Escape to Paradise: Crested Butte's Luxurious Elevation Hotel & Spa
Escape to Paradise… or Just Above Average? A Messy, Honest Review of Crested Butte's Elevation Hotel & Spa
Okay, so Crested Butte, Colorado. Picture this: soaring mountains, fresh air, and the promise of a luxurious escape. The Elevation Hotel & Spa. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, let's get real. I just got back, and honestly, it's less "escape to paradise" and more "pretty decent hotel with some seriously good spa perks and a few head-scratching quirks." Buckle up, buttercups. This is going to be a wild ride, and I'm not holding back.
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Because I have to):
- Keywords: Elevation Hotel & Spa, Crested Butte, Colorado, Hotel Review, Spa, Accessibility, Luxury, Ski Resort, Mountain Hotel, Dining, Wellness, Hotel Amenities, Pet-Friendly (ish), Reviews.
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Elevation Hotel & Spa in Crested Butte. Detailed insights on amenities, accessibility, dining, spa experiences, and overall stay. Not just sunshine and rainbows! Get the real scoop before you book!
Accessibility: Smooth Sailing… Mostly.
Right off the bat, I was pleasantly surprised. They seemed to really get the accessibility thing. The wheelchair accessibility was top-notch; ramps, elevators, wide doorways, the whole shebang. Seriously, props. Felt like they actually cared. Details like the elevator being easily accessible wasn't something I could take for granted. Good on them. The facilities for disabled guests were a major plus. They mentioned having facilities for disabled guests and I can only assume the wheelchair accessibility went hand-in-hand with that. It makes a difference, you know? Even the front desk [24-hour] was helpful. The Internet access was smooth, so the Wi-Fi in all rooms was a big boon.
Internet: Gotta Stay Connected
Speaking of which, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was truly a lifesaver. Because, let's be honest, we're all glued to our phones. And the internet itself was speedy enough. I caught up on emails and watched some Netflix without any major buffering meltdowns. The Internet [LAN] was also there.
Rooms: Comfort vs. "Wow" Factor
So, the room… okay. Let's be honest. It was nice. Beyond the basic necessities like Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area and Daily housekeeping it offered a bit of "luxury". You know, Breakfast in room. It was clean. The Non-smoking rooms were a godsend, since I'm a non-smoker. The Seating area was nice for relaxing. The Extra long bed was genuinely appreciated. There was a Desk, which was great. The Closet and Mini bar were standard stuff. The Hair dryer, Ironing facilities and Coffee/tea maker were all present and correct. And the Slippers were a nice touch.
Now, for the downsides: The Room decorations and aesthetic were…meh. It felt a bit generic for this price point. Sure, there were Bathrobes and Towels but the whole place lacked a distinct personality. Also, the Blackout curtains were crucial for those mountain mornings. And the Window that opens was…well, I opened it, but it didn't exactly offer breathtaking views.
The Spa: This is Where They Shine! (And Where I Nearly Melted)
Okay, this is where the Elevation really earns its keep. The Spa. O-M-G the Spa. I had a Massage that was pure bliss. My therapist, bless her weary soul, worked out knots I didn’t even know I had. I mean, it was a total Spa/sauna experience. The Sauna and Steamroom—heavenly! They had a Pool with view and, yes, it was as glorious as it sounds. The Foot bath was the perfect prelude to a full-body scrub. The Body scrub and Body wrap left me feeling like a brand-new, super-smooth, slightly-dazed human. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was the perfect place to soak up the sun. The Swimming pool itself was also fantastic. Seriously, the spa is the shining star. I could have happily stayed there forever.
Dining: Hits and Misses (Mostly Hits, Thankfully)
Food, glorious food! Let's break it down. the Restaurants were pretty good, but not mind-blowing. The Bar served up some decent cocktails. The Poolside bar was a nice touch for some casual drinks. The Coffee shop was convenient, but the coffee itself was… well, it wasn’t the best.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Solid. Standard buffet fare. Nothing fancy, but definitely edible. They had the usual suspects - the Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast and the Breakfast service. Also the Asian breakfast.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant. I can't speak for the authenticity of the Asian cuisine in restaurant option.
- A la carte in restaurant: Great for dinner. They are Desserts in restaurant. The Salad in restaurant tasted like something else. Soup in restaurant. I loved the ambiance, and the food.
- Snack bar: Good for a quick bite.
- Room service [24-hour]: Essential, and they delivered. I did appreciate being able to just order food and have it brought to my room.
- Poolside bar: Great with its Bottle of water.
- Happy hour: Awesome.
Cleanliness and Safety: Above and Beyond (Thank Goodness)
In the current climate, this is huge, and the Elevation delivered. They had Anti-viral cleaning products everywhere. The Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services gave me genuine peace of mind. They had Hygiene certification. Hand sanitizer. They were very prepared with the First aid kit! The staff were all wearing masks, and the whole place felt… sanitized. The Staff trained in safety protocol knew what they were doing and the Safe dining setup, with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items was appreciated.
Things to Do (Beyond the Spa):
Well, you're in Crested Butte. So, Things to do are pretty obvious. Skiing, hiking, more skiing, more hiking. The hotel itself had the usual amenities: a decent Fitness center, and some ways to relax. A lot of options for a small town like the Sauna and Steamroom and the Pool with view. They offered a Doctor/nurse on call, which is always comforting.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
Here's where things get a little… spotty. the Concierge was very helpful with local recommendations. The Airport transfer helped with the Car park [free of charge]! The Car park [on-site] was very convenient. The Pet-friendly (ish). They Front desk [24-hour] made it stress-free. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were a lifesaver. The Elevator and CCTV in common areas.
- Cashless payment service was there.
- The Invoice provided.
- The Luggage storage was convenient.
For the Kids:
I didn't bring kids, but they had something for them, which is nice.
Getting Around:
The Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Taxi service was available.
The Quirks (and the Room for Improvement):
Okay, time for some honesty.
- The "Luxury" Factor: While they advertised "luxury," some details felt a little…basic. The room decor I mentioned earlier, felt generic.
- The Pet Situation: While they say they're pet-friendly, the details were unclear. I did not see any pet options.
- The "Wow" Factor: It's a beautiful and well-done place, but it's missing that little extra something that elevates it from "great" to "unforgettable."
- The View, Revisited: I booked a valley view, and "valley" is being generous. It was… a partial view of a parking lot.
The Verdict: Go For It… If You Love a Good Spa
Would I recommend the Elevation Hotel & Spa? Absolutely. Especially if you're a spa junkie like me. The spa alone makes it worth the trip. The accessibility is excellent, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the safety measures are top-notch.
Just go in with realistic expectations. It's a solid, well-run hotel with an amazing spa. And if you're lucky, you might even get a view that doesn't involve a parking lot. But honestly, after that massage, you won't care.
Escape to Paradise: JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando Luxury Awaits
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Crested Butte adventure so raw, so unfiltered, it'll practically smell of pine needles and regret. This isn't your sanitized travel brochure; this is me, after a week in the mountains, wrestling with altitude, a questionable cheese fondue, and the persistent urge to wear my pajamas all day. Here we go:
Crested Butte Chaos: A Semi-Coherent Travel Itinerary (Elevation Hotel & Spa Edition)
Day 1: Arrival and the Altitude's Grueling Embrace
1:00 PM: Touchdown in Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC). This is where the real struggle begins. Trust me on this. I knew the elevation was no joke, but I still managed to lurch out of the airport like a confused zombie. First impression? Gunnison's adorable, but the altitude's a straight-up bully.
1:30 PM: Shuttle to the Elevation Hotel & Spa. (Thank god for shuttles. Walking uphill, even with luggage, would’ve ended me.) The Elevation looks swanky. Seriously, the lobby alone is enough to make a normal human want to buy a condo. I was too busy trying to breathe, however, to truly appreciate the aesthetic.
2:30 PM: Check-in. Now, a side note on the room. The first room was fine, BUT the view was of a parking lot. You know what I did? Did I ask to be moved? No! I just sunk into the luxurious bed and stared at the TV, regretting my existence for the millionth time.
3:30 PM: Explore the hotel. The spa is legit, with a pool that screams, "Relax." I tried to, but that air pressure… It's like someone's gently squeezing your head.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Altitude Adjustment Nap. It was more of a low-key panic attack, honestly. But hey, I survived. I think.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the 9380 Prime. Steakhouse it is. I ordered the biggest steak on the menu, because apparently, I think I'm still 22. I ate approximately half of it before my body started screaming, sending me back to my room for a second nap.
9:00 PM: Collapsed into bed. The end.
Day 2: Skiing: A Lesson in Humility
8:00 AM: Wake up, feeling slightly less like a corpse. Breakfast, involving copious amounts of coffee and a begrudging acceptance of fresh fruit, which is the only way to get yourself to live through any sort of high altitude.
9:30 AM: Rental shop. The staff are surprisingly patient with tourists who can't remember which foot goes in which ski. I, of course, was one of them.
10:30 AM: Hit the slopes. Oh boy. Let's just say my "expert" level is more like "slightly above beginner, but with a healthy fear of falling". I ate snow approximately five times. I also nearly took out a small child. (Apologies, little dude!).
1:00 PM: Lunch at the Umbrella Bar, a bustling spot with views for miles. The nachos were a welcome distraction from my rapidly deteriorating skiing skills.
2:00 PM: Continuing skiing… or rather, attempting to ski. I am reminded of the fact that I haven't done this much since I was a teenager, and this is the point where all the muscles I forgot I had begin to protest.
4:00 PM: Surrender. Back to the hotel for a well-deserved soak in the hot tub. The water was so hot, I felt like I was being slowly braised. Bliss. And yes, I did manage to drop my phone in the water.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Woodstone. I ordered some type of special pasta with truffle oil, because I was trying to impress the waiter with my refined taste. It was good, you know? Really good. But I also was convinced I was going to throw up at any moment, so, a mixed bag, really.
8:30 PM: More naptime.
Day 3: Exploring Town, and the Fondue From Hell
9:00 AM: Stroll through Crested Butte. The town is adorable, like a postcard brought to life. I grabbed coffee, and then spent about an hour wandering the art galleries, pretending to be an intellectual.
11:00 AM: The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Museum. I'll admit I'm not a science person, but it was actually really interesting. Also, it's a great place to escape the sun.
1:00 PM: Lunch at The Secret Stash. Pizza here is legendary. It lived up to the hype. I now want to eat pizza every day for the rest of my life.
3:00 PM: Free time. I took a massage at the spa. It was amazing. I cried. So, that happened.
7:00 PM: The Fondue Incident. We went to a local restaurant called "The Soupçon". And ordered the fondue. Oh, the fondue. It seemed innocuous enough. Cheese bubbling merrily, bread cubes ready for dipping. But then… the taste. It was… funky. Like slightly, slightly gone-off cheese, with a weird aftertaste I can't even describe. My partner, bless him, tried to be polite. I couldn't even finish one bite . I swear, I spent the next two hours convinced I'd be violently ill. (I wasn't, thankfully, but the memory still haunts me.)
9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I needed to lie down.
Day 4: Hiking and A Quest for Happiness
9:00 AM: Hike. Today, my mission was to try and pretend that the fondue never happened. We found some trails. The air again was brutal, but I finally managed to make it through.
12:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
1:00 PM: I really wanted to spend more time just wandering around aimlessly, so I decided to do just that. I spent a good little while in the various shops around town, buying things that I didn't need, but wanted anyway.
7:00 PM: Dinner at The Pub. The food here was good, and I drank an entire pint of beer. I felt great. Probably the best meal of the whole trip.
8:30 PM: Packing began (always the worst part).
Day 5: Goodbyes and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. I savored every bite, because, you know, vacay is almost over.
10:00 AM: Wandered around the hotel and took more pictures.
12:00 PM: Check out, and back to Gunnison.
1:00 PM: Flight home.
Final Thoughts:
Crested Butte, you wild, beautiful, altitude-defying beast. You humbled me, entertained me, and gave me a story to tell. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a doctor and a hazmat suit. And maybe skipping the fondue. Maybe.
Niagara Falls Wyndham Garden: Unbeatable Views, Unforgettable Stay!
Escape to Paradise: Crested Butte's Elevation Hotel & Spa - The Unfiltered Truth (Probably Slightly Messy, Definitely Honest)
Okay, so *is* the Elevation Hotel really all that? Like, actually worth the spend?
Alright, let's be real. Luxury in the mountains? It *sounds* amazing. And the Elevation Hotel? Yeah, it's aiming for that. I just got back, and the answer is...complicated. Mostly, yes. But with some serious 'buts'.
First off, Crested Butte is stunning. Jaw-dropping scenery, even if you're just stumbling out of the hotel after one too many happy-hour margaritas (more on *those* later...). The hotel itself? Swanky. Modern. Think sleek wood, maybe a little too much gray for my taste (I'm a color person!), but overall, very, *very* well done. The spa? Oh, the spa. I'm officially addicted to those hot stone massages. Seriously. I'd sell a kidney for another one.
BUT… and there's a big, fluffy, overpriced-hotel-sized BUT. It's not perfect. More on that later, too, because I had the *worst* experience with the concierge on the first day, which I’ll eventually get to… (I promise!).
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they worth the splurge?
The rooms… again, a mixed bag. I booked one of the ‘elevated’ rooms because, you know, I'm fancy. Supposedly, they offer better views and… something else I can’t quite remember. Honestly? The view *was* killer. Waking up to that mountain scenery? Priceless. (Except, you know, when you *paid* for it.)
Size-wise, they're decent. Not palatial, but enough to sprawl out and pretend you're a millionaire. The beds? Comfy. Down comforters, fluffy pillows, the works. I might’ve slept for a solid twelve hours on the first night. Which, after a long day of travel and trying to avoid getting altitude sickness, was glorious.
The little extras are where they try to justify the price – Nespresso machine (essential!), robes, slippers, fancy toiletries. But… and here comes another BUT… the air conditioning in my room sounded like a jet engine. And I swear to you, the cleaning staff *always* came by at the *worst* possible times. One time, while I was halfway through a very important nap, I swear.
The restaurant. Is it worth eating there? Or should I brave the town's offerings?
The restaurant, 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill? Alright, I'll be blunt. It's…okay. The food is generally good, but it comes with a hefty price tag. They have incredible ambiance though. The view from the restaurant is unbelievable, especially at sunset.
I had a burger there one night that was *amazing*. Seriously, a contender for best burger of my life. But then I also had the salmon, which was…forgettable. Perfectly cooked, perfectly presented, but…blah. So, it's a gamble. The service is also good, however I did have a small issue. The waiter was incredibly friendly, but I think he forgot my drink!
For a more authentic experience, I’d suggest venturing into town. There are some *fantastic* restaurants and some incredible coffee shops. Honestly, the local options are far more interesting and often much more affordable. Just be prepared for a wait during peak season. And, uh, make sure you get reservations!
Spaaaaa! You mentioned it earlier. Spill the tea!
Okay, the spa. The spa. This is where the *real* magic happens. Truly. I’d rate this place among the best spas. Think hushed tones, soft lighting, the smell of eucalyptus… pure bliss. I had the hot stone massage, as mentioned, and it was… well, it was so good I almost cried. In a good way! The masseuse was a wizard. Seriously. She kneaded away all the stress of modern life, and the altitude, and that awful concierge… (did I mention the concierge?)
The facilities are fantastic too! Sauna, steam room, relaxation lounges with comfy chairs and herbal teas. I spent a good two hours just *existing* in there. Worth every single penny. This is where the price tag starts to make sense. And the mountain views from the spa aren't so bad, either.
The one downside? It's popular. Book your treatments *way* in advance, people! Because trust me, you don't want to miss out.
What about the service? Is it all smiles and helpfulness, or does it fall flat?
This is where things get a little… complicated. For the most part, the staff is lovely. Friendly, helpful, eager to please. Front desk staff? Super efficient. The bartenders? They knew my name by the third day (and my usual order, I might add!). The housekeeping, despite the unfortunate timing of their visits, were always polite.
BUT. And you knew there was a BUT coming, didn’t you? The concierge. Oh, the concierge. I’m going to be forever scarred by this experience. I wanted to book a snowmobile tour, which I did eventually enjoy doing, but the concierge, bless her heart, seemed utterly incapable of doing anything. She gave me incorrect information, made me feel like I was bothering her (which, admittedly, I might have been, a little hangry after a long flight), and generally made the whole process ridiculously difficult. I'm pretty sure I ended up finding a tour company online myself. It left a seriously bad taste in my mouth. Seriously. They need to sort out their concierge situation.
So, yeah, hit or miss. Most staff = amazing. Concierge = needs extensive retraining.
Speaking of snowmobiles, what's there to *do* besides spa and sleep?
Crested Butte in winter? Skiing, obviously! I'm not a huge skier myself, but the mountain is supposed to be fantastic. I did some snowshoeing (gorgeous!), and, yes, the snowmobile tour (once I’d finally booked it myself…). That was actually amazing. We ripped through pristine powder, saw incredible views, and almost fell into a ravine. (Okay, not *almost*, but there was definitely a moment of panic.)
In summer, I hear it’s all about hiking and mountain biking. The trails looked incredible, even covered in snow! The town itself is charming – quirky shops, good restaurants, a general feeling of laid-back coolness. Definitely worth exploring in the evenings. And don’t miss the happy hour at the hotel bar. The margaritas – *chefsStay Finder Review
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Crested Butte's Luxurious Elevation Hotel & Spa"