Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

The therapeutic hot springs run through Glenwood Springs have been used over the centuries, going all of the way back to the area's original inhabitants, the Ute tribe. Today, this hotel draws couples and families by the hundreds looking to take advantage of the therapeutic properties of the waters in some of the largest hot spring pools in the world. Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is a modern hotel with plenty of classic design elements throughout, and looks far more like a mountain lodge than an airy spa hotel. The lobby is spacious, with terra cotta tile floors and patterned red rugs as well as plenty of hardwood and stacked stone accents throughout. Heavy hardwood pieces sits next to slightly dated chunky sofas and chairs with leather and upholstered surfaces in deep maroon and red shades. There are nooks for sitting, but most guests spend their time elsewhere, in the hotel's large spa, it's full-size gym, or out by the hot spring pools. The hotel also has a casual restaurant with an outdoor terrace.

The pools at this hotel are the main draw for many people coming to Glenwood Springs, so in that sense this property is well located. The hotel sits on the north side of the Colorado River, and there are plenty of fast casual restaurants within a five-minute walk. More interesting dining options are across the river, and trips into downtown Glenwood Springs take about 10 minutes on foot. Offerings include independently owned coffee roasters and local breweries, and the fare is far more interesting than what's on the hotel's side of the river. The area is known for its outdoor adventure activities, and outfitters in town can arrange everything from whitewater rafting to paragliding and mountain biking. The Eagle County Regional Airport is a 40-minute drive east of the hotel, while Beaver Creek Village and Vail Ski resorts are both about an hour away by car as well. 

One might expect the rooms at a spa hotel to be a bit breezier and bright, but these rooms embrace a modern, suburban home aesthetic, with dark wood furniture and a dominant leaf motif in throw pillows and carpets. In fact, true to the hotel's name, the look is decidedly lodge-like. Tasteful, muted colors can be found throughout, from the light taupe walls to the pops of red in blankets and pillows. A small seating area comprises a table and two chairs in most rooms, and some rooms, like the Standard Room with Mountain View that we visited, have balconies with chairs. All rooms have air-conditioning, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, safes, and MP3 dock alarm clocks. Wall art ranges from soft-hued abstract washes to portraits of bathers, the only nod to the hotel's proximity to the extensive thermal bath facilities on site. Modern bathrooms continue the home-like design scheme, with chunky tilework in bathtub/shower combos, granite countertops, and buffed contemporary fixtures. Suites are available, some of which have whirlpool tubs in the living area, while other rooms have separate living rooms. We did spot a bit of wear and tear on some of the furniture when we visited. 

The star of the show at this hotel are the thermal pools, all of which are heated by the area's famous hot springs. They are some of the largest hot spring pools in the world, and there are three options: a kiddie pool with a fountain, a recreational pool that's appropriate for swimming laps, and a therapeutic pool that's much hotter than the others and whose minerals are reputed to have healing properties. The pools are open year round and there's a bit of a water park vibe, with large waterslides that are popular with families and kids. The pools are open to the public for daily rates.The wellness ethos is complemented by the hotel's spa, a large and modern facility that offers relaxing massage and therapeutic treatments alongside hydrotherapy regimens and a complete menu of beauty offerings, like manicures and waxing. The hotel's gym is a top-of-the-line facility that puts most hotels' fitness centers to shame. It's large and includes a complete selection of free weights, resistance machines, and cardio equipment. Classes are also offered and the gym is open to the public and those holding memberships. There are also racquetball and handball courts. Unfortunately, hotel guests must pay a fee to use the gym. The hotel's restaurant, The Grill, has a balcony with nice views of the surrounding mountains. The vibe is a bit cafeteria inside, but the free breakfast includes hot and cold options. The restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch, where American classics are served. There's a lobby shop selling souvenirs and parking is free. There is coin-operated laundry on site as well and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.