This ‘elegant Western’ lodge is 4 miles south of Estes Park on Highway 7. Those 4 miles are more than worth the trip! Taharaa is spacious and clean, away from the crowds and has beautiful views of the valley from every room facing north. The hosts Ken and Dianne are originally from New Orleans and have brought their southern hospitality with them; they were friendly, kind and attentive.

The room rate includes a Happy Hour from 5:30 to 6:30 PM nightly in a cozy room with a fireplace. Wine, beer and soft drinks are provided. Breakfast is also included and was quite delicious. We had stuffed French toast and a breakfast burrito during our visit.

There are very minor things that I would change but would certainly not prevent me from returning. We stayed in the Cattle Baron Suite ($634 for 2 nights) which is HUGE, it has a full living room and wet bar in addition to a large bedroom with a king size bed and bathroom. Our mattress was a little too soft. The Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom is really too small even for one person let alone two, you will need to sit with your knees tucked up to get down in the water. We were celebrating a special occasion but next time I will look into the smaller rooms – we really did not need that much space.

The exercise room has one treadmill, one stationary bike and a small hot tub. The outdoor hot tub is also the above ground type and is on the small side, but it is in a gazebo with beautiful views over the valley. There is also a large private party room to rent that looks like it could seat at least 100 guests. It has its own deck with magnificent views as well.

If you are planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, especially in the summer, plan ahead to get a room at this lovely spot. I suspect they fill up quickly.

This was our second time to stay there this past October 2011. I fell in love with the place and people in 2010 and knew this was wehre we were going to stay again for many years to come!! You just don't stay there to sleep, you stay there to relax, enjoy the beauty of the lodge and mountains, the awesome food, people and the serenity and peacefulness the owners of the lodge provide you. In the evening you have a meet and greet with the owners and all the others who are staying at the lodge~you meet the most awesome people there! When you have a "Do Nothing Day," Taharaa is the best place to relax and enjoy your "Do Nothing Day."

Years ago we drove past the Taharaa and stopped in to get a closer look. Everything about the lodge was delightful, and we knew we'd return to stay. We suggested the lodge to relatives (from NYC) who loved it, and we gave my parents a trip to CO (from the eastcoast) with two nights at the lodge. We had the rooms Buckskin and Dunraven, both large, super comfortable beds, phenomenal views and fantastic tubs. Diane was incredibly gracious, suggesting places to dine and accommodating my rather complicated food allergies. We loved happy hour and relaxing in the Great Room in the mornings, with coffee after the delicious and hearty breakfast, enjoying the views and setting our plans for the day. The beauty and lodge amenities are superb but it was Diane and her team's hospitality that made our stay exceptional! We look forward to returning.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 night stay. Ken, Diane and Heidi were extremely welcoming and made us feel right at home. Our room was cozy and clean and the fireplace and private balcony were added bonuses! We will most definitely be coming back to Estes Park and this is the only place where we will stay!!!!!!