The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Just five minutes from Beaver Creek and 20 minutes from Vail, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon is the perfect jumping-off point to two destination ski resorts, gourmet dining and all the rugged alpine scenery you could ask for.

The Westin is the kind of hotel you rarely need to leave. From the chic lobby bar boasting seasonal live music to its multiple restaurants and drinkeries, not to mention its Olympic-caliber Athletic club (no, really, local Olympic athletes have been spotted there), you’ll be wow-ed by all its offerings. Bringing your best dog friend? Expect the royal treatment with hotel-provided dog biscuits, comfy beds, plus complimentary food and water bowls.

What makes it special?

From the moment you drive up, you’ll feel taken care of. The hotel’s concierge service can help with all sorts of on-the-ground planning — everything from organizing private childcare and grocery runs to activity and restaurant tips. Be sure to take advantage of the free shuttles to Vail and Beaver Creek villages. For direct access to skiing at Beaver Creek Resort, hop on the Westin’s own Riverfront Express Gondola. Hint: It only operates during peak season.

Gondola at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

The most Colorado thing about this place

The spa’s outdoor pool area delivers unparalleled mountain vistas that’ll remind you from every direction that you’re not in Kansas (or Texas or Wisconsin) anymore. Ease ski- or hike-weary muscles in one of three steaming hot tubs overlooking Eagle River or swim limb-lengthening laps in the heated saltwater pool.

Coolest amenity

Spa Anjali was named in the “Top 10 Green Spa” list by Organic Spa Magazine, so you know you’re in for a treat. Here, therapists will nurture your skin, hair and nails with earth-friendly products, and you’ll have access to all manner of body treatments, like the Alpine Journey 75-minute Honey Dream (think a full-body massage boasting a soothing application of beeswax and honey).

Most unexpected amenity

It’s the 24-hour, in-room food-delivery service with three different menus: breakfast, all day and late night. Each one has tasty options to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy a lazy morning in bed with buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh berries, butter and maple syrup along with a bubbly mimosa. Or ease your midnight munchies with an LN The Usual, a savory tortilla wrap with roasted turkey, creamy brie, arugula, shaved red onion and an apricot-rosemary marmalade. Yum.

Room with the best view

We’re going with the three-bedroom luxury suite’s unmatched peak and river views. See it all through floor-to-ceiling windows while sipping an aromatic riesling from the living room’s velvety-soft leather couches.

Our favorite traveler review

“We stayed a couple of days at the Westin, and they were the very best. We arrived late on a Thursday night after 12 hours of driving. The valet staff were there to meet us and were the most helpful and kind staff we have ever experienced. They helped to unload our cars (yes, two), took care of our ski equipment and just took care of everything. They even helped on Christmas Eve to get our Christmas gifts out of the car so Santa could visit our room ... we have a little one that still believes in Santa. The room was fabulous and looked exactly the way it was shown in the pictures! The fitness center and hot tubs were top of the line and just what you needed after a day of skiing. Our dog ‘Bear’ was very welcome in the hotel and was greeted by the staff by name. This was the best pet- and family-friendly hotel we've ever stayed at. If you are looking to ski in Vail/Beaver Creek, I strongly recommend you stay at the Westin! I have stayed in Marriotts around the globe, and this was by far the best hotel I've ever stayed at.” — Steven P., Tripadvisor

Things to see & do nearby

Ski world-class corduroy at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Resort, then roam the villages for luxe shopping options like Karats Vail, Gorsuch and C. Anthony Gallery. Pop over for an expertly crafted latte and stay to shop Hygge Life’s cozy sheepskin rugs, chunky-knit wool blankets and hand-dipped candles.