GAYLORD ROCKIES RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived at Gaylord Rockies Resort late in the afternoon in mid-october. As someone who lived in Colorado for more than 20 years, I observed the resort being built … but never enjoyed an overnight stay. In general, Gaylord Hotels properties are known for their grandeur and largeness of scale, and the Denver property certainly extends and enhances that reputation.
Upon walking through the front door, I was quickly awe-struck by the enormity of the open foyer and the wall of windows which showcased the downtown Denver city skyline, with the beautiful Rocky Mountains serving as a backdrop. Indoor water features; open beams near the ceiling; and a full-sized, authentic train caboose made it hard to determine how large the area actually was.
At the reception desk, I confirmed my spa appointment and was asked if I needed a meal before turning in for the evening. With nine restaurants on site and a brief description of each, I decided to check out The Marketplace, with plans to visit another restaurant later in my trip. I received my room keys for the seventh floor and made my way to the elevators on the south side of the resort.
GUEST QUARTERS: When I walked into my room, I was, again, amazed at my magnificent mountain view. I had requested and was given a double queen room to allow family to join me later in my stay. The room was highlighted by a large, horizontal “wall of wood” which doubled as a headboard for both beds, spliced with muted gold bars running vertically, slightly resembling a saddle from the Wild West. Native American prints on the throw pillows, along with a similar trim etched into the large bathroom mirror, completed the mountainrustic look. Although the dual sinks were a bit small, they were separated by a door from the toilet and large standing shower, offering privacy and additional space.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed several amenities from the resort during my stay, including a 90-minute massage at Relache Spa, along with time in the steam room and relaxation area complete with fireplace, drinks and a variety of snacks. Free tickets for drinks or homemade cookies were available at Sky Village Cantina. Although it was a bit chilly for me to partake in the Arapahoe Springs Water Park, I saw numerous families enjoying the indoor water slide, five hot tubs and lazy river. Further, I was a bit astonished by the 75-foot flat-panel TV inside Mountain Pass Sports Bar but managed to share my Mountainous Chicken Nachos and Drunken Mushroom Burger with family who joined me. Finally, a friendly game of cornhole, just outside the resort door, capped off my trip.