Transportation and lodging in Granby
We will be arriving at either Denver Airport or Eagle County Airport in August, and will likely need to take the train (if arriving in Denver Airport) to Granby the day before our pick up to the Bar Lazy J Ranch the next day (the train gets us there too late for the first day activities otherwise). Can anyone advise somewhere decent but not extravagant for 5 to stay in Granby? Or transportation from Eagle County Airport to either Granby or Parshall? I have been trying to do research, but the hotels I'm finding sound like they are far outside of the town, and more destination type stays. A plus if it offers free breakfast, because my boys eat like wolverines. Trying to control cost, but 2-3 adults and 2 children need to be in Granby earlier than the California Zephyr train will get us there from Denver. Any suggestions, experience appreciated. Car rental is over 1,000$ just to sit for a week, and that doesnt make much sense either.
Granby, Colorado, is a small town, so lodging options are somewhat limited, but there are a few choices that are decent, family-friendly, and budget-conscious, especially if you want to avoid “destination resort” style properties. Since your goal is to get to Granby before the Bar Lazy J Ranch pick-up the next day, planning your transportation carefully is key.
For lodging in Granby for 5 people:
- Comfort Inn & Suites Granby – A simple, clean hotel located in town. Offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and spacious rooms that can accommodate a family of 5 with two beds plus a pullout sofa. Convenient for early morning departures.
- Best Western Granby Inn – Another solid choice. Family rooms available, free breakfast included, and easy access to the main road heading toward the ranch. Standard amenities and reliable comfort.
- Motels/Small Inns – Look at Mountain View Lodge or Lazy Z Resort. These are smaller, quieter options but check for available family suites and breakfast policies.
Regarding transportation options:
- From Denver Airport: The Amtrak California Zephyr will get you to Granby, but as you noted, it arrives too late for first-day activities. Alternatives include shuttle services, private van transfers, or bus services:
- Colorado Mountain Express (CME) – They offer shuttle services from Denver Airport to Granby. You can reserve in advance for a private or shared shuttle. Travel time is roughly 2.5–3 hours.
- Groome Transportation – Offers shuttle service from Denver Airport to various mountain towns. Check for service to Granby specifically or to Winter Park (closest hub), then take a local taxi or rideshare to Granby.
- Uber/Lyft – Technically possible, but very expensive for the 2–3 hour drive to Granby.
- From Eagle County Airport: This is about 3.5 hours away from Granby by car. Shuttle services are limited, so you might need to rent a car for a one-way trip or arrange a private shuttle. CME or local transport companies may provide options, but you’ll need to book well in advance.
Additional tips:
- Book your hotel early; August is peak summer season, so even smaller towns can fill quickly.
- Confirm breakfast and family room arrangements to ensure enough beds for 5 people.
- Shuttles from Denver are probably your most reliable option for arriving in Granby in time for early activities without renting a car for the week.
In summary, for a family-friendly, cost-conscious stay in Granby, Comfort Inn & Suites or Best Western Granby Inn are your best bets. Use a pre-booked shuttle from Denver Airport to Granby to avoid the late arrival of the train and expensive car rentals.
