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Hotel: Buena Vista/Salida

We will be driving from Vail to Colorado Springs in July and passing through Buena Vista where we'd like to stay overnight.

1. Any recommendations on where to stay around Buena Vista? Prefer something clean but fairly inexpensive.

2. Is it worth driving down through Salida? Or should we just go straight from Buena Vista over to Colorado Springs?

Thanks!

Buena Vista is a charming small town in the Arkansas River Valley, known for its outdoor recreation and beautiful mountain scenery. Staying overnight here is a great idea if you want a relaxed stop before continuing to Colorado Springs.

1. Hotel recommendations around Buena Vista: For clean and fairly inexpensive options, you have several choices depending on whether you prefer a motel-style stay or a more local experience:

  • Arkansas Valley Inn: Simple, clean rooms at reasonable rates with easy access to the main road through town.
  • Buena Vista Lodge: Affordable, centrally located, and offers basic amenities with a cozy mountain town feel.
  • Chaffee County Motel: Budget-friendly and comfortable, a short drive from local restaurants and shops.
  • Airbnb/Cabin rentals: There are some cabins and small vacation rentals in and around Buena Vista which offer a more private stay and sometimes better views, often at similar prices to budget hotels.

2. Driving through Salida: Salida is about 30–40 minutes south of Buena Vista and is a quaint, artsy town along the Arkansas River. It’s known for its historic downtown, local shops, and restaurants. Whether it’s worth detouring depends on your priorities:

  • If you enjoy exploring small towns, walking through art galleries, or having a nice meal in a scenic riverside town, Salida is worth the short detour.
  • If your priority is a faster drive to Colorado Springs, going straight from Buena Vista over to Colorado Springs via US-24 and I-25 will save time and is more direct.

Overall, an overnight in Buena Vista works well, and a quick stop in Salida can be a pleasant break for sightseeing or lunch, without adding too much driving time. Planning your route with flexibility for a brief walk around Salida might give you the best of both worlds.

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