Vacations Blog

We decided to extend our trip to Colorado by a day; having spent our time in a lovely condo, we wanted to up the comfort factor and really go all-out. I called the Ritz-Carlton in Beaver Creek, and arranged for a night’s stay (full disclosure: I told ‘em I was a travel writer and somewhat well-known dadblogger, and they gave us a killer deal. On a one-bedroom suite, no less.)

As a destination spot, the town of Beaver Creek was somewhat unremarkable. Like Vail, it had a prefabricated air to it, like a ski town designed by Disney engineers. But the resort! Apart from describing Peter Jackson movies based on Tolkien novels, I don’t use the word “stunning” very often, but the Ritz-Carlton – formally known as The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch - is just that.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton)

I know what you’re thinking: swank. Expensive. Jack Nicholson chasing you through a hedge maze with an axe. Right on the first two, and there’s no maze (nor are there any topiary animals, for you literary types out there). Yes, the place is an AAA Five-Diamond rated resort, with the only Vail Valley spa location that boasts the “coveted Mobil Four-Stars” (per the resort’s press kit). It ain’t cheap. And you know what? That’s not a bad thing. And you know what else? If you have kids, you will absolutely get your money’s worth.

For starters, there’s Bachelor. He’s the resident Yellow Lab, a friendly dog that is cared for by the resort staff. Kids can hang out with him, and take him for a hike if his schedule permits. (In fact, the resort allows dogs – just dogs, so feel free to bring your pooch; there is a fee, but this summer the resort is waiving that, through Labor Day.) If your kids are dog-adverse, not to worry; the Ritz has a complete Ritz Kid’s program, including organized games, hikes, swimming, and movie nights. Kids also dine free at the hotel’s onsite Spago, which has a great and healthy kids’ menu. (My five-year-old son complained that there was no sushi on the menu. I’m not making that up.)

My kids and Bachelor, the resident dog.

The pool was fantastic (heated, of course), as were the three hot tubs. Our suite was enormous, with comfortable beds and a full-sized, fully equipped kitchen. The crib that was provided was indeed a crib, not a Pack-N-Play, which Zoe appreciated. And the service was world-class, from every one we encountered; Lucas and Zoe were treated as well as we were (nice touch – when we pulled into the lobby valet area, the valets knew the kids by name). Better even – they got a welcome package with bath toys, yoyos and those cowboy hats. I didn’t get a cowboy hat.

Zoe and I, checking out the view from our suite.

It all pointed out the difference between a vacation and a Vacation. I’m pretty easy when it comes to travel – I default to Holiday Inns. It’s sometimes necessary to go big when you travel – pamper yourself, and your family, and truly relax and unwind – and for this, the Ritz-Carlton succeeds mightily.