Unique Colorado Lodge Style Bed and Breakfast

This May, my husband and I got married and were looking for a bed and breakfast that was a reasonable drive from Denver where we live. I discovered Taharaa Mountain Lodge on the net and booked right away because it sounded perfect. It is just outside of Estes Park, CO and an hour and a half to two hour drive from Denver. Taharaa is situated on a mountainside with mountain views all around. You can drive into Estes Park in about 5 minutes from the lodge for dinner or shopping and Rocky Mountain National Park also in 5-10 minutes. Because it is just outside of the town, the lodge has a secluded, quiet, and romantic feel.

Our check in was at 4pm and when we arrived we were greeted by Jimmy, one of the three innkeepers who told us that they wanted to upgrade our room since they weren't too busy and it was our honeymoon. This meant that we got the Stetson Room which was bigger and had a great bathtub. All of the rooms also have private decks, gas fireplaces, and mountain views.

I will say right away, we loved our stay at this lodge. The owners, Ken & Diane Harlan were personable and extremely welcoming-even gave me a hug when we left, the breakfasts were wonderful, and the atmosphere I really enjoyed. It felt like a lodge, rustic and very comfortable, with Native American decorations- but not tacky at all the way "lodge style" decor can sometimes be.

Here is a breakdown on the service and amenities:

• After hours the lodge is locked and guests are given a entry code to ensure security and privacy.
• There is a happy hour at 5:30 in the Great Room where they provide complementary wine, beer, or soda and snacks to enjoy while chatting with the innkeeper about things to do in the area. Jimmy will also give you restaurant recommendations and directions and has a collection of menus for you to browse. He also can make reservations for you once you choose.
• If you are a coffee drinker, there will be coffee waiting for you outside of your room at 7am in a carafe. You can then enjoy your first cups in you room hanging out on your deck enjoying the morning in the mountains in peace and privacy.
• There is an outdoor hot tub in the gazebo outside that give a great light-pollution free view of the stars.
• Down stairs is a spa, work out room, and another hot tub. You can also make an apt. for a massage when you book.
• Each room has a tv with vcr and dvd player. You can borrow movies from their guest library to watch in your room or use the computer and printer. But they do also have complementary wireless high speed internet access if you have brought your own computer.
• There is a meeting room for 12 people and a Great Hall for large meetings or wedding receptions.
• Finally, they provide gourmet breakfasts. It starts with some cold items that you can help yourself to while they cook your hot breakfast. They have granola & milk out, yogurt, fruit, and juices. Then they bring out your hot entrees--which were sooo good!

Breakfast here deserves a little more detail. First of all the dinning room faces the mountains and is full of windows and natural light. It is an informal setting, where you can relax and ease yourself into the day. On our first morning we had sweet potato pancakes that came out with caramelized banana slices, sausage, and fruit. These pancakes were amazing. It doesn't even matter if you don't like sweet potatoes.

The next morning we were served Denver Omeletes with a sort of potato cake and toast with jam. So so good, and I am not a big egg person. We were only there for two mornings, but the food was so enjoyable it made me wonder what it would have been the next day.

I don't want to forget to mention Rocky the dog. He is the resident Cocker Spaniel who seemed to like attention and watching just what was going on in the lodge. Guest, however, are asked not to bring pets to the lodge.

As for my husband and I, we want to go back to Taharaa again in the winter when it will be really quiet, hike in Rocky Mountain National Forest and then return to the lodge to recuperate. If you go stay with them, you will surely have a relaxing and delicious time.

Here is their info.:

3110 So. St. Vrain, Estes Park, CO, 80517

800-597-0098

www.taharaa.com