Great Sand Dunes National Park encloses a dune field and watershed system in south-central Colorado. There are many great reasons to visit Colorado, from its wonderful festivals to majestic hiking and trekking spots. Star Dune stands highest among the tallest sand dunes on the continent. At this time of year, the seasonal Medano Creek which peaks in May is mostly dried up. Still, there are plenty of other diversions for tourists and adventurers alike within the 107,342 acres (43439.8 hectares) of unspoiled nature preserve. The 1.2 cubic miles (5 billion cubic meters) of sand took 1000s of years to fill the region. You’d need at least two days to appreciate the beauty of the dunes fully, and see for yourself what sand sheets and sabkha (mineral-rich coastal sandflat) look like. You’d want to book comfortable accommodations in one of these hotels near Great Sand Dunes National Park right now!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 06, 2024.
1. SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Salida (from USD 119)
Just 85.7 mi (137.9 km) away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Salida offers a cozy respite in the center of the Rocky Mountains. It offers a wide variety of accommodation types that are all furnished with a flat-screen cable TV, coffee facilities, and double beds. There is also a gym and an indoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. For those going on a business trip, the business center has fax and photocopying services available.
In terms of nearby places to visit, the hotel is only 27.4 km (17 mi) away from San Isabel National Forest and 46.7 km (29 mi) away from Buena Vista Square Shopping Center.
Hampton Inn & Suites Salida, CO
Address: 785 E Highway 50
91.55 km (56.9 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
2. Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Alamosa (from USD 119)
The dry surface of the behemoths of Great Sand Dunes National Park is perfect for sandboarding and one of the best places to stay near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. If your balance and coordination are not out of whack, it’s the best place to dare to do something for the first time. Use a proper sandboard or sled and head out early from Alamosa. The national park is a 30-minute drive from Alamosa, Colorado where you can book a room at the Fairfield Inn and Suites. This establishment bears the Marriott brand, which has etched its mark in the hospitality industry with decades of reliable service. Enjoy the comforts of elegant rooms and well-maintained facilities such as an indoor pool and fitness center.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Alamosa
Address: 721 Mariposa Street
24.99 km (15.6 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
3. Hampton Inn Alamosa (from USD 95)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, clean rooms with friendly staff.
Amenities include a good breakfast selection, environmentally friendly toiletries, and a pool (though some maintenance issues were reported).
Convenient location with nearby restaurants, Walmart, and easy access to attractions like Sand Dunes.
Breakfast options were generally well-liked, though some guests reported occasional issues with cleanliness and variety.
The dune field of Great Sand Dunes Natural Park is big enough to accommodate trail makers of all ages. You won’t find any trails in the sand so you can make your own. The afternoon sun is usually too hot in the summer and maybe detrimental to health. Choose to hike the dunes in the late afternoon if you can’t wake up early. Their beds are sleep-inducing so you can head out to the indoor pool for a refreshing dip. If you’re in the mood for a workout, then make the most of the hotel’s fitness equipment. A great warm-up will set you up for an exciting hike in the sand dunes.
Hampton Inn Alamosa
Address: 710 Mariposa Street
25.07 km (15.6 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa (from USD 149)
Star Dune measures 750 feet (229 meters) from sea level. On average, it takes about six hours to reach the highest dune’s summit and go back down to the level ground. Since you’re not competing for any medals we advise taking it easy on the climb so that you can appreciate the beauty and tranquility of your surroundings. Remember that you are hiking to a higher altitude and if you are not acclimatized to it you might run out of oxygen. Perhaps the cordial staff of Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Alamosa could help you prepare the basic necessities for the trip. A grab and go breakfast is offered to guests every day so make the most of it. If you choose to book a room here, expect a quiet and comfy bed to sleep on, and perhaps one with a spa bath. Wouldn’t it be great to wash off the tiredness with a hot bath?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa, an IHG Hotel
Address: 3418 Mariposa
25.23 km (15.7 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Colorado Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Comfort Inn Alamosa (from USD 101)
You should bring proper gear for your Great Sand Dunes National Park expeditions. There won’t be much since because Medano Creek is dry, but there are plenty of hiking and sandboarding options ahead of you. Make a list of the clothes and gear you may need. San Luis Valley is quite pleasant during summers so you’d be comfortable staying at a good hotel in Alamosa. Comfort Inn has a reputation for professional service and clean rooms. Ask the staff about their breakfast menu, or prepare your own in your room, where you’ll find a refrigerator and microwave oven. From the hotel, you’d see the majestic outline of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains. Comfort Inn is ready to accept your reservation anytime.
Comfort Inn & Suites Alamosa
Address: 6301 US Highway 160
25.05 km (15.6 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
6. Dunes Inn Alamosa (from USD 76)
It’s an ongoing argument, but three days is the bare minimum according to experts. This is about the number of days you must allot to appreciate and experience fully the beauty and might of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. You can book a charming room at Dunes Inn Alamosa. This Great Sand Dunes National Park accommodation is a family-run affair. There is dedicated parking for your vehicle right in front of the room. Alamosa has specialized shops selling and renting out sand sleds and sandboards. Ask the staff at the desk for recommendations. Comfort and privacy are guaranteed in your rooms and if you want a seating arrangement, just inform ahead of your reservation.
Dunes Inn Alamosa
Address: 425 Main St
26.42 km (16.5 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
7. Days Inn by Wyndham Alamosa (from USD 79)
What are some of the key photography subjects at Great Sand Dunes National Park? The ridgelines are usually on top of the list. The dune field from the summit of the highest dunes is another. They say you have to capture a few frames at the Visitor Center. It’s a nice building as it is, but you’ll be taking photographs of the dune field that stretches behind it to the horizon. This is perhaps the right hotel for intrepid dunes photographers. This establishment is situated outside the bounds of the center of town so it’s relatively quieter there. You’ll be comfortable and well taken care of by the staff as you plan the adventure of the day.
Days Inn by Wyndham Alamosa
Address: 223 Santa Fe Avenue
25.9 km (16.1 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
8. Monte Villa Hotel (from USD 64)
Monte Villa Inn stood its ground in Monte Vista, Colorado, since it was built in 1931. The old school vibe merges seamlessly with modern amenities. From Monte Vista in Rio Grande County, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a 45-minute drive. Monte Villa Inn has a distinguished place in the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll be billeted in a local institution, which is a great start for an epic vacation in the Centennial State. Your temporary home will definitely prepare for the serenity of the sand dunes.
Monte Villa Hotel
Address: 925 First Avenue
28.0 km (17.4 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
9. Windsor Hotel & Restaurant (from USD 129)
Windsor Hotel & Restaurant is a historic hotel in Del Norte, which is a statutory town in Colorado. Driving from Del Norte, you’ll reach the borders of Great Sand Dunes National Park in under an hour. It’s a good place to start out if you also want to see places you’ve never been to in Rio Grande County. Windsor Hotel has a classical interior and modern comforts. Expect quality service grounded in tradition. The hotel has a bistro and restaurant where you can take meals before heading out to the ridges, and after you’ve conquered some of the tallest dunes in America.
Windsor Hotel & Restaurant
Address: 605 Grand Avenue
42.71 km (26.6 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
10. San Luis Inn (from USD 101)
Forty minutes away from the Great Sand Dunes National Park stands San Luis Inn, a 4-star hotel in San Pedro. This hotel near Sand Dunes, Colorado, offers air-conditioned rooms that are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. There is also a snack bar available for guests in the mood for some nice drinks.
Guests will be happy to know that there are numerous opportunities to do some fun outdoor activities near the hotel including skiing and cycling. Finally, the hotel is 26 km (16.1 mi) from Costilla and 50 km (31 mi) from Alamosa.
San Luis Inn
Address: 224 Main Street
68.8 km (42.8 mi) from Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Summit the tallest sand dunes in North America
The grains of sand in Great Sand Dunes National Park is beyond count. It took millennia of aeolian processes to form the dune systems we see today. The timelessness of the dunes would make you appreciate the importance of every moment. Find yourself a place to stay now and head out for a profound experience in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
History
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