West - Dine & Stay suggestions for Park City, UT, Telluride & Durango, CO

We are doing a driving trip and want to visit these three cities (Grand Junction, CO as well).

Just looking for tips on places to stay and eat. Mid-range or lower price points on the rooms and mid-range and better on the food. We are kind of foodies and enjoy sampling the local products, especially organic choices.

Good used bookstores to visit are a bonus!^

Thanks,

J

Bumping this back up in the faint hope that someone has a bit of info.....

I stayed at a newer Hampton Inn in Durango a few years ago that meets your requirements. There are several other chains there that would probably suit your needs, too. Lots of good restaurants. Check out the Southwest board over on Chowhound for the most recent discussions of dining in Durango.

Park City and Telluride will be a little tougher, as they're resort towns. Expect to pay more for lodging *and* food there. I can't give specific recommendations on either, though, sorry.

There's also a Hampton Inn in Park City. It's on the Interstate, about 5 or 6 miles from downtown Park City. You don't say when you will be traveling, but as pointed out above, both Park City and Telluride will be expensive during the summer and during ski season.

For Durango, I'd stay at the Palmer downtown, and head over to Carver's for microbrews and chow. There was a fantastic breakfast place with blue corn pancakes right on Main, but I can't remember the name after several years...

I've spent only a few days in Durango, but it is a very cool little town, and I look forward to going back. Durango has a very laid-back feel to it. That being the case, I don't know how many mid to upper scale restaurants there are to be found. Depends on your definition, I guess. As mentioned above, Carver's is a good place for beer. The El Rancho Tavern (http://elranchotavern.com/) is an old-time hole-in-the wall bar with an authentic western tavern feel to it. Gazpacho (http://www.gazpachorestaurant.com/) has some of the best Mexican food I've found in Colorado.

we are staying at the Copper Bottom Inn, nicely priced one bedroom condo with a bit of a view from the 3rd floor.

dined at Chez Betty last night(it is on the main floor here), A very nice meal, good staff, killer soup and an OK wine list (i.e. pricey but some nice finds)

IN Durango;

ate at Kennebec Cafe, Seasons and Ken & Sue's
all very good