Grand Lake is fine but you have to drive over the Estes side for about 90% or more of what Rocky has to offer. Long and can be crowded drive.
We, like Thunder Mountain, used to live in Estes. And we have been back a few times since we moved from there in 2003. We used to stay at Elk Meadow but it also has deteriorated. Last time we stayed at Riverview on the west end of Loveland. Worth taking a look at. I know there are places up at Carter Lake but, in all honesty, I know nothing about them. But you might check.