Stay, Play, Eat, Spa: Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek Fireworks. | Photo: Courtesy of The Westin

Having a top-notch restaurant inside a hotel feels luxurious, and so is having a nice bar, a full-service spa, and a ski-in/ski-out location. Those are the facts of a stay at Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, Colorado. 

Avon is located less than two hours west of Denver on Interstate 70, and about 11 minutes west of Vail. Guests have direct access to skiing at Beaver Creek Resort, a short 7-minute by car, or a gondola ride away. 

Westin Gondola View. | Photo: Courtesy of The Westin

That’s right, while the property is situated on the north side of the Eagle River, a gondola whisks guests over the river and up the hill to some of the best skiing Colorado has to offer. Many consider this to be an excellent resort for families with children and the ski school is much-loved.

As a guest walks into Westin, they are amazed by a floor-to-ceiling window view of the vast and beautiful Rocky Mountains. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, this is one of the most breathtaking vistas in Colorado.

Westin Riverfront Lobby. | Photo: Courtesy of The Westin

The calming scent of Spa Anjali wafts around the airy lobby. The expansive 27,000-square-foot Athletic Club and Spa Anjali is located on the lower level, overlooking the 25-yard outdoor saltwater lap pool, three infinity hot tubs, and the Eagle River. 

The Westin Spa Anjali lounge. | Photo: Courtesy of The Westin

Guests can experience everything from massage to yoga here, making the resort a perfect location for a girls’ getaway. I took my mom to Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa and treated her to a facial and a dip in the saltwater lap pool. I’m not sure which was her favorite as she still talks about both years later. 

Westin Pool. | Photo: Courtesy of The Westin

The rooms are spacious and comfy. Guests can choose from a traditional room to a three-bedroom luxury suite. Westin features Heavenly® Beds and those beds are guaranteed to be the most pillowy goodness you’ve ever slept on.

There is no reason to leave Fido at home because Westin is dog-friendly, offering Heavenly Dog Beds, a food and water bowl, a mat, and a dog amenity kit. 

Westin Riverfront fire pits. | Photo: Courtesy of The Westin

This fall, my husband and I had the opportunity to dine at Stoke & Rye. The restaurant at Westin was previously The Maya, another Richard Sandoval restaurant, and we loved it. So, we were excited to try his newest innovation. 

A modern American grill, Stoke & Rye has an expansive offering of local spirits.

Stoke & Rye Whiskey Flight. | Photo: Courtesy of Stoke & Rye

We started the meal with bread. Slightly sweet, it’s topped with rosemary and sea salt and served with maple butter. Ryan declared it was his favorite thing ever and nearly ate all of it before his entree arrived.

Stoke & Rye Bread. | Photo: Courtesy of Stoke & Rye

I enjoyed the local farm trout with grilled zucchini, shaved fennel, avocado purée, trout caviar, and lemon bourbon aioli. The trout caviar, something I’d never experienced before, popped delightfully in my mouth and wasn’t nearly as fishy as other caviar I’d eaten.

The beef tenderloin, ordered by Ryan, came with charred lemon, roasted garlic, black pepper sauce, and chimichurri. Cooked perfectly, we decided that in the future, all steak should be served with roasted garlic.

Photo: Courtesy of Stoke & Rye

We ordered the truffle fries to share with our entrees. Always the right choice.

I am not much of a dessert person, however, Ryan is an avid fan of dessert, and on our server’s suggestions, we got the Smoked Chocolate Mason Jar, which is for two people.

Stoke & Rye Smoked Chocolate Mason Jar Dessert. | Photo: Courtesy of Stoke & Rye

Let’s just say that this chocolate ganache, brownie crumbs, cacao nib, and salted caramel ice cream served in a large mason jar might be a life-changing dessert. I do know you won’t forget it! It’s the ideal way to end a decadent meal at Stoke & Rye. 

By the way, Stoke & Rye serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, there’s a bar in Westin’s lobby, a grab-and-go market, a Starbucks and room service.

Stoke & Rye Bar. | Photo: Courtesy of Stoke & Rye

Whether celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a girls’ getaway, or weekend skiing with the family, Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa is a good choice. With everything necessary for a weekend in the mountains, you can park the car and leave it for the duration of your stay.