Last January, I blogged about a big time Hyatt award redemption close to home. I went ahead and booked a room for the weekend at this Category 6 Park Hyatt Beaver creek for 22,000 per night using some of my recently earned Hyatt points. A friend of mine wanted to hit the slopes and I wanted to check out a Park Hyatt I have never been to, so Beaver Creek definitely met both of our needs. Unfortunately, my friend had to bail at the last moment. The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek has a 30-day cancellation policy which is logical for a world-class ski resort whom likely generates a lot of its revenue during the ski season. I thought about asking the hotel for a one-time exception to the rule, but then stopped myself. Just go, it’s a Park Hyatt!

Let me interject a quick disclaimer. I am not a skier so I am probably missing out on a big part of what makes this resort truly special.

The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is within the posh Beaver Creek gated ski resort area. It is a ski in-ski out resort and adjacent to the skating rink, which seems to be the focal point of Beaver Creek. As is the case with ski resorts, the lobby and rooms had a lodge feel to them. Because of its premier location at the base of the mountains, you can find nice views of the slopes from most every room within the resort.

I checked in and was explained that the hotel was completely sold out. The desk agent recognized my Diamond status and was able to ‘find’ an upgrade to a corner room from my originally booked parking lot view. As she worked to find me a better room, she explained the Diamond Benefits, which were the highlight of this stay.

Diamond Benefits

• Waived Resort Fee ($22.00)
• Access to all resort facilities (Not sure what this entails)
• Free breakfast for each registered guest in either the café, restaurant or room service. She emphasized I could charge whatever I wanted and they would remove ALL costs!
• 3 options of a Food and Beverage Amenity or 1000 Points (Half bottle of Wine and Trail Mix or similar)
• Free Internet
• 4PM Late Checkout

Parking/Transportation

One of my largest negatives of this resort was the captive parking. I found the forced 40 dollars per night valet to be unreasonable. I did plenty of research beforehand and even drove around looking for an alternative but there were no options in Beaver Creek.

I did talk to another guest who mentioned the on-demand shuttle service around Beaver Creek and nearby Avon/Vail was useful. If staying here for a long stay, it may behoove you to look into to the airport shuttle services to Beaver Creek to avoid the 40 dollars per night fee.

Diamond Breakfast

I blogged separately about the Diamond Breakfast at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek but it was definitely a highlight so I will mention it again. The option to take the free Diamond breakfast in the café, restaurant or room service with no cost limit is truly phenomenal.

Breakfast with a View

The Room

Walking down the hallway, I noticed there didn’t seem to be much variation in rooms. I walked down several hallways and saw only one suite. In fact, Hyatt Confirmed Suite Upgrade awards are not valid at this hotel.

My corner room was comfortable and had two large windows opening up to the slopes. Quality was high throughout and I always enjoy when there is a nice coffee maker, in this case a Keurig. The General Manager left a note and some trail mix. Unfortunately the note was addressed to some other person which I thought was poorly executed. A few minutes later, they brought me a properly addressed note and another trail mix. Sorry John G. from Florida for taking your room.

Cloud-like Hyatt Bed

Desk and Television

Double Vanity Bathroom

The Slopes

Coffee Maker and Growler (Personal Purchase)!!!

The Bottom Line

I did enjoy this resort but it didn’t quite match the level of service and quality of the Park Hyatt brand. The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek reminded me more of what I have seen in the Category 5 Hyatt Resorts family. I hate to admit this, but I was planning to tour all of the facilities of this large resort Sunday morning to provide a thorough review to you readers who love to ski. However, a long lost friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to go hiking in Boulder the next morning. Right after the Diamond breakfast, I darted from the Park Hyatt to meet her in Boulder for a hike. Sorry to all you ski readers! I guess I am more of a hiker.

Boulder rocks: I guess I am more of a Hiker!