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After a very easy single connection flight into Montrose, Colorado I was met by Telluride Express for our one hour twenty minute scenic drive up to Telluride. Hank, our driver, was a fountain of knowledge and statistics on the area keeping us well entertained as we climbed to 9500 feet. When we rounded the last turn into Mountain Village my breath was taken away by the beauty surrounding the village.
My lodging for the next three nights was the feather in the cap that is Mountain village. From my perspective, Capella anchors the village. A lovely, cozy, extremely well appointed property I was taken by the warmth the attention to detail bring as well as the warmth of the staff. Touches that I particularly loved – the use of local photography throughout the hotel, especially love the small framed photos on the nightstands. Also really good local artists’ work displayed throughout. As a woman, one of the other details I loved – grosgrain ribbon ties your daily paper together – a different color daily.
Water water everywhere – and thank God for that. Silly me didn’t even think altitude sickness, it was exceedingly necessary to chug as much water as possible to keep that sickness at bay. As well as complimentary water, complimentary nonalcoholic beverages are stocked in your minibar. Because I did succumb to the mind numbing headache that accompanies altitude sickness I got lots of downtime in my room the first night. The staff was extremely attentive bringing me ginger ale and a humidifier. The beds are simply (to steal a word) heavenly! The hotel also offers personal canisters of oxygen that helps alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.
The “living room”; the main gathering place in the hotel with big comfy furniture and a cozy fire going offers complimentary coffee, tea and muffins in the morning. Afternoons bring the best hot chocolate this side of Madrid with freshly baked cookies. The living room is staffed by a personal concierge who is there to handle any wish you may have – reservations for dinner in one of the properties dining venues or in town, your wish is their command. Just outside the doors of the living room is a large fire pit and just beyond that a wonderful skating rink. Other than this area the primary ‘hangout’ location is Suede bar. Suede is trendy, chic and a great spot for gathering for lunch or tapas later in the day.
For me, the piece de resistance is the ski valet service. I met my ski guru Dave the first afternoon to be fitted for boots and skis. Seriously, if you need to know anything about what it takes to get set-up to ski, Dave is ‘the man’. Great guy. So, what is a ski valet you may ask? When it’s time to hit the slopes, you just stop in the Neves Sports next to the hotel – your boots are all warmed up for you and after inquiring what lift you’ll be using, your skis and poles magically appear. When you finished for the day your valet will pick them up...
Let’s talk spa – one of the nicest most relaxing spa experiences I’ve had. Check-in is very easy while sitting in the relaxation room with a warm compress gently placed around your neck. Brian my therapist is very skilled, has been with the property since it’s opening a year ago but has a total 11 years experience. Well stocked spa shop with an excellent range of product. A pool and hot tub round of the full complement of spa services
With Capella as the glue that holds the mountain village together, let’s mention the other fantastic options while enjoying your stay. Drop dead gorgeous views, fantastic foods wonderful atmosphere await you after a 7 minute gondola ride to Allred’s. Adjacent to Capella with fantastic food for either lunch or dinner is the restaurant 9545. Chef Kenny of Capella’s Onyx (innovation, creative and good) oversees Omar in the restaurant 9545 although each brings their own specialties to their respective restaurants. A mere 14 minute spectacular ride over the mountain lays the charming village of Telluride. Really laidback, an old mining town, this village has maintained its integrity of architecture is loaded with shops and restaurants surrounded by amazing views.
If you haven’t been able to tell, I was completely enchanted by Telluride, Mountain Village and Capella. An ideal get-away for families, a girls weekend get-away, or a romantic weekend – it’s a heavenly spot. There is absolutely something for everyone in this dynamic environment.
Note that many of my photo's attached were taken though (gondola or other) windows which obviously affects the quality but you get the idea!!
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