Durango's Hidden Gem: Adventure Inn's Unforgettable Escape!
Durango's "Hidden Gem" - And My Unforgettable Escape (Spoiler: It's Adventure Inn, Folks!)
Okay, so I’ve just returned from the Adventure Inn in Durango, and honestly, it’s still swirling around in my head. This review? Think of it as me, just… vomiting my experience onto the page in all its messy, beautiful, and slightly caffeinated glory. It’s not perfect, you'll see. But that’s life, right?
SEO & Metadata, (Don't worry, I got this, mostly):
- Keywords: Durango Hotels, Adventure Inn Review, Accessible Durango, Wheelchair Accessible Hotels, Spa Durango, Durango Colorado, Family Friendly Hotels, Pet Friendly Durango, [Specific Amenities mentioned Below such as "Pool with view," "Massage Durango," "Free Wi-Fi," "Breakfast Buffet"]
- Meta Description: Honest review of Adventure Inn Durango, showcasing its accessibility features, spa amenities, dining options, and overall experience. Explore the good, the bad, and the hilarious!
The Grand Entrance (and My Initial Fear):
First off, let’s be honest. I'm a bit of an accessibility snob. It matters to me, and it matters to my family. Finding a truly accessible hotel that also offers a decent experience can be a real pain. So, the Adventure Inn? Right off the bat, Access was a HUGE relief. The elevator was a GODSEND (because my knees, bless them, are NOT what they used to be!). CCTV in common areas made me feel safe, even in the dark of night, which, honestly, is something I REALLY appreciate.
Then came the fear… the dreaded check-in. I was immediately greeted by friendly staff, ready to serve. The doorman was very friendly. It was a 24-hour front desk, perfect for late arrivals like me. Contactless check-in/out was a total lifesaver, since I am one of those who can't stop touching everything. The whole process was pretty breezy, and honestly, a great start.
Rooms: My Oasis (and My Messy Desk):
I booked a "non-smoking" room (thank goodness, because I'm a non-smoker, and that smell can linger!). The room itself was… well, it felt like me. I'm big on feeling like my space is my space. The Air conditioning worked, Air conditioning in public area was just what I needed, there was a massive desk because I work from home, and it was actually carpeted, which I love. Big bonus for a desk and a bed so I can work and sleep in the same room. There was a laptop workspace and there was even internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless. I really wanted to throw my laptop out the window. However, the internet was great, so I didn't, haha. I was able to use the Wi-Fi [free], to write this. They even provided desk space. Air conditioning wasn’t too loud; Blackout curtains were a game-changer because I sleep like the dead, especially on vacation! Extra long bed was a blessing. Free bottled water. Oh yes, and the bathroom? Spotless, good lighting, and a shower with decent water pressure (major points!). Also, there was a mirror that let you see your whole body, something that's incredibly useful, and a hair dryer, which every woman will need.
My desk, however, quickly descended into chaos. Papers everywhere, a half-eaten bag of chips, and a laptop threatening to melt. But hey, that's my travel vibe. Plus, they had amazing complimentary tea to keep me going.
The Spa & Relaxation: Blissfully Unstructured (and Slightly Embarrassing):
Okay, confession time: I'm not a spa kind of person. But Adventure Inn's spa? I caved. First off, the Pool with view was stunning. Mountains! Sunshine! And me in a bathrobe, attempting to look zen.
- Body scrub: I went for the body scrub. I felt like a walking sugar cookie getting exfoliated. It was so weirdly relaxing, I almost fell asleep mid-scrub.
- Sauna: I went to the sauna directly after the massage.
- Massage: After that, I took my first massage in my life. I nearly fell asleep during my massage. My masseuse was a gem, somehow turning my knotted shoulders into something resembling… well, not totally relaxed shoulders, but definitely less tense ones.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Adventures (and My Expanding Waistline):
The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight, a beautiful, delicious, and dangerous experience. Asian breakfast was available, too. The Western breakfast was awesome! I'm not going to lie, I may have eaten three plates of bacon. They had the essential coffee/tea in restaurant, which was amazing! And there's a Happy hour. The bacon was followed by desserts in restaurant, and soup in restaurant. There was a bar with a poolside bar, so I tried the Poolside bar, along with a bottle of water. Oh, and did I mention the Snack bar? The A la carte in restaurant option was a great move for me, a picky eater. I spent more time in the restaurant than I'd like to admit. I also had the room service [24-hour].
Cleanliness and Safety: All the Sanitize, All the Time (and It's Reassuring):
Amidst the pandemic times, I'm always super anxious about cleanliness. Adventure Inn? They KILLED IT. The anti-viral cleaning products were in use, and the place smelled clean, not chemical-ly. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff wearing masks? Yes, please! I saw the staff wiping down everything, including the elevator buttons (a personal pet peeve!). Hand sanitizer was everywhere, and the whole vibe was just…safe. Staff trained in safety protocol made me extremely comfortable. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items made me eat more food!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Slightly Annoying Ones):
- Cash withdrawal: There was a cash withdrawal option, which was a big plus.
- Concierge: Their concierge was helpful; I made some great local recommendations.
- Convenience store: The convenience store was perfect for grabbing snacks.
- Laundry service was available.
Getting Around: The Ups and Downs (and My Car's Frustrations):
- Car park [free of charge]: The car park was amazing!
- Taxi service: There were taxis driving around.
For the Kids: (Though I Don't Have Any, I Spied):
They offered a Babysitting service and were family/child-friendly, which is great.
The Small Stuff That Matters (and My Minor Gripes):
- Smoking area: They had a designated smoking area (boo).
- Pets allowed unavailable: I'm not the hugest fan of pets, so this was kinda a plus for me.
- Wake-up service: I really needed a wake-up service because I was so tired from activities.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? (Absolutely, with Bacon in Tow!)
Look, I'm brutally honest. Adventure Inn isn’t perfect. No place is. But it genuinely felt like a thoughtfully run place, and the little touches made a big difference. Most importantly, the accessibility was fantastic and made my stay that much more enjoyable.
This isn't just a hotel, it's an experience. Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. But if not, it should be! I’m already planning my return trip… and I’m bringing extra bacon.
Antioch Getaway: Days Inn & Suites - Your Perfect CA Escape!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're going to Durango, Colorado, and this isn't your grandma's perfectly curated itinerary. This is…me, after a week of eating way too much cheese, exploring the majestic mountains, and probably spilling coffee on this very document. Prepare for a bumpy ride. And by bumpy, I mean the kind that perfectly reflects my actual life.
Durango: The Slightly Unhinged Adventurer's Itinerary (Adventure Inn Edition)
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment (aka, "Help, My Lungs!")
Morning (or, let's be honest, early afternoon): Touchdown in Durango! Arriving at the airport felt like a scene out of a Western movie – tiny, quaint, and with more cowboys than I’m used to. First impressions of Adventure Inn Durango: "Uh, is this it? It's not exactly the Ritz, but hey, cheap is the name of the game and I'm a pro with a slightly questionable budget." Check-in was a breeze, thankfully. The desk lady, a woman named Carol with hair that defied gravity and a smile that could melt glaciers, gave me the keys. "Welcome, dearie," she chirped. "Hope you like our 'rustic charm'." Rustic charm… I'm pretty sure that means "slightly falling apart", and probably filled with dust bunnies.
Afternoon: The altitude. Oh, the altitude. Trying to unpack without gasping for air was an Olympic sport. I swear, walking to the vending machine felt like climbing Everest. Decided to be brave and headed to Main Avenue for some "cultural immersion." Found a cute little brewery called "Durango Brewing Company". Their IPA was…powerful. My brain felt like it was vibrating. That altitude thing again, or perhaps the beer.
Evening: Dinner at a place called "Steamworks Brewing Co." (apparently, Durango is obsessed with steam engines). The food was decent, but I spent most of the meal staring at the exposed brick walls, wondering if I'd be able to climb out of bed the next day. Seriously, altitude, you win.
- First Imperfection/Rant: The bed in my room? Lumpy. Seriously, I think it was made out of rocks. At least it gave me a story to laugh about and complain to my friends with.
Day 2: Train Tracks and Tiny Towns
Morning: The legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Booked my ticket weeks in advance, and thankfully, my morning actually started on time. The train ride was spectacular, the views were stunning, and I spent a solid 30 minutes just thinking about how much I loved my life. I think the fact that I only spent 30 minutes on that thought is a testament to my short attention span. The train ride has become a bit of a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason! Seeing the scenery, the Animas River, the mountains, and the little towns was just a sight to behold.
- Quirky Observation: Those old-timey train whistles? They're LOUD. Like, feel it in your soul loud. And I loved every single ear-splitting second of it.
Afternoon: Silverton! The quintessential Wild West town. It's like stepping into a time machine. The candy store was amazing! I definitely bought way too much fudge, but hey, vacation calories don't count! There was a shop with old photos. I spent more time looking at them than I probably should have.
- Emotional Reaction - Disappointment: The gift shop! I spent way too much time in there. I was in the mood to buy things, and I was disappointed when I realized that half of what I wanted to buy was closed. Not sure if they close early or what, bit it was a bummer.
Evening: Dinner at a little place in Silverton called "The Brown Bear Cafe." The food was simple but amazing. I had a burger the size of my head! The drive back to Durango on the bus was just as scenic.
- Messy Rambling: I might or might not have accidentally bought a ridiculously oversized cowboy hat from Silverton. It's currently cluttering up my already-cramped room. Worth it.
Day 3: Whitewater, Watery Mishaps (AKA, "I'm Pretty Sure I Almost Died")
Morning: Whitewater rafting on the Animas River. Okay, this was terrifying and exhilarating. I, being the graceful, coordinated person that I am, almost fell out of the boat within the first five minutes. Managed to cling on for dear life and, eventually, got the hang of it. Sort of. I'm pretty sure I swallowed half the Animas River, but hey, at least I lived to tell the tale.
- Strong Emotional Reaction - Terror to Triumph: At first, I was convinced I was going to die. But after a little bit, I started to have fun! The rapids were exhilarating, and the scenery was breathtaking. This was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I laughed, I screamed, I may or may not have cried a little from both fear and joy.
Afternoon: Soaked and slightly traumatized, I retreated to the Adventure Inn for a nap. The lumpy bed, my friend, was a godsend. Before the nap, I did some laundry, and I'm pretty sure I went through a couple of my own clothes, but hey…it's a travel mess.
- Opinionated Language: The Animas River is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, and scary places I've ever been.
Evening: Celebratory pizza at "Homeslice Pizza." Needed carbs after almost drowning. Their pizza was delicious!
- Messier Structure: Okay, let's be honest. After the rafting, I was exhausted and a little shell-shocked. Dinner was just…sustenance. The memories were the main course.
Day 4: Hiking, Highs, and a Hidden Gem
Morning: Hiking! I chose the Animas City Mountain Trail. It was pretty challenging (altitude again!), but the views from the top were worth every wheezing breath. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery.
- Minor Category - Coffee Break: Stopped at a little coffee shop called "Durango Coffee Company". Best coffee in the world, I'm sure of it.
Afternoon: Exploring the Animas River Trail. A lovely, easy walk. Found a secluded spot by the river with some great views with a cute bridge to walk over. Just the chill and quiet I needed after all the adrenaline of the day before.
- Doubling Down on Experience: I spent hours just sitting there, watching the water flow, feeling the sun on my face, and simply existing. It was pure bliss. I actually teared up a little. Don't judge me.
Evening: "El Moro Spirits and Tavern". A perfect way to cap off the trip. A place with delicious food, a great ambiance.
Day 5: Departure (and the inevitable post-vacation blues)
Morning: A final, leisurely breakfast at the Adventure Inn. It wasn't fancy, but it was something. A quick stroll around Durango to soak it all in one last time.
- Imperfection/Rant (Again): Seriously, that lumpy bed… I'm going to need a chiropractor when I get home.
Afternoon: Headed to the airport, clutching my ridiculously oversized cowboy hat. Said goodbye to Carol, who winked and said, "Come back anytime, dearie!"
- Emotional Reaction - Bittersweet: Leaving Durango was hard. The mountains, the river, the weirdness…I'm already missing it. But also? Looking forward to my own bed.
Final Thoughts:
Durango isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges. But that's exactly what makes it so charming. It's real. It's beautiful. It's an adventure. And yeah, I'll be back. But next time? I'm bringing a better pillow. And maybe a gas mask for the altitude.
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Speaking of Hiking... What's the Location Really Like? Is it Convenient?
The Rooms: Are They… Comfortable? What Should I Expect?
What About the Amenities? Breakfast? Wi-Fi? Is There a Pool?
I'm Kind of a High-Maintenance Traveler… Should I Even Bother?
What's the Best Thing About Adventure Inn? (And, Conversely, the Worst?)
Would You Go Back? Seriously?
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