other accommodation options available. This guide will help you navigate your options, understand what makes Alamosa hotels unique, and find the perfect place to call home during your time in this scenic Colorado town.
In This Article
From boutique hotels downtown to family-friendly chains and luxury retreats to budget-friendly motels, Alamosa offers something for every type of traveler. As you consider the different factors of your hotel stay, remember what will truly enhance your Alamosa and San Luis Valley experience. The area is known for its vibrant local culture, outdoor adventures, and proximity to natural wonders like the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The right hotel has the potential to be much more than just a place to sleep at night—it can be a gateway to some of Alamosa’s best attractions and experiences.
TL;DR
- Alamosa hotels range from high-end boutique properties to budget motels and vacation rentals, with plenty of family-friendly and pet-friendly options.
- Amenities like pools, spas, free breakfast, and parking add value for Alamosa travelers.
- Booking deals, seasonal packages and comparing downtown vs highway hotel locations will impact rates.
Experiencing Authentic Local Culture
The San Luis Valley has a long and storied cultural history. Native American tribes like the Ute have called this high-altitude valley home for centuries, basing their lives around the Rio Grande River, which still runs through the heart of Alamosa. Hispano and Mexican settlers later put down roots, founding Alamosa in 1878 and bringing their own food, music, art, and architecture, which still permeates the region today.
From the smells of chilies roasting at local restaurants to the sounds of mariachi music filling the streets during Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Alamosa’s local culture comes alive, allowing you to soak in the Hispano and Native American essence of the San Luis Valley.
Some Alamosa hotels cater to the strong artistic community, with rotating exhibits from local painters, sculptors, and other artists. Cultural events like museum exhibits, musical and dance performances, festivals, and parades also abound, giving you a window into Alamosa’s living heritage and traditions.
Choosing Between Hotels, Motels, and Vacation Rentals
The most obvious decision is whether a traditional hotel or motel best suits your Alamosa accommodations needs or if a short-term vacation rental like a house, cabin, or condo offers a more residential experience.
Hotels have the convenience factor, with daily hotel room cleaning service, on-site amenities like pools or restaurants, and instant access to staff for assistance. Brand-name chains like Days Inn Alamosa, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield Inn offer predictability in their comfortable, familiar rooms. On the other hand, independent and boutique hotels, like the Dunes Inn Alamosa, provide their own unique charm through local ownership.
Motels along Alamosa’s main highways offer easy access for road-trippers and mountain travelers, with cheaper rates but fewer amenities than downtown hotels. Super 8 by Wyndham Alamosa and Best Western Alamosa Inn are reasonably priced options near popular attractions like the Alligator Farm and Great Sand Dunes National Park.
For extra space, privacy, and amenities, furnished vacation rentals provide a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Full kitchens allow you to cook your own meals and save money by eating in, while separate bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor patios give families and groups room to relax. Many pet-friendly rentals also welcome furry companions with no size restrictions or fees.
Factoring Amenities Into Your Hotel Decision
Once you’ve settled the accommodations debate, the next step is prioritizing location and amenities. Tourism is a major industry in Alamosa, and hotels cater to visitors with features like seasonal pools and hot tubs, fitness centers, restaurants, bars, and free breakfast.
Downtown hotels are just steps from Alamosa’s best restaurants, shops, and galleries. Suites or executive rooms at establishments like the Comfort Inn and Suites Alamosa and Hampton Inn Alamosa provide extra space and seating. However, be prepared to pay more for a central location and amenities, especially during summer months and Adams State University events.
Properties along Highway 160 offer easier highway access to the Great Sand Dunes and Zapata Falls. While they lack a downtown location, perks like free parking, hot breakfast, and outdoor pools keep the whole family occupied. Quality Inn Alamosa and Holiday Inn Express check the boxes for affordable prices and family-friendly amenities.
Wherever you stay, look for the amenities that matter most—whether it’s an indoor pool and hot tub for unwinding after a strenuous hike, an included breakfast to fuel morning adventures, or free fiber WiFi for uploading photos from the nearby sand dunes.
Family-Friendly Features
If you bring the kids to Alamosa, family-friendly hotels simplify your vacation with amenities and facilities catered specifically to young guests and their parents.
The most family-friendly hotels have indoor pools perfect for any weather, continental breakfasts with kid favorites like cereal and waffles, and rooms with sofa beds or connecting doors. Laundry facilities on-site let you wash clothes between adventures, while cribs and roll-away beds accommodate babies and young children.
Look for programming like weekly family movie nights or organized activities and games throughout the summer. Ideal family-friendly hotels feature spacious family rooms, an indoor splash park and pool, a basketball court, and a summer activity center.
With kids in tow, consider proximity to family attractions like the Alamosa Recreation Center and Boyd Park. Booking vacation rentals near these hot spots allows you to come and go while the little ones nap or unwind.
Bringing Pets Along
For pet owners, finding an Alamosa hotel that welcomes your furry companions is a must. Luckily, the town lives up to its nickname as the “Gateway to the Great Outdoors,” with numerous pet-friendly lodging options across all price points.
Some chains, like Super 8, allow pets with no fees or size restrictions, making them top choices for large dogs or multi-pet families. Their affordable rates and highway locations give easy access to trails and open spaces for dog walking.
Downtown hotels like Hotel Rio Grande and Best Western Plus also accept pets, although they may charge a one-time fee of around $20. Boutique hotels even offer homemade dog treats and special pet packages, including dog bowls, beds, and pet-friendly San Luis Valley trail maps. Consult online resources for locating the best dog-friendly places to stay in Colorado.
Wherever you and your pets stay, confirm the hotel’s specific pet policies. While some allow dogs with no restrictions, others may limit the number, size, or breed of pets. And any pet-friendly hotel expects owners to clean up after their companions!
Saving Money Through Hotel Deals and Packages
As a popular tourist destination, Alamosa sees lower hotel demand through fall, winter, and early spring. Adams State University is also on break between semesters, and during the summer, so hotels compete for limited visitors by offering discounted rates, seasonal packages, and other promotions.
Sign up for hotel email lists to receive exclusive discounts and flash sales, especially in the off-season between September and May. Use a site like HotelCoupons.com to find deals like 15% off Best Western hotels or discounts on multi-night stays at chains like Quality Inn.
Smaller independent hotels and inns also entice guests with romantic getaways and seasonal packages.
For big savings on summer stays, look for family vacation packages that bundle discounted rooms with perks like tickets to the Alamosa Family Fun Center and Alligator Farm. The more amenities included, the more value you get by booking these all-inclusive packages.
Using Reviews to Choose the Best Option
With so many factors to weigh as you choose your Alamosa hotel, reviews from past guests provide an invaluable resource. Ratings and reviews on third-party sites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Hotels.com let you learn from other travelers’ experiences at properties that interest you.
Sort reviews to read the best and worst for each hotel, noting any recurring themes like uncomfortable beds, thin walls, and noisy locations, outdated decor, or rude staff. Pay attention to five-star reviews for insight on standout features that made someone’s stay exceptional—perhaps a caring front desk clerk, daily housekeeping surprises, or a gorgeous mountain view.
While reviews only provide snapshots of individual experiences, seeing consistent feedback on a hotel can give you reasonable insight into what to expect during your own stay. Use reviews to narrow down your options, then book a top-rated hotel with the amenities and location suited for your desired Alamosa experience.
Booking Your Alamosa Hotel Stay
Once you’ve explored Alamosa hotels to decide what matters most, it’s time to book your vacation! Here are some final tips to secure the perfect stay:
- Check a hotel's website directly, then compare sites like Expedia to find the best rates. Join loyalty programs for additional savings.
- Review blackout dates and peak seasonal rates that may especially impact pricing and availability between June and August.
- Consider location factors like downtown vs highway exit hotels, proximity to Adams State University, and distance to attractions you plan on visiting.
- Re-confirm reservation policies related to changes, cancellations, and deposits in case plans shift.
By knowing what to prioritize before searching, reviewing top contenders thoroughly, and booking strategically, you’ll find an Alamosa hotel to match your travel style. Before long, you’ll be soaking under the stars in an outdoor hot tub, gathered around the fire pit toasting s’ mores with new friends, or drifting to sleep with the glow of the sand dunes still etched in your memory—the perfect Alamosa hotel stay brought to life.
So what are you waiting for? Start searching for your ideal Alamosa accommodations today!
FAQ
How do I find the best deals on Alamosa hotels?
Sign up for hotel email lists, check for seasonal packages on hotel websites directly, and use sites like HotelCoupons.com to find discounts on chains. Avoid peak summer rates by traveling in the fall or spring.
What is the most convenient area in Alamosa for staying?
Downtown Alamosa hotels allow easy access to restaurants and attractions by foot, while highway locations offer quicker access to outdoor activities around Alamosa. Choose based on your vacation priorities.
What amenities set Alamosa hotels apart from other destinations?
Seasonal amenities like outdoor pools, hot tubs, and fire pits paired with mountain views create a quintessential Colorado vacation vibe unique to Alamosa hotels.
Are there pet restrictions at Alamosa hotels?
Many Alamosa Colorado hotels allow pets but confirm policies. Some charge fees, limit the number/size/breed of dogs or restrict pets to certain rooms. All pet-friendly hotels expect owners to clean up after their pets.
What is the best way to choose an Alamosa hotel?
Consider your budget, priorities for location/amenities, room types needed to accommodate your group, and reviews expressing actual guest experiences to find the best match.
