The Viking Lodge
If you love shredding the gnar in winter, boating across sparkling blue lakes in summer and hiking through golden aspens every fall, you’ll find your Valhalla with affordable rates at downtown Winter Park’s The Viking Lodge. It’s an ideal (and dare we say iconic) basecamp for adventuring through the Rocky Mountains.
Since 1953 the hotel has been welcoming guests, and they are incredibly honest about their services. According to their website, “At The Viking Lodge you get what you pay for. The carpets are old, the walls are thin, and the TVs are not flat screen. But we won’t break your budget.” And it’s true! They offer rooms perfect for couples, families and everyone in between. But don’t expect turndown service or Wi-Fi in your room (you have to go to the lobby for that).
What makes it special?
Each space is decked out in interesting ways. From a bathroom vanity emblazoned with pennies to a black-lab-swimming-underwater shower curtain, this place is just a little different than most — and that’s special.
The most Colorado thing about this place
When we say the hotel is in downtown Winter Park, we mean it. Just seven minutes from Winter Park Resort, within walking distance to shops and restaurants and less than 45 minutes from the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the hotel's close proximity to fun makes this theee place to be on any given weekend.
Coolest amenity
We’re going with all the different types of rooms at The Viking that’ll suit every kind of adventurer — from cozy rooms for solo travelers to more spacious rooms that can accommodate your whole travel group. Try out the loft rooms, which boast a queen-size bed on the main floor and a tucked-away sleeping space accessible only via ladder-style stairs. These setups are perfect for anyone looking for a little more privacy and room.
Our favorite traveler review
“The Viking is a quaint lodge in the perfect location. The room was very clean and great for a weekend with friends! We were able to walk downtown and utilize the free shuttle to go skiing. The owners are incredibly kind and I will definitely be visiting again!” — Jet60952979514, Tripadvisor
Things to see & do nearby
Every winter, Winter Park Resort’s 3,000 acres become the ultimate playground. Here you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, sleigh ride, snow tube and dogsled to your heart’s content. Come summer, you can hop on a mountain bike at Trestle Bike Park, alpine slide at Snow Mountain Ranch and make the drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, no trip to the area is complete without a Czech-style chimney cake stuffed with creamy vanilla soft serve at Rollin’ Street Bakery.
Photos courtesy of The Viking Lodge
