You’re standing on the balcony. It’s roughly 7:15 AM, and the fog is still hugging the Eagle River like a damp wool blanket. If you’ve ever stayed at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain, you know that specific silence. It’s the kind of quiet that only exists in the Rockies before the gondolas start hummed to life.
Most people book this place because they see the "Westin" name and think, "Okay, safe bet." But honestly? This property is a bit of a shapeshifter. It’s a massive, 230-room powerhouse that somehow feels like a boutique lodge if you find the right corner of the lobby. It’s located in Avon, not the main Beaver Creek Village, which is the first thing that trips people up. You aren't smack in the middle of the luxury boutiques; you're at the base of the mountain, connected by a very specific piece of machinery: the Riverfront Express Gondola.
The location is basically the selling point and the primary point of contention.
The Gondola Reality Check
Let’s get real about the "ski-in, ski-in" claim.
Technically, the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain has its own gondola. You walk out the back door, click into your bindings, and you're whisked up to Bachelor Gulch. But here’s the kicker: you aren't at the main summit. You’re at a landing point. From there, you have to navigate the mountain to get to the main Beaver Creek village area. For some, this is a dream because it avoids the chaotic crowds at the main base. For others? It feels like an extra step when you just want to get to your ski lesson on time.
I’ve seen families absolutely lose their minds trying to coordinate gear, kids, and gondola timing. My advice? Don't rush it. The resort has a ski valet system that is, frankly, the only way to survive a winter stay here without throwing your back out. You drop your boots at the heater, hand over your skis, and they’re waiting for you at the snow beach the next morning. It’s a luxury, sure, but at these price points, it’s a necessity.
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Why the Spa Anjali is the actual MVP
Forget the skiing for a second. The real reason people who "know" stay here is the Spa Anjali.
It’s 27,000 square feet. That is an absurd amount of space dedicated to making you feel less like a crumpled piece of paper. They have these "Rocky Mountain" themed treatments, which sounds like a gimmick, but the Ponderosa Pine Therapy actually uses manual lymphatic drainage techniques that work wonders on altitude sickness. If you’ve ever flown from sea level to 7,400 feet, you know that headache. It’s brutal.
The spa isn't just a place for facials. It’s attached to the Athletic Club, which is arguably one of the best hotel gyms in the country. We’re talking Peloton bikes, a movement studio with actual instructors, and a saline pool that stays open year-round. There is something deeply satisfying about swimming laps in 80-degree water while watching snow fall on the Eagle River. It feels like you’re cheating at winter.
The Maya Factor
Richard Sandoval is the name behind Maya, the onsite restaurant.
Mexican high-altitude dining is a specific niche. You aren't getting standard Tex-Mex here. The carne asada is legit, and the tequila collection is—and I’m not exaggerating—one of the most curated in the Vail Valley. The bar gets loud. It gets crowded. After 4:00 PM, the "après" scene hits hard. If you want a quiet dinner, go early or head into the town of Avon.
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Avon itself is often overlooked. Everyone wants to be in the "Village," but Avon has the local spots. Northside Coffee & Kitchen is just down the road and has donuts that will make you question why you ever ate a grocery store pastry.
Rooms, Residences, and the "Westin" Feel
The rooms at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain vary wildly. You have the standard studio, which is fine, but the "Residences" are where the property shines. These aren't just hotel rooms with a microwave. They are full-blown condos with kitchens that actually have sharp knives (a rarity in the hospitality world) and fireplaces that roar.
- Studio Suites: Good for couples, a bit tight for gear.
- One-Bedroom Residences: The sweet spot. You get the Heavenly Bed—which lives up to the marketing—and a separate living area.
- Three-Bedroom Condos: Usually owned by private individuals and managed by the hotel. These feel like high-end mountain homes.
The decor is "mountain modern." Think lots of slate, dark wood, and neutral tones. It doesn't feel dated, but it doesn't feel "ultra-modern" like some of the newer builds in Vail. It feels sturdy. Reliable.
The Summer Secret
Most people think of Beaver Creek as a winter destination. They’re wrong.
Staying here in July is a completely different experience. The Eagle River, which is just a frozen ribbon in February, becomes a playground. You can fly fish right outside the hotel. The resort sets up lawn games, and the "Riverfront Live" concert series turns the backyard into a mini-festival. The hiking trails around the resort, specifically those leading up towards Beaver Lake, are covered in wildflowers that look like a Windows screensaver.
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It's also significantly cheaper. You can often snag a room for a third of the price of a January booking. If you can handle the thin air, the summer biking is world-class. The gondola still runs, taking you up to the bike trails, so you don't even have to do the grueling uphill climb if you don't want to.
What people get wrong about staying here
There’s a misconception that you’re "stuck" in Avon.
People worry that by not staying in Beaver Creek Village, they’re missing the action. The hotel runs a shuttle every 15 to 20 minutes. It takes about five minutes to get to the village gates. You get the benefit of being near the grocery store (City Market is literally a three-minute drive) and the local prices of Avon, while still having access to the high-end amenities of the mountain.
Another thing? The "Riverfront" name isn't a marketing ploy. The trail that runs along the river is part of the ECO Trails system. You can walk, run, or bike for miles. It’s one of the few places in the valley where the terrain is relatively flat, making it a godsend for anyone still adjusting to the elevation.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip to the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain, don't just book and show up. There are ways to play the system.
- Skip the Rental Car: If you’re flying into EGE (Eagle County Regional) or even DEN, take the Epic Mountain Express. Once you're at the Westin, the shuttles and the gondola make a car more of a liability than an asset. Parking fees are steep.
- Hydrate Before You Arrive: Start drinking double your water intake 48 hours before you land. The Westin provides humidifiers in the rooms for a reason. Use them. The mountain air is incredibly dry, and your skin (and lungs) will thank you.
- Book the Spa in Advance: During peak ski weeks, Spa Anjali fills up weeks ahead of time. If you want a massage on a Saturday afternoon after three days on the slopes, call them the moment you book your room.
- The Starbucks Strategy: There is a Starbucks inside the hotel. It will have a line out the door by 8:00 AM. If you want caffeine, send one person down at 7:00 AM or use the high-end coffee maker in your residence.
- Check the "Resort Fee": Like most high-end Colorado spots, there is a daily resort fee. It covers the shuttle, the ski valet, and the fitness classes. Make sure you actually use those services to get your money's worth.
This place isn't perfect. It’s busy, the lobby can feel a bit like a train station during check-in, and the prices for a bottle of water at the market will make you wince. But as a base camp for exploring Beaver Creek, it’s hard to beat the combination of the Spa Anjali and the direct gondola access. It’s a functional luxury. It works because it knows exactly what a tired skier needs: a hot tub, a stiff drink, and a bed that feels like a cloud.
To make the most of the experience, focus on the "off-peak" hours. Use the pool at 10:00 AM when everyone else is on the mountain. Eat at Maya for a late lunch instead of a 7:00 PM dinner. The Westin Riverfront thrives when you find your own rhythm within its massive footprint.