The lodge is older and not as updated as some, but a wonderful stay... very homey, all the necessary amenities (a very cool and fun gym/workout room with the addition of ping pong!). Great pool to swim and play and 2 hot tubs. Great restaurant. Very comfortable beds and roomy rooms. Great location and wonderful views. It was a very relaxing stay and the staff were amazing, most caring and kind! I was visiting my daughter half way through her thru-hike on the Colorado trail and she ended up being very sick while there and needed an extra night. Chris was so helpful. I needed to return to Denver and she was staying an extra day to recover so he offered to drive her back to the trailhead to resume her thru-hike. read more

We had a wonderful stay at Monarch Mountain Lodge last weekend. We loved the old charm (actual room key!) and all the amenities. The pool and hot tubs were great. We played pool & hiked all around the property. The views from the balcony & restaurant were spectacular. It was great to unplug! Even my 12 year-old didn't mind not having internet. The restaurant is usually closed this time of year, but there were so many guests they accommodated us & served pizza and lasagna. Great service! read more

The rooms were spacious and comfortable and a great value. The Lodge is older and provides a feeling of "stepping back in time" a little. The views of the mountains on both sides of the hotel are spectacular. read more

This was, by far, one of the grossest, most disgusting places we've EVER stayed in (and we've had our share of bad motel rooms). Something that my husband tried to convince me was just "dried Elmer's glue" was splattered all over the chairs AND I had to use a washcloth with HOT water to even consider using the phone and that was after using a safety pin to dig out whatever the substance was that was clogging the mouth piece and ear piece holes - Ewwwwww! The ONLY reason I used the phone was to find a hotel for us for the next night after calling the front desk to tell them we'd be checking out early the next morning and not staying for the entire two night reservation. If you have ANY OTHER OPTION, don't stay here! We were there attending a wedding (which was outside and beautiful), but the room was a "dump", old, dirty and all together YUCKY! read more

If you are looking for a great value this is it. It is near the ski slopes and in a beautiful area. The price is pretty good and the rooms are clean. I believe the place was just remodeled so most everything is new. I enjoyed relaxing in the bar and the food from the restaurant was great. read more

Staying here was like going back to a bad 80s ski movie. I don't think this place has been updated since then. No wifi, oh not true you are told to come to the lobby for wifi. No air conditioning, just open the windows. Breakfast in the morning consisted of packaged pastries and a couple pieces of fruit. Everything was running out and we got there 20 minutes after it opened. Trust me I have been on vacation for a month using hotels every night and this was by far the worst for the price!! read more

There's some pros and cons about this place. Pros first: - For the price, I think this is a great option for lodging. The rooms are spacious and they accommodated our dog as well. - My favorite part was taking advantage of their hot tubs on the deck. We went about thirty minutes till close (closes at 10pm) and had a tub all to ourselves! We went at night so we couldn't see the views, but the tubs did overlook the forest. - The views from their dining area are incredible! Cons: - One of our biggest concerns were the bears. When we checked in, it was recommended by the front desk that we park in the back of the building because it was closest to our room. We pulled around back and realized there was little lighting above for us to gather our things. We hustled into our room, but realized right away we forgot the dog bowls in the car. We went to go exit back to the parking lot only to read a sign that warned us about going to the parking lot after dark due to recent bear sightings on the property. We ran into the front desk person as he was locking the door for the night and asked his opinion. He let us know there has been a bear coming around frequently and he saw said bear in the dumpster just two nights ago. He said he's been charging at people recently to scare them away. Honestly, I don't know why he would've recommended us to park there after hearing that story! - The hallways did smell of smoke, but once we opened the windows to our rooms it didn't bother us. - Their breakfast in the morning is sub-par. Options were three choices of cereal, cinnamon raisin or sesame seed bagels, yogurt, and pastries. For us, we came to the mountain for hiking and needed some substance in our stomachs before so this didn't satisfy us. Overall, I would stay there again. I would just make sure we have all our belongings inside before dark and bring my own breakfast! read more

I will never book at this place again. Due to extreme weather that we haven't seen in almost a decade, we had to cancel our trip, much to our regret, because the roads were closed, impassable, or avalanche threatened. We didn't have AWD and the Colorado road condition app said we needed it for a good portion of the trip. We had passes to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs and were pretty pumped to get out, but we had to put our safety first. Called the front desk to see if we could rearrange our trip, take a credit, or just get a refund. No refund...fine. Its their policy but the guy who runs the front desk, Clint, was horrid. Extremely rude and very unprofessional. I get thats it policy, but seriously, at least give us a credit for a different night. Or even a half credit. After reading some of these reviews for limited WiFi, limited cell service, and poor quality, we will be booking further in advance to stay somewhere else. The people at booking.com did everything they could to give us a partial refund. Monarch ML said they would call back, never did. Hard pass on this place. read more

Very run down. The refrigerator had hair on it. The hot tub was out of order. The decor was 1950s. The suite doors had rug on them to sound proof. The heater and thermostat did not work. The hotel changed for per hour overtime. There was only one bathroom for two room suite. Not worth the cost. Better to drive further from the mountain. read more

Beautiful location. Staff was extremely friendly and attentive. We had a great and super relaxing weekend.

I would not recommend this place to stay to anyone. The staff working the desk were high on something... unfortunately, we didn't let this warn us off right at the beginning. The hotel was not clean and is in serious need of repairs. As we were walking to our room there was a mouse running in front of us in the hallway. We went to use the offered hot tub and pool, the pool was fine but the hot tubs were completely discusting. When later my husband went to the main help desk, there wasn't anyone working there at all, no help ever came. In the morning when we went to use the coffee maker...it was broken. When we went to the restaurant to get coffee and eat breakfast there were people smoking in the hallway. The service at the restaurant also left a lot to be desired. The waitress had dirty torn clothes, didn't bring the coff until about 10 minutes after she was asked the first time and only because we asked again. When the food eventually came it was awful, the bacon was burned black on one side...the side they had turned down on the plate....the scrambled eggs were not fully cooked and the French toast was soggy in the middle. Then we waited another 10 -15 minutes to get our and without once checking to see if all was well after she left the food. While we were eating we heard lots yelling, which turn out to be people who were cleaning rooms in the hall down from the restaurant. When after all this we tried to check out early, they gave us a very hard time. We are on our 30th anniversary and I'm sad this was so bad. But on a good note we had the pool to ourselves and that was fun and I didn't find any bed bugs. I really hope things change there. read more

We did not have the pleasure of staying at Monarch, but after our pickuo, towing a 35 foot trailer, broke down out front of the hotel, the staff were very helpful in letting us use the phone to call for help and the lobby for a warm place to wait. Thank you! read more

We love the area. We do. When we visit the website we were naive to believe that the hotel actually looked like the pictures. Why this hotel has a 3star rating is beyond my imagination. When me and my family got there we got chills just to look at the hotel from the parking lot. It looks like an abandoned building. With open windows and curtains flowing out. We wonder if the A/c was working. There was construction rubble on the parking lot. The only car was ours. This is not a hotel that needs a little bit of tender love and care. This is a hotel with no room service. And rundown facilities. It is not near anything. Is not in Salida (downtown) or at the slopes. There is many other small log cabins with neat facilities and mountain view that will do a great experience for anyone. The owners of this hotel need to invest in personnel and facilities. Because this hotel is what scary movies are about. The same way we got there we turned around and left. Not without being charged a night of course. You can't cancel the same day. But how would you know the conditions of the hotel until you are there? Never again. read more

This lodge is not upscale but a great get away on a great budget! Which was right up our alley. The staff from the front desk, to housekeeping, to the restaurant have been friendly and welcoming. Makes the place even better. Our room was decent size, had a working heater, a stove top, a fridge, coffee pot, and a kitchen sink . If we knew that we would have brought some stuff to cook. But if you're not up for cooking the restaurant in the lodge had a killer buffalo burger and the staff was awesome! My waitress gave me above and beyond service and the cook even came out to make sure everything was going well. I would definitely come back to the lodge and if you're from this area the restaurant is something to stop in and have a bite to eat! Last but not least the view when you are eating is top notch. If you need a bite to eat after hitting the slopes at the Monarch Mountain its only 5 min away and worth it. Way better than eating at the mountain. If your looking for a 5 star resort with bling and ritz you came to the wrong mountain. Its kind of like being lost in the woods. If you are into that you came to the right place. This hotel had everything you needed including a hot tub, heated pool, sauna, a very small workout area and a game room (air hockey, pool, and some arcades). Oh did I forget to mention it was only 5 minutes away from the slopes. read more

This place is a classic old ski lodge. Not fancy or posh, but friendly and fascinating. It recently reopened and the new owners are obviously not able to do all improvements at once, but that's OK because they seem motivated to keep lots of the old world charm of a ski lodge. It was clean and convenient. The pool was nice and the food was fine. Pricing was fair. Staying someplace with a history and personality is always better than the typical chain hotel. read more

Had an awesome time staying here. Rich and his family run a great lodge, the rooms are comfortable, the amenities (pool, hot tub, foosball, etc.) are very enjoyable, and the food is delicious. On top of all that, they had a luau the second night we stayed with the world famous DJ Shavë. Best night ever. read more

We hope the investors of this lodge will put more $$$ into this otherwise well-kept mountain ski lodge and give their staff members a big fat raise. The Lodge and neighboring ski area are the only two businesses in town, yet we had everything we needed when we arrived at Monarch Lodge. Tired and out of 'cooler provisions', e.g. beers, sodas, munchies, etc., Marcus, a man of many talents offered the hotel's vast array of same provisions, plus a menu for the bar/restaurant items he prepares very well. Joined by a couple of other hotel guests, we had a blast at the bar and found no need to find entertainment and food elsewhere. Another staff member, Stella was exemplary with check-in/out and provided great directions for our next destination. Hotel has a lot of character but needs an upgrade to stay competitive with other ski lodge areas, especially in the off-season. read more

Reasonably priced. Old rooms. Little restaurant and bar inside. Ski & Snowboard rental shop located in the lodge. Conveniently located just a couple miles from the ski resort. Decent option if you're looking for a place to crash near the resort. Definitely not an upscale resort lodge though. read more

This is a great place to stay for families. We stayed there for a couple days of skiing. Its the closest thing to the Monarch slopes. It has all you need for families; pool, hot tubs, arcade, small breakfast and dog friendly. We had a great time in the arcade and had easy access to Salida for dinner/shopping/etc (about 25mins). There is also a nice area in the back with a pond. Don't expect high end finishes, fancy room service and baggage details, but it is a great deal for the price. Carolyn, the manager, seems genuinely dedicated to making this a family friendly place. read more

Great place to stay. Easy access to Monarch mountain for snowboarding/skiing. Staff was friendly and the place was not packed at all. The room was nice and clean. Only complaint is the thin walls but overall a cheap place to stay in a great location! read more

after a day of traveling viewing the gorgeous aspens/changing colors, was looking for one last place with a view to spend the night prior to leaving the mountains. Happened across the Monarch. Not fancy, but clean rooms, comfortable beds, friendly accommodating staff at the front desk and in the Cliffhanger Restaurant. The surrounding foliage was amazing. I understand it is under new management. read more

Of all the places I've skied, Monarch is one of the top spots. Diverse mountain, no crowds, the best/real snow. The lodge is comfortable, quiet and situated in a really scenic area. The indoor pool and hot tub weren't open when I visited but looked good. Can't wait to go back after opening day and see all the changes. read more

I was a little bit leery about staying after reading some of the reviews but the proximity of the lodge to ski area made me give it a try. First off this may is an older property so if you are looking for the Hampton you may be disappointed, however even with some updates needed I was pleasantly surprised. The rooms were CLEAN, the staff at the front desk friendly & greeted us by name after the initial contact. Upon checkin we were advised the restaurant was under completely new management & staff & to please give em a try. We were very pleased, the food was reasonable, presented & cooked very nice, Though there is always room for improvement in any situation the restaurant staff was friendly, & though very busy made my family feel our meal was important. Though I can see some of the updating issues that could be addressed none of them affected our stay, we were treated very well by all departments & cleanliness was not an issue... these are my priority in a stay. Congrats on improving the property Monarch. Lodge! read more

It would have gotten a higher rating if it weren't for the service. A blonde and fairly pregnant woman was working. Have being pregnant myself, I understand mood swings, but get a grip, you work in customer service for crying out loud. After skiing all day on the mountain, I went to the lodge to check us in (us being myself, my husband, and out 3 year old). To start off - they lodge lost our reservations. When I tried to tell her what card it was booked under she very rudely replied "I'm telling you we don't have your reservation so I'm not sure what you want me to do about it" Wow. After about 5 minutes she finally found it. The rate she was charging was about $18 more per night then what we were told when booking. I again tried to explain to her what I was told at booking and she basically told me I was going to be charged more because the man that initially took our reservation "doesn't know how to do his job" Again, wow. After about 20 minutes of back and forth, she agreed to give me the rate I was quoted, even a few bucks cheaper. After the whole ordeal she told me I could call down with any questions or issues and she "wouldn't have an attitude next time" Nice sentiment but far from an apology. Next, we unload our car, take our 3 year old son to the room, and much to our surprise its about 35 degrees in our room. This was about 3:30 in the afternoon. we turned up the heat, left our ski gear ON for the next hour. It had finally raised to about 50 degrees - just starting to register on the thermostat, and we decided to take the kid to the pool. Great pool, very warm and clean. Hot Tubs were disappointing. They are outside and only half full. Outside didn't bother me - its beautiful scenery, but to cold to sit in a half full tub. We got back to our room an hour later, still only about 60 degrees. So we changed and went down for dinner. Great restaurant. Good food, very reasonably priced. Finally, when we got back to our room it was up to about 68 degrees. Nice room (when warm!), clean lodge, and very convenient being only 5 or so minutes from the ski resort. But damn, a little customer service can go a long way! read more

Just spent 5 days at the lodge. Great experience. Nostalgic. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. We had all our meals in the restaurant==great food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (nightly dinner specials were quite tastey!) Would recommend this to a friend read more

This is a great place to stay! Cute little rooms with small kitchenette. The restaurant was fabulous as was the staff! Will definitely stay again. Check out the lake and trails for hiking!! read more

Really disappointing. The worst was the supposed breakfast buffet. The food was cold, the coffee was out, and there were no cups. The waitress was inattentive, and when she was notified there was no coffee, took reminders from both couples seated. There were only 2 couples in the room at 8:30, and she simply disappeared. For $10 you could at least have warm food. Everything, sausage, gravy, and biscuits room temperature, and the bottoms of the biscuits were rock hard. Check the "L" button on the elevator, it does not work. I can understand the worn condition of the place, but it was hard to find anything that was not dented, scratched or broken. Really, broken lamp shades? Claiming Wifi is wrong if it doesn't work in the rooms. What a shame, the place looks like it might have once been special. Looking out the windows is scary, seeing rust and peeling paint on the overhangs. Find some employees that care, and are willing to own their areas of responsibility. What a flop. read more

We stay at the Monarch Mountain Lodge in the summer so it was off-season. I was disappointed because the website for the Lodge advertised a lot of things that were not available in the summer time. The staff was very nice I will say that but they were understaffed and could not accommodate the amount of people staying at the Lodge. The restaurant is only open on the weekends so you have to drive 20 minutes to eat. We were told the bar wasn't open because they were understaffed but it was open some nights. Weekends there is breakfast in the restaurant to purchase and weekdays it's free continental breakfast. One day our room wasn't cleaned because they didn't have enough staff to get around to cleaning all the rooms. The maids laundry cart was left in the hall over night. We did not know their was no air conditioning in our rooms so we had to by a fan and open the widows. The games in the game room did not work, the weight machines and weights were rusted and from the 1980's so I would say it was not a weight room worth advertising. The bathtub didn't drain very well. The wifi was very poor. Positive points: the view of the Lodge from the back was beautiful, the staff was friendly, the beds were comfortable, and the pool and hot tube were good. We checked out a day early and honestly in the off season I would stay somewhere else. read more

In spite of the reviews, my husband and I visited this lodge because we wanted to hike in the area (both the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail run very closeby). They just reopened after an extensive maintenance overhaul. We were pleasantly surprised and extended our stay. There was no smell. The rooms were clean. The spa and pool were spotless (spring water there is great) with plenty of towels! Our heater was fine. I think they have done quite a bit of maintenance and improvement there recently. The mountainside views were really lovely, as were the views from the restaurant. Very quiet, private. The staff turned us on to some great dayhiking in the area we never would have found otherwise. We got great food and really friendly service. I ordered breakfast off-menu and was very pleased. Dinners were great--we didn't feel any need to go down to Salida to eat. Looking forward to going back to do some dayhiking when the aspens turn. read more