If you are purely interested in location, the Winter Park Mountain Lodge (81669 Hwy. 40, 866/726-4211, www.winterparkhotel.com [1], $69–400) is right across the road from the ski resort. There are basic rooms and suites with in-room whirlpool tubs, in addition to an indoor swimming pool and hot tubs.
There is also the Vintage Resort Hotel & Conference Center (100 Winter Park Dr., 800/472-7017, www.vintagehotel.com [2], $300–864), which has a ski lodge feel with high ceilings and fireplaces in some suites.
It’s not like anyone drives out of their way to dine in Winter Park [3], where “regional cuisine” means food from another region. Stick to the basics, like Deno’s Mountain Bistro (78911 Hwy. 40, 970/726-5332, www.denosmountainbistro.com [4], daily 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., $13–36) for burgers, pizza, and steaks.
Sticking with the corny faux Swiss Alps decor of the Gasthaus Eichler hotel, the Fondue Stube (78786 Hwy. 40, 970/726-5133, www.gasthauseichler.com [5], Nov.–April Wed.–Sun. 5–9 p.m.) serves classic cheese and dessert fondues to those who like playing with their food.
The Ranch House at Devil’s Thumb (3530 County Rd. 83, Tabernash, 970/726-5633, www.devilsthumbranch.com [6], Wed.–Sun. 5:30–8 p.m., closed late Oct.–mid-Nov.) is very Western chic in a historic homestead building. The menu is more upscale but there are simple burgers and salads too. Reservations are recommended.
Links:
[1] http://www.winterparkhotel.com
[2] http://www.vintagehotel.com
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/denver/excursions-denver/winter-park-ski-resort
[4] http://www.denosmountainbistro.com
[5] http://www.gasthauseichler.com
[6] http://www.devilsthumbranch.com