The Lodge at Mountaineer Square

This week we were privileged with the opportunity to enjoy our annual Summer Meeting held at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Crested Butte, Colorado.  The Lodge is located right at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort and provides easy access to the mountain and the gorgeous, quaint downtown that accompanies it.  The accommodations are absolutely spectacular.  For starters, we were greeted by a wonderful valet and concierge service upon our arrival who helped get us all settled in.  The rooms are spectacular and so are the amenities.  During our event we were privileged with drinks and food on top of the mountain at the brand new wedding deck.

We arrived on Thursday and we’re blown away by the hospitality.  The valet takes your bags, parks your car and meets you in your room with your luggage while the front desk briefs you on the many activities available in the town.  Upon arriving in my room, it was no more than 5 minutes before I received a call to make sure everything was as expected; temperature, accommodations and anything else I might need.  If good service is an expectation of yours, you have nothing to worry about with this lodge.

The location is wonderful.  At the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort it makes for easy access to the mountain and they also provide a free shuttle bus to and from the town which is only about 2 miles down the road.  The town is everything you expect from a quaint, Victorian, national historic district.  It’s quiet, but not dead.  It’s humble and beautiful and provides some excellent shopping and dining options.

Thursday evening we took shuttle buses to the top of the mountain where they set up a giant tent and drinks aside their BRAND NEW wedding deck.  Of course if you’re not here with a large event, the chairlift takes you directly to this spot to enjoy the incredible scenic overlook; it’s also accessible via dirt road which you can easily drive up with your own vehicle.  The new wedding deck had me at a loss for words.  It’s a long, brick patio with dropped down seating to accommodate your guests while you walk down the aisle facing one of the more spectacular views Colorado has to offer.  Having personally been to Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and much more, this is my favorite view of them all.  Currently the mountain side is littered with yellow and purple flowers that light up the surrounding areas.  The deck overlooks the western half of the Rocky Mountains and provides layering unlike anywhere else.  The layers of mountains create an ominous dark blue backdrop to what would be a very memorable wedding ceremony and reception.

Whether you’re planning a ski trip this winter, a meeting for your employees or taking the big jump to tie the knot, this lodge will have everything you need.  While the town is a bit down the road, everything you would need (short of a grocery store) is right at the base of the mountain.  There are several options for dining and drinks as well as shopping.  If you want to enjoy the majesty that is the Rocky Mountains without the crowds and commercialized towns, Crested Butte is the town for you.

Wedding SPOTlight: Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort

Planning a wedding is a TON of work.  Where will you have your wedding? Where do the guests stay? Where do you eat? There are so many options to sort through for your special day.  The first decision you must make is where your wedding will be held.  We would like to simplify that choice by directing you to the Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort in Vail, Colorado.

Let’s start with the obvious; Vail, Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.  The mountainous views coupled with the luxurious lifestyle make for an ideal wedding location.  Aside from that, this is a bit of a tourist town, meaning everything your guests need from shopping, restaurants, accommodation and activities are all within city limits.  Not to mention the world class skiing, hiking, mountain biking and climbing that you can find in the area.

The Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort is a notorious wedding location in Colorado for several different reasons.  They offer 3 different ceremony venues that offer expansive, scenic mountain views while maintaining the privacy of your event.  The venues vary in size ranging from a 17,000 square foot lawn to an 1,100 square foot indoor venue.  The indoor venue seats up to 100 while the outdoor venue does not list a seating limit—it will more than likely be big enough for your wedding.  Both of these venues include incredible views and 20 acres of scenic private grounds for your guests to enjoy.  Both of these venues are options for your ceremony and your reception.  Have one indoor and one outdoor, depending on the time of year and the weather you can enjoy the best of both worlds!

Of course the resort offers a tremendous value on condos and townhomes year round for your guest’s accommodations.  Each condo and townhome is privately owned and individually decorated making for a true mountain feel.  “All are complete with amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, decks or patios with electric barbecue grill, and cozy fireplaces or wood stoves with complimentary firewood.  Guests enjoy full access to our private club, pool & fitness center as well as Wi-fi in public areas in club house and wireless in condos.”

As I stated at first, planning your wedding is a lot of work.  The Racquet Club Mountain Resort features a special website dedicated to helping you plan your special day, the wedding planner!  The wedding planner features everything from venue selections, dining options, on-site lodging and the option for condos and townhomes for all of your guests!  This resort touts a modest list of accomplishments including; Gold Property Award, Platinum Service Award, Expedia Insiders Select Award and a 4.5 star guest rating!  You’re encouraged to come and visit and take a tour of the grounds and resort.

Besides the obvious, (Colorado is the most beautiful state there is, duh!) this resort offers extensive venue, dining and lodging options for your guests.  With luxurious accommodations for your event it’s no wonder this place receives so many good reviews.  When considering where you want your special day to be held, remember this; plan your wedding in Vail and everyone will want to show up.  Sure the wedding will be spectacular, but after that your guests can enjoy the wonders of Vail.  From hiking to shopping to fine dining this town is a tourist’s dream come true to experience all that Colorado has to offer!

http://www.vailracquetclub.com/

Wedding Planner: http://www.eastvailweddings.com/

Lodging Options: http://www.vailracquetclub.com/lodging/

SPOTlight: The Osprey at Beaver Creek

Looking for your next luxurious mountain getaway?  Look no further.  The Osprey at Beaver Creek is the ultimate in Beaver Creek lodging.  “The Osprey creates unforgettable vacation experiences by coupling luxurious, stylish accommodations and a superior level of comfort with exemplary service from a friendly, welcoming staff.” The Osprey was recently awarded the #1 Top Resort in the Continental United States by the 2012 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards readers survey.”

In the winter months, it’s obvious why people travel to Beaver Creek.  This world class ski resort is a winter wonderland that’s perfect for riders of all skill levels.  People come from all over the world to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snow shoeing.   In the summer months, “this area is a mecca for hiking, mountain and road biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and golf.”  The surrounding area is stocked with mountain biking and hiking trails for all skill levels.  With a list of activities this long, there’s no doubt Beaver Creek has something for everyone!

Of course people come to Beaver Creek for the outdoors activities, but just because you’re no the outdoors type doesn’t mean we don’t have something for you too!  The Osprey is the premier luxury hotel in Beaver Creek.  For those who just want to relax, this luxury hotel offers a heated deck and hot tub, fitness center, a steam room and sauna and often functions as an incredible wedding destination.  When traveling to Beaver Creek for the relaxing atmosphere, you’ll also want to explore the endless dining and shopping opportunities that are offered.  This area (the Vail Valley) is home to some of the most exclusive restaurants and shopping in the country.

Some of the unique features of The Osprey at Beaver Creek include ski-in/out access to Beaver Creek Resort, exclusive access to Beaver Creek Golf Club and Red Sky Golf Club, and The Osprey lounge which features an exceptional hand-picked wine list.  “Experience the supremely stylish side of Beaver Creek ski resorts with The Osprey. Elegant amenities, exceptional service, and ski in/ski out convenience will have you coming back to The Osprey again and again for years to come.”

http://ospreyatbeavercreek.rockresorts.com/

SPOTlight: The Cliff House at Pike’s Peak

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is a four diamond Colorado Springs Hotel that will absolutely blow you away.  This hotel is perfect for weddings, meetings or your next getaway.    As the premier historic hotel of Greater Colorado Springs area, this location has been a piece of history in countless ways.  This hotel has been in operation longer than the State of Colorado itself and has played host to famous historic figures and served as a barracks for soldiers.  With such history and luxurious accommodations, it only makes sense to check it out on your next visit to Colorado Springs, but here’s a little more about the hotel if you haven’t already been convinced!  They were also recently awarded the 2013 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor!

When staying at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, you are presented with several options in terms of accommodations.  They have a variety of rooms from studios and junior suites to the celebrity and premier celebrity suites!  While the studios and junior suites have a less exciting name, don’t judge a book by its cover! The studio suite is essentially your standard hotel room while the junior suites feature two person spa tub or steam showers, a fireplace and most of them have mountain views!  As for the more exclusive accommodations, stay in the celebrity or premier celebrity suites which are decorated according to a celebrity who has stayed at the hotel in the last 130 years!  Some of these themes include Charles Dickens, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford!  No matter which room you stay in here you are guaranteed luxurious accommodations that do not disappoint.

Plan your wedding at The Cliff House!  As I’m sure you’ve already gathered, this hotel boasts its modern day luxuries and Victorian elegance which will make your special day absolutely perfect.   American Historic Inns named this location “Top Ten Romantic Hotels in the USA.”  The hotel offers several different wedding packages to accommodate up to 150 guests. 

Impress your employees with an amazing meeting location!  Want to increase employee productivity? That’s easy, just keep them happy!  “Enjoy 19^th Century charm and atmosphere of the Rocky Mountains with the technology and service of the 21^st Century!”  With a variety of meeting rooms and conference centers available, The Cliff House will find a venue to match your needs.  They also offer “pick a pair” meeting incentives; by reserving a block of 20 rooms or more you receive free incentives that can include complimentary overnight parking and coffee/pastry break for your meeting!

What will your guests do while they visit the historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak?  It’s all in the title!  Pike’s Peak is known as “America’s Mountain” sitting at over 14,000 feet in elevation and providing over 80 miles of scenery.  There’s a few ways to get to the top of Pike’s Peak.  The Manitou Incline is the world’s largest stair set and is now legal to hike (it used to be considered trespassing, which didn’t stop anyone).  This is the exercise-enthusiast’s dream come true as it provides a challenge you probably won’t succeed at your first time.  For the less ambitious travelers, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway will take you on a ride unlike anything you’ve ever seen!  The railway climbs up the mountain and through curves and grades to see areas that are only visible from the train route which is now open year round!

Aside from Pike’s Peak, which is a hiker’s dream come true, you can also explore the The Cave of the Winds, The Garden of the Gods or the Manitou Cliff Dwellings!  The Cave of the Winds offers two types of ours to accommodate the more timid spirit as well as the more adventurous—“the Lantern Tour is not for the faint of heart!”  Finally you can also explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings constructed by the Anasazi tribe or Native Americans.  These cliff side dwellings help you to step back into a piece of American history right in our own backyard!

Certainly the sights are enough reason to come and visit Colorado Springs but when you stay here try to enjoy the city for its history and unique amenities by staying at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak!  This luxurious spot is perfect for your next business meeting, wedding or simply to getaway and enjoy an incredible vacation spot.

Want to see more? Check out some of the links below!  We post twice a week and feature events and happenings around the state of Colorado as well as various cabins and hotels!  This blog is a great place to discover that “cabin in the woods” for your next vacation!

http://www.thecliffhouse.com/meetings

http://www.thecliffhouse.com/

http://www.thecliffhouse.com/manitou-springs-attractions-activities

Colorado Wedding Locations: The Little Nell

When you picture your perfect wedding, what do you see?

Many people see the majestic Rocky Mountains coupled with the beautiful, natural landscape scenery that is Colorful Colorado.  Mountain weddings have gotten increasingly popular over the years, but for good reason!  The quiet and tranquility that can come with the mountains is viewed by some as the most romantic place in the world.  While it’s not quite as isolated and quiet, The Little Nell in Aspen, CO. is one of our favorite wedding locations because of its incredible location and amenities, including the exclusive “Wedding Deck” which sits on the summit of Aspen Mountain.

The Little Nell is the only 5-star resort in Aspen and the only hotel with ski-in, ski-out access.  The location is ideal for visiting the town or enjoying the ski resort.  Since your wedding will most likely be held when there isn’t a copious amount of snow on the ground, we are going to highlight some features of this hotel and resort that don’t deal with snow!

Aside from the fact that this is Aspen’s only 5-star resort, it provides an array of luxurious options for your wedding ceremony.  They have several unique venues to choose from to make your special event unique, including; The Aspen Mountain Club, The Sundeck, The Terrace Room and Element 47 Exclusive Buyout.  The Aspen Mountain Club is one of the most magnificent venues located at 11,200 ft. on top of Aspen Mountain.  Guests enjoy a 3 mile gondola ride to the club where they are greeted by its luxurious entry ways designed by New York designer David Anthony Easton.

Yes, the Mountain Club is beautiful and spectacular, so is the entire resort, but right next to the Mountain Club is The Little Nell’s true difference. The Wedding Deck is located on the summit of Aspen Mountain and is used exclusively by The Little Nell.  Many have called this spot the most incredible wedding location in Colorado because of its spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.  Guests ride up the gondola to 11,212 ft. and arrive at The Wedding Deck for your ceremony only to be greeted by 360 degrees of Rocky Mountain scenery.  “Breathtaking views of the famed Maroon Bells and the Rocky Mountains will frame the special memories.”  The Wedding Deck seats up to 280 guests.

After the ceremony you can enjoy exclusive access to the Mountain Club which is an indoor venue to enjoy your reception late into the night.  The Mountain Club can be used to hold your ceremony or reception.  Another option for your reception is the Element 47 Exclusive Buyout is Aspen’s newest restaurant and bar which is reserved for exclusive private dinners and parties.  “This venue offers a captivating, contemporary setting, with windows overlooking the charming courtyard of The Little Nell.”

While the listed venues are the most prominent of The Little Nell, they offer several venues to hold your reception or ceremony.  One of the best parts about planning your wedding at The Little Nell is the variety of options.  If you don’t want to have your reception in a bar or restaurant, you can rent out the Mountain Club or the breathtaking sundeck which is outdoors but covered with an overhanging roof making for comfortable outdoor relaxation even in trickier weather.

The Little Nell will make for a wedding you will never forget.  There’s no better place to tie the knot than in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.  The beautiful scenery and amazing venues can be decorated in any way your heart desires to create the wedding you always dreamed of!  When you plan your wedding, make sure you take a look at The Little Nell—just one visit and your heart will be set!

Sources:

http://www.thelittlenell.com/