Durango's BEST Homewood Suites? (Stunning Views & Hidden Perks!)
Durango's Homewood Suites: Where Stunning Views Meet Surprisingly Good Coffee (and Less Stunning, But Necessary, Accessibility)
Okay, let's be real. Finding a perfect hotel is like finding a unicorn that also makes a decent latte. But after a recent trip to Durango, Colorado, I think I've landed on something pretty darn close: Durango's Homewood Suites. And I'm not just saying that because the mountains practically kiss the windows.
First things first: the view. Oh. My. God. Seriously, I spent a solid hour just staring out the window after check-in. The sun setting over the San Juan Mountains? Forget about it. Instagram feed blowing up. I mean, you could practically feel the stress melting away. Forget the spa for a minute – the natural beauty here is a therapy session in itself.
Accessibility: A Necessary Reality Check (and a Pleasant Surprise)
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, BUT I am always thinking about it. We need inclusive spaces, and the Homewood Suites gets a thumbs up. They've got wheelchair accessible rooms, which is a huge plus. I didn't personally experience everything, so I can’t speak to the exact execution of ramps and whatnot, but the online reviews say they're pretty good. The elevator is key (duh). The accessibility features extend to the public spaces, with accessible routes and hopefully accessible access to the restaurants/lounges. I did notice a lack of information on specifics, but there certainly seemed to be a high level of compliance based on the construction.
This is a good starting point. I've definitely stayed in places that seem to consider those with limited mobility an afterthought, but The Homewood Suites Durango seems better than that. We need better in Durango.
The Nitty Gritty: What Else Makes This Place Tick?
Internet: Okay, so free Wi-Fi in all those rooms, thank goodness. I’m a digital nomad glued to my laptop, and the internet access was reliable. Internet - LAN I'm guessing isn't even relevant to the vast majority.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where things get REALLY important these days. I was initially skeptical (as one is), but they did this really well. The staff seemed super vigilant about daily disinfection in common areas, and the room sanitization opt-out available made me feel comfortable, even though I'm not usually into skipping the housekeeping. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and everyone was masked (or at least, they were when I was there). The Anti-viral cleaning products are a must. They’ve definitely adapted to the new normal. Also, I was really impressed with how the staff was trained and was super friendly and helpful throughout my entire stay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Important Stuff!) The breakfast [buffet] was, let's just say, a game changer. I'm a sucker for breakfast service, and they really delivered. I tried everything, from the eggs (surprisingly good scrambled eggs, I must say) to the pastries (don't judge me). It's free, and it's a great way to start your day, especially if you're planning on conquering some mountain passes. And there was coffee/tea in the restaurant – thank the heavens! I'm not a morning person.
Sadly, I am not a vegetarian. But the fact they have a vegetarian restaurant option in town is a great start!
Room Amenities: Comfort is Key Let's dive deep in here. The air conditioning was a lifesaver. They've got blackout curtains (a must-have for a light sleeper like me!), a coffee/tea maker (again, you're speaking my language, Homewood Suites!), and a mini bar (okay, maybe I shouldn't have indulged in that too much…). The desk was perfect for work and the extra long bed was something I didn't know I needed. Plus, the refrigerator & microwave are great for leftovers or late-night snacks. Nice to see the slippers too!
For the Kids: There's a babysitting service available, which is nice for families! (I'm guessing).
Things to Do:
- Ways to Relax (or at least TRY to):
- Pool with view: The swimming pool [outdoor] with that panoramic view is another highlight. It could probably use a bit of a face-lift, but who am I kidding – it's got a view, and that's all I care about.
- Ways to Relax (or at least TRY to):
The "Hidden Perks" That Actually Made a Difference:
- The Staff: Seriously, every single person I encountered was genuinely friendly and helpful (this is apparently a chain theme, but it made a big difference). They went out of their way to offer suggestions for hikes, restaurants, and even where to get the best darn coffee in town.
- The Little Things: I loved the complimentary tea and the fact that they had a convenience store for those late-night snack attacks. (I may or may not have bought an entire bag of chips.)
The (Slightly) Messy Truth About the Hotel.
No place is perfect. I will admit that, while clean, the rooms aren't exactly "new luxury". However, they are more attractive than others I've been at. It's worth mentioning also that I don't recall seeing any Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Gym/fitness, Massage or something similar listed onsite. So, if that's your jam, you might want to find a different hotel.
The Offer: Escape to Durango's Mountain Paradise!
Look, I'm not trying to sell you a timeshare (although, based on the view, maybe they should!). But if you're heading to Durango, The Homewood Suites is a seriously good pick.
Here's the deal:
- Stunning Mountain Views: Wake up to postcard-perfect scenery every morning.
- Free Breakfast & Wi-Fi: Fuel your adventures and stay connected, without breaking the bank.
- Comfortable Rooms: Get serious rest with the essentials, including those blackout curtains!
- Accessibility Focused: With a focus on providing a welcoming environment!
- Convenient Location: Close to everything Durango has to offer & free parking.
Book your stay at Durango's Homewood Suites today and experience the magic of the mountains!
[Insert a link to the hotel's booking page here]
Why this works:
- Honest and Authentic: I've tried to be real about my experience, imperfections and all.
- Focus on Benefits: Highlighted the things that actually matter to travelers (great views, free breakfast, comfy beds).
- Targeted Language: Speaking directly to people planning a trip to Durango.
- Call to Action: Clear instructions on how to book.
- SEO Keywords: "Durango Homewood Suites," "Durango hotel," "mountain views," "free breakfast," "wheelchair accessible," "accessible hotel," and numerous other relevant keywords are sprinkled throughout the review.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-edited travel itinerary. This is the Durango, Colorado, edition, Homewood Suites style – messy, magical, and totally real. Let's dive in:
The Durango Debacle: A Homewood Suites How-To (and How-NOT-To)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Durango Edition)
2:00 PM: Arrive at Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). Ugh, airports. The fluorescent lights and the smell of stale coffee… it's like a portal to a pre-packaged stress dimension. But hey, at least the baggage carousel wasn't the usual "here's your suitcase, ma'am… oh wait, just kidding, it's in… Timbuktu". Got my rental car – a surprisingly clean Chevy whatever. Progress!
2:45 PM: Check into Homewood Suites by Hilton Durango. Okay, first impressions: it's… fine. Clean enough. The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and ambition (or maybe it's just the indoor pool). The front desk lady, bless her heart, seemed about as thrilled to see me as I was to be there. This is the beginning of the trip.
3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance – a suite, naturally. Gotta have that separate living area, you know? Crucial for spreading out my travel chaos. First order of business: locate the coffee maker. Coffee: the lifeblood of the weary traveler and the only thing keeping me from full-blown existential despair. It’s a pod machine, which is, in my book, the Devil's invention, but hey, it’ll do.
3:30 PM: Mild Panic. Realized I forgot my phone charger. Classic. This is a sign. This is my opportunity to embrace the discomfort of unplugged solitude, to reconnect with myself, away from the digital world. I'll face the world with no phone.
4:00 PM: Walk to Walmart. Desperate measures, people. But hey, it gave me a chance to acclimatize to the altitude. Each breath was a Herculean effort. Bought the charger, some trail mix (because I clearly had visions of becoming a mountain goat), and a ridiculously oversized bag of gummy bears. Priorities, people. Priorities.
5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Tried the pool. It was… cold. And strangely quiet. Like, Twilight Zone quiet. Decided against a swim. Instead, sat on the balcony in the cold. The view wasn't bad.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Called "Durango Diner". The food was decent, and I had a conversation with the waiter about the beauty of the San Juan Mountains. I learned he lost his phone on a hike last summer and that he still thinks about the phone. He thinks it's on some mountain, somewhere, waiting.
8:30 PM: Back at the hotel. My phone battery is still at 100%. Watched TV. Went to bed. The air is so dry.
Day 2: Steam Trains, Mountain Mayhem, and a Lesson in Humility
8:00 AM: "Complimentary" hot breakfast at the Homewood Suites. Okay, the scrambled eggs tasted vaguely of sadness, but the coffee was marginally better than the pod-based horror show in my room. Ate a banana. Still had no phone.
9:00 AM: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! YES! This is what I came for. The brochures showed a smiling, rosy-cheeked person enjoying a gorgeous ride. Took the train to Silverton. Had to check in my oversized bag of gummy bears. This is the beginning of the best day.
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM: The Train Ride - pure, unadulterated magic. That train is magnificent. The mountains, the river… the history just drips off everything. The engine, clanking and puffing, was a beautiful sight and smell… and the air outside smells of coal and nostalgia. The scenery was breathtaking. It felt like being transported back in time. I took a lot of pictures… a lot of pictures.
1:30 PM: Silverton - pure, raw, and beautiful. I got a sandwich, and I almost threw up. The altitude in Silverton is insane. The town is so lovely, but I was gasping for air. Saw a guy selling hats.
2:30 PM: The Train Ride back. The sun started setting over the beautiful mountains on the way back. The train was also late, which was a problem, because I had reservations in Durango at the best restaurant in town.
6:00 PM: Back at the Homewood suites. Got ready for dinner, and almost didn’t make the restaurant.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant. It was a beautiful sunset.
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Too tired to do anything.
Day 3: The Jeep, the Hike, and the Hunt for the Perfect Coffee
9:00 AM: Actually managed to sleep in. The bed was surprisingly comfortable.
10:00 AM: Decided to hike. Found a park, rented a Jeep, started driving.
11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Hike in the park. The views are even better than the brochures suggested -- even though I got utterly winded halfway through and had to take a break by a rather grumpy-looking marmot. Seriously, the altitude is no joke. Walked up the trail and met a couple from Texas who got some good tips about the best restaurants in Durango.
1.00 PM: Back to Durango, found the best coffee in Durango at a small local shop. It's the best coffee, hands down. It made me love the city.
2:00 PM: Back at the hotel, changed from hiking clothes.
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Driving around Durango, seeing the city.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the Durango Diner, again.
9:00 PM: Packing.
Departure Day: Farewell, Durango (and Maybe a New Appreciation for Pod Coffee)
7:00 AM: Woke up.
8:00 AM: Last-minute breakfast at the hotel. Scrambled eggs: still sad. Coffee: acceptable.
8:30 AM: Checked out of the Homewood Suites. Said a heartfelt goodbye to the chlorine-scented lobby and the slightly-underwhelming breakfast buffet.
9:00 AM: Drove back to the airport. Returned the rental car.
10:00 AM: At the airport. Thinking about the trip… Durango, you magnificent, slightly-altitude-challenged, and surprisingly charming weirdo.
11:00 AM: Board the plane.
Final Thoughts:
Durango was a wild ride. The Homewood Suites was… a place to sleep. The people were friendly, even when I was a snappish mess. And even though my phone charger wasn't the only thing that broke -- I’m leaving refreshed, revitalized, and maybe with a new appreciation for those damn pod coffee machines. Until next time, Durango. Don’t change too much. Or maybe change just a little, and get some better coffee…
Niagara Falls' ICONIC Hotel: Unbelievable Views & Luxury Await!
Durango's Homewood Suites: The Good, the Bad, and the Honestly Gorgeous (Plus, Secret Perks You Won't Believe!)
Okay, so, is this Homewood Suites *really* as good as everyone says? Because I've been burned before...
What kind of views are we actually talking about? Mountains? Parking lot vista? Let's be realistic.
Hidden Perks?! Tell me *everything*! I'm all ears (and maybe a little greedy).
Okay, sounds good, but what’s the catch? There *has* to be a downside.
The Suites - spacious? Cramped? Like, can I actually spread out my stuff? I am asking for a friend.
Is the location convenient? Easy to get to everything?
How's the service? Are the staff friendly? I'm a people person (mostly).
Are there any specific room recommendations or tips? Gimme the inside scoop!
So,Cozy Stay Spots
