The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A Rock Resort, in Colorado, is closer to a chairlift than any hotel in North America; this means a lot to skiers and riders burdened by the slog from room to mountain. Our Estimate: It takes fewer than 20 steps from backdoor to lift line.
 |
|
The heated pool at The Osprey, which until last December was known as The Inn at Beaver Creek, is an inviting way to wind down from a day of skiing. |
During our stay in room No. 203, we were hovering over snow-capped trees within 10 minutes of rolling out of bed (that includes a stop at the breakfast buffet) and soaking tired muscles in an outdoor hot tub before removing our goggles. This is the true mark of a ski-in, ski-out property.
The cozy, yet edgy, 45-room hotel is boutique-like in size: It feels like the club-floor of a larger luxury property. The alpine-chic design remains loyal to the resort’s surroundings with natural wool carpeting that blankets the floors, and aspen-tree-branch art functioning as section dividers. The Osprey also offers a fitness facility, steam room and sauna, and a pool deck with an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, lounge seating and a fire pit.
Guests kick back in style in the giant social room, with its oversized couches and cozy chairs in rustic, worn-brown leather. If a day on the slopes isn’t enough, you can burn off extra energy with a couple of rounds on the Nintendo Wii or, like us, settle in for the night with a DVD on the flat-screen TV. The large limestone fireplace separates the entertainment space from The Osprey Bar, which features an Italian-glass chandelier that emits an ethereal halo-like ambiance. A filling breakfast buffet is laid out at The Osprey Bar in the morning, while custom cocktails and a tapas-style menu are available during the evening. The bar includes a 10-seat raised communal table in the dining area, which is ideal for large groups or mixology lessons as offered by the bar staff—we suggest you learn how to make a Grapefruit Martini.
 |
|
The lobby exudes a warmth and richness evocative of a true ski lodge. |
Guest rooms feature a combination of richly textured surfaces, such as birch, iron and onyx, made from locally sourced stone and indigenous metals. We stayed in a Junior Suite, with a king bed backed by a seven-foot, chocolate-leather headboard. Entertainment amenities include a flat-screen TV with DVD player and mp3-player docking station. Many of the guest rooms also feature glass-covered fireplaces. Bathrooms are complete with oversized marble showers with rainfall showerheads. Note: The best views of Beaver Creek Mountain can be found from many rooms, including Nos. 201, 202, 204, 212, 214, 306, 308, 310, 404, 406 and 408.
Personalized Attention
In addition to the 45 guest rooms at The Osprey, guests can also opt to stay in one of the two-bedroom condominiums—they are the most-requested accommodations at the property and are the best choice for families or large groups. Whereas Beaver Creek is more of an upscale resort for families, The Osprey stands out for accommodating adults and groups. That isn’t to say that families will not enjoy themselves—in fact, while we were strolling by The Osprey Bar on a Saturday night, we overheard one mother say she was having “the best family vacation” ever. Luxury travel advisors can contact Director of Leisure Sales Jamie Fisher[email protected]; 970-754-6271) with questions or General Manager (Russ Craney[email protected]; 970-754-7390). (
The intimate space at The Osprey conveniently enhances the fluidity of the service. Head Concierge Scott Tepper ([email protected]; 970-754-7400) assigns all guests a personal concierge, who assists in every aspect, from pre-arrival reservations to in-house needs, including packing services, bath-butler services and a warm place to stow boots overnight. Special Treat: The personal concierge can arrange private transportation to Eagle, the next town over, for a hot-air balloon ride through the mountains, followed by a Champagne brunch and dog sledding in the hamlet of Edwards. In addition, the lucky guests will unwind with a private in-room massage then take a snowcat ride to Trapper’s Cabin for a private on-mountain dining experience with the property’s chef.
Fly clients into one of two airports: Eagle Vail Airport, 25 minutes to the west, and Denver International, two hours to the east. Those who like scenic routes will enjoy the drive by mountains and through canyons from Denver to Beaver Creek. There are shuttle services from both airports and several companies offer private transportation, which can be arranged through Head Concierge Tepper. If your clients opt for a private flight, The Vail Valley Jet Center is located at the Eagle Vail Airport and there is a helicopter pad in Beaver Creek Resort.
The hotel advises luxury travel advisors to book one to three months ahead for peak times (Christmas, New Year’s, Presidents Day and Spring Break) and two weeks in advance for off-peak times.