Let’s be real for a second. If you’re heading to the Vail Valley, the default move is to book a room at the base of the mountain, pay $60 for valet parking, and battle the crowds for a lukewarm après-ski drink. It’s the "Vail experience," and it’s exhausting. But there’s this spot about 15 minutes down the road that basically flips the script on the whole resort town vibe.
The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado isn’t trying to be a mega-resort. It doesn't have a thousand rooms or a gold-plated lobby. Honestly, that’s exactly why people who actually know the area—locals and repeat visitors who’ve "been there, done that" with the tourist traps—end up here. It’s tucked right into the Riverwalk at Edwards, which is this walkable, European-style village that feels lived-in rather than manufactured.
You’ve got the Eagle River literally steps from the back door. It’s loud in the spring when the snow melts and quiet in the winter. It’s just... better.
What Actually Sets The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado Apart?
Most people assume staying in Edwards means you’re sacrificing convenience. That’s a myth. In fact, staying at The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado often saves you time because you aren't stuck in the gridlock of Vail Village or Beaver Creek’s winding access roads.
The hotel underwent a massive renovation a few years back. They ditched that tired, "mountain lodge" cliché—you know the one, with the dusty taxidermy and heavy plaid curtains—for something much more "mountain modern." Think clean lines, bright windows, and gear storage that actually fits a modern pair of fat skis or a mountain bike.
Location is Everything (And Not Just for Skiing)
People forget that Colorado exists in the summer. If you stay here in July, you aren't just "near" the river; you are part of the ecosystem. The Eagle River is a gold-medal fly-fishing stream. You can walk out of your room with your waders on, hit the water for two hours, and be back in time for a craft beer at the brewery next door.
The Riverwalk itself is the anchor. It’s a collection of independent shops, a movie theater, and some of the best food in the valley. You aren't beholden to overpriced hotel restaurants. You’ve got Zino Pecora for Italian, Juniper for something upscale, and Village Bagel—which, frankly, has a cult following for a reason. Their rosemary salt bagel is a religious experience.
Room Dynamics and the "Gear" Problem
Hotel rooms in ski country are usually cramped because they expect you to be outside 14 hours a day. The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado is different. They have these studio suites with kitchenettes that actually make sense for families or people staying longer than a weekend.
They also have a "Gear Garage."
This isn't just a closet. It’s a library of stuff you didn't want to pack. GoPro cameras, cruisers for the bike path, snowshoes, even board games. It’s a small detail, but it shows they understand the modern traveler isn't just looking for a bed—they're looking for an adventure basecamp.
If you’re traveling with a dog, this place is basically heaven. They are famously pet-friendly. Not "we tolerate dogs" friendly, but "here is a bed and a treat" friendly. The path along the Eagle River is the perfect morning walk route, and you’ll see half the town out there with their labs and goldens.
The Cost Equation: Real Talk
Vail is expensive. We know this. Edwards is... well, it’s still Colorado, so it’s not "cheap," but the value proposition at The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado is significantly higher.
- Parking: It's free. If you've ever paid $50+ a night in Vail, you know how much this matters.
- Resort Fees: They don't hide the ball.
- Food: You’re paying "local" prices at the surrounding restaurants, not "captive audience" prices at the base of a gondola.
The pool area is also a sleeper hit. It’s year-round, heated, and looks right over the river. Sitting in the hot tub while it snows, watching the river rush by? That’s the peak Colorado vibe right there.
Dealing with the Shuttle and Logistics
Let’s address the elephant in the room: how do you get to the slopes?
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The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado runs a shuttle. It’s easy. It’s consistent. It drops you at Beaver Creek (which is about 5-7 minutes away) or Vail. Most regulars actually prefer Beaver Creek anyway because the crowds are thinner and the "Cookie Time" at 3:00 PM is a legitimate perk.
If you’re driving yourself, you have the luxury of being "west" of the traffic. When I-70 gets backed up on a Sunday afternoon, you’re already past the worst of it. You can jump on the highway and head toward Denver while the people in Vail are still trying to get out of the parking structures.
The Food Scene in Edwards
Honestly, you could stay here for a week and never eat the same thing twice, all without leaving the Riverwalk parking lot.
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- Main Shelf: If you need a quick caffeine hit, Bookworm of Edwards is a bookstore-cafe combo that makes incredible crepes. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to hang out and read.
- Dinner Vibes: Gashouse is just across the street. It’s an old gas station turned into a seafood and steak house. It’s rustic, loud, and the food is consistently great. It’s a local institution.
- The Local Pub: Drifters or The Gashouse both offer that authentic mountain town feel where the person next to you is just as likely to be a pro skier as they are a local plumber.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to stay at The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado, don't just wing it. The valley fills up fast, especially during the Burton US Open or the GoPro Mountain Games.
- Book Direct: Usually, they offer better perks or flexible cancellation if you book through their actual site rather than a massive travel aggregator.
- The "River Side" Request: When you book, ask for a river-facing room. The street side is fine, but the sound of the Eagle River is worth the extra few bucks or the specific request.
- Check the Events Calendar: The Riverwalk often has outdoor concerts in the summer or holiday markets in the winter. Aligning your stay with these makes the trip feel much more integrated into the community.
- Rent Gear Locally: Instead of renting at the base of the mountain where lines are long, use one of the shops in Edwards. It’s cheaper, and the service is usually better because they aren't trying to process 500 people an hour.
- Explore "The Divide": Use Edwards as a jumping-off point for more than just Vail. Drive 20 minutes west to Eagle for world-class mountain biking or 45 minutes to Glenwood Springs for the hanging lake hike (permit required!) or the hot springs.
Staying in Edwards gives you a sense of perspective. You realize that the Vail Valley is a real place where people live, work, and play—not just a luxury theme park. The Inn at Riverwalk Edwards Colorado is the front door to that reality. It’s comfortable, it’s modern, and it’s arguably the smartest way to do a mountain vacation without the resort-town headache.