Watch the video from our visit.

Homey Lodge With Mountain Views

Daisy, a half-boxer, half-pit-bull mix, bounds through the lobby to greet incoming guests at Eagle Lodge and Suites. The young pooch—who belongs to a hotel manager—is an unofficial member of the welcoming committee at Eagle Lodge and Suites. A homey sense of hospitality permeates this hotel, which treats its visitors to a number of perks. Perhaps the biggest draw, though, is that the hotel has superb views of the Rocky Mountains right in its backyard.

A massive elk-antler chandelier dangles from the vaulted ceiling in the lobby, which gives the place the aura of a mountain lodge. There’s also a woodsy, cabin feeling to the décor of the two-story family suites, where framed rustic scenes hang on the walls. A group of four can comfortably spread their wings in the 800-square-foot lodgings, which feature four queen-size beds draped in all-white linens. Deluxe rooms are smaller but comparably furnished—bathrooms come stocked with fine toiletries, such as green-tea-and-willow soap by Archive.

Throughout your stay, you can take advantage of Eagle Lodge’s complimentary treats and services, including a daily breakfast buffet loaded with cereals, muffins, bagels, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and waffles. Each day, the hotel staff also offers up a plate of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies and free coffee. Just beyond the dining room, you’ll find a 50-foot indoor pool, which sits below a second-story weight room and the adjacent fitness center. Outside, in warmer weather, you can settle small-claims-court disputes over games of horseshoes or grill out on the barbecue pit.

Eagle, Colorado: Quaint Mountain Town Minutes from Hiking and Biking

Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Eagle sits smack-dab between the posh ski resort of Vail 30 miles to the east and the outdoor haven of Glenwood Springs. Vail is known as one of the most legendary ski destinations in the western United States, but there is still plenty to do even after the snow melts. Travelers can take 15% off mountain bike rentals at any of Avon Venture Sports' three valley locations and go explore miles of alpine trails.

After a day on the mountain, it's well worth it to explore Vail Village, which looks like a Bavarian hamlet thanks to its alpine architecture. Bronze sculptures of bears, bighorn sheep, and skiers also decorate the village’s pedestrian pathways.

On the 30-mile drive westward to Glenwood Springs, winding byways pass through Glenwood Canyon, which was carved out by the Colorado River. In the warmer months, bicyclists can pedal on 16 miles of paved trails alongside the river, where mighty rapids whizz past mountain faces freckled with aspens. After a long day of hiking or playing catch with boulders, feel free to relax at Glenwood Hot Springs, where natural hot-spring mineral water is pumped in from the adjacent Yampa Hot Springs.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.