Located near Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park is a surprising gem, the budget friendly Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites in Cortez. Best Western has come a long way since its founding in 1946. With more than 4,000 properties worldwide (2,160 in North America), each Best Western is independently owned, allowing the individual owners to inflect their stamp on their property. The owner of this Mesa Verde Country hotel proudly salutes its roots with décor, from pottery to hand-woven rugs to the vibrant colors of the southwest-scape.
Southwestern Colorado welcome at the Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites, Cortez.
Arrival
Located on Main Street of the charming Colorado town of Cortez, the Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites offers complimentary parking surrounding the motel. We arrived on the 4th of July (U.S. holiday), and although the parking lot was full, we were able to find parking near the front door. Although I previewed the hotel’s website, I admit we were cautiously optimistic as to whether the online photos were consistent with the real deal.
The first surprise was the beautiful lobby, decorated in Southwestern flare (pottery, rugs, leather chairs, blankets), and there were over-stuffed couches and chairs for a living room feel. Our arrival was mid-afternoon, and several guests lounged, reading the paper and soaking up the sun shining through the glass windows.
Lobby of Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites, Cortez, Colorado
The reception desk was at the end of the lobby. The staff was Colorado-friendly, greeting us with a smile, explaining the lay of the land, and pointing us to our room.
Accommodations
We gathered our belongings (no bell staff), and continued to the left of the reception desk to our room. We passed through the breakfast room, to the right and outdoors to take the stairs to our 2nd floor room.
Accommodations at Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites in Mesa Verde Country, Colorado
Another surprise – the rooms were very clean and the décor was modern, again with blatant nods to the surrounding Southwestern landscape with tans, oranges, and turquoise highlights. We had a small sitting area with a sofa and couch, television (not flat screen), and a work desk. A short hallway leads to the bathroom on the right with a dressing area and sink, then the shower and toilet, connecting to the bedroom with modern bedding.
Living area of accommodations at Colorado’s Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites in Co
Although there was a work desk, unfortunately the complimentary WiFi had a low signal in our room – which the reception desk warned me in advance. However, when I returned to the breakfast room down the stairs, my signal was more than adequate. The ground floor and lobby also carried a strong signal.
Dining
A complimentary daily hot breakfast is included in your room registration. Plenty of tables surround the buffet, with additional seating outside. The breakfast was another surprise – eggs, fresh waffles, toast, yogurt, fruit and plenty of coffee. The breakfast host was also friendly, smiling and chatting with all the guests, while cleaning tables to make room for more guests. The only downside was that we visited during a holiday week, and the breakfast room
Complimentary hot breakfast served each morning at Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites
During our stay during this holiday week, a large family had united for a reunion. One evening, the breakfast room doubled as their potluck. I chatted with the family, and the grandparents said there was no additional charge to use that room, another nice bonus.
Other Amenities
Just off the breakfast room is the hotel’s indoor Jacuzzi, and outside (weather permitting) is a pool.
Summary
For those wanting to explore Colorado’s southwest, the Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites is a budget friendly option, and Mesa Verde Country and Cortez is a convenient location to use as a home base for your Southwest Colorado travels. During our stay, guests ran the gamut from motorcyclists to families to couples. Scenic views, interesting cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National park (10 miles away), Clay Mesa, Trail of the Ancients, San Juan National Forest, and the Four Corners National Monument are all within easy driving distance.
Check prices online at Booking.com, or hotel’s website.
Photos & Accommodations courtesy of the Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites
