I really wanted to love this place but did have a few disappointments during my recent stay. The location and cabins are lovely, and it's a great place if you're wanting to "get away"; in particular I really enjoyed the sauna. However, the customer service aspect was non-existent and honestly a bit uncomfortable at times.
When I arrived, the check-in sign said "please use radio if no ones here"... there was no radio. However, there was a man in the back who saw me, looked at me, and wandered off; the staff don't wear nametags or anything so I assumed maybe it was a guest. I then tried saying "hello" loudly, with no response. I kind of wandered the lodge and looked for someone for 10-15 minutes. I then found the same man from earlier and he was like "oh yeah I guess I'll track someone down to check you in". He had seen me when I walked in and completely ignored me, so that was weird. Later that day when I discovered my room auto-locked, I had to go back to the lodge and this time the radio was there. I called a number of times to ask to have my cabin unlocked (it was probably 5pm, so not an off-time). It took a while to get anyone to respond, and again I was treated like I was inconveniencing them by having to do their job. When I checked out (ie just dropping my keys at the lodge), there was a staff member in the lodge and I was completely ignored yet again. The entire stay truly felt like the staff was on vacation and I was bothering them by just wanting to check in and out of my room. There was probably 10 different staff on property, and maybe the same amount of guests.
My room was clean and comfy. I was in a snug cabin which was perfect for my dog and I, but probably would have been tight if my husband had joined since you do eat in the room and there's only one chair. However, only one of my windows worked which was only a problem because when I arrived the cabin was super hot. One window had a laminated sign that said "do not use" because it was partially broken (instead of fixing it, they just don't let you use it), and the others didn't have handles to open.
Lastly, I do love that they're dog friendly. However, most of the staff have dogs that are just free roaming. The dogs are friendly, but it wasn't ideal to walk my dog and have like 5 random dogs run up to us (if you have a reactive dog, you probably will not want to stay here). They don't allow guests' dogs in the lodge, but all of the staff dogs are allowed. It seems odd to me that the dog fee is fairly high and your dog is only allowed in certain places, but yet they have dogs all over. It seems like guests should at least receive similar treatment as the staff.
I think this place could be spectacular if they upped the customer service aspect. I know they mainly focus on events, so maybe for events they're at the top of their game but then for the "regular" non-event guests it's more lackluster. I was bummed because I had been wanting to stay...
Read moreOur second visit to Beyul Retreat in Meredith, CO was nothing short of enchanting, and it solidified our love for this hidden gem. Having experienced both the magical embrace of winter and the vibrant hues of summer, we can confidently say that Beyul Retreat offers an exceptional escape no matter the season.
Breathtaking Location: Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, Beyul Retreat boasts views that could easily grace the cover of travel magazines. The serene ponds glisten like jewels, reflecting the endless sky above. The hiking trails invite adventure and exploration, offering us the chance to immerse ourselves in the tranquil wilderness that surrounds this oasis.
Charming Cabins: The cabins at Beyul Retreat are more than just places to lay your head; they are cozy havens that exude warmth and comfort. From the rustic decor to the thoughtfully curated amenities, each cabin feels like a private sanctuary. We've fallen in love with the snug ambiance, where the stresses of life seem to melt away.
Exceptional Staff: The heartwarming smiles and genuine hospitality of the staff at Beyul Retreat truly make a difference. Their attentiveness and eagerness to ensure our stay was perfect added an extra layer of delight to our experience. From helpful suggestions for hiking trails to their infectious enthusiasm, the staff made us feel like cherished guests.
Serenity for the Senses: The sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge at Beyul Retreat are the most delightful. There's an undeniable magic in immersing yourself in these rejuvenating amenities amidst the natural splendor that surrounds the retreat. The soothing impact of these experiences amplified our sense of tranquility and connection, providing a truly holistic and invigorating escape.
Digital Detox: One of the most cherished aspects of our stay is the absence of Wi-Fi and cell service in the cabins. In a world constantly buzzing with notifications, this retreat offers a precious opportunity to unplug and reset. Without the distraction of screens, we immersed ourselves in meaningful conversations, stargazing, and rediscovering the simple joys of life.
Our experiences at Beyul Retreat have left us rejuvenated, refreshed, and profoundly grateful. The memories we've created here will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Whether you're seeking a serene escape from the chaos of everyday life or a romantic getaway that nurtures the soul, Beyul Retreat is an exceptional choice that promises an unforgettable journey of relaxation and reconnection. We eagerly await our next visit to this slice...
Read moreFor several years during the Eisenhauer administration, while I was still a young boy, my family vacationed in Colorado, joining my grandfather at a magical place called Riley’s Ranch. We eventually moved on to other locales, but I don’t remember any of those. My memories of the days I spent at Riley’s Ranch, however, will remained vivid. || As I began to plot adventures for my own grandchildren, I found my thoughts returning again and again to those early experiences. One day I suggested to my wife that we ought to check the place out. She mentioned it to our kids, and suddenly last summer we had reservations for four families for four days at the Diamond J Ranch—Riley’s, with a new name.|| I must admit I had reservations about our reservations. Things can change a lot in sixty years, and I really had no idea what to expect. The price was good, but for all I knew we were gathering four families together to spend time in a rundown hole in the middle of nowhere. But my memories flooded in as soon as I saw that little bridge over the Frying Pan River, and as we came up the hill and rounded the curve into Diamond J, it felt like I was coming home. || We had three cabins—a small one for ourselves and two large for everyone else—and the moment we entered our cabin, all of my concerns fell away. Rustic yet roomy, it had a very comfortable bed. Everything had been updated, of course, since my last visit. My wife and I have stayed in a few cabins over the years—some better than others—but none had ever been as nice as these. || There were certainly many changes. The lodge didn’t seem nearly as large as it had when I was seven years old, but the food was still fantastic, and the peace and serenity of the grounds was almost healing in its impact. Though the horseback riding ||of my youth had moved about a mile down the road, we were still easily able to take advantage of it. || Everyone had a great time, so we went back this year for a full week and another wonderful time, and I am proudly confident that I have begun to build those special lifelong memories for my grandchildren. And for that, I sincerely thank Margaret and Darryl and all who made our stays at Diamond J Ranch such pleasurable...
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