Escape to the Rockies: Fraser's Best Hotel Awaits!
Escape to the Rockies: Fraser's Best Hotel Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Real (And Maybe A Little Chaotic)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just spent a week at Escape to the Rockies: Fraser's Best Hotel Awaits! and I'm ready to spill the beans. Forget the vanilla reviews, the perfectly posed photos – this is the real deal. I’m talking about accessibility, food (oh, the food!), relaxation, how they treat the staff, and whether you'll feel like you're winning the lottery or just… surviving.
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First Impressions (and Getting Through the Damn Door): Accessibility, Bless Their Hearts… Mostly
Let's get it out of the way: accessibility is HUGE for me. I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I always look for it. Escape to the Rockies gets a mixed bag here. The elevator (elevator) is a definite plus, thank god! navigating hallways at the end of a long day is not a job. The facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is encouraging, but I didn't poke around to fully investigate. That said, I noticed no glaring obstacles. Front desk [24-hour] is GREAT – especially if you arrive late. The whole Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out thing is also a win, less time, less fuss.
Rambling Aside: Accessibility… It's a Journey, Folks
I've stayed in places that claimed accessibility, and let me tell you, sometimes it's like they just slapped a ramp on and called it a day. This isn’t the case here – at least, from what I saw. But, my advice? Call ahead. Ask REAL questions. Don’t just assume. Because, honestly, the devil's in the details, and sometimes the details are… missing.
So, FOOD! My Stomach's Grumbling Just Thinking About It
Okay, food. This is where Escape to the Rockies truly shines. From my experience, it's the difference between surviving and thriving. LET'S GO.
Restaurants: Multiple! Restaurants, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Poolside bar, and Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! The A la carte in restaurant menu was extensive, but I'll be real – I lived at the Poolside bar for the first two days, soaking up the sun and enjoying the happy hour and some seriously good cocktails.
Eating Experiences:
- The Buffet in restaurant (especially for Breakfast [buffet]): This was a solid 8/10. Great variety. No complaints. I, ahem, may have overdone it on the bacon. (Don’t judge me, I'm on vacation.)
- Vegetarian restaurant: Very nice, good choices
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Really, really well done.
- Desserts in restaurant: Worth every calorie.
- Snack bar: Good for a quick bite.
The Downsides: Breakfast in room costs. A tiny bit.
Food Delivery and more: Breakfast takeaway service, Bottle of water, and Essential condiments - all GREAT.
CLEANLINESS, SAFETY, AND THAT COVID-19 JITTERS
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the pandemic. Escape to the Rockies takes it seriously.
- Cleanliness and safety: Top marks. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Felt safe.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol, they were all really good at masks and social distancing.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, for the eco-conscious this is a nice option.
- Safe dining setup. Individually-wrapped food options, and a Cashless payment service, very useful.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Makes you feel a lot better.
I'm Still Recovering From the Spa: Relaxation, Baby!
Now, this is where the Escape to the Rockies really delivers. I mean, seriously, I think I lost a few years off my life just relaxing.
Spa? Yes, please! They offer:
- Body scrub: Exfoliation bliss.
- Massage: I literally melted on the table.
- Sauna: Steamy and wonderful.
- Steamroom: Even BETTER than the sauna.
- Foot bath: A little bit weird but amazing.
Seriously, go. Book a treatment. Do it.
Pool with view: The infinity pool is the one that makes you want to stay forever, the view is unbelievable.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nice but maybe a bit cold at night
Things to Do (Besides Napping… A Lot):
Look, I’m going to be brutally honest. I’m not exactly the adventurous type. My idea of a good time is a book, a comfy chair, and maybe some sunshine. But, you know, for those of you who want to do things…
- Fitness center and Gym/fitness. If you go here, please send me a postcard. :)
- Bike parking
The Rooms: Sleep, Sweet Sleep (Hopefully)
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get a little… uneven.
- What’s Great: Air conditioning, Free bottled water (lifesaver!), Hair dryer, Wi-Fi [free] (thank GOD), Desk and Coffee/tea maker. Bathrobes and Slippers? Yes, please!
- Minor Issues: The soundproofing in my room wasn't perfect, and I wouldn't mind an even bigger seating area.
- The Bottom Line: Comfortable. Functional. They do the job.
Now, About That Internet (The Lifeblood of Modern Existence):
Thank the heavens: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! AND Internet access – wireless AND Internet access – LAN? YES! I mean, I needed to post those spa pics, right? And check my… uh… emails. Definitely emails.
The Little Extras (That Made a Big Difference):
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. Always ready with a recommendation.
- Daily housekeeping: Room was ALWAYS spotless.
- Doorman: Helpful.
- Laundry service: Useful, for anyone on a long trip.
- Car park [free of charge]: Saves a ton of money.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Great for businesses or private events.
For the Kids (Because We Can't Forget the Little Humans):
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service: A lifesaver for parents.
The Not-So-Shiny Bits (Because No Place is Perfect):
- Pet's Allowed: I am just not sure about the policy towards pets.
My Overall Verdict (The Honest Truth):
Escape to the Rockies: Fraser's Best Hotel Awaits! isn't perfect, but it's damn close. It's a solid choice for a relaxing getaway, especially if you want a spa experience, great food, and some serious R&R. It’s REALLY great for families and couples. It’s a winner! If you are looking for convenience this place is for you!
My Quirky Observation: There's a lot of beige. But hey, it’s the Rockies – I guess they’re going for the "rustic chic" thing.
My Honest Recommendation: Go. Just go. Book the spa treatment. Eat the bacon. And for god's sake, relax. You deserve it.
P.S. Would I go back? Absolutely. I'm already planning my return trip!
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Escape to Portland: Unbeatable Hampton Inn Deals! (Vancouver, WA)
Okay, buckle up buttercup. We’re talking messy, honest, slightly chaotic travel planning for a trip to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Fraser, Colorado. And let me tell you, if there's one thing I've learned about travel, it's that it never goes according to plan. So, here we go, my attempt at a Fraser Frenzy itinerary, sprinkled with real-life travel disasters (and triumphs, hopefully):
Fraser Fiasco: A Very Loose Plan
Day 1: The Arrival (and the inevitable Grocery Store Panic)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Alarm blares. I hit snooze. Twice. Three times? Okay, maybe four. Ugh, the packing. Why do I always leave it to the last minute? This time, it's going to be different! (Narrator voice: It wasn’t.)
- Before Noon (ish - 10:00 Am?): Finally shove everything into a bag that's probably too small. Make a frantic list of things I've probably forgotten: toothbrush, phone charger (the usual suspects). Head to the airport. Expect a smooth flight. Pray to the travel gods.
- Afternoon (around 1:00 PM, maybe): Land in…Denver? (Yep, gotta fly into Denver International and make the trek. Google Maps suggests somewhere between 2 and 3 hours. We shall see…and likely get lost, because I'm directionally challenged.) The rental car – hopefully, they haven't run out of the compacts, because I, for some reason, booked a car I'll be sharing and the passenger is not the most petite person in the world. Prepare for some serious Tetris maneuvering.
- Afternoon (post-car pick-up, before dark): The real adventure begins: grocery shopping. Because, let's be honest, eating out every single meal is both expensive and exhausting. Okay, so I say grocery shopping. More accurately, I'll wander aimlessly in the aisles, muttering things like "Do I need organic everything?" and "What's the best kind of granola?" Expect a basket overflowing with snacks and impulse buys and a slightly bewildered look on my face.
- Evening (late– probably after 6 pm, possibly even 7…): FINALLY arrive at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fraser. Check-in. Smile at the friendly staff. Drop the bags, maybe unpack a little. Then, collapse on the bed. Evaluate the complimentary coffee situation (crucial).
Day 2: Hiking, Huffs, and a Hot Tub (Hopeful! Not a Guarantee!)
- Morning (8:00 AM… maybe later): Wake up. Groan. Coffee. Pretend to know how to make breakfast - but will probably end up burning the toast. Research local hiking trails. Something relatively easy. No, scratch that, SOMETHING I can actually do and not just lie down after 30 minutes. Maybe that easy trail to the waterfall?
- Morning/Afternoon (when-ever-I-finally-get-out-the-door): Hike. Observe nature. Probably get slightly out of breath. Take embarrassing selfies, probably with a filter that makes me look slightly less sweaty and more… majestic? Realistically, expect to stop approximately every ten minutes to catch my breath. The scenery better be worth it, people.
- Afternoon (post-hike - lateish): Back to the hotel. Shower. Celebrate surviving the hike.
- Evening (around dinner): Dinner at a local restaurant in Fraser or Winter Park (TBD). Search for recommendations. Read the reviews. Try not to be tempted by a restaurant that has the word "fondue" in its name. (I love cheese, but it could be a slippery slope).
- Evening (Late Late): Hot Tub! Fingers crossed the hot tub is open and actually hot. And not full of screaming kids. (My perfect world is a hot tub, beer and some peace and quiet. Ambitious, I know).
Day 3: The Winter Park Wander, Possible Meltdown (or Bliss, Who Knows?)
- Morning (whenever-the-heck-I-feel-like-it): Sleep in. Blissfully. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Maybe try the waffle maker. Or maybe not, because I'm not sure I want to be responsible for that thing.
- Morning/Afternoon (flexible): Drive to Winter Park. Explore the town. Wander in and out of shops. Maybe buy something I don't need. (Okay, probably buy something I don't need). Check out the ski resort, even if it's not ski season. Pretend I'm a graceful skier/snowboarder (I'm not).
- Afternoon (mid-day): The Great Search for Lunch. I will find a place with good food. Preferably something warm and comforting. Because let's face it, I'll probably be cold.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Driving back to the hotel. Reflect on the trip. Start thinking about the inevitable return home.
- Evening (before the final day): Perhaps a spa day at the hotel (if that's a thing), or at least an attempt to soak in the bathtub.
Day 4: Leaving (with a mix of sadness and relief)
- Morning: Pack. The dreaded task. Struggle to fit everything back in the bags. Say goodbye to the view from the hotel window. (Maybe… secretly hope I can extend the trip).
- Morning/Early Afternoon (post-check-out): Head back to Denver. The drive. Sigh. Try to remember all the good things.
- Afternoon: Return the rental car. Go through security.
- Evening: Fly home (or, hopefully, arrive at home!). Reflect on the Fraser adventure. Start planning the next one. And vow to pack more efficiently next time (I won't).
Important Considerations (a.k.a. My Inherent Inadequacies):
- Weather: Colorado weather is a fickle beast. Expect sunshine, rain, snow, and possibly a tornado, all in the same day. Pack layers. Seriously. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case.
- Altitude: I'm not used to this altitude. Slow down, take it easy, and drink lots of water.
- Phone service will be a crapshoot: Because, of course, it is. Accept it. Embrace the digital detox (or at least, try to).
- The Unexpected: Something will go wrong. A flight delay. A misplaced reservation. A rogue squirrel stealing my snacks. Roll with it. Remember, the best travel stories are the ones that went sideways.
- My Moods: Expect fluctuations. There will be moments of pure joy and moments of absolute, utter frustration. I'm human.
- Overall Goal: Surive. Have Fun. And maybe, just maybe, come back with a few decent photos that don’t make me look like a sweaty, out-of-breath mess.
So, there you have it. My Fraser "plan." Pray for me. Or, you know, send chocolate. I'm going to need it.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Piccolo Pevero, Porto Cervo
Escape to the Rockies: Fraser's Best Hotel, or is it? Let's Unpack This Disaster... I mean, Adventure!
Okay, so "Fraser's Best." BIG claim, right? Does this hotel actually live up to the hype?
Look, "best" is subjective, isn't it? I went in expecting, you know, Olympus on Earth. Sparkling fountains, mythical creatures... Okay, maybe not *that* extreme. But the pictures? Gorgeous. Instagram-worthy. Reality? Well... it's got a certain charm. A *rustic* charm. Which is code for "some things are a bit wonky." The view? Breathtaking. Absolutely. Seriously, jaw-dropping. Worth the drive alone. The hotel itself? Let's just say it's...experienced. Think of a well-loved, slightly eccentric grandma who's seen a few winters. That's the vibe.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually "in" the Rockies? Because I've been bamboozled by misleading marketing before...
YES! Finally, some good news! You are smack-dab in the middle of ROCKY MOUNTAIN GLORY! It's not some sad little hillock they're pretending is a mountain. You're surrounded. Peaks are piercing the sky. The air? Crisp, clean, and smells faintly of pine needles and...adventure! Seriously, the views are so good, I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, practically drooling. Don't be surprised if you, like me, get lost in the majesty and forget you need to unpack. (I may or may not have unpacked on day three…)
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually comfortable? (And, you know, relatively clean?)
Okay, here's where things get...interesting. Comfort? Yes, mostly. Clean? Let's just say there were a few... *character marks* on the walls. And the carpet? Well, let's just say it has *stories*. (I'm 90% sure it’s seen a mudslide at some point). The bed? Divine. Really. Like, I could happily live in that bed forever. So, basically, it's a mixed bag. Bring some Clorox wipes. And maybe an emotional support pillow. You'll need it. Actually, scratch that. Bring two.
What about the food? Is it any good? I'm picturing sad buffet food and lukewarm coffee.
Don't jump to conclusions! The breakfast buffet wasn't *entirely* terrible. The coffee situation, however... let's just say it needs some work. I’m an espresso fiend. I need strong, dark, and enough to jumpstart a small car. The coffee here? It's like they *looked* at coffee and then went, "Nah, let's make something vaguely brown and vaguely warm." The dinner, though? Surprisingly good! Especially the elk stew. Seriously, you *have* to try the elk stew. It's like a warm hug from a mountain man. Even if it was a little *too* "mountain man" in the spice department. My mouth was on FIRE, but in a good way, I swear!
Is there anything to DO? Beyond just staring at the mountains (which, let's be honest, is already tempting).
Oh, honey, are you KIDDING me? This place is adventure central! Hiking trails galore! (Prepare for serious leg burn... but the views from the top are worth it. Even if you have to stop every five minutes to catch your breath.) White water rafting (I screamed, a lot). Horseback riding (I may have channeled my inner cowgirl. And then promptly fell off my horse. Twice. But hey, character building!). There's a spa (I highly recommend the hot stone massage after the horse incident – my poor back!). You will be busy. You will be tired. You will probably need another vacation to recover from this vacation. But you won't be bored. Nope, not even for a second.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the *worst* thing about your stay?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This is a story. The infamous "water pressure incident." The shower. The promised luxurious shower. Picture this: I'd been hiking all day, covered in dirt and sweat, dreaming of a hot, powerful shower. I turn it on... and get a pathetic dribble. Like, a *tears* of sadness dribble. I tried adjusting the temperature. Nothing. I fiddled with the shower head. Nope. I even banged on the pipes (don't judge me, I was desperate!). Still just a sad, weak little trickle. I ended up using the lukewarm water from the sink and feeling like a medieval peasant. Apparently, the water pressure is "temperamental." Temperamental?! It was a betrayal! I complained to reception the next day, got a "we'll look into it" (which they didn't, because the next day the shower was still a dribble…), and, honestly, it did kind of ruin my day. And maybe my week. I'm still a little bitter. But hey, at least the bed was comfy! (See, mixed bag. Life is a mixed bag.)
Who should go to this hotel? Who should…avoid it like the plague?
Go: Adventure-seekers. People who appreciate natural beauty. People who don't mind a little "rustic charm" (read: imperfection). Couples looking for a romantic getaway (as long as you don't mind bickering about the water pressure in the shower. Just kidding…mostly). People who enjoy a good story (you *will* have stories). Avoid: Anyone who demands perfection. People who hate hiking. People who need a perfectly curated Instagram feed (because, let's be real, you're more likely to get a picture of a slightly wonky ceiling than a flawless sunset). High-maintenance travellers. The easily offended.
Would you go back? Seriously, after the shower situation and all?
You know what? Despite the flawed architecture of the plumbing systems and the questionable coffee and that *one time* I lost my hiking boots (long story), I would. Absolutely, without a doubt. The mountains, the views, the elk stew...it's all worth it. It’s a place that will make you laugh, maybe cry a little (mainly out of frustration, and also from the views), and definitely give you some stories to tell. Just, you know, pack your own coffee. And maybe bring a good book to occupy yourself while waiting for the dribble… I mean for the water to get hot. And bring an emotional support water pressure tester. I'm only slightly kidding.
