Avon
Colorado


The Experience

Vail’s sister resort, Beaver Creek, located just half an hour’s drive away along the I-70, has grown dramatically since it opened two decades ago, and for many years now, the slope-side Hyatt has been one of this ultraluxurious resort’s centerpieces. Many of the design features original to here have been virtually copied by other mountain hotels, notably the vast elk-horn chandelier that dominates the lobby. But even with its warm feel, this hotel’s greatest advantage is its location at the bottom of the roller-coaster Centennial trail and the bottom station of the chairlift of the same name. You can literally ski back onto the terrace.

The Rooms

Oversize beds, duvets and attractive marble bathrooms (with ginger peach products from the hotel’s own Allegria spa) are the key features here, found in the smallest Courtyard doubles as well as the Slopeside Kings. Surprisingly, there are not many suites, but upgrade to the Executive Kings and you’ll have a full 600 square feet of space. And besides, the rooms are of such a high standard that you won’t even think to complain.

The Service

The level of service and creature comforts is wonderful, including a ski valet who takes your nicely heated boots and skis to the slopes for you and is there at the end of the day to take them off. This Hyatt, exuding quality and a feeling of elegance, is completely committed to guest convenience.

The Highlights

Whether you’re here in winter or summer you’ll find plenty of activities on offer, including golf at the Beaver Creek Golf Club (on a Robert Trent Jones-designed course). The Allegria Spa, upgraded and doubled in size in summer 2006, has won many accolades and is inspired by the rules of feng shui. Have a wild mountain berry scrub or soak in one of the five outdoor tubs beneath a waterfall under a starry sky. There are other options for winding down as well: Take tea in the library, a hot toddy by the firepit on the patio or cocktails by the Jacuzzi. And by night, margaritas in the Whisky Elk are the finest experience Beaver Creek has to offer.

--Alistair Scott

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»