Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown-Animas River by IHG
1111 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301, Durango, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.2 / 5
Overview
This 3-star Holiday Inn Express sits directly along the banks of the Animas River off Highway 550 in Durango, Colorado. It offers a relaxed, budget-friendly base for exploring downtown Durango and the surrounding San Juan Mountains region, and is located about 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park.
Rooms
Rooms are described as unassuming but functional, equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, minifridges, microwaves and kettles for easy self-catering. Select rooms feature private balconies and/or views over the Animas River, adding a scenic touch to an otherwise standard room package.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site facilities include an indoor pool and a fitness center, useful for year-round recreation regardless of Durango's mountain weather. A business center is also available on the property for guests needing to print or work outside their room.
Dining
A breakfast buffet is served on-site, which several guests have specifically highlighted as a strong point of their stay. Parking is available at the property for guests arriving by car.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel is within easy walking distance of Durango's historic downtown, with The Powerhouse (335m), Buckley Park (302m), Blue Rain Gallery (343m), and the Durango Arts Center (524m) all just a few minutes away on foot. History and outdoor enthusiasts will also find the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (806m), D&SNG Museum (899m), Durango Trails (546m), and Durango Botanic Gardens (1.1km) close by, while Chapman Hill Ski Area (1.4km) and the more distant Hesperus Ski Area (15.5km) offer winter sport access.
Best for
This hotel suits travelers who want a walkable downtown Durango location paired with river views, such as leisure travelers visiting the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad or nearby galleries and parks on foot. It also works for road-trippers using Highway 550 as a base for day trips to Mesa Verde National Park (35 miles away), and for budget-conscious guests who value amenities like an indoor pool, gym, and free breakfast buffet over upscale finishes.
Travel tips
Take advantage of the hotel's downtown-adjacent location by walking to sites like The Powerhouse, Buckley Park, and the Durango Arts Center rather than driving. If visiting Mesa Verde National Park, plan for the roughly 35-mile drive from the hotel, and note that Hesperus Ski Area is a further drive at about 15.5km away compared to the much closer Chapman Hill Ski Area. Given some guest reports of billing discrepancies, it's worth double-checking your folio and any split-payment arrangements at checkout.
What guests say
Many guests praise the hotel's cleanliness, repeatedly describing rooms, bedding, and bathrooms as meticulously kept, along with friendly and helpful staff. The walkable downtown location near the riverwalk is another frequently mentioned highlight, as is the breakfast buffet. However, a subset of reviews raise concerns, including a serious billing dispute involving unauthorized extra charges after checkout, and at least one report of suspected bedbug bites along with complaints about cigarette odor in the elevator and hallway.
Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure