Testimonials and Comments

"Deer Crest is a non-smoking - adults only lodge, which by description you would expect a quiet facility…It is all that and more. In my 35 year business career (sales) I estimate that I have spent over 5000 hotel nights in approximately 1200 different hotels and I have never experienced as quiet and relaxing accommodations as our stay at Deer Crest where the only sounds were from the waterfalls of the Fall River that runs 1000 or so feet along the Deer Crest property. Have you ever been lulled into a nap by the peaceful sounds of a waterfall ?....me neither, but it was exceedingly tempting as several other guests were napping in the hammock and lawn chairs along the river's banks. We stayed 3 nights in the "BEAR DEN SUITE" (#100) which turned out to be an excellent choice. This very large room has two sofas and an overstuffed chair facing a natural stone / ceiling to hearth (gas fired) fireplace. The ambiance of this rustic lodge environment made it the perfect place for our "cocktail hour" each evening. The full size refrigerator in the big kitchen area provided us with ample ice and a place to refrigerate our beverages. There is also a dining area (table and chairs) which would allow us to cook, but since we were on vacation we opted to treat ourselves and dine out (don't miss the Twin Owls Restaurant for dinner). We did make coffee in the mornings and enjoyed having it on our private patio facing the river…what a peaceful way to start your day. Catching a half dozen Rainbow Trout in the Fall River was a Special Bonus. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit while in the care of our hosts."
The Anderson's
Florida
"We are back to work again and back to reality unfortunately, once again. We want to tell you that we thoroughly enjoyed our vacation week at your resort! We felt an immediate friendship as soon as we met you. . The housekeeping staff does an excellent job. The rooms were immaculate and the grounds around the area are kept perfect. We loved the peace and quiet and the view of Fall River. When we come back to the Estes Park area, we will be sure to stay at Deer Crest. "
Diane & Allen
Staten Island, New York
"Deer Crest Resort is a great place to stay. We had a wonderful time. The resort had everything we could possibly have needed - comfortable bedding, cable TV for late night viewing, great cleaning crew, seating down by Fall River to enjoy the sounds, smell, and views of the river. To make the trip even more exciting the hummingbirds, and the bears were a joy. Thanks so much - we will be back."
Debbie
Pekin, Illinois
"Deer Crest is in a lovely setting. We loved the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere--the location was perfect! There were 4 of us, and we were welcomed in a friendly manner when we arrived. We enjoyed our rooms with kitchen, which were clean and most comfortable. It was nice to sit beside the river and enjoy a cool evening. We only spent one night, but wish we had planned more time here, as it was a good value and a favorite of ours during our trip. A nice place for couples traveling together to relax. We would certainly return and would recommend to our friends! Room Tip: Our rooms are very close to the river. There are some rooms facing the river, but we were pleased with our lovely rooms which had a gas log fireplace, kitchenette, love seat and king bed."
Cathy and Randy
South Carolina
"Once again the visit to Estes Park and Deer Crest was made even better by the hospitality of you two, your resort and your staff. And, although you two had nothing to do with it, the weather was absolutely gorgeous this year. Accommodations were pleasant, quiet, and comfortable as usual. Hopefully we will see you again next year. Thanks for the added excitement of the bears as it certainly livened things up. Cheryl has complained for years that she had not seen a bear in RMNP so was "pleasantly" surprised to see several outside her room."
Johnnie
Elkheart, Indiana
"Just wanted to send you a note to tell you that we thought your lodge was really nice and really enjoyed our stay there. When we tell folks back home that we had a river and marmots in our back yard, plus lots of gorgeous flowers and hummingbirds, they just don't believe us! If we are ever back to Estes Park, we'll be sure to make your place our number one stop."
Jean
Wisconson
"We would like to encourage Front Range residents to come and visit Estes Park and stay at Deer Crest during the off season. We had a wonderful visit April 19th to April 22nd. The weather was predicted to be cloudy and high 50's well we did have a few sprinkles but mostly wonderful blue skies and Andy wore shorts for hiking. We found many trails that were free of snow. Old Fall River Road was a wonderful hike. It is wide, not rocky and Chasm Falls is a few steps away. We saw 8 other people during our 3 hours of hiking that day even with admission being free to the Rocky Mountain National Park that week. Besides the park we would recommend the 3.7 mile paved walk around Lake Estes the view of the various mountain peaks is incredible especially after a snowfall. One can easily walk into Estes Park City from Deer Crest on the sidewalk and also enjoy the River Walk. We found most restaurants open and very happy to have customers so service was excellent. The Deer Crest Resort is wonderfully located on the Fall River. Nothing like having your morning coffee outside and watching the Elk or Marmots while listening to the river. The resort is exceptionally well maintained and clean. We stayed in the Old Man Mountain King Loft Suite and nothing compares to an evening after hiking before the fireplace. We just felt so relaxed after our stay that it is was hard to return to the real world."
Joanne and Andy
Littleton, CO
"Thank you for a memorable experience! I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed staying at your facility this past week. It was just as nice and clean as the pictures indicated. I will highly recommend your establishment to our friends. Thank you for the birthday present of the bottle of Cherry Juice. Since we were not home with our children for my birthday, we are saving this bottle for a special occasion with them. How ironic that you gave it to me on my birthday! We will enjoy and remember our lovely stay in Estes Park when we share with our children. Hope someday to visit again!"
The Youngs
St. Charles, Iowa
"Thank you for providing a wonderful place for us to stay in June. We enjoyed Room 102 - the view of Fall River, the hummingbirds, the marmot, green lawn and comfortable lawn chairs. The table and chairs on the patio provided a great place to read and simply enjoy the beauty of God's creation at Deer Crest. Housekeeping provided a clean room for us every day ! Again, thank you for doing such a great job for your guests. We hope we can come back at some future time."
Ron and Mary Lou
Bloomington, MN
"Our vacation at the Deer Crest Resort in early September 2007 was simply outstanding. The grounds are beautiful as Ken and Carrie really do take care of their beautiful property and it surely does show. Our room was immaculate from the glowing fire place to the outside veranda where we could sit and watch Fall River rolling by right in the back yard! Such a calming wonderful place to vacation is your Deer Crest Resort! The location of your resort is a mere minutes from the entrance to the Rocky Mountain State Park where we visited often and saw nature at it's best. The mountains are the main show but we also saw Elk, Deer, Sheep and Coyote along with various birds and other smaller animals. What a delight! The town of Estes Park is a mere minutes away as well and it too is a real marvel. One interesting thing to do and experience after another. No wasted days here on your vacation. There is too much to see and do! Even during a shower in the mountains it was great as a double rainbow appeared which we viewed from it's beginning to end! I swear I could see the pot of gold just sitting there glowing! Ken and Carrie, I believe you can easily see how pleased Doris and I are with your resort from beginning to end. However, the best part of the entire experience was you two. Not a day went by that you did not touch us in some way with your area knowledge and referrals of places to go and things to do. Memorable things for us to look for in the Rocky Mountain Park or where we could visit historic spots in Estes Park or just neat places to shop in the area for that special gift we hoped to find. We want to thank you very much Ken & Carrie for one great and memorable vacation!"
Doris & Doug
Petersburg, Virginia
"It is in a wonderful setting and with wildlife, including yellow bellied marmot and deer, coming on to the lawn by the beautiful, soothing, rushing stream. The hotel is just outside the National Park and within walking distance of downtown Estes Park which has all the facilities one needs (including smoothies which I am addicted to!!). What made my stay at Deer crest was the kindness, generosity and sensitivity shown to me. I was traveling alone and was made to feel completely safe and they went beyond the 'call of duty' as I did not have a car and they were willing to give me a lift downtown among other things. I shall certainly be returning to Deer Crest when I next visit Estes Park."
Gillie
England
"We were so happy with your resort and excellent customer support. I feel you went above and beyond any place we've stayed before to help us out. With my prior job, I went to many 5 star resorts (like the Breakers, Pinehurst, etc.) I'd chose yours above them all. If there is any chance for us to go to Colorado again, we will be staying with you. You are such nice people and we wish you much success with your resort. Thanks again for making our vacation superb!"
Linda S.
Virginia
"I've been visiting beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park now since 1971. I call it the "Gem of the Rockies". In the mid '90's, I had the good fortune of discovering Deer Crest Resort, and have been staying there every year ever since. Deer Crest offers nicely appointed comfortable units that are exceptionally clean at a very reasonable price. One of the best things about Deer Crest is its convenient location between the Fall River entrance to the Park, and the town of Estes Park. Set right on Fall River, I like listening to the soothing sounds of the clear, clean water as it flows past my window. After a day of exploration in the mountains, I always look forward to returning to Deer Crest to enjoy grilling a steak at riverside while watching anglers catch Rocky Mountain trout and elk walking leisurely by. Talk about serene! Or, I can dine right next door at Nicky's - for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner without bothering to have to climb into my car! And the town of Estes Park is just right down the road for all my shopping and entertainment needs. All in all, Deer Crest is the most comfortable, quiet and relaxing resort I have ever enjoyed. That's because its owners cater strictly to a nonsmoking, adult clientele. Truly, Deer Crest has it all. I just love it there!"
Greg G.
Kansas City, Missouri
"Our trip to Colorado took a positive turn when we checked into the Deer Crest Resort, two miles east of the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Owners Ken and Carrie Arnold welcomed us like friendly neighbors who invite you in and make you feel right at home. They pointed us in the right direction--whether it was an interesting place to visit, taking a great sightseeing drive, or finding the right store or restaurant. We found the Deer Crest Resort offered a feeling of quiet refuge from the more crowded environs of Estes Park. This small ‘resort’ sits among Ponderosa pines with rooms that open to a lush green lawn and the rushing water of the Fall River. We also enjoyed the amenities of Deer Crest, which included hot tub and free DVD rentals. We would go back for another stay and we definitely would recommend Deer Crest Resort to those looking for a welcome and exceptional place. "
Bill & Diane
San Antonio, TX