The Ute Mountain Casino is in the heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. Gaming opportunities at the casino include slot machines and video poker, blackjack table games and bingo. The casino's poker room hosts Omaha and Texas Hold 'Em tournaments. On-site dining is provided at Kuchu's, a casual restaurant with a buffet option or traditional sit-down service; buffets are available for breakfast and dinner, while entrees include smothered burrito and sirloin steak. Rooms include suites with living rooms and Native American artwork. The hotel's gift shop has souvenir items, including handcrafted items from the Ute tribe.
The Mesa Verde Inn is in southern Cortez, a 15-minute drive from the Ute Mountain Reservation. This locally owned hotel provides guests with an outdoor pool -- heated by solar power -- RV and large truck parking, volleyball court and a picnic area with barbecue grill; the swimming pool is only open during the summer. Pets may stay for an additional fee; the hotel has an on-site park for dogs. The hotel is a five-minute drive from the Dry Dock, a local eatery with Mexican cuisine. The Cortez Cultural Center is also within five minutes of Mesa Verde Inn; this attraction hosts art exhibits and community events.
The Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation is approximately 20 minutes from the Best Western Turquoise Inn, located in downtown Cortez. The hotel is a short walk from eateries on Main Street, including Mama Ree's Fine Italian Dining and Francisca's, a Mexican restaurant. Walking paths and picnicking areas at Cortez City Park and Centennial Park are less than five minutes from Best Western. Hotel amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pool areas, gift shop with local artwork and an indoor courtyard. The indoor pool area has a whirlpool tub with waterfall. Courtesy airport shuttle to Cortez-Montezuma County Airport is available. Pets may stay for an additional fee.
Situated in eastern Cortez, the Holiday Inn Express is a 25-minute drive from the Ute Mountain Reservation. Guest features include an atrium area with indoor pool and whirlpool tub, sauna, fitness room and Koko's Friendly Grill, an on-site restaurant with Southwest-style cuisine; the restaurant is closed on Sundays. Pets may stay at the hotel but cannot be left unattended in rooms. Golfing opportunities are available at the 18-hole Conquistador Golf Course, a five-minute drive from the hotel. During the summer and early fall, hotel guests are within five minutes of the Cortez Farmer's Market, which occurs on the corner of Main Street and Elm Street; this mark features food vendors and acoustic music entertainment.
