Escape to Paradise: The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards (CO) Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards (CO) Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards (CO) - Or, My Love-Hate Affair With Altitude Adjustments and Really, Really Nice Towels
Okay, so I’m just going to say it: Edwards, Colorado, isn’t exactly on everyone’s radar. But let me tell you, The Inn at Riverwalk? That place… that's a different story. I’m still reeling from the whole experience, which is a good thing, right? And honestly, I'm not entirely sure if I had an amazing time or if I was just really good at pretending. Let's just say… it was a journey.
Metadata & SEO Stuff First (Because, you know, gotta get found!):
- Keywords: The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards CO, Edwards Colorado hotels, Colorado spa hotels, Riverwalk lodging, Accessible hotel Edwards, Colorado family friendly hotels, Luxury Edwards hotels, Hotel reviews Colorado, Spa review Edwards, Colorado mountain hotels, Best hotels near Vail, Accessible travel Colorado, Pet-friendly hotels (even though they don't allow pets - more on that later).
- Meta Description: Experience luxury and relaxation at The Inn at Riverwalk in Edwards, CO! Read our honest review of this hotel, covering accessibility, dining, spa services, and more. Get ready to escape to paradise! (And maybe fight altitude sickness. Seriously.)
Accessibility: Hmmm…Mostly a Win.
Okay, so I’m super impressed at how much The Inn at Riverwalk tries to be accessible. There are elevators (a must), and the website promises accessible rooms. I didn't personally need an accessible room, but the general vibe of the place felt genuinely open to people with mobility challenges. That's a huge win in my book.
Rooms: Luxury…and Existential Dread?
My room… oh, my room. It was gorgeous. Think plush carpeting, a huge bed with ridiculously soft linens (seriously, I might have spent an entire afternoon just stroking them), blackout curtains that banished the Rocky Mountain sun with ruthless efficiency, and a massive bathtub. There were bathrobes (yesssss!), slippers (another yesssss!), and a mini-bar stocked with things I’d probably never afford at home (but hey, I'm on vacation!).
But… the altitude. Oh, the altitude. I’m from, like, sea level. So, the moment I stepped into my gorgeous room, I felt this creeping…weirdness. It wasn’t just the shortness of breath; it was a deep, unsettling feeling that I was somehow… failing at breathing. I drank the free bottled water like it was going out of style (bless them for the free bottles!). I took a nap (after unsuccessfully trying to figure out the coffee maker). And then, I spent a good hour examining the "scale" in the bathroom. (Apparently, luxury hotel scales are designed to make you feel either thinner or like you should immediately start a juice cleanse. There was no in-between.) This isn’t a fault of the hotel, obviously. But, maybe they could provide oxygen tanks in each room? Just a thought.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the Good Times (and Potential Indigestion) Rolled
- Restaurants: The Inn has a few dining options, which is amazing, you know, because you are surrounded by mountains. I'm a big fan of restaurants. I can't make my own food!
- Bar: I did not go, I had to adjust to the altitude.
- Breakfast: Breakfast service was a buffet of Western and Asian options, plus some individual options. I mostly filled up on the coffee, which was strong enough to wake the dead (and help with the altitude…maybe?). Plus they did room service.
- Coffee Shop: This was my lifeline. Honestly, it's worth its weight in gold.
Spa & Relaxation: Worth Every Penny (Possibly)
The spa. Okay, the spa. This is where The Inn at Riverwalk really shines. I may have booked a massage, a body scrub and a foot bath. Don't judge me! I was treating myself! And honestly, the massage was one of the best I've ever had. The masseuse worked out knots I didn't even know I had. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. The pool with a view was also great. I thought I might die up there, but the sauna helped me feel better!
Cleanliness and Safety: So. Much. Sanitizing.
Post-pandemic, they had all the safety protocols in place. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and rooms seemed to be cleaned to a level of cleanliness usually reserved for operating rooms. I appreciated it!
Services and Conveniences: Elevators, Doormen, and the Illusion of Order
The front desk was staffed 24/7, which is always a comfort, especially when you wake up at 3 am convinced you're gasping for air (that altitude, again…). They had a concierge, who could probably get you anything short of a unicorn. They also had daily housekeeping, which was very nice, because if you are anything like me when you get to a hotel, you immediately make a mess.
For the Kids: Probably Fun?
I don’t have children, so I can't say for sure, but it seemed well-equipped.
Getting Around: Not Really a Problem, Until You’re Trying to Drive in the Dark
They offered airport transfer, which is a lifesaver. Edwards isn't exactly a walkable city (unless you're really into uphill walks), so a car or taxi is pretty essential. They had free parking.
My Unfiltered, Slightly Rambling, and Possibly Hypoxic Thoughts:
Okay, so here's the thing. The Inn at Riverwalk is beautiful. It’s luxurious. It’s the kind of place you go if you want to feel pampered. But. There were moments…where I felt a bit… overwhelmed. Maybe it was the altitude. Maybe it was the sheer niceness of everything.
I mean, the towels! They were so fluffy, I felt like I was drying myself with a cloud. But is it okay to get so attached to a towel? I almost stole one but thought better of it because, you know, the whole altitude thing.
The food was great. The spa was amazing. The staff was genuinely friendly. I loved my room. But the altitude was always lurking. It kind of made me a little anxious. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel like I needed to go lie down in the sauna for a solid 2 hours.
The Verdict?
Would I go back? Probably. But next time? I'm bringing my own oxygen tank, a portable humidifier, and a therapist on speed dial. And maybe two of those amazing towels. (Just kidding… mostly.) The Inn at Riverwalk offers a truly luxurious experience, just be prepared for the mountain air to take a beat or two to adjust to. And remember the word "hydrate"! You'll need it. Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Minus half a star for the lack of readily-available oxygen.)
Escape to Paradise: Lemon Tree Hotel Aligarh Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my glorious, messy, and potentially disastrous trip to The Inn at Riverwalk in Edwards, Colorado. Let's see if I can survive…
The Inn at Riverwalk: Operation "Get Me Out of My Life (For Like, Five Days)"
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Wardrobe Debacle (and a whole lotta "oohs" and "aahs")
- Time: Arrive around 3:00 PM (or so they said… I’m notoriously late. Pray for me).
- Vibe: Pure, unadulterated excitement! I'm picturing myself, already, strolling down a charming little street, maybe sipping something fancy. I actually packed a real scarf! I should have really checked the weather, though. Am I going to have to wear the same outfit every day?
- Reality Check: Landed in Denver. Ugh, always a zoo. The rental car line was a nightmare. And then, the Great Wardrobe Debacle. Turns out, I'd packed approximately zero appropriate clothing. Ski stuff? Nope. Cozy sweaters? Maybe two. Okay, whatever. Hopefully, the inn has a decent gift shop…
- Arrival at the Inn: Okay, this is more like it! The Inn at Riverwalk is actually gorgeous. Like, "ooh" and "ahh" gorgeous. The lobby smells of… something expensive and piney. The staff is ridiculously friendly, clearly trained to tolerate neurotic travelers like myself.
- Room Check: My room. Actually, a suite! I can almost see the river from the tiny balcony. It's perfect for my Instagram feed. Okay, slightly too small, but it's a win! Immediately flopped on the bed, for a full five minutes, just absorbing the cozy vibe.
- Evening Plan: Dinner at a place called "Vin48," which I'm assuming will be pretentious. I'm pre-emptively rolling my eyes and anticipating the wine list. Actually, it wasn't that pretentious. The food was delicious. I might have overdone it on the cheese board.
- Emotion: Overjoyed and slightly overwhelmed. I'm actually here. This is real.
Day 2: A Skiing Attempt (and the Humbling Power of Gravity)
- Morning Plan: Okay, deep breath. Today is the day. I'm attempting to ski. I haven't skied since… well, let's just say "a really long time." I'm imagining myself gracefully gliding downhill, looking like a mountain goddess.
- Reality - aka Disaster: The ski shop lady was super nice but looked at me like, "You've done this HOW long ago?" The boots were torturous. The slope was a sheet of ice. I fell. A lot. Like, I think I spent more time on my butt than on my skis. I swear I heard some kids snickering.
- Lunch Time: After a couple of hours of humiliating attempts, I retreated to the lodge for a burger and fries. It was delicious. And I watched everyone else (who were much better skiers than me) and wondered how they possibly do it.
- Afternoon: Feeling thoroughly defeated but still determined, I decided to chill. Went back to the inn, took a hot bath, and read my book. Honestly, that was the highlight of the day.
- Evening: Found a cozy little pub in town with a roaring fireplace. Had a beer and wallowed in my skiing failure for a bit. Then, moved on. This trip is about more than skiing.
- Emotion: From elated hope to abject shame and then quiet contentment.
Day 3: Shopping, Chocolate, and a Moment of Reckoning
- Morning: The Inn's breakfast was amazing. Fluffy pancakes and bacon? I might’ve eaten way too much. I feel like a stuffed sausage, but I don’t care. Fueling up for…shopping!
- Mid-day: Edwards has a really cute little shopping district with some art galleries and shops. I bought a ridiculous scarf and a mountain-themed candle. Don't judge. I'm embracing the mountain life! I also stumbled upon a ridiculously expensive chocolate shop. And, for the love of everything delicious, I bought a box of the most amazing truffles I've ever tasted.
- Later: Back in my room, I laid on the bed, nibbled on the chocolates, and realized… I'm actually pretty content. No deadlines, no drama, just me and a box of chocolate. It was perfect.
- Evening: Dinner at "e-town," which the guy at the front desk said was THE place. He wasn’t wrong. It was lively, fun, and the food was… actually, I can't remember what I ate (the wine list was pretty extensive).
- Emotion: Pure, unadulterated joy mixed with the fuzzy glow of too much rich food and a touch of self-reflection.
Day 4: The Riverwalk and a Revelation (and the best afternoon ever)
- Morning Plan: Actually walk around. Walk past the Riverwalk. Try not to fall in.
- Reality: Okay, the Riverwalk is beautiful. I actually liked the little ice rink, even though I am a terrible skater (note from the future: no skating, it's a trap). I met a local who told me all about the area. He said, "This is what real happiness looks like."
- The best afternoon ever: Then, I did something that felt profoundly different: I went to the spa. I had a massage. I think I drifted off, into some kind of blissful oblivion. When I came out, the world felt different. Soft. Peaceful. I swear I could see in colors I'd never registered before.
- Evening: Sat on my balcony watching the sunset. I think I smiled for a solid hour.
- Emotion: Utter peace - the kind I rarely experience.
Day 5: Departure and the Sweet Sadness of Goodbye
- Morning: Farewell to the pancakes and bacon. Packed, mostly.
- Departure: The drive back to Denver seemed so long. I actually paused, on the way to the airport, to buy a new scarf from the gift shop.
- Emotion: A poignant mix. Relieved to be going home but already missing the mountains, the quiet, and the chocolate.
- Postscript: I need this again. Seriously, I need this again. Maybe I'll learn to ski next time. Probably not.
Okay, so maybe it wasn't perfect. Maybe I ate too much cheese. But it was mine. And it was glorious. The End. (Until next time!)
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