OVERVIEW: as with all of my reviews, I rate the property to similar area facilities not class of hotel in one area vs. same class in another area.
Located approximately 15 minutes from Telluride on Hwy 145 in Placerville, which is a bedroom community that consists of a very small general store and the hotel. The structure consists of a single wood/stone, 2-story building completely remodeled/rebuilt 2002-03. The décor of the 14-room hotel is mountain theme. Full restaurant and bar. Parking is outside, on the property. All interior hotel and bar premises are smoke free. Pets are welcome for an extra charge. Most hotels in Telluride in this price range are two stars and this hotel would rate as a three star.
THE GOOD: The rooms as compared to most of the hotels in Telluride are newer and much larger. Each room seems to be slightly different. Some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. There are king set ups and some rooms have patios. Front desk was excellent in all respects. Each room has window heater and a/c. This was somewhat of a shocker as A/C in this area of the world is uncommon. Real glasses and coffee cups in rooms. Coffee maker in room. Coke, ice machine and microwave on first floor. Very helpful staff. Everything on the premises was spotless. About 10 tables outside for lunch etc. Bar is full service with a sports theme. Food available there as well. Food is eclectic, normal café/diner menu with upscale items i.e. crab omelet, lobster etc. For the most part food and service was excellent and a very good value, especially when compared to Telluride restaurants. The hotel has gone the extra distance on furnishings and added many nice touches for this level of hotel. Large outdoor area to walk pets.
IRRITANTS OR VERY MINOR ISSUES: Standard cable only (20 ? channel) with 19” TV’s in rooms, no radio or alarm clocks. Front desk restaurant and bar close at 9:30. No staff onsite (I believe) during balance of evening. Not unusual in this area. Minimal freebees. Only hand soap, shampoo and worthless coffee. Although there is public transport to Telluride you really need a car when staying here.
THE BAD: I have yet to stay in a hotel in Telluride where you could get solid nights sleep. This hotel is no exception. The reason…you sleep with the windows open to get the cool air, so you hear everything. Noises in this hotel consisted of people walking up stairs, conversation in next bathroom, adjacent to our bathroom, some road noise, sprinklers that came on during the night and a patio party until midnight. In the Jacuzzi rooms the shower is European size…aka very small.
THE UGLY: In room 107 the in floor heating does not turn off during the summer. Must keep windows and or very noisy A/C running to keep room cool. Add this to the noise and you get the picture.
TIPS: Reserve rooms on the second floor of the hotel. Bring your own coffee if you like strong coffee. Even the restaurant, which claims to have Starbucks, serves weak coffee.
BOTTOM LINE: This is a great value for the area. Just a few minutes from Telluride this ranks as one of the top hotels in the area in the hotel’s price range. The attraction here is a large room; great value for the area combined with very reasonable food and excellent service just a short drive from Telluride.
