Keystone's BEST Hyatt Place? Dillon or Keystone? (CO)
Keystone's Hyatt Place Showdown: Dillon vs. Keystone – A Review That's Definitely Not Perfect (But Hopefully Helpful)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the battle of the Hyatt Places in Keystone, Colorado! I've spent more time than I care to admit wrangling snowboards and weary legs in this mountain town, and as a result, I've become a connoisseur of post-ski relaxation and a very opinionated judge of hotel amenities. So, let's get messy, shall we? We're aiming for real talk, not a perfectly polished brochure.
The Contenders: Dillon (technically not in Keystone, but close enough for a quick drive and still boasts that Hyatt Place pedigree) versus Keystone itself. Both promising comfort, but who truly reigns supreme? Let's break it down, category by excruciating category.
(Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experiences, and things change! Call ahead to confirm specifics, especially if you have specific needs.)
Accessibility:
- Overall: Both Hyatts claim to be accessible, and they do offer some accessible rooms. HOWEVER, and this is a big BUTTERFLY-SIZED BUT, call ahead and verify. I've seen "accessible" rooms that, frankly, wouldn't be accessible to my chihuahua. Specific needs? Don't trust the website; call and grill them mercilessly. Demand pictures!
- Dillon: Slightly easier access in general because it's closer to the highway. The parking is easier.
- Keystone: Can be a bit trickier, especially in winter with the snow.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
- Both: This is where it gets tricky. Both have on-site dining, but accessible seating can be hit-or-miss. The level of assistance for navigating the dining can be questionable.
Wheelchair Accessible:
- See the Accessibility section above. Seriously. Call.
Internet Access:
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! Essential. You can work remotely, stream your favorite shows, etc.
- Internet (and Internet – LAN): Both offer this, but speeds fluctuate. The LAN options may exist for those dedicated (or needing!) a hardwired connection. Sometimes I felt like I needed a LAN to find the internet speed.
- Internet Services: Varies. Expect basics like printing/scanning on request.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa-tastic Showdown (or Lack Thereof)
- Body Scrub/Wrap/Massage/Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Here's where a major disappointment hits. Neither Hyatt Place in Keystone is a spa hotel. Don't expect the full pampering experience. You might find a gym.
- Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: These exist and do the job (at least they did last time I checked!). No complaints here. I'm usually too tired to use it.
- Pool with View/Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Both have outdoor pools! Again, remember, it's a Hyatt Place, not a Four Seasons. And sometimes, the poolside area can be a bit busy. Bring your earplugs if you want to relax.
- Poolside bar: This is probably a plus for the Keystone one.
- Sauna/Spa/Steamroom: Negative on both.
- Foot Bath: Not provided, sadly.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony (Hopefully In Tune)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: All the buzzwords for cleanliness – and let's be honest, that's what we want in modern times. Pay attention to these details! Look for signs and talk to staff when you're there. Ask questions. Don't be shy.
- Hand sanitizer: They should have it available, but always carry your own just in case.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing/Hygiene certification: Checks should be in place.
- Shared stationery removed: Good move.
- CCTV in common areas/CCTV outside property/Security [24-hour]: Security should be in place, and if you aren't finding it, then this is a conversation you need to have with the front desk.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the Hunger Games Begin
- Breakfast [buffet]/Breakfast takeaway service/Buffet in restaurant/Coffee/tea in restaurant/Western breakfast: Hyatt Places are famous for their breakfast (often mediocre, but free!). Expect the usual suspects: waffles, eggs (questionably scrambled), cereal, and sad-looking fruit, and don't expect the Keystone one to be anything especially special, as far as breakfast goes. Takeaway is a plus.
- Breakfast in room: Don't count on anything wonderful. You're better off hitting up a good cafe in the town.
- A la carte in restaurant/Alternative meal arrangement/Asian breakfast/Asian cuisine in restaurant/Bar/Bottle of water/Coffee shop/Desserts in restaurant/Happy hour/International cuisine in restaurant/Poolside bar/Restaurants/Room service [24-hour]/Salad in restaurant/Snack bar/Soup in restaurant/Vegetarian restaurant/Western breakfast/Western cuisine in restaurant: The dining options are always limited and tend to be geared more toward quick/easy than gourmet. Maybe a bar with some snacks. Otherwise, Keystone has many better restaurants.
The Room Itself: Home Base in the High Altitude
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Basically, all the usual stuff. Expect functional, not luxurious.
- My Experience: Okay, here’s a juicy anecdote. I remember one trip to the Dillon Hyatt. We got a room with a fantastic view of the lake. The room itself was fine – clean enough, comfortable bed (a critical factor!), and thankfully, the Wi-Fi actually worked. The thing that stuck in my brain? The absolutely vile coffee in the lobby. I mean, it was truly awful. I’m not a coffee snob, but even I couldn’t stomach it. I ended up dragging myself to a local coffee shop every morning. So, yeah, while the room was decent, the coffee was a defining memory. A warning to all: bring your own beans! (or just go to the coffee shop). And, here’s a little personal touch: make sure there's enough room for your board (and gear) in the room.
- Non-smoking rooms: Always a bonus.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Bare Minimum
- Air conditioning in public area/Audio-visual equipment for special events/Business facilities/Cash withdrawal/Concierge/Contactless check-in/out/Convenience store/Currency exchange/Daily housekeeping/Doorman/Dry cleaning/Elevator/Essential condiments/Facilities for disabled guests/Food delivery/Gift/souvenir shop/Indoor venue for special events/Invoice provided/Ironing service/Laundry service/Luggage storage/Meeting/banquet facilities/Meetings/Meeting stationery/On-site event hosting/Outdoor venue for special events/Projector/LED display/Safety deposit boxes/Seminars/Shrine/Smoking area/Terrace/Wi-Fi for special events/Xerox/fax in business center: Most of these services are standard, but verify their availability.
- Concierge: Don't expect a full-service concierge here.
- Contactless check-in/out: Appreciated in this day and age.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service: Nice to have.
- Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/Car power charging station: Parking is available.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM available.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids facilities/Kids meal: While family-friendly, don’t expect a Disney-esque experience.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer/Bicycle parking/Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/Car power charging station/Taxi service/Valet parking: Parking is provided.
**Check-in/out [express]/
Escape to Texas Paradise: Mustang Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly Photoshopped travel brochure. This is me – tired, slightly caffeinated, and armed with a credit card – planning a trip to Hyatt Place Keystone / Dillon, CO. Get ready for some serious (and hopefully entertaining) chaos.
The Keystone/Dillon Debacle: A Pre-Trip Anxiety Attack & Actual Itinerary (Maybe)
Phase 1: The Pre-Trip Spiral (aka, "Is My Life Even Real?")
- Day -7: Existential Dread & Booking Confirmation Blues: I'm staring at the confirmation email. Hyatt Place Keystone. Dillon, Colorado. Mountains! Fresh air! Shudders. Am I really going? My to-do list is a festering swamp of emails and deadlines. Packing? That’s a future me problem. Except… what if future me is just as overwhelmed? Panic sets in. I need snacks.
- Day -5: Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) & Amazon Prime's Grip: Suddenly, I need new ski gloves. And a beanie. And a GoPro. My apartment now resembles a mountaineering supply store. Amazon Prime has ruined me. I’m pretty sure I’ve accidentally ordered a yak-hair scarf. Will I ever use it? Probably not. Does it matter at this point? No.
- Day -3: Weather App Obsession & the Unbearable Lightness of Packing: The weather forecast is a cruel mistress. Blizzard! Sunny! Hail! I contemplate bringing every single item of clothing I own. Then I stare at my suitcase. I feel like I'm trying to cram my entire life into a sardine can.
Phase 2: The Great Escape (from reality, mostly)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Keystone Chaos:
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Driving up, scenic drive, and initial frustration: OMG, the drive up to Keystone is stunning! The mountains are… well, they're mountainous. But wait, is that road construction? Of course, it is. We're inching along, the car smelling vaguely of stale french fries and regret. "Are we there yet?" echoes from the backseat (a.k.a, my brain).
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in & Room Reconnaissance: FINALLY! We check in. The Hyatt Place is… pretty standard. Clean enough. The room is okay. The view… well, it’s a view. It overlooks a parking lot, but hey, at least it's a parking lot in the mountains, right? First impressions: feeling underwhelmed, slightly grumpy, but the air smells fresh, so, I'm ready to move on
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Grocery store run & immediate snack consumption: The hunger. It's real. Time to hit the grocery store, where I will probably spend my entire remaining budget on cheese and chocolate. Seriously, is there a law against eating cheese in public? Asking for a friend (me).
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner Debacle round 1: We try to find a decent restaurant. Everything is packed. We end up at a place that looks promising, but the service is slow, and the food…let's just say I've had better microwaved meals. I blame pre-trip stress.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Exhaustion & Mountain Whispers: Crash. Sleep. Maybe I'll actually feel like a human being tomorrow.
Day 2: Ski Day (or more accurately, "Ski-Adjacent Day"):
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet & Existential Dread: Free hotel breakfast! Whoo-hoo! The scrambled eggs look suspiciously… yellow. But the coffee is strong, and I need it. Contemplating the vastness of the mountain while I eat a suspicious muffin, I feel both excited and terrified.
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: the Great Gear-Up: I'm going to rent skis, which means I'm going to stand in line, wait, and have someone with a bored expression try to guess what my foot size is. It’s going to be like trying to cram my feet into torture devices.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Skiing… (or at least, attempting to ski): Ah, skiing. The ultimate test of balance, coordination, and humility. I've skied before. Sort of. Mostly falling down. This time, I'm determined to be graceful. (Spoiler alert: I am not.) The first run is a white-knuckle affair dominated by fear, scraped knees, and the relentless laughter of passing children.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break & Mountain Marvel: We find a cozy spot on the mountain for lunch, and the moment the sun beats down it's like everything that had been hard about getting ready for a day of skiing comes to a halt. The view is actually amazing. The food is overpriced, but who cares? Look at the mountains! They're so… mountainous!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: More Skiing, More Falling, More Laughing: I think I made it down a blue run! With minimal wiping out! Success! Then comes the inevitable faceplant in front of a group of teenagers. Mortified. But hey, you gotta laugh at yourself, right?
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Après-Ski & the Sweet Embrace of Hot Chocolate: Après-ski! Time for hot chocolate (with a healthy dose of Bailey's, obviously). We bask in the glow of the fireplace, comparing war stories of near-death falls. This is the life.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner Debacle round 2: We try to find a restaurant, but it's fully-booked. We have to find a spot further away. I'm starving. I don't even care what's on the menu.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Drowsiness & Post-Ski Glow: Exhausted, but happy. I have a glow. I'm going to sleep so hard tonight!
Day 3: Dillon Day & the Lake (Maybe):
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Sleep-in & Delayed Breakfast: Sweet relief. I sleep in! I skip the breakfast buffet. I eat a leftover grocery-store muffin. This is the life.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Heading into Dillon & the Lake I want to visit Dillon. I want to walk around the Lake. I want to take some pictures. Will I? Maybe. It depends on how my legs are feeling.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Dillon Exploration We decide to eat lunch. We find a place with good reviews, and the food is great. Feeling energized from a good meal, we head out to explore Dillon.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lake Exploration & Chill Time We take a long walk around the Dillon Lake, and take in the views. This is the best part of the trip. It's sunny, the wind is gentle, and the mountains look magnificent.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Return to Hotel & Pack Heading back to the hotel, and starting to pack for the journey home, my stress suddenly arises. I need to be prepared.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner & the Bitter-Sweet Farewell: Final dinner. I order way too much food. I feel a mix of sadness at leaving and relief at the thought of returning to my normal life (and my own bed).
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: The Long Sleep Go to sleep.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Trip Blues (or, The Sadness of Leaving Paradise):
- 9:00 AM: Check Out & The Road Home The car is packed, my bags are heavy. Goodbye mountains!
The Ramblings & Emotional Rollercoaster (Because, Who Even Plans a Perfect Trip, Anyway?)
Okay, so the above is a rough outline. Things will go wrong. I'll get hangry. I'll probably fall down… a lot. My meticulously crafted itinerary will undoubtedly fall apart. That’s the beauty of it, right? The unexpected moments, the spontaneous detours, the forced laughter at my own clumsiness. This trip isn’t about perfection. It's about surviving…
Charleston Charm: Hyatt Place Historic District Staycation Awaits!
Keystone's BEST Hyatt Place: Dillon or Keystone? (Oh Boy, Here We Go...)
Okay, so which Hyatt Place is *actually* "better" for Keystone? Dillon or Keystone itself? Gimme the lowdown!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, 'cause this is where things get messy. "Better" is subjective, my friend. But I'll give you MY take, after, you know, *several* trips...and a borderline unhealthy obsession with finding the perfect ski-trip basecamp.
Here's the TL;DR: If convenience to the slopes is ABSOLUTE KING, and you're ready to pay a hair more, then the *Keystone* Hyatt Place wins, hands down. But if you're a savvy budget-conscious traveler (or an absolute penny pincher like me!), and you don't mind a *slightly* longer shuttle ride, the *Dillon* Hyatt Place is a total steal.
But the REAL decision factors depend on what kind of chaos you're bringing. (Spoiler alert: It's usually me bringing the chaos.)
Let's talk location. Keystone vs. Dillon - How far is it REALLY? I'm picturing myself freezing to death on a never-ending bus ride…
Okay, breathe. It's not that bad. The Dillon Hyatt Place is... let's say *close-ish.* It's about a 10-15 minute drive to the slopes, depending on traffic (which, remember, is Colorado traffic, so things can get *real*). You'll be relying on the free Summit Stage bus. Which... can be a mixed bag.
My Dillon Anecdote Time! Picture this: It's the dead of winter. Blizzard conditions. We're *packed* onto a Summit Stage bus like frozen sardines. The heater is on full blast, but it's barely doing anything against the icy blast. There's a small child screaming about a lost glove. The driver takes a wrong turn. Everyone's grumpy. Then, a guy loudly farts. True story. Thankfully, the bus finally drops us off at River Run Village. That would not have happened on the Keystone side.
The Keystone Hyatt Place is right in the *thick* of it - literally steps from the lifts. You can practically roll out of bed, put on your boots, and be skiing in like, three minutes. Major win.
Bottom line: Keystone wins for easy access. But Dillon's not *terrible*. Just... be prepared for the bus's potential quirks.
Parking - is it a nightmare at either place? Because I *hate* looking for parking.
Oh God, parking. The eternal struggle.
Keystone Hyatt Place: Parking is generally available, but it can get *tight* during peak season. Expect to pay a fee - it’s not outrageous, but it’s another thing to factor in. And be prepared to walk a bit if you don’t get there early. My advice? Arrive midday, mid-week. The magic is real.
Dillon Hyatt Place: Parking is, generally speaking, easier and usually *free*. A glorious, shimmering beacon of hope in a sea of parking nightmares. However, during peak hours, the lot CAN fill up. But, much less of a problem than the Keystone location.
Winner: Dillon. Easy win. Especially if you're someone who circles the block three times before giving up and saying, "Screw it, I'll just move this car."
Amenities! Breakfast? Pool? What are you getting for your hard-earned cash?
Alright, the nitty-gritty. Both Hyatts are pretty on par here, which is a good thing - they’re Hyatt Places.
Breakfast: Both typically offer the standard Hyatt Place free breakfast - a decent spread of eggs, oatmeal, pastries, fruit, and the all-important waffle maker. (I have an unhealthy love of making waffles at 6 am.) Nothing to write home about, but enough to fuel your day on the slopes.
Pool/Hot Tub: Both have pools and hot tubs! I've definitely spent *way* too much time soaking in those hot tubs after a day of skiing. Just... be prepared for the possibility of some very loud, rambunctious children. (It’s part of the ski trip experience, right?)
Other Stuff: Both offer a decent gym, a bar (for apres-ski drinks, naturally), and a mini-market for snacks and drinks. WiFi is generally reliable.
The edge? I've found the Dillon Hyatt to be slightly quieter. Maybe it's the atmosphere, or the fact that it's further from the slopes. More chill, which is important after shredding.
Cost. Let's get real. Cause my wallet is *crying*.
This is the big one, isn't it? Let's talk smack, frankly, about the bottom line.
Keystone Hyatt Place: Expect to pay a premium for the convenience of being so close to the lifts. It's generally going to be more expensive, especially during peak season. I've seen prices fluctuate wildly, so definitely check around.
Dillon Hyatt Place: Much more friendly on the wallet. You'll likely save a significant chunk of change, which can then be used for, you know, *actual* skiing, après-ski drinks, or maybe even a decent meal. (Maybe skip the $20 burger from the ski resort - save it for something better!)
My Experience: I'm cheap. Seriously. I'm the kind of person who scours websites for hours, looking for the best deals. I've scored some *amazing* rates at the Dillon Hyatt Place, making it a no-brainer for a budget ski trip.
Verdict: Dillon wins on price, hands down. If you're balling on a budget? Choose Dillon. If money is no object? Keystone might be worth it for the convenience. But let's be honest, who *really* has endless funds?
So, which one is *THE* winner? Tell me straight! Don't make me read between the lines! (Please!)
Okay, okay! Straight up, no beating around the bush.
For overall convenience and location: The Keystone Hyatt Place is the winner. The convenience of walking to the lifts is HUGE, especially on those powder days when you just want to get on the mountain *right now*. And less time commuting means more time for skiing!
For overall value and budget-friendliness: The Dillon Hyatt Place is the clear winner. The savings on lodging can really free you up to explore the other attractions, and the shuttle is manageable.
My Pick? I'm personally leaning towards the Dillon Hyatt Place. I'm a sucker for a good deal, andUnique Hotel Finds
Post a Comment for "Keystone's BEST Hyatt Place? Dillon or Keystone? (CO)"