The lodge is the only choice you have in Big Bend National Park, and its location is fabulous, with views down to the desert below. It's in a mountainous part of the park, so it's cooler than down below. We stayed for one night in one of the motel rooms. Do not expect luxurious rooms in the motel section---ours was 1970's-style basic and in need of upgrading (with soiled carpet, old mattress, small bathroom, etc.). There's no TV in the rooms, although you can rent small TV's at the front desk. But our experience has been that national park lodges are often pretty rustic---both outside and inside the room, so you just have to go with the flow in order to be able to experience staying in the park.

The restaurant was a little better than we would have expected, with some creative southwestern dishes and very good desserts. The view from the restaurant is lovely. There are several hiking trails leading from the lodge. This property would get a 2 or 3 rating if not for the location and western ambience, but it's definitely a 4 with the scenery.

We had a wonderful stay at the Casa Grande Hotel, part of the Chisos Mountain Lodge. While the room was not large it was very comfortable and well kept. We appreciated all the efforts made for recycling, etc. Beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The restaurant was also excellent. The food was good and not overpriced, especially considering it was the only restaurant for at least a hundred miles. Very relaxing and peaceful.

This was our 3rd time to stay at the Chisos Mountain Lodge. We've stayed in the Casa Grande Motel Rooms, the Emory Peak Lodge and in one of the Roosevelt Stone Cottages. Of these 3, we actually enjoyed the Emory Peak Lodge (#105) best. We were there in early May, for birding and hiking. There is a small problem with noise at 105 due to the ice machine being right next to it, also the lights on the path shine directly into the cottage at night, but those small problems aside, we loved the covered porch and could watch the sunset by taking just a few steps outside our door to an overlook of the valley and the Window. The trailhead to both the Pinnacles Trail (leads to Boot Canyon Trail and beyond) and the Laguna Meadow Trail, begin steps away from the Emory Peak Lodge. The restaurant was a disappointment this year, but in our prior visit (2007) the restaurant was superb. If you're looking for a quiet, interesting vacation that is as close to camping as you can get without actually camping, the Emory Peak Lodge at The Chisos Mountains Lodge is a winner.

To voice some criticism of the rooms: I stayed at the Emory Peak motel-like rooms. We had a double and a twin. Luckily my husband and I could use the twin as a shelf. There is no chest of drawers in the room, just a bar for hangers and one suitcase valet. We were there for 4 nights so we had a suitcase full. There is plenty of room for a small chest, or cubbies, or shelves or hooks. Also, there is one puny towel rack in the bathroom. There was no room for more towel racks, but there is room for a couple of hooks. Luckly I always pack a plastic S-hook so I could hang a wet towel. In fact, if we could have hung our towels to dry, we wouldn't have needed replacements every day, saving the environment.

Also, there information is too sparse. The rooms do have a hairdryer but I didn't know this. I called and asked before I left home. The clerk told me dryers and shampoo are not provided. (They are provided).

Also, no where did any information tell about the $10/day dvd player rental. I might have bought dvd's with me too watch.

My room wasn't air-conditioned, which was okay for 3 out of the 4 nights. The last night was a little warm. I don't see why they don't upgrade this. It was nice not hearing air conditioners so I am neutral about this. I wouldn't stay at the Emory Peaks past mid-April.

Otherwise, I agree with everyone's assessment about the park and lodge.