Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, CO [Master Thread]

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070103/20070103006046.html?.v=1

Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Announces The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa and The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas in Avon Colorado
Wednesday January 3, 3:08 pm ET
New Westin to Offer Scenic Views and Year-Round Outdoor Recreation

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE: HOT - News) today announced The Westin® Riverfront Resort & Spa - a 235-room full service hotel and resort facility, which is currently under construction and being developed by East West Partners - and The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas, a 113-unit Westin vacation ownership resort being developed by Starwood Vacation Ownership. The entire mixed-use project will bring together the natural beauty of the region with The Westin brand's signature products and services, designed to help guests feel at their personal best.

Surrounded by mountains, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is anticipated to open in time for the 2008 ski season, followed shortly thereafter by the first phase of The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas. The complex will include a spa and fitness facility, restaurants and approximately 4,700 square feet of meeting space. It will also feature a pedestrian-friendly retail plaza with shops, restaurants and a high-speed eight-passenger gondola that will transport skiers and snowboarders to the adjacent Beaver Creek Ski Resort Area.

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Going to be staying at the Westin Avon, Co in the near future. Looking for some first hand knowledge of this resort that just opened.

Me and my wife stayed here last weekend and loved the hotel. The rooms were really nice and I was upgraded to suite on the 3rd floor. The hotel is not fully open yet because I was told this was the highest open floor. Another wing is also still under construction.

I think we were the first people to stay in our room because a few items were missing. There was no remote for either TV and the bed side lamps had no bulbs. Other than that I had no complaints.

We have stayed at several Colorado Starwood’s (including the Aspen St. Regis) and this is definitely the best.

Our main reason for visiting the hotel was to try the restaurant. We both really liked Avondale. She did a write up at the following link if interested:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/562853

Any recent stay or reports from FT members?

My searches only resulted in a few tidbits from related threads.

Taking the family in a few weeks for an early season ski trip and had some questions:

How are the dining options within the hotel?

Are there complimentary shuttles to/from Beaver Creek Village (BCV)?

Is it easy to get to the main lodge/ski school from the Riverfront Gondola or should I head straight for BCV?

Any other tips would be appreciated.

The Westin has a variety of food options. Restaurant Avondale is the signature restaurant. All of the ingredients are locally grown so they're the freshest ingredients possible. The menu is approachable with a theme that features West coast & regional plates. It is high quality and affordable.
They also have the Market Avondale that has deli style sandwiches, coffee, assorted snacks and drinks.
There is also a wine bar in the lobby.

Don't feel obligated to go up to Beaver Creek Village if you're looking for other dining options. There are plenty in the town of Avon and in walking distance! TiCino in Avon is a new, locally owned pizza restaurant. They feature European style pizza that can't be beat! There's also Pazzos Pizza, Vin 48 (American cuisine and an extensive wine menu), and Fiesta Jalisco (Mexican).

If you're looking to get to the mountain during the day, the gondola is open from 8-5 starting early December. If you need to get to Beaver Creek village for lunch, dinner, shopping, etc, you can use a hotel shuttle.

If you need to get kids to ski school, the Kids Club has transportation in the morning and the afternoon.

The fastest way to get onto the mountain is to use the gondola. You will exit the gondola at Beaver Creek Landing and there is a lift 20 steps away which will put you on the Bachelor Gulch side of the mountain. It is a quick ski down to Beaver Creek Village from the top of that lift.

Thx skigirl :cool:

That's a lot of help! ^

Since we stayed here recently (Dec 12 weekend) and there hasn't been too many stay reports, I thought I'd chime in.

Employees here are very friendly and service-oriented as soon as you step out of the car. Valet guys like John and porters like Willy(?) were great and terrific with touristic advice (where to dine, park in Avon, BC, Vail or Edwards, etc.). The ski valets were terrific as well...friendly and cheerful at every encounter. Westin Kids' Club also had fabulous workers, Margie and Jill(?). My 4yo son loved it there. And the hostess and our waitress, Heather, at the the restaurant, Avondale, were friendly and cheerful as well.

Brad at the front desk was very welcoming and acknowledged my Plat status upon check-in; we were "pre-upgraded" into a studio suite. More of a studio than a suite (no separate bedroom), but it had a very large bathroom with sep bath/shower. Coat rack, bench and long wardrobe upon entrance. King bed and pull-out sofa bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, large LCD TV with HD broadcast, and a small balcony. Interestingly, the room had a small kitchen with sink, utensils, microwave, fridge (semi-stocked with enough space to put your own things in) so that you could do some light cooking if you so desire.

The public areas were of fair size and offered several public sitting areas and a bar "conveniently" located. I found that I couldn't complain much at all being that it's a brand new resort (opened Oct 2008).

Resort fee of $20 per day includes fitness center, internet, local phone calls and such; and a one-time valet charge of $25 (wasn't per day so I hope that's the standard policy).

The restaurant Avondale has an upscale casual, contemporary atmosphere. We enjoyed breakfast there with views toward Beaver Creek Valley and Mountain. A small buffet offering but my wife said every item was fresh/delicious and my a la carte Duck Confit Hash was really good.

And for skiers, there's the on-premise gondola that takes you part way towards Bachelor Gulch ski area. This was our first ski vacation at a Starwood property so I can't compare it to others like Whistler or Mammoth, but we enjoyed our stay here and that's all that matters.

Lastly, take skigrl1984's suggestion and dine at Ticino for inexpensive, close-to-authentic (wood oven, thin crust) pizza. It's hard to find; being in the rear of the Avon Lodge, but worth the effort. Or go for the cheese tortellini with chicken at its sister restaurant, Columbine Bakery.

Wife and I are venturing here in July. Any comments on hiking, rafting, etc.
Looking to get a suprise dinner in as well, so any recs on restaurants are welcome. Checked Trip Advisor but didnt get a good feel for the restaurants. Feel free to PM. Glad you had fun! Thanks in advance.;)

Stayed here Christmas week 2008 and found this hotel to be a great addition to the Beaver Creek area. Getting to the hotel from the Vail/Eagle airport involves about a 20 minute taxi ride which costs about $105 plus tip. Check in was very smooth and the Studio Suite exceeded my expectations except for one small thing. The bed, view, furnishings and small kitchenette were fantastic. The bathroom was HUGE. My only problem was the lack of drawer space for a ski vacation. I got a glimpse of the 2 bedroom Suites and WOW they look fantastic.

The Health Club was large, had great views and brand new high end equipment. The outdoor pool was heated for Winter (a little cold for my liking) and the hot tubs were very hot, had overflow edges and nice views of the mountain.

There is a small Deli/take out store with interesting choices (hours need to be extended into the evening) and a high end restaurant named Avondale. Avondale was great for a pricey breakfast and for dinner it offered an unusual menu.

Yes the location of this hotel is on the Gondola, but you will need to take 2 more lifts to do any serious skiing. It is not easy to come back to the hotel once you are on the mountain. When you return for the day, you can ski all the way to the gondola but it’s a lengthy process. If you have kids in ski school, you will need to take a shuttle bus in the morning as the school is on the other side of the mountain. While in theory it’s only a 10 minute ride, the truth is that is at least ½ hour due to waiting for the bus, riding the bus and walking to ski school. It’s not terrible, but not that easy either. The ski valets at the hotel were all very nice and helpful, but on occasion some equipment got mixed up.

For the most part all the restaurants we went to were excellent. These include Avondale, Chophouse, Vin48 and Beanos. The only place I would pass on is Rocks Modern, it was nothing special for the price.

Thanks Raincheck10. Great Review!!:)

Resort fee of $20 per day includes fitness center, internet, local phone calls and such; and a one-time valet charge of $25 (wasn't per day so I hope that's the standard policy).

Stayed here for 5 days and used the valet parking every day. We were charged for 3 days instead of 5.

Stayed here for 5 days and used the valet parking every day. We were charged for 3 days instead of 5.

Sorry to hear that cornellalum. Looks like they have an inconsistent policy on valet charge.

Did you enjoy your stay overall?

We are staying at the Westin in February for 2 weeks and are wondering whether we need a rental car for the full period.

Probably going to ski Vail and Beaver Creek mostly - are there shuttles/buses to Vail we can take? What about Breckenridge and Keystone?

Geting around Avon and Beaver Creek, are their buses to get us around to restaurants etc or a reasonably cost effective taxi service?

Just looking for best advice - would be frustrating to rent a car/SUV in DEN and realise we could have just used the CME and local transport options instead....

Well Hello There,

I too will be heading to the Westin Riverfront and I am not renting a car. I am going to take CME to the hotel. I'm planning on only skiing beavercreek and vail. The hotel said there is a bus to Vail for $5 each way. I don't know about Breckenridge or Keystone. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to Beaver Creek and the Village. I really do not think one needs a car here during ski season. To find out about specific shuttle times and locations, you can call the hotel at (970) 790-6000. Have a great trip!

Eagle County's bus service (http://www.eaglecounty.us/eco_transit/) has routes that include EGE airport, Avon Station (the main bus station in Avon right next door to the Westin), Beaver Creek, Vail, and many stops in between. But they do NOT serve Breckenridge and Keystone which are in Summit County. During peak ski times, an express bus goes to/from Vail with fewer stops. Check the maps on the website to understand the different stops in Vail if you aren't already familiar with them. Which stop you choose might depend on which part of Vail you wish to ski.

I don't know whether it would be practical to take the ECO bus from EGE airport to the hotel with luggage.

The town of Avon also runs a free local bus service within the town of Avon (http://avon.org/index.asp?NID=135). That can easily get you to/from the grocery store, ski rental shops, and local restaurants.

There are some good restaurants in Edwards which you could get to on the ECO buses. I like Dish (http://www.eatdrinkdish.com/) which might be a few blocks from a bus stop. A taxi might be a better choice.

Local taxi service is available upon request.

Enterprise has a car rental desk in Avon (http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/deeplinkmap.do?gpbr=1224&bid=004&cnty=US) at Christie Lodge (on the free Avon bus route). Looks as if it has limited hours -- especially on weekends -- but this might be a good choice for a trip to Breckenridge, Keystone, or other resorts.

Any recent stay reports?

Second stay here in early April.

Extremely impressive property.
Upgraded to a true one bedroom suite on an award stay as a Plat (same treatment on previous paid stay as a plat).
1 Bed Suites are fantastic - huge, multi couch + fireplace living area, balcony, large screen flat TV above fireplace. Beautiful hard wood floors (carpet in bedroom).
4pm late check out no problem.
Valet parking only is a pain.
Gym, pool and outdoor hot tubs are amazing - you will not begrudge the $20/day resort fee.

The property is beautiful and the kitchens truly well equipped for cooking.
SPG points posted instantly as did Plat amenity.

Will stay here again when we return to Vail for medical reasons in the fall.

Nice bands and lobby scene during the weekend afternoons.

Please post any specific questions and I will try to answer them.

We really enjoyed our stay...

Positives
Ski Valet guys were fantastic
Parking Valet and Bell Boys nearly as good.
Room really nice as described in previous thread
Access to Beaver Creek mountain very easy via the Gondola and skiing off the mountain just as easy - even if you're tired it's an easy run down from the top then via 'Leave the Beav' to the left of the Ritz Carlton
Pool area and infinite hot tops very nice

Negatives
$25 a day for compulsory valet parking :eek: - this soon mounts up.
Housekeeping very poor during our visit. Number of problems only slightly adressed by resort management
No 4pm checkout (SPG Gold). Was told by front of desk I would have to check with them at 10am on the morning of checkout. Well that really doesn't give you much flexibility if you want to squeeze in an extra morning's skiing and then back to the room to shower and change after lunch...
Room service food not very good.

Would we go back? Definitely for skiing, but not with a car and if housekeeping not up to scratch again I would do more to resolve issues.

aussieinsf...

have you ever stayed at the sister property Sheraton? I am deciding between the two for July time period. thanks...

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aussieinsf...

have you ever stayed at the sister property Sheraton? I am deciding between the two for July time period. thanks...

No brainer - sheraton is far inferior to the Westin and has no aircon

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No brainer - sheraton is far inferior to the Westin and has no aircon

It's worth saying that that area rarely needs air conditioning. We've stayed at the Sheraton Mountain Vista a couple of times in July (we own there and go every other year), and the fans in the room and ceiling are generally sufficient. Although, not all the time.

Also, the Sheraton's parking is free. As others noted, $25/day for valet adds up fast on a week-long trip.

However, the Westin is shiny new and, for the same price, I'd stay at the Westin.

We thought about staying at the Westin last weekend during Beaver Creeks last week of skiing (Easter), but booked at the Osprey at BC instead. That was a good thing, as neither the gondola or the Lower BC Mountain Express lifts were running. I guess those staying at the Westin needed to take a shuttle bus to the slopes.

anyone with recent experiences????my wife & i will be here for a couple of nights next month....

aussieinsf...

have you ever stayed at the sister property Sheraton? I am deciding between the two for July time period. thanks...

I haven't stayed at the Sheraton, but it's location next to the freeway and the reviews about it suggest it is inferior to the Westin by a fair margin. We looked at both before choosing the westin and since staying there, don't even consider the Sheraton.

Also, the Sheraton has limited SPG participation.

I haven't stayed at the Sheraton, but it's location next to the freeway and the reviews about it suggest it is inferior to the Westin by a fair margin. We looked at both before choosing the westin and since staying there, don't even consider the Sheraton.

Also, the Sheraton has limited SPG participation.

That's because the Sheraton Mountain Vista is a Starwood Vacation Ownership property.

"Inferior" depends on what you're looking for, of course. For one-bedroom units (with a true bedroom and washer/dryer and full kitchen), the premium one-bedroom units are worthwhile. But don't expect Westin amenities as the Sheraton Mountain Vista is not, at its core, designed to be a hotel.

Anyone with first hand knowledge? We might head up this weekend to see the Avon fireworks (Westin still has rooms available). Do any rooms face away from the river (towards the park) that you could see the fireworks from the room? Might be easier than trying to get into the park they shoot them from and also easier on the young ears of our daughters.

We also might watch some of the Lacrosse, but probably bike and hike.

TIA

OK, so despite what appears to be a pretty low occupancy rate, I booked a one-bedroom suite for this weekend (you can put this under the ubiquitous "if you want or need a suite - book one" statement).

I was wondering if there were better any preferences within the hotel location-wise (ie do some have balconies and others not?) that someone would be willing to share. We did book a river/mountain view, but if there is a specific room or side of the hotel to request, it would be much appreciated.

As always, I'll post a stay update.

Regards,

M

I was in Avon with the family two weeks ago and had a really wonderful experience. Booked two free night award rooms and was upgraded to what I'm pretty sure was the nicest two-bedroom suite (top floor, center, mountain view.)

They originally tried to put me in a one-bed suite with a city view, but upon request (and manager approval), I was upgraded to mountain side.

To your question -- not sure there is a huge difference in terms of east or west side of the building, but procuring a mountain view is huge. The top floors all have small balconies, but if you're overlooking the "city" of Avon it won't be nearly as enjoyable as looking up at Beaver Creek.

Good luck!



OK, so despite what appears to be a pretty low occupancy rate, I booked a one-bedroom suite for this weekend (you can put this under the ubiquitous "if you want or need a suite - book one" statement).

I was wondering if there were better any preferences within the hotel location-wise (ie do some have balconies and others not?) that someone would be willing to share. We did book a river/mountain view, but if there is a specific room or side of the hotel to request, it would be much appreciated.

As always, I'll post a stay update.

Regards,

M

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No brainer - sheraton is far inferior to the Westin and has no aircon

We've stayed at the Sheraton a few times and LOVED it every time we did! The rooms were really nice, really nice. It's not the Westin, but it is a really nice alternative with free parking and no resort fee, so if you're on any kind of budget, it's a great alternative.

Stayed last week for 5 nights. Booked a 1-bedroom suite with a mountain/river view.

Room - very new and includes a full kitchen with very nice stainless Kitchen Aid appliances. Also includes a full battery of kitchen ware (knife set, silverware, dishes etc...). Granite countertops. Fireplace large seating area in the livingroom and a plasma with some high def channels. Bedroom was well appointed and there are lots of closets etc to accomodate longer stays.

View - this was a corner unit, but the best view of the mountain (Up to Beaver Creek) was only slight from a smaller window in the bedroom. The bulk of the view was down the valley (still very nice) and of the resort's gondola. There was a deck, but it was very narrow.

Staff - Varied from good to great. Very friendly without being obsequious.

Pool - Was a very nice salt water pool and the area surrounding it was nice as well.

Gym/Spa - didn't try any spa activities, but if the spa is as nice as the gym, then it should be great. The gym was one of the nicest and best equipped that I have been to in the *wood system - probably the nicest. In fact, it was nicer than most of the Ritz or Four Seasons locations I have been to. Didn't view the locker rooms either (sorry).

Food - There are a couple of interesting options with a restaurant as well as a grocery that carries both some staples as well as some prepared items (and ice cream). Had dinner one night without the kids at the restaurant and had great food and service. With a $35 bottle of wine, two entrees, and grat it ran about $100 or so. I didn't check out the kid's menu. While this is a great place, if I were to be critical, I would prefer another less expensive burger joint on site that would do less $ damage over a long stay. The prepared foods at the grocery would certainly help with that, but my kids love to eat out. There are some very good options within walking distance. For breakfast there is a Bakery (adjacent to Starbucks and BKing) that had great scones and other baked goods as well as killer lunch sandwiches (they don't open til 7am). There are some other options in Beaver Creek as well.

Activities - I love CO during the summer, so I am a little biased, but we had lots to do with the kids - Gondola rides (hiked down Vail afterwards), white water rafting etc...I find it to be a great, active summer vacation and infinitely less crowded and less expensive than the beach...

There's probably more to add, but I came in to work today to actually work :)

....Pool - Was a very nice salt water pool and the area surrounding it was nice as well....

Salt water pool in CO? :confused: Do they truck in tons of sea salt? :p