Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [268]
The thousands of flowering plants on the grounds of this family-owned and -operated hotel draw travelers the way nectar draws hummingbirds. On the hotel grounds, guests flit between luxuries—a 15-station fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, drinks at the pub—or they simply relax in one of the comfortable and spotlessly clean guest rooms. Decorated in Southwest style, most units have views of Mesa Verde or Sleeping Ute Mountain. Standard rooms have two queen-size beds or one king, and several suites are specially designed for families—in addition to a king-size bed, a microwave, and a refrigerator, each comes with a partitioned area for the kids that's modeled after a Western fort.
Where to Dine
INSIDE THE PARK
Reservations are not accepted at restaurants within the park, which are all operated by Aramark (☎ 800/449-2288 or 970/533-1944; www.visitmesaverde.com). In addition to the restaurants discussed below, a cafe at the Morefield Campground serves an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast when the campground is open.
Far View Terrace
Across from the Far View Visitor Center. ☎ 800/449-2288 or 970/533-1944. Lunch buffet $9, dinner buffet $11. Daily 7am–8pm. Closed late Oct to mid-Apr. AE, DISC, MC, V. AMERICAN/REGIONAL.
This food court offers a variety of foods, buffet-style, such as salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and Southwestern dishes—the Navajo taco is a specialty. While dining, you can see as far as New Mexico through a long bank of windows.
Metate Room
Far View Lodge, across from Far View Visitor Center, 17 miles down the park entrance road. ☎ 970/529-4736. Main courses $9.95–$27. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5:30–9:30pm. Closed late Oct to mid-Apr. SOUTHWESTERN.
The best and by far the most expensive restaurant in the park, the Metate Room specializes in Southwestern and American Indian–inspired dishes. Try oven-roasted chicken breast with green-chile stuffing, served on tangy salsa; a mixed grill of lamb, pheasant, and buffalo; or chorizo-stuffed mushrooms topped with jack cheese. The restaurant displays high-quality American Indian rugs and pottery, which you might not notice, given the breathtaking views from the windows.
Spruce Tree Terrace
Across from Chapin Mesa Museum. Most items $3.95–$7.95. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mid-Apr to Oct daily 10am–6pm; shorter hours Nov to mid-Apr. AMERICAN.
Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs dominate the menu at this fast-food cafeteria, which also serves deli-style sandwiches, tossed salads, yogurt, and ice cream. Sit in the Southwestern-style dining area, or take your food out onto the deck.
NEAR THE PARK
Homesteaders Restaurant
45 E. Main St., Cortez. ☎ 970/565-6253. www.thehomesteaders.com. Main courses $4.95–$7.95 lunch, $7.95–$18 dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Year-round Mon–Sat 11am– 9:30pm; summer Sun 5–9:30pm. AMERICAN/ MEXICAN.
A rustic, Old West atmosphere pervades this popular family restaurant, which is decorated with historic photos and pioneer memorabilia. The menu has a good selection of home-style American basics, with charbroiled beef, including burgers, T-bones, and top sirloins. Those wanting a bit more zip might try the Southwestern steak—top sirloin smothered with salsa, green chile, and cheese. We also suggest barbecued baby-back ribs and the old-fashioned dinners, such as thin-sliced roast beef or deep-fried catfish filet. The menu includes several Mexican standards as well as salads and vegetarian items. Smoking is not permitted.
Main St. Brewery
21 E. Main St., Cortez. ☎ 970/564-9112. Reservations not accepted. Main courses $8.95–$16. AE, MC, V. Daily 4pm–midnight. AMERICAN.
Fanciful murals splash color above subdued wood paneling, all under a stamped-tin ceiling, in this brewery and restaurant. In addition to brewpub staples such as fish and chips, pizza, and bratwurst, Main St. Brewery offers steaks and prime rib—dry