The good news is that the setting of Estes Park and adjacent Rocky Mountain National Park are gorgeous. The bad news is that come summer you are unlikely to find reasonably priced lodging. The high season, when by far the majority of tourists visit, is from mid May to mid August. If you have the option the latter half of August promises less congestion and possibly better lodging rates. Depends on the establishment, and many may not lower their rates until mid September.
As an outside possibility you might want to consider the nearby communities of Longmont or Loveland for lodging. Either is close enough to be practical in commuting to Estes Park, but while you could certainly save some on lodging if at all possible better to be centrally located in Estes Park.
Aside from money, you have a lot of fine lodging options in Estes Park as tourism is so vital to its economy. There lots of choices in motels, cabins and small resorts.
One possibility in the motel category would be the Tyrol Mountain Inn:
http://tyrolmountaininn.com/index.htm
Located about a mile east of town center on US 34, this is a traditional two story motel that used to be a Days Inn. It is far enough removed that you would probably wish to drive into town, but being on the crest of a ridge most of the second story rooms will enjoy a superb view of Estes Park and the mountains directly to the west. Empty in winter, their small pool probably operational come summer; I do not believe they have a hot tub. The rooms are comfortable, although know management could care less if one of your neighbors spends all morning warming up their diesel pickup truck. There are also some residences being built nearby, so consider possible noise of construction. The daily rate probably about $100, although at least in winter they offer a very reasonable monthly rate, if this an option.
In the cabin category you might wish to consider Bradshaw Cottages:
Bradshaw Cottages
As they only have a few cottages, you would almost certainly have to book in advance, although this time of year almost essential for anything. Centrally located, you could easily walk into town, just a few short blocks. Know that being in town and across the river from Highway 66 you may experience more road noise than you like, although this moderate. But although these cottages are compact and small they are also quite cute. Very Rocky Mountain. And also directly on the Big Thompson river. In many respects an ideal location. There is no pool or hot tub, but you might use public pools in Estes Park. The river, by the way, is too shallow, swift and cold for swimming, but otherwise lovely. Prices probably about $90 per night.
A resource you might try is a property management company such as Range Property Management:
Rocky Mountain Vacation Rental Property in Estes Park, Colorado, Range Property Management
This would be convenient, although most of their bookings probably geared towards families wishing some type of house for a week or so. They could best advise you, but bookings are probably by the week and possibly in the general range of $800 per.
Another option I'd like to mention to you is Swiftcurrent Lodge:
Estes Park Colorado: Swift Current Lodge and Cabins
This is basically a motel with a few cabins. Price range $80 to $135 per night. The main attraction would be location, as this establishment is directly at the old entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Now but a dirt road leading to hiking trails, with only pedestrian access. But if you want to walk into the Park from your front door you would be hard pressed to do any better. This establishment is also directly on the banks of the Big Thompson river. The only caveat that the very busy YMCA is just beyond off Moraine Avenue. You won't see them, other than nearby on horseback, but you WILL a near continuous stream of resultant traffic. For this alone the best option to get a room as far removed from the nearby road as possible, and with luck the pleasant sound of the river might be your only lullaby. Not diesels. They have no pool but do have a hot tub near the river.
Restaurant prices in Estes Park are fairly uniform, although a few establishments such as the Stanley Hotel or the excellent Dunraven Inn (directly adjacent the Swiftcurrent Lodge) will cost appreciably more. But basically figure roughly $10 per meal per person. Per diem for lodging, unfortunately, will probably work out to about $100 per couple per night. Access to Rocky Mountain National Park is $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days. Or you might opt for a park pass good for one year and entry to any national park in the US, priced at $80. Beyond that, lots of moderately priced tourist shops in Estes Park, should you like trinkets. Expect petrol prices to be a bit above average.
You might experience some thunderstorms that time of year but basically the weather is lovely. But cool nights, so a light jacket advisable. Short pants and sleeves perfectly practical during the day.
With some research you should be able to find lodging to largely suite you, if not exactly a bargain. Check the calendar closely (ie: Scottish/Irish Highland Festival), and remember September is one of the best months.
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Lodging in Estes Park Colorado
Timing can be important
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