Keystone's BEST Condos? Unbelievable Evergreen Views!
Keystone’s BEST Condos? Unbelievable Evergreen Views! - A Review That's More Like a Rambling Confession
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review on Keystone’s BEST Condos that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "honest late-night chat with a friend." This isn't gonna be sunshine and roses, but it will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me… well, the mountain air, I guess.
First Impressions & the Oxygen Levels - (And Why I Might Have Sighed Loudly at Check-In):
Let's be real, the “Unbelievable Evergreen Views!” part of the name? Yeah, they aren’t lying. Jaw-dropping. Seriously. I spent the first hour just staring out the massive windows, coffee clutched in hand, feeling like I could finally breathe… you know, except for the actual breathing, which initially felt a bit… thin. High altitude, folks! Be prepared for a slower first day, maybe even a headache. The check-in was… efficient. Not sparkling, not overly friendly, just… check-in. They had a few of the "essential condiments" – yay for not having to buy salt and pepper! – and the "elevator" worked. (Always a win.) The "non-smoking rooms" are definitely that. Whew.
Accessibility - The Good, The (Slightly) Less Good, and the "Meh":
Okay, this is where it got a little… complicated. The website does claim "Facilities for disabled guests," and that's promising. However… I’d need to explore further specifics about which unit is the most fully accessible. I didn't specifically request a fully accessible room, so I'm not going to ding them too hard here, but this is worth a phone call before you book if accessibility is a MUST-HAVE. The presence of an "elevator" is a HUGE plus, though.
The Rooms - My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly):
My room? Alright. Not perfect, but definitely livable. "Air conditioning" was a nice touch, though you probably won't use it much since you'll want the windows open for the air and the majestic smells – honestly maybe just pure pine. "Blackout curtains" were essential for sleeping off those altitude headaches. The "slippers" were a nice touch, but I still brought my own comfy house shoes, and I'd recommend you do the same. "Complimentary tea" and "Coffee/tea maker"? Bless. Those are the essentials. "In-room safe box" – always a good idea. "Free Wi-Fi" (and "Internet access – wireless") worked like a charm, which is a complete necessity for me (I am, sadly, a millennial). The "Refrigerator" was spacious and perfect for stashing leftovers from the "alternative meal arrangement" I had to utilize on the first night. "Hair dryer" worked. "Bathrobes" were soft, although I just went with my own.
One thing? The "window that opens" was a lifesaver. The view, as I said, is mind-blowing, and the crisp mountain air is pure therapy. But I felt a tiny bit of an emotional tug when I realized that I found my “laptop workspace” to be more of a… precarious balance on the not-so-stable desk. It was all good though. Still worked.
Dining – Adventure Time (and Occasional Disappointment):
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The "restaurants" are your best bet in this place. I ate in a few restaurants, including the "buffet," and the "international cuisine in restaurant " which was a treat. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was good. The "coffee shop" served pretty decent coffee, but I'm a snob, so I was grateful and got the perfect one.
- Breakfast: The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a good option to start the day.
- The Bar: The "bar" had a great atmosphere – perfect for a post-ski drink.
- Room Service: I attempted "24-hour room service" and it worked! I was starving at 3am.
- The Snacks: There's a "snack bar," which is essential.
The "bottle of water" was a welcome.
Relaxation & Things to Do - My Spa Day Fantasies (Almost) Come True:
Alright, I'm gonna come clean. I went in with the expectation of a full-blown, luxurious spa experience. "Spa," "sauna," "steamroom," "massage," "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "pool with view"? Sign me up! And here's the truth: some of this was on the menu somewhere, but it wasn't all accessible in the condo complex itself… it was at a separate site. This was a minor bummer. I still gave myself a mini “Body scrub” session in the shower. I did have a "Pool with view" which was cool, but I was hoping for a "Spa/sauna". It got a little confusing. My advice? Call ahead and clarify exactly what amenities are available where. Regardless, I still felt pretty relaxed.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Covid Check-In (and a Sigh of Relief):
They take this seriously. "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. "Staff trained in safety protocol." I saw "Daily disinfection in common areas." There was a definite effort to keep things clean. But… (and there's always a "but," right?)… there was no room sanitization opt-out, which I wish I had. I understand the need for enhanced cleaning, but I'm sometimes a little suspicious of all the chemicals and I would've loved the option to decline it. Still, overall, I felt safe. The "anti-viral cleaning products" were, well, present.
Getting Around - Parking and the Wilderness (AKA, "Where's Uber?"):
"Car park [free of charge]" is a major win. "Car park [on-site]" is also a win. "Car power charging station"? Bonus points. "Taxi service"? Yep. "Airport transfer"? That's available. Basically, getting around is relatively easy. If you have a car, you're golden. Otherwise, explore your options but be prepared for a possibly slower pace (and potentially higher costs) than you might expect in a city.
For the Kids - I Don't Have Any, But I Noticed:
I didn't have any kids with me, so I can’t give you an in-depth review. But from what I saw, the condo is "Family/child friendly", and there were "Kids facilities".
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
"Laundry service" and "dry cleaning" are a HUGE plus (especially after a week of skiing). "Luggage storage" is always handy. I appreciated the "Concierge." "Cash withdrawal" - essential.
Overall - The Verdict (Finally!)
Keystone’s BEST Condos? They’re good. Really good. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. The location is fantastic. The customer service is adequate. However, don't go in expecting perfection. Be prepared to make some calls ahead of time to clarify amenities, especially if you have specific accessibility needs or a strong desire for a spa day (or if you just feel like saying “Body scrub”). It’s a solid choice for a mountain getaway, but maybe pack your own comfy slippers and bring a bottle of your favorite wine because the "bottle of water" alone is just not enough. Would I go back? Absolutely. But I’d be a bit more prepared this time. And maybe I’ll try that "steamroom" again… someday.
Redondo Beach Getaway: Unbelievable Homewood Suites Deal!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because planning this trip to Evergreen Condominiums by Keystone Resort? Let's just say my brain feels like a snow globe someone shook really hard. Here's the avalanche of thought… and itinerary… that resulted:
Evergreen Escapade: Chaos, Keystone & Coffee (and Maybe a Ski Run Without Faceplanting)
Pre-Trip: The Frenzy Before the Calm (HA!)
- Week Before: Panic sets in. Did I book the right dates? Did I remember my thermal socks? (Spoiler alert: No. I always forget the thermal socks.) Started scrolling Pinterest and suddenly, thought about ordering a new ski suit. I've got a mental image of myself as a mountain goddess on the slopes. Reality? More like a wobbling, slightly-terrified penguin. Added "find a ski suit" to the ever-growing list.
- Days Before: Grocery shopping. Always an exercise in disaster. I go in with a list, I come out with… a gallon of ketchup because "it was on sale" and a single, lonely red pepper. And probably missed something crucial like, you know, food. Managed to pack the car like I'm trying to move permanently, not just for a weekend, but at least it's all in, right?
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude and Apprehension
Morning/Afternoon (But Honestly, It'll Be Delayed, as Usual): Okay, so the actual drive. Expect delays. Traffic, road closures, a sudden craving for that gas station burrito you know you shouldn't eat. Make some playlists for the drive. Road trip playlist: Check. Kid friendly playlist: Check. Playlist for crying about your life: Check.
Arrive at Evergreen Condos (Eventually): Finally! The fresh mountain air. The promise of majestic views. And the minor panic that someone else might have gotten to the place we are staying. Did I remember the check-in info? Where is the key? Oh, it is the worst.
Unpack the Car (And Maybe Cry a Little): The car looks like a bomb went off? More like a bomb exploded. Then, the unpacking. My back hurts already. Now, to negotiate who gets which room and how to distribute all the luggage. I’m already regretting bringing all of this junk.
Afternoon/Evening: Settling In & The Great Grocery Debacle, Round 2: Once settled, the grocery store. Which to be honest, I thought would be the worst thing. More like, the second worst thing. I should've planned the menu. A good home-cooked meal for the first night. I need some good comfort food.
- Restaurant Option: Since I have already ruined the grocery shopping, I might need to make plans to visit one of the local restaurants. Maybe kick start that trip the right way.
Evening: "Trying" to Relax & Altitude Sickness (Maybe): Okay, take a deep breath. Watch the sunset, maybe. Except my vision is blurry, and my head is pounding. Great. Altitude sickness. Drink water, take it easy. Try to not to argue with my partner or kids.
Day 2: Skiing? (And Probably Falling)
Morning: The Ski Rental Fiasco: Ugh. Getting kids (and myself) into ski gear is a battle of wills. The boots feel like medieval torture devices. I look like a waddling robot.
The Slopes: The First Run… and the Hundred After That: Okay, I CAN do this. Even if I may look like a complete idiot. First run down the bunny hill. Actually. It wasn't that bad. Then, the other 100 runs.
- Actually enjoying the skiing: The snow. Cold, fresh, and white, like a blank canvas on which I can paint my adventures.
Lunch: Pizza. Always pizza. And hot chocolate. Sugar rush ahoy!
Afternoon: Falling. A Lot. (But Laughing Harder): Faceplant count: 2. Maybe 3. I can't be sure after the 4th. But the sun is shining, and the air is crisp, and I'm laughing so hard my stomach hurts. (That might also be because of the pizza.)
Late Afternoon: The Après-Ski Delight (Or Disaster, Depending): If the kids are good, maybe we can go to the village for some hot chocolate.
Evening: Dinner and Movie Night (Maybe): Dinner at the condo. Maybe, if I have any energy left. Pizza? Or if I'm feeling ambitious, some pasta. Then, a movie night. Preferably a comedy, to distract from the bruises.
Evening: Emotional Reactions: The highs and lows are intense. A moment of sheer joy when I finally linked a few turns without falling. Followed by a wave of frustration when I end up tangled in the cross-country ski trails.
Day 3: Exploring and Departing (With a Heavy Heart and Probably Sore Muscles)
- Morning: Sleep In (HA!): Sleep in? With kids? HAH. More like "wake up to demands for breakfast, snacks, and the urgent need to find a missing Lego brick."
- Morning: Exploring the Area: Maybe a walk around the village. Visiting shops. Buying a souvenir.
- Lunch: Leftovers. Or maybe just the rest of the hot chocolate.
- Afternoon: Pack Up & Head Home (Sigh): The dreaded moment. Packing up. Making sure we have everything. Trying to remember where I put my other glove. Saying goodbye to the mountains. Starting to think about when we can come back again.
Departure: The Long Drive Back & Post-Trip Debrief
- The Drive Home: Traffic. Tired kids. The inevitable "Are we there yet?" chorus. And as the mountain air fades in the rearview mirror, a strange mix of relief, exhaustion, and a longing for the snow.
This is my best shot at a travel itinerary for Keystone and Evergreen. It will be fun. And don't forget the thermal socks! (Seriously, don't).
Escape to San Antonio: Baymont Wyndham's South Park Oasis Awaits!
Keystone's "BEST" Condos: Unbelievable Evergreen Views! ...Is It *Really* All That? Let's Dive In (and Maybe Judge a Little)
Okay, Okay... Are the Views *Actually* Unbelievable? Because Marketing, Right?
Alright, look, I'm a sucker for good marketing. And "Unbelievable Evergreen Views!"? They got me. I mean, the pictures... jaw-dropping. And yeah, technically? They're not lying. The views *are* pretty darn good. You've got pines, firs, mountains... It's the Rockies, people! What's not to love?
But. (And there's always a "but," isn't there?) Here's the REAL truth: The "unbelievable" factor depends on... well, a lot. Which condo? Which floor? Which direction does your balcony *actually* face? One time, I stayed in a place that supposedly had "mountain views." Turns out, a giant, glorious… *condo* was perfectly positioned between my balcony and the majestic peaks. So, "mountain views" became "slightly-obstructed-mountain-views." Lesson learned: Ask for *detailed* pictures, not just the marketing fluff. Seriously, demand them! And, maybe, just *maybe*, the view is "believably" good. But "unbelievable"? Temper your expectations. Unless you're *really* high up, and in the right building. Then, yeah, MAYBE. But I'm still skeptical.
What about the Condo Interiors? Are They Luxurious? Dated? Somewhere in Between?
Oh, the interiors. This is where things get REAL. "Luxurious"? Rare. "Dated"? More common than a ski boot in a lodge. "Somewhere in between"? Bingo. That's the Keystone condo reality. You're *likely* to find a spectrum of styles. Some places haven't been touched since the Reagan administration. Think: avocado green appliances, shag carpet that's seen better decades, and wallpaper that's, uh, *bold*. Others have been updated by owners with varying degrees of taste... and budget. You might stumble upon sleek, modern places. Or, you might find a cozy, mountain-chic vibe. Maybe a bit too 'chic' – like, bear-skin rug *and* antler chandelier, all in a space the size of my living room. Overwhelmed, much?
My advice? Read ALL the reviews. Seriously. Scour them. Look for clues. "Cozy" can mean "small." "Rustic" can mean "ancient." "Recently renovated" *might* mean "they painted over the avocado green." And if you see a review mentioning "the smell of mothballs"... run. Just run. Unless, of course, you're a mothball enthusiast. No judgment here. Just… be warned.
What's the DEAL with Building Amenities? Pools? Hot Tubs? And Are They Actually *Working*?
Amenities are a mixed bag. Most of the "BEST" condos *probably* have a hot tub. That's like, the law of the mountains. But the *quality* of the hot tub? That's the key. Is it clean? Is it actually hot? (I've been in some ice-cold "hot tubs" that were more like a vow of silence). And are you fighting for space? I swear, sometimes it feels like the entire population of Denver descends on Keystone during peak season, and the hot tubs… well, they become communal soup bowls. Not ideal.
Pools? Less common, and often indoors. Which is nice, after a long day on the slopes. But... chlorine, people. The smell. The sticky feeling on your skin. And then, there’s the age of the facilities. One time, I went to a condo that advertised a gym. It turned out to be a tiny room with a treadmill that looked like it pre-dated the internet and a weight bench that was missing... well, most of the padding. Talk about a workout, alright... a workout in historical equipment. Look for recent pictures. Ask directly.
Location, Location, Location! Are These "Best" Condos Convenient to the Slopes AND the Bars?
Location? Crucial! Keystone's pretty spread out. Are you within walking distance of the lifts? Or are you staring down a freezing shuttle ride every morning? Which, let's be honest, is a mood killer *before* you even strap on your skis. Some condos are ski-in/ski-out, which is the holy grail, but they often come with a holy grail price tag. Be prepared for a lot of walking in ski boots. I've wobbled across ice patches more than once, hauling all that gear, cursing the lack of a direct gondola from my condo to the bar.
And the bars... important. After a day of shredding, you NEED a beer (or three). Is it easy to stumble back to your condo after a few apres-ski cocktails? Or are you facing a death march through the snow? Consider those distances carefully. Drunken navigation is always a challenge. I swear the snow gets deeper the drunker you get.
Parking! Don't Forget the Pain of Parking!
Parking. Oh, sweet, sweet parking… or lack thereof. This is often the hidden cost and the biggest source of vacation rage. Is it covered? Is it heated? (Bless those people who thought of heated parking). Because otherwise, you're scraping ice off your windshield at 6 AM, praying your car will *start*. And snow chains? Don’t even get me started. I've wrestled with those things in sub-zero temperatures, covered in road salt, feeling utterly hopeless. Read the fine print! Some condos have limited parking. Some charge extra for parking. Some have parking that's miles away from your actual condo. Ask, ask, ask! Because nothing kills the mountain vibe faster than a parking nightmare. And, seriously, consider public transport. Unless you’re like me, and have so much gear it's easier to *wear* it than shuttle it all.
Are These Condos REALLY "Best" for Families? Or More for the Party Crowd? Or… somewhere in between?
This really depends on the specific condo complex and your priorities… and the other guests. Some condos are perfect for families: spacious, with kid-friendly amenities, and a sense of quiet at night. Others? Not so much. Imagine a rowdy group on a bachelorette party next door. It's not ideal. (Unless you ARE the rowdy group, then party on!).
Generally, Keystone caters to both. But do your research. Read reviews about noise levels, proximity to bars (again!), and the overall vibe of the complex. If you have young kids, you might want to avoid the ones right in the heart of the action, at least during peak season. Unless you're all about bedtime stories at 10 pm while EDM blasts through the walls. Then, rock on! You do you. Unique Hotel Finds
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