Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec - FriendsOfCumbresToltec.org

Figured I'd start with this forum since it's where I spend most of my time...

My wife and I are coming out to ride the train in June and I'm looking for recommendations on where to stay in Chama.

Thanks in advance!

Hey Bruce, The wife and I went out in 2012 and rode the train, we stayed at The Hotel. Reasonable rates, just across the street from the depot, nice rooms and you couldn't ask for a better host and hostess. Roger and Barbara make you feel right at home. You can't go wrong.

Chama is loading with B&B's most of which are very nice as well as the Hotel mentioned above, the Branding Iron, which is a regular motel, and Fosters.

Last I checked, there are no chain motels is town. They can't survive the seasonal nature of the tourist business. So, everything is privately owned. Most are B&B's. I've done a few of the B&B's. They're nice.

The Vista del Rio is also nice and very quiet at night, though it's a bit far from the yard. It's probably the most "main stream" place in town.

My go-to spot is The Hotel (TheHotel.org). Barbara is as nice as they come. But, go in with the mindset that you're taking a step back in time. It's not 2017 there (other than the WiFi), it's about 1940... and it's fantastic.

I always recommend Roger's "The Motel & Shops" first, because he's a major supporter of the railroad. After that, Chama Trails Inn, where I lived for three months, and was treated like -close- family. I'm easily impressed, after living for 7 years in a truck sleeper, but I never heard a complaint about either place. Roger has a bevy of railroad lore, and a -very- loyal railroad following. Both have good food in walking distance, but both (all lodging here) get booked up on holidays, so reserve now.

Note that The Hotels' rooms are up a flight of stairs (I'm on permanent crutches), so I have not had the privilege of staying there.

Jason Rose wrote:Last I checked, there are no chain motels is town. They can't survive the seasonal nature of the tourist business. So, everything is privately owned. Most are B&B's. I've done a few of the B&B's. They're nice.

The Vista del Rio is also nice and very quiet at night, though it's a bit far from the yard. It's probably the most "main stream" place in town.

My go-to spot is The Hotel (TheHotel.org). Barbara is as nice as they come. But, go in with the mindset that you're taking a step back in time. It's not 2017 there (other than the WiFi), it's about 1940... and it's fantastic.

Jason is (always) right- no chain motels, and the nearest, in Pagosa, are expensive, and too far to commute. I would note, however, if you have a non-railroading spouse or children that need to be entertained, you might enjoy your Chama experience far more by leaving them in Pagosa Springs. :-) Just a suggestion.

The Chama Station Inn is clean, kept up and very convenient, right across the street from the yard, and there is a cafe on either side. It doesn't reopen until the train season or thereabouts, but the manager does pick up the phone or will call you back. There's also an email address on the inn's website.

We're riding the train on May 29th and are booked into the Branding Iron 28th to 31st. I'll buy a beer for anyone who comes along to say "hello".

Be sure to stop by the Carpenter shop in Chama yard. Good info and history in there. It's the corrugated tin building right out in the parking lot. Just look for the lumber. One of us is almost always there in the morning, and certainly, if it's a work week! (it is) On the days you're not riding, it's a good spot to watch the train arrive or depart, as well. You might miss me, in Antonito for the week's work (I live in Chama but drive to Antonito every day), but Bob Reib and the B Session guys will be hard at it, working 4 different projects that week. I'll be there -early- and -late-, hope to meet you, Mike!

Thanks for the heads-up Doug - I'll certainly look in and hope to catch you ...

Doug Frederick wrote:
Jason is (always) right- no chain motels, and the nearest...

My wife would heartily disagree what that!

At best, I'm a blind squirrel. Or, maybe a broken clock.

Thanks much to everyone for the input - The Hotel it is. Looking forward to our ride on June 13th!