Ski-Out Bliss at Beaver Creek’s Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa isn’t your typical super-chain hotel. Situated between Beaver Creek and Vail in the town of Avon, Colorado, this full-service resort combines the best of a ski-in/ski-out hotel with a luxury condominium. The resort boasts a long list of accolades from leading travel media sources, and the reasons are evident. With a variety of accommodation options, a top-notch kids’ club and a gondola just steps away, the Westin Riverfront ticks all the boxes on a family ski vacation checklist.

Family-Friendly Review and Highlights of The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Accommodations

The Westin Riverfront completed a major renovation in 2015. The decor throughout the hotel, best described as “modern mountain,” exudes warmth. In addition to traditional hotel rooms, the Westin Riverfront offers studios and a variety of condo-style suite options, from one to three bedrooms.

The suites are particularly nice for families, as each features a lounge area with gas fireplace, washer/dryer and full kitchen. We really enjoyed the ability to cook a simple meal and watch movies by the fire after a full day of skiing. The benefit of choosing a suite within a hotel is that you can just as easily choose to order room service or dine in the restaurant downstairs instead of cooking.

Dining

Maya, the Westin’s showcase restaurant, strikes a nice balance between sophistication and family-friendliness. The extensive modern Mexican menu includes innovative dishes along with familiar favorites. There’s a variety of guacamoles on offer, each made tableside. Adventurous eaters should enjoy the grasshopper guacamole. Yes, grasshopper. Although the creatures are ground up with spices and sprinkled on top, kids can still claim bragging rights to having willingly eaten an insect.

Also onsite is The Lift, a casual market/café. In addition to burgers and other American fare, The Lift stocks grocery essentials and has games available to play there or enjoy in your room. Be sure to grab a s’mores kit so you can roast your own at one of the outdoor fire pits.

Amenities and Activities

Vail and Beaver Creek are renowned for world-class alpine skiing and their ski schools. Hitting the slopes from the Westin Riverfront couldn’t be easier. Leave your gear with the ski valet upon check-in and at the end of each day. Come morning you’ll arrive to dry, warm boots, and your skis and snowboards will be waiting for you by the gondola.

Not a skier? Check out the Adventure Ridge snow park, or speak with the concierge to arrange a snowmobile tour or enjoy a day of pampering at the spa. No matter how you chose to enjoy your day, you’ll find après activities daily from 3:30-5:30 in the lobby, including fresh cookies, live music and crafts for kids.

Spa and Fitness Center

The Westin Riverfront’s Spa Anjali was named one of the top 25 resort spas in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, for good reason. The beautiful 27,000-square-foot facility not only offers a complete range of treatments, but also includes a state-of-the-art athletic club and a full-service salon. And if that isn’t enough, there is a year-round heated outdoor pool and three hot tubs with excellent views of Beaver Creek to enjoy as well. The facility is top-notch and the treatments are excellent.

Kids’ Club

This isn’t a plop-’em-down-and-watch-a-movie day care. The staff here focus on education and exploration and are mindful of keeping all ages (5-12) happy and engaged. Members of the Rocky Mountain Science Center drop by weekly with special activities to complement the club’s theme days. Kids may learn about snowflakes, outer space or animal habitats while at the club. Hourly, half-day and full-day options are able for visits.

The Westin is a great option for those who plan to visit both Vail and Beaver Creek. Since it’s centrally located in the heart of Vail Valley, it’s easy to take advantage of all that the greater area has to offer. While the resort isn’t directly on the mountain, ski-in/ski-out access to Beaver Creek is made possible by an onsite gondola.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Vail and Beaver Creek Village, both 10 to 15 minutes away. Avon is just over a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport and about 25 minutes from Eagle Vail airport.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas and tips for family ski vacations on Ciao Bambino

Calling all luxury-loving families, Beaver Creek resort is for you

10 ways to make a family ski trip less expensive

Editor’s Note: The Westin Riverfront Hotel & Spa provided Ciao Bambino with a media package in order to facilitate a review of the property. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Leslie Rich except where noted.