Tucked behind the fir trees on the edge of Estes Park, Deer Crest Resort is a woodsy, two-story motel-style hotel that caters primarily to older couples who appreciate its adults-only policy, rustic aesthetic, and quiet forest ambiance. The peaceful hotel is set on well-maintained grounds next to the Fall River, and its lawns -- filled with lounge chairs, picnic tables, grills, a swing, and flowers -- are especially popular in the warmer months. Other frequent guests include elk, deer, and wild turkeys, grazing and passing through. Second-floor rooms are the quietest and most removed from the river and animals, but the hotel's wood-planked balconies indicate its focus on the outdoors, even in the winter months.

The Deer Crest Resort is set on the banks of the Fall River, in Estes Park, Colorado, on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Located on the edge of town, a mile and a half from the downtown area, the hotel's secluded location provides guests with a restful vacation, although some find it a bit too isolated. The closest restaurant, Nicky’s Steakhouse, is a three-minute walk; the surrounding area is primarily small hotels and cabins. The airport is an hour-and-a-half drive away. It’s five minutes by car to downtown, where there are restaurants, shops, bars, cafes and markets. The Rocky Mountain National Park is a 10-minute drive away. The free Estes Park shuttle stops next to the hotel.

Guests can choose between Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Suites, almost all of which overlook the river. Pine decor, wreaths, and country landscape paintings add a woodsy touch to rooms that are decked out in homey, retro-style furnishing like floral bedspreads and easy chairs. All rooms have mini-refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and some have DVD players and air-conditioning. Higher-tier rooms and suites have electric or log fireplaces, kitchenettes or kitchens, sofa beds, dining areas, and wooden breakfast nooks. All rooms have private patios or balconies overlooking the river or grounds. Rooms do feel a bit older, and some have old tube TVs and old-fashioned bathroom tiles, but all are impeccably clean. Entranceways do not have steps, making room access convenient for those with physical limitations. 

In the warmer months, the Deer Crest Resort's outdoor spaces are its biggest highlight, filled as they are with loungers, picnic tables, and grills; owner Ken supplies all the equipment you need to barbecue. In addition to the riverside lawn, there's another picnic area toward the back of the hotel, with covered and uncovered patio furniture and a fire pit. There is also an above-ground hot tub in an enclosed terrace, with large windows that face the lawn and meandering Fall River. The hotel also has a book and DVD library for guests to borrow from, and will provide hot chocolate to round out the movie night. In the winter, outdoor activities can be arranged through the hotel, which offers free snowshoes, poles, and directions to nearby trails. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi.