Hanging Lake Inn

The two-pearl Hanging Lake Inn is a typical, two-story roadside motel with exterior-access rooms. The rustic, no-frills lobby features stacks of brochures, a vending machine, and a laundry area for guests. The motel is little more than a place to rest while out seeing the natural sights in the area or visiting the region's famous hot springs. Despite the name, there is no lake in the vicinity or on the hotel's grounds. The highlight here is the hotel's wide front porch, where guests -- most of whom are tourists on a budget -- can sit on comfortable deck chairs and take in the views of the nearby mountain range. 

The Hanging Lake Inn is on Highway 6, just off Interstate 70 and about five minutes northwest of downtown Glenwood Springs by car. The immediate area is populated almost exclusively with other budget motels, plus a few suburban businesses. Once downtown, there are a number of quaint and locally-owned dining spot, bars, and shops. Across the river from downtown (to the north) are international chain outlets, for those looking for that sort of thing. Glenwood Hot Springs, which features a natural spring and two large pools, is six minutes away by car, while family-friendly Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is within a three-minute drive. Major ski resorts, including Aspen, Snowmass, and Buttermilk, are within a 45-minute drive, and smaller Sunlight Mountain Resort is about half an hour away. There are plenty of day hike trailheads all around as well. The hotel is about three hours from Denver International Airport. 

Rooms come in Deluxe Double Queen and Deluxe King configurations, all of which are done in a simple style thats both a bit dated and a bit mountain lodge. Chunky oak-veneer furniture adds to the cottage-like vibe, while tan walls are hung with idyllic pictures of lakes, including weathered row boats. Homey details, like bear figurines holding welcome signs do a bit to cheer the rooms up, but otherwise decor is fairly spartan, and soft furnishings are done in deep reds and beiges. All rooms come with air-conditioning, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, irons, and free Wi-Fi. The pillow-top mattresses, new as of our visit in 2015, are a nice comforting addition. The bathroom and area holding the microwaves and coffeemakers are the most dated aspects of the room, and both are done in a pink formica that doesn't add much in the way of charm. Large bathrooms have shower/tub combos and there is a good amount of counter space. Towels and basic toiletries are provided.

Even for a budget motel, there's little on offer here -- don't expect a continental breakfast or a pool. The motel has a coin-operated laundry room and vending machine. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's on-site parking for guests.