The top two traveler trends for 2025 are at opposite ends of the spectrum. If you feel like you can’t afford a getaway, you are not alone! The good news is, Grand Junction is one of the most affordable, and approachable, destinations in Colorado. Other travelers are chasing a luxury experience from upscale accommodations to wellness enhancements. Grand Junction offers elevated experiences that are quite affordable, allowing you to stay an extra night or two. Bonus: The #1 comment made by guests who visit Grand Junction is how friendly the residents are. From a friendly smile to sharing their favorite trail, locals love to make you feel at home during your visit.
Lodging
Let’s start with budget friendly lodging - consider it as super sizing your vacation! Yes, we said that. Grand Junction has 32 hotels and motels and over 300 vacation homes to choose from, so whatever your budget, there is a place to exceed your expectations and provide premium comfort. The average hotel rate in Grand Junction, per night, during the month of April 2025 ranges from $55 - $199, with the average hovering right around $99 - $105. Vacation homes range from $75 - $380 per night, with the average at about $129 - $135.
Affordable Lodging
If you choose to save money by using public transportation, the convenience of Downtown may be ideal for you. There are four brand hotels located in Downtown Grand Junction, all walking distance to affordable restaurants, boutique shops, and hip cafes. They include: Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Tru by Hilton. April 2025 rates average from $142 - $196 per night, so incredibly affordable in addition to the convenience of being Downtown and in walking distance to restaurants and shops. All offer a complimentary hot breakfast, are pet-friendly, and check-out is at noon. Each of the hotels have a pool except for the Tru by Hilton. Bonus: If you stay at any of these four hotels, you receive a complimentary drink at SoCo Social, within just a block of all four hotels.
Another option, the Grand Vista Hotel, is located on Horizon Drive and just 1.1 miles from Grand Junction Regional Airport. Rates for April 2025 average $59 - $71 per night. They provide refrigerators and microwaves in all guest rooms and there is an onsite restaurant and lounge with live entertainment seven nights a week. They offer a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport as well as the Amtrak Train Station.
The vacation homes in Grand Junction are quite affordable compared to other destinations in Colorado and the U.S. From rustic to refined, there are hundreds to choose from that are within your ideal price point. This modern two-bedroom rental is Downtown and is, on average, $131 per night throughout April 2025.
Upscale Lodging
Photo by: Hotel Melrose
Hotel Maverick's rates average at $212 per night It is located on Colorado Mesa University’s campus and is famous for its rooftop restaurant called Devil’s Kitchen, which serves from scratch cuisine including Dungeness crab tots, Bison tamale, and bananas foster. The experience is pristine and calm, despite being at a university – it is absolutely a refined atmosphere thanks to the boutique design and professionalism of the staff. Enhance your experience with their “Rest & Recharge” offering which includes a sleep mask, white sound speaker, and oil diffuser. Hiking at Colorado National Monument is only 10 minutes away, so it is a perfect location for your outdoor adventures.
The Hotel Melrose in Downtown Grand Junction offers rates averaging $232 for the Ponsford Suite, a lavish second story room with a king-size bed. It is a newly renovated boutique hotel with refined design. Each suite evokes royal luxury and is thoughtfully curated for tranquility and comfort. The hotel also features Melrose Spirit Co., a trendsetting cocktail bar designed to transport you back in time and lift up your spirits with an eclectic drink menu.
Grand Junction has over 300 vacation homes and even the premium homes are pleasantly affordable. Here is a selection of elegantly designed vacation homes that are custom decorated and chic. The “Red Vista Views,” “Klondike” and “Hillview Hangout” are especially elegant.
Dining
From dining experiences that take you back in time to line dancing after dark, Grand Junction’s restaurant scene is diverse in price and environment. From all-you-can-eat salmon and James Beard-nominated cuisine to fresh sushi and Tomahawk steaks, Grand Junction’s dining scene is full of unexpected delights.
Affordable Dining
Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery is by far the best deal in town every Tuesday! All you can eat salmon – yes, we said salmon; now that is what we call supersize me! Salmon Fish & Chips and Burnt Ends BBQ Mac-N-Cheese is all you can eat for only $19.95, every Tuesday from 4:00 – 10:00 pm. Rockslide is Grand Junction’s original brewery and is still going strong; located Downtown, enjoy the warm climate with outdoor seating. Downtown is a designated park, so the flowers and historic buildings are absolutely beautiful!
Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar is delightful and serves up nostalgic Chicago-inspired classics and craft beverages in a relaxed, yet elevated, atmosphere. Start with Beer Cheese Soup, Veggie Soup, Gumbo or Chili for $6 each, or a Side of Mac & Cheese for $5. The Classic Dog and Cru Salad are only $7 each. Catch Happy Hour from 3 pm – 5 pm daily and all day on Mondays - $2 off rotating craft draft beer and select wines.
No Coast Sushi offers more than just sushi, but you can’t go wrong with their delicious Maki for $5-$16. The No Coast Combo has a generous 13-piece presentation for only $27! Other options include Ramen ($14-$18), Udon ($19-$26), and Salads ($7-$26). No matter what you choose, the ambiance is tranquil and can be topped off with ciders and beers for only $4.
Handmade pies are flying at Mama Ree’s Pizza + Brewhouse, inspired by Mama Donisi who came to America from Italy many decades ago. The brewhouse carries on traditions and makes you feel like family while you dine, play cornhole and shoot pool in the game area. Pizzas start at only $12 and the Mav Pie is a local favorite, with a creamy white base topped with mac and cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, and green onions for $12.99, or try the Buffalo Chicken Sub made with their signature buffalo sauce for $11.99. Mama’s goes country every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a live DJ, drink specials, and late night fun until 2:00am. Need some help learning how to line dance? Take one of their line dancing classes available on Saturdays at 7:30-9:00pm. Y'all need to check this place out, ya hear?
Upscale Dining
Chef Josh Niernberg, owner of Bin 707 Foodbar, is Grand Junction’s most famous chef, as distinguished by James Beard. Josh is a repeat finalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards. He is currently a finalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. Awards will be announced June 16, 2025. Bin specializes in seasonal Colorado cuisine with a commitment to purchasing local first. The Elk Tartare, at $21, is one of the most popular starters. Currently, the Lamb Tenderloin is on the spring menu – Lamb, Cranberry Bordelaise, Cherry Tomatoes, Root Veg Puree, Chips, and Horseradish for $48. End with a sweet treat – the Momofuku Milk Bar Pie with Ice Cream is $10.
Moody’s Lounge is a 1920s speakeasy-themed bar that will send you back in time once you enter through the back door! The experienced staff is always on point; including Mikey, who was recently voted as Grand Junction’s best bartender – look for the mustache. Couple that with the “Best Bar” award in the same locally voted competition. Start with the $16 Poke Nachos or dig right into the $22 Wagyu Burger that is best in class. Also, the 3lb $120 Tomahawk Steak with roasted veggies and fingerling potatoes has quickly become a crowd favorite for special occasions.
626 on Rood, is located Downtown, offers a unique experience called Romanticize Your Life Pre-Fixe, $60 per person, which is a four-course meal fit for royalty, starting with Confit Ratatouille Soup, Shrimp Ceviche Pasta and ending with Caramel Macchiato Vanilla Cake. The Escargots for $16 is a local favorite, as well as the Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass for $47.
Experiences
Now that you have a variety of options for lodging and dining to choose from, it’s the perfect time to get excited about all the fun activities you can enjoy during your getaway! From mild to wild, Grand Junction has the perfect adventure waiting for you. Enjoy leisurely strolls through charming downtown streets, explore scenic hiking trails, or dive into thrilling outdoor adventures like off-roading and river rafting. Create your ideal itinerary by blending thrilling adventure with peaceful relaxation for the ultimate getaway.
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor’s Guide – either the digital guide or we will mail you one for free!