In fairness, we arrived about two hours before check-in and politely asked if it was possible to check in early. If not, we were happy to go on our scheduled tour and return later. They allowed us to check in early, but it quickly became clear this "accommodation" came at a cost — while the room resembled what was shown online in some ways, the reality fell far short of expectations. We brought our concerns to Alexandra at the front desk. What followed was a frustrating and frankly bizarre interaction. She insisted the lodge was fully booked. She claimed guests specifically reserved the other rooms by room number during booking, and that no other rooms were being turned over that day — statements confirmed to be false. After a pointless and draining back-and-forth, she reluctantly agreed to switch us… only to reverse her decision after we had packed everything up and vacated the original room. We asked to speak with a manager and were told Dana Timmons was in charge. Despite three separate attempts to meet with her at times the staff promised she’d be available, she was nowhere to be found. They also refused to provide a business number to reach her. The entire experience with reception was exhausting — almost as if the staff’s only enjoyment comes from making sure you regret staying there. It set the tone for what became a deeply disappointing stay. All in all, the room was dated, dirty, and misleadingly represented in the lodge’s photos. There was no bathtub as shown — just a cramped shower barely large enough to turn around in. The phone didn't work, there was no ironing board, the sink leaked continuously, and we were given just half a roll of toilet paper. To top it off, the bathroom wasn't even clean — and I’ll leave the details at that, though it’s likely worse than you’re imagining. The one bright spot: the national park itself, and the wonderful park rangers and tour guides whose passion and knowledge truly shined. Unfortunately, Far View Lodge does a disservice to the beauty and significance of Mesa Verde. Bottom line: even at a relatively low price, it's not worth the money, the hassle, or the experience. Within the first hour, we knew without a doubt that we would never return.

As a family traveling with 3 children, I booked two rooms on the same reservation. On arrival, the rooms we were place in were in separate buildings on different ends of the property. That was very inconvenient for us, we generally share two suitcases when we travel. I asked the front desk staff about getting two rooms closer together, even if we had to switch room types or move closer to each other later in our stay ( we stayed 3 nights). Between the staff and a supervisor— they essentially told me tough luck. They offered no help or accommodation for our situation. Truly, it was their rudeness that really set me off. It’s a beautiful property and saves you some time accessing the park, but it may not be worth the trouble if you are renting more than one room or have small children. I wouldn’t stay there again.

Believe the negative reviews. Half the rooms at the Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde NP are shuttered and condemned. All the facilities run by Aramark, the private concessionaire are dirty, unkempt, and neglected. Maybe one third of the staff great and the other two thirds rude and disrespectful or totally disinterested in their jobs. We stayed 2 nights although we had originally planned on 3 nights. I went downstairs in the lodge main building on the 2nd day to use the microwave to reheat dinner leftovers for lunch. Dirty, unkempt “game room” with warning signs not to use doors due to construction. Filthy bathrooms in main building on lower level with overflowing trash cans. Chipped ceilings and wall paint in our room. Dirty floors. Not at all like the photos. Room 138. On the positive side our room had a great view and fairly new windows with screens in very good condition. We were able to unplug the ac unit from the wall (even when not turned on it made a buzzing noise). We opened the large sliding windows and it was lovely to have fresh air. Quiet location. Beautiful sunrise view. The room stayed reasonably cool throughout our time there in mid-July. However, the unpainted and recently repaired wood framing around the balcony door made it difficult to open and close. Very small shower and bathroom. Sink with a faucet that was not aligned properly and gushed water over the bowl on to the floor when turned on with any pressure. Two dinners and two breakfasts at the Far View Lodge and the Far View Terrace cafe. Food was acceptable but not great. Good lattes at the cafe, a short distance away from the lodge building. So sad to see corporate USA cost cutting at work in what was once probably a beautiful facility. Bring as much of your own food as you can or camp at the campground. However, having said all this, the location of Far View Lodge is stupendous. The campground is located closer to the park entrance and the lodge is 11 miles further into the park and conveniently located to the important sites, museum, and trails. Our room was the least expensive room we’ve ever experienced within a national park but you get what you pay for. We enjoyed seeing the wildlife (deer and birds) and several wild horses roaming near the lodge. One evening we drove to the campground for a performance by indigenous people from a Pueblo near Albuquerque so be sure to check out what is happening in the evenings at the campground amphitheater. The performance and setting was amazing. To recap, Far View Lodge is located in a great location. Convenient to visit the cliff dwellings, museum, trails, and the cafe for catching a tour. Just in bad condition and some staff members are fantastic and others (like the woman who checked us in), treat you rudely. 700 Year Tour was fantastic with a man from Texas as the guide. Highly recommend this tour. Sign up ahead of time. Well worth the price. Tour guide was great and so was the van driver. Can’t remember his name. Go in the morning because it’s cool and pleasant. The tour ends at Cliff Palace with a guided tour by a park ranger. In the morning you are in the shade. My husband opted to watch from the overlook because the Cliff Palace guided tour involves some narrow steep steps and ladders. I’m afraid of heights but it wasn’t scary or too strenuous but again, go in the morning. Gets really hot at Mesa Verde by afternoon. As always the National Park Rangers were amazing. Smart, helpful, courteous, etc. Aramark should be fired. It was so sad to see a National Park lodge in such a terrible run down condition.

Horrible customer service. Tried to cancel a room due to a personal family issue a full 45 days in advance and they won't even talk to me. No exceptions. Inhuman. Only book if you want to sign away your soul.

While happy enough to have convenient lodging within the park and close to sites, I was disappointed with the room prep for the rates charged. Of the 2 queen beds in the room, one had lots of dog hair(?) all over it. The shower had no shower gel and the light in the shower ceiling did not work. There were light bulbs missing in several fixtures. The exterior entry light was out. I had no DO NOT DISTURB sign for my door. Still, my room was not serviced any of the 4 days/3 nights I was there. It seemed like too much effort to get all this addressed. I preferred to just get on with my activities. On the plus side, the bed was comfortable, room was clean (except for dog hair blanket), the AC was not too clattery, and the windows opened for fresh air and the sweet sound of crickets at night. Having a rear entry porch was nice, as it was in shade during the hottest part of the day. Despite room issues, the staff were great. Very pleasant and accommodating. Restaurant offerings were tasty. I was glad to not have to drive down off the Mesa for that too. Despite the negatives, staying high in the park has great value, if one is tired of driving, driving, driving! So much time saved. The room had no TV or clock. No problem, didn’t miss either; just FYI.