Thought I'd post a review from the Riverfront Villas. I haven't seen much chatter about the resort on TUG - Tuggers seem more inclined to be beach people more so that ski people!
I didn't realize until getting here how small the villas part of the resort is - there are only 34 2 Br L/O units here. I made our reservation within 1 week of the 8 month reservation window. The villas are right next to the hotel, but not attached. You have to go outside (about 50 feet, its not an inconvenience) to get to the hotel. Villas guests have full access to all hotel amenities.
We are in a 1 Br Premium unit and its very similar to the newer floor plan at WDW, with a couple of positive differences. There is quite a bit more room near door to the deck along the outside wall. I'm not sure if this is because we have an end unit, but we appreciate the space because we have our 10 yr old with us sleeping on the pull out and it is much easier to move the coffee table out the way. It doesn't feel crowded with the bed opened at all.
Also, the fireplace/TV unit is less obtrusive - fire place doesn't seem to stick out into the living room like it does at WDW. And there is a floor to ceiling wardrobe next the TV. Very handy when someone is using the living room as a bedroom like we are.
Rest of the unit is very similar to other Starwood villas. Only other key difference is that the door for the L/O is near the external wall instead of by the kitchen/entrance. I like this design - this also contributes to the extra space in the living room. Also, the dining table is square instead of rectangular. It has 2 chairs on two sides and leather benches on the other two sides. A subtle difference from other resorts, but a nice design.
For skiers, the place is fantastic. The Riverfront gondola is immediately outside the door from the villas. Four minute ride and drops you off steps from the express lift at Beaver Creek Landing. There is a ski valet in the hotel (also right next to the gondola) that provides complimentary ski equipment storage. Equipment (other than boots) isn't allowed in the villas.
Haven't used many of the hotel amenities, but did hit the hot tub after skiing today. There are three large outdoor infinity hot tubs which can comfortably accommodate 10+ people each. There is also a heated lap pool that can be used year-round.
Didn't use the gym, but it is very large - free weights and lots of machines (stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals).
Live music every night (at least during ski season) in the lobby bar. Staff have been very friendly and quick to help. Called Service Express twice with a couple of requests and they were both addressed within 5 minutes.
The resort was recently named the #1 ski resort by readers of Conde Nast, I'm a little surprised by that considering all of the great ski resorts around, but have been here 3 days and don't have single complaint. Doesn't hurt that its MLK week and lift lines were nonexistent. Skied all over the mountain and waited greater than 1 minute at only one lift all day. And now its snowing!
I didn't realize until getting here how small the villas part of the resort is - there are only 34 2 Br L/O units here. I made our reservation within 1 week of the 8 month reservation window. The villas are right next to the hotel, but not attached. You have to go outside (about 50 feet, its not an inconvenience) to get to the hotel. Villas guests have full access to all hotel amenities.
We are in a 1 Br Premium unit and its very similar to the newer floor plan at WDW, with a couple of positive differences. There is quite a bit more room near door to the deck along the outside wall. I'm not sure if this is because we have an end unit, but we appreciate the space because we have our 10 yr old with us sleeping on the pull out and it is much easier to move the coffee table out the way. It doesn't feel crowded with the bed opened at all.
Also, the fireplace/TV unit is less obtrusive - fire place doesn't seem to stick out into the living room like it does at WDW. And there is a floor to ceiling wardrobe next the TV. Very handy when someone is using the living room as a bedroom like we are.
Rest of the unit is very similar to other Starwood villas. Only other key difference is that the door for the L/O is near the external wall instead of by the kitchen/entrance. I like this design - this also contributes to the extra space in the living room. Also, the dining table is square instead of rectangular. It has 2 chairs on two sides and leather benches on the other two sides. A subtle difference from other resorts, but a nice design.
For skiers, the place is fantastic. The Riverfront gondola is immediately outside the door from the villas. Four minute ride and drops you off steps from the express lift at Beaver Creek Landing. There is a ski valet in the hotel (also right next to the gondola) that provides complimentary ski equipment storage. Equipment (other than boots) isn't allowed in the villas.
Haven't used many of the hotel amenities, but did hit the hot tub after skiing today. There are three large outdoor infinity hot tubs which can comfortably accommodate 10+ people each. There is also a heated lap pool that can be used year-round.
Didn't use the gym, but it is very large - free weights and lots of machines (stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals).
Live music every night (at least during ski season) in the lobby bar. Staff have been very friendly and quick to help. Called Service Express twice with a couple of requests and they were both addressed within 5 minutes.
The resort was recently named the #1 ski resort by readers of Conde Nast, I'm a little surprised by that considering all of the great ski resorts around, but have been here 3 days and don't have single complaint. Doesn't hurt that its MLK week and lift lines were nonexistent. Skied all over the mountain and waited greater than 1 minute at only one lift all day. And now its snowing!
