I can’t believe Dan and I have already been home a month since our vacation to Colorado and Utah. We managed to do so much in just a week, road-tripping from Denver to Salt Lake City and back. I loved exploring Pearl Street and visiting the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum. But our most romantic stop was in Glenwood Springs, when we stayed at the historic Hotel Colorado, relaxed in the hot springs, and indulged in a couple’s massage.
We arrived in Glenwood Springs after driving through the Rocky Mountain National Park all day. After checking into the hotel, we made our way across the street to the hot springs. Dan and I went back and forth between the two pools of different temperatures. Dan also showed off his diving skills to a bunch of preteens. After about an hour, our sore muscles felt nice and loosened up.
Then we found this great burger place where we feasted on buffalo bacon cheeseburgers! Grind’s burgers were absolutely delicious. Plus their prices were totally reasonable. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, grabbed a cold beer each, and sat outside, soaking up the ambiance of the Hotel Colorado courtyard.
Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures other than the tweet below of the interior of the Hotel Colorado. The historic hotel dates back to 1893, and it has played host to both President Taft and President Teddy Roosevelt. Our room was quite charming. The hotel lacks AC, so take note if you visit Glenwood Springs during the warmest months, but we were quite comfortable with the open, screened window and the ceiling fan.
Staying at the historic Colorado Hotel! #BDvaycay pic.twitter.com/DJGXxdgQug
— Brita Long (@BelleBrita) September 2, 2014
Tuesday morning was our couple’s spa! The Hotel Colorado has its own spa on the premises, La Provence Spa. Dan had made reservations in advance for our couple’s spa, and I added on a mini-facial at the last minute. While our time in the private steam room and the services themselves were relaxing, we felt a little cheated on the time. When we pay for a 55-minute massage, and we show up early as expected, then we want a 55-minute massage. While I was mostly satisfied with the amount of time my massage therapist worked on me (massage plus 30-minute facial), Dan did not really get the full service paid for.
And it’s an awkward thing to try to dispute because the spa rooms don’t have clocks, you don’t wear a watch during a massage, and you keep your phone tucked away. So by the time you realize the service is over way too early, you can get dressed, chase down your therapist, get undressed, and resume your massage, or you can just suck it up (and leave a smaller tip).
Other than being short-changed on time, Dan and I felt very relaxed after our massages. Also my skin looked amazing after my facial. Our trip to Glenwood Springs was a wonderfully romantic interlude between all of our other adventures. I was sad to say good-bye to Glenwood Springs, but excited to hit the road for Salt Lake City! I’m taking next Tuesday off from travel updates, but check back on October 21st to read all about Temple Square in Salt Lake City.
How do you and your significant other find time for romance while on vacation? What are your favorite ways to relax after a long drive? Let me know in the comments!
MMmmm 🙂 It must have been so nice to get away! I’ve never done a professional massage before, but I imagine that even when they do go the full time you’d feel short changed– so to actually get less than you paid for…bummer. I’m glad you both enjoyed the overall experience! We have enjoyed our trips to visit friends in Colorado 🙂 Thank you for linking up your experience!
Massages are wonderful, and yes, even when you get the full time you wish it weren’t over. They’re so expensive that it’s really disappointing when you don’t get what you paid for.
Colorado is a really fun state to visit. I have family there, so we try to fly out semi-regularly.
Wow! Hotel Colorado looks seriously beautiful – so luxurious, romantic and historic! Definitely all the things I love in a hotel! We recently travelled through Colorado and absolutely loved it but we never made it to this part! What a shame! It was winter time for us so we spent most of our time snowboarding! We’ve spoken so many times how we’d love to spend more time in Colorado (and Utah – our two favourite states to explore) so fingers crossed we can make a trip to Hotel Colorado! P.s. The pictures are gorgeous! Did your husband take them all? He’s quite the photographer! X
I did take the pictures. Photography is a hobby of mine. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
There is SO much to do and see in Colorado. I’ve been many times to visit my family, but I still haven’t seen all the highlights the state has to offer.
Spa days are my favorite!!! If you can only splurge on one, get a facial. They put all sorts of great stuff on your face, and while it sits, you get a mini-massage.
I will have to do this on my next trip for sure!
What a beautiful hotel! I have been wanting to go to Colorado. Hopefully I can plan a trip one day soon! Thanks for joining us for Hump Day Happenings.
Aww Glenwood Springs! So glad you had a great time 🙂 I miss Colorado!