Hilton Fort Collins
425 W Prospect Rd
Fort Collins, CO
We were visiting family this past fall and decided to try the Hilton Fort Collins. Staying at the hotel was Greg and I plus Porscha (12). We booked a 1 king bed room with sofa-bed for 3 nights. We were upgraded (thanks to Greg's Diamond status) to a room with a view. We did encounter several housekeeping issues during our stay. Part of our status amenities is that we receive complimentary breakfasts at Hilton properties however this hotel does not offer breakfasts in their restaurant. We were left with the only option of the concierge lounge. The concierge lounge itself was pretty good and offered a good variety of breakfast items. It is on the small side and with a full hotel it was pretty crowded.
After returning home I filled out the survey and explained our issues. The response I received was also disappointing:
"Thank you for taking the time to fill out our guest survey and give us some feedback regarding your stay. Wow, it looks like we really missed the ball as far as our housekeeping service. Please accept my apologies as that is not up to our normal standards.
The room you received was 50 percent larger than you booked with a mountain view. Unfortunately, we do no have "suites' at our property so that is our best available upgrade. With your diamond membership you receive a complementary continental breakfast, which we do not offer in our hotel restaurant. That being said we have worked hard to exceed the traditional continental breakfast in the executive lounge by adding hot items like eggs and breakfast meats.
Given the issues you had with housekeeping I would be more than happy to offer coupons for our full breakfast buffet for you next stay. Please let me know when you will be headed our way so that I can have this set up for you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Domann
Front Office Manager
Hilton Fort Collins"
425 W Prospect Rd
Fort Collins, CO
We were visiting family this past fall and decided to try the Hilton Fort Collins. Staying at the hotel was Greg and I plus Porscha (12). We booked a 1 king bed room with sofa-bed for 3 nights. We were upgraded (thanks to Greg's Diamond status) to a room with a view. We did encounter several housekeeping issues during our stay. Part of our status amenities is that we receive complimentary breakfasts at Hilton properties however this hotel does not offer breakfasts in their restaurant. We were left with the only option of the concierge lounge. The concierge lounge itself was pretty good and offered a good variety of breakfast items. It is on the small side and with a full hotel it was pretty crowded.
After returning home I filled out the survey and explained our issues. The response I received was also disappointing:
"Thank you for taking the time to fill out our guest survey and give us some feedback regarding your stay. Wow, it looks like we really missed the ball as far as our housekeeping service. Please accept my apologies as that is not up to our normal standards.
The room you received was 50 percent larger than you booked with a mountain view. Unfortunately, we do no have "suites' at our property so that is our best available upgrade. With your diamond membership you receive a complementary continental breakfast, which we do not offer in our hotel restaurant. That being said we have worked hard to exceed the traditional continental breakfast in the executive lounge by adding hot items like eggs and breakfast meats.
Given the issues you had with housekeeping I would be more than happy to offer coupons for our full breakfast buffet for you next stay. Please let me know when you will be headed our way so that I can have this set up for you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Domann
Front Office Manager
Hilton Fort Collins"
Denver, CO - March 2012
Last month we visited with family in Colorado. We took the non-stop flights from Boston to Denver on Jetblue and as usual everything was terrific. It costs a bit more but the Extra Space / Extra Speed seats on Jetblue are truly worth it. Not only do you get to go through security faster, you are the first to board the plane, and you have the most leg room. Love it!
During this trip we were primarily there to visit with family. This usually means lots of time in and chatting and eating. We did venture out a bit and here are some of the things we did:
The Wild Animal Sanctuary - Keenesburg, CO
My husband and I first learned about the Wild Animal Sanctuary through a TV program about Eddy. Since then we have been dying to visit and contribute to the sanctuary. Our family included 6 adults and 3 children under 11. We arrived at the Wild Animal Sanctuary and purchased our tickets. At this time you are given a booklet that tells you all about the animals and you are provided some small guidelines for the sanctuary.The elevated platforms are a wonderful idea to protect the animals and guests as well as provide fabulous views. The animals themselves are obviously well cared for and finally in a safe environment and as close as possible to being in their natural environments.We highly recommend a visit to anyone who is in awe of and wants to learn more about helping animals.
Table Mountain Grill - Golden, CO
We were a party of 9 who called a half hour earlier for a reservation. We had no problem getting a table during the lunch hours. The service was extremely attentive and friendly. The food was very good. I can't recall what everyone ate but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo Reuben and the Sierra Flatbread Sandwich.
Ted's Montana Grill - Westminster, CO
We joined our family for dinner at Ted's before leaving denver. This was the 2nd time we have dined at this restaurant and it was as good as the first. My husband and I enjoyed the Buffalo and the Filet Mignon. The sides were mostly good with the exception of green beans, these tasted overcooked.
3 Margaritas - Westminster, CO
This restaurant is one of our favorite casual joints. The service is always extremely attentive and outgoing. The margaritas are spot on! The food is fresh, hot, and delish! I love (even though my lips, tongue, and throat hate me for it) the camarones a la diabla!
Charming Charlies - Westminster, CO
Fun and eclectic clothing and accessories store for women and girls. A bit overwhelming at the sheer variety but a must do when at the Orchard Town Center.
American Girl Store - Lone Tree, CO
Not as grand as the Boston store but in a lovely shopping center; Park Meadows.
During this trip we were primarily there to visit with family. This usually means lots of time in and chatting and eating. We did venture out a bit and here are some of the things we did:
The Wild Animal Sanctuary - Keenesburg, CO
My husband and I first learned about the Wild Animal Sanctuary through a TV program about Eddy. Since then we have been dying to visit and contribute to the sanctuary. Our family included 6 adults and 3 children under 11. We arrived at the Wild Animal Sanctuary and purchased our tickets. At this time you are given a booklet that tells you all about the animals and you are provided some small guidelines for the sanctuary.The elevated platforms are a wonderful idea to protect the animals and guests as well as provide fabulous views. The animals themselves are obviously well cared for and finally in a safe environment and as close as possible to being in their natural environments.We highly recommend a visit to anyone who is in awe of and wants to learn more about helping animals.
Table Mountain Grill - Golden, CO
We were a party of 9 who called a half hour earlier for a reservation. We had no problem getting a table during the lunch hours. The service was extremely attentive and friendly. The food was very good. I can't recall what everyone ate but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo Reuben and the Sierra Flatbread Sandwich.
Ted's Montana Grill - Westminster, CO
We joined our family for dinner at Ted's before leaving denver. This was the 2nd time we have dined at this restaurant and it was as good as the first. My husband and I enjoyed the Buffalo and the Filet Mignon. The sides were mostly good with the exception of green beans, these tasted overcooked.
3 Margaritas - Westminster, CO
This restaurant is one of our favorite casual joints. The service is always extremely attentive and outgoing. The margaritas are spot on! The food is fresh, hot, and delish! I love (even though my lips, tongue, and throat hate me for it) the camarones a la diabla!
Charming Charlies - Westminster, CO
Fun and eclectic clothing and accessories store for women and girls. A bit overwhelming at the sheer variety but a must do when at the Orchard Town Center.
American Girl Store - Lone Tree, CO
Not as grand as the Boston store but in a lovely shopping center; Park Meadows.
Road Trip to Colorado - Summer 2006
I love to travel, experience new places, try new foods but a must do trip for me is always a road trip from Boston to Colorado. My family and I have made the journey almost every year of my life and it's not always a great trip but it is always memorable. We have taken two different routes to Colorado so I'll give you the highlights of both.
The first route takes us from Boston, through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and into Colorado. The second takes us through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska and into Colorado.
Food: When taking a road trip there isn't a "diet" happening nor is there our "foodie" attitude. Some of the places we must stop at on this route are Cheeseburger in Paradise (Hilliard, OH), Stuckeys (these used to be all over but they are getting to be harder and harder to find), Sonic (these restaurants are everywhere except N.E. where we live), and Dairy Queen (need to have ice cream on a summer road trip). Most of the time we don't get to explore small towns or mom and pop shops (I'm usually outvoted) but I can assure you future road trips will be to those small restaurants and shops that should get more acknowledgement.
Now, I'm a New Englander so I'm supposed to love Dunkin Donuts but I will admit that the brief time they were here I loved Krispy Kreme Donuts. In Kearney Nebraska there is a place called Delight Donuts and they have the best donuts I have ever had!
Stops: Our first stop has always been in Marysville, OH. The main reason for stopping in Marysville is to visit family but we have enjoyed many local attracations. Some of the attracations are: The Columbus Zoo, Der Dutchman Restaurant, and Polaris Fashion Place. Our second stop is always St. Louis. In St. Louis we always walk by the River Boats, visit the Gateway Arch, and wander around for a bit of touristy shopping. In Colorado we visit both Colorado Springs and Denver. Below are some of the highlights.
Colorado Springs: Favorite place is the Garden of the Gods. It has beautiful scenery, great hiking, and you usually get to see a variety of wildlife. Next up would be Canon City (about 30 minutes away). In Canon City you can visit the Royal Gorge, take a train ride following the river, go white water rafting, driving over the gorge and visit the gift shop, go to Buckskin Joes, or visit The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. If you visit the Winery a must buy is their Apple Blossom or the Vineyard Sunset. Another great area is Manitou Springs. Manitou has a combination of tacky arcades, street food, antique shops, and unique stores. It's always a must stop for us. When we visit Colorado Springs we really don't eat out too much, blame Nana's yummy Mexican / Spanish Food.
Denver: When we're in Denver we really spend most of our time playing with my niece and nephew but here are some of our favorite haunts. In the Denver area we love the Denver Aquarium (The Manta Rays love my brother in law, one tried to jump out to him), another must do is Denver Zoo. GoodTimes Burger, Mimi's Cafe, New York Burrito, 3 Margaritas, Jamba Juice, and Nordstrom Rack aren't the highest rated attracations but they're the places I always go to when in Denver. GoodTimes have the best fast food burgers (freshes ingredients). Up until recently we didn't have a Nordstrom Rack near us so I had to do my "designer" shopping in Denver (Gotta love Dior sunglasses for a fraction of the retail price)! For a nice dinner with the family drive over to Golden Colorado and enjoy The Briarwood Inn.
If you travel a out a little further two of my favorite places are Estes Park and Boulder Colorado. Estes Park is great for the outdoors people (Hiking, rafting, swimming, fishing, etc.). It also has a quaint town feeling for shopping and eating. Boulder is one of my favorite places. It's a combination of free thinking, eco-friendly, funky shopping, organic food, and friendly people. How could I go wrong!!
The first route takes us from Boston, through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and into Colorado. The second takes us through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska and into Colorado.
Food: When taking a road trip there isn't a "diet" happening nor is there our "foodie" attitude. Some of the places we must stop at on this route are Cheeseburger in Paradise (Hilliard, OH), Stuckeys (these used to be all over but they are getting to be harder and harder to find), Sonic (these restaurants are everywhere except N.E. where we live), and Dairy Queen (need to have ice cream on a summer road trip). Most of the time we don't get to explore small towns or mom and pop shops (I'm usually outvoted) but I can assure you future road trips will be to those small restaurants and shops that should get more acknowledgement.
Now, I'm a New Englander so I'm supposed to love Dunkin Donuts but I will admit that the brief time they were here I loved Krispy Kreme Donuts. In Kearney Nebraska there is a place called Delight Donuts and they have the best donuts I have ever had!
Stops: Our first stop has always been in Marysville, OH. The main reason for stopping in Marysville is to visit family but we have enjoyed many local attracations. Some of the attracations are: The Columbus Zoo, Der Dutchman Restaurant, and Polaris Fashion Place. Our second stop is always St. Louis. In St. Louis we always walk by the River Boats, visit the Gateway Arch, and wander around for a bit of touristy shopping. In Colorado we visit both Colorado Springs and Denver. Below are some of the highlights.
Colorado Springs: Favorite place is the Garden of the Gods. It has beautiful scenery, great hiking, and you usually get to see a variety of wildlife. Next up would be Canon City (about 30 minutes away). In Canon City you can visit the Royal Gorge, take a train ride following the river, go white water rafting, driving over the gorge and visit the gift shop, go to Buckskin Joes, or visit The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. If you visit the Winery a must buy is their Apple Blossom or the Vineyard Sunset. Another great area is Manitou Springs. Manitou has a combination of tacky arcades, street food, antique shops, and unique stores. It's always a must stop for us. When we visit Colorado Springs we really don't eat out too much, blame Nana's yummy Mexican / Spanish Food.
Denver: When we're in Denver we really spend most of our time playing with my niece and nephew but here are some of our favorite haunts. In the Denver area we love the Denver Aquarium (The Manta Rays love my brother in law, one tried to jump out to him), another must do is Denver Zoo. GoodTimes Burger, Mimi's Cafe, New York Burrito, 3 Margaritas, Jamba Juice, and Nordstrom Rack aren't the highest rated attracations but they're the places I always go to when in Denver. GoodTimes have the best fast food burgers (freshes ingredients). Up until recently we didn't have a Nordstrom Rack near us so I had to do my "designer" shopping in Denver (Gotta love Dior sunglasses for a fraction of the retail price)! For a nice dinner with the family drive over to Golden Colorado and enjoy The Briarwood Inn.
If you travel a out a little further two of my favorite places are Estes Park and Boulder Colorado. Estes Park is great for the outdoors people (Hiking, rafting, swimming, fishing, etc.). It also has a quaint town feeling for shopping and eating. Boulder is one of my favorite places. It's a combination of free thinking, eco-friendly, funky shopping, organic food, and friendly people. How could I go wrong!!
***Larkburger
8770 Wadsworth Boulevard Arvada, CO 80003
Having a dairy allergy really limits the variety of food to eat while traveling, dining out, and even visiting family. Greg and I visited Larkburger for dinner one night thanks to their very informative website. Larkburger offers a variety of regular, gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy free options.
Greg enjoyed the Larkburger (1/3 lb certified angus beef®, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and house sauce) with bacon. I enjoyed the Truffle Burger (1/3 lb certified angus beef®, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and truffle aioli) on a Dairy Free bun. We also ordered their French Fries which are shoe string and cooked perfectly.
I highly recommend Larkburger for fresh, fast, and delicious food for everyone.
Greg enjoyed the Larkburger (1/3 lb certified angus beef®, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and house sauce) with bacon. I enjoyed the Truffle Burger (1/3 lb certified angus beef®, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and truffle aioli) on a Dairy Free bun. We also ordered their French Fries which are shoe string and cooked perfectly.
I highly recommend Larkburger for fresh, fast, and delicious food for everyone.
***Saltgrass Steakhouse
8931 Yates Street Westminster, CO 80031
Saltgrass Steakhouse is a good option thanks to their friendly service, good food, and willingness to accommodate allergies. If you have a dairy allergy you unfortunately can't enjoy the bread offered, but the staff were happy to remove the cheese from my salad, offer me a dressing without dairy, and prepare my steak without their garlic butter.
Greg ordered the Texas T-bone with sautéed veggies. I ordered the Petite Filet with a baked sweet potato. My mother in law ordered the Prime Rib with Romano Potatoes, and my father in law ordered the nights special. All of our meals were cooked well and were satisfying.
Greg ordered the Texas T-bone with sautéed veggies. I ordered the Petite Filet with a baked sweet potato. My mother in law ordered the Prime Rib with Romano Potatoes, and my father in law ordered the nights special. All of our meals were cooked well and were satisfying.
**** 3 Margaritas Restaurant
9190 Wadsworth Pkwy, Westminster, CO
March 2012
Whenever we visit family in Denver it is a requirement to go to this particular 3 Margaritas for dinner and drinks! The staff is friendly, attentive, and outgoing. The food is hot, fresh, and always tasty. The margaritas are potent and delicious!
My all time favorite meal here is the camarones al diablo. The shrimp and sauce are extremely hot and my mouth is constantly on fire but behind the heat is amazing flavor!
Whenever we visit family in Denver it is a requirement to go to this particular 3 Margaritas for dinner and drinks! The staff is friendly, attentive, and outgoing. The food is hot, fresh, and always tasty. The margaritas are potent and delicious!
My all time favorite meal here is the camarones al diablo. The shrimp and sauce are extremely hot and my mouth is constantly on fire but behind the heat is amazing flavor!
*** Ted's Montana Grill Restaurant
11950 Bradburn Blvd., Westminster, CO 80031
March 2012
We joined our family for dinner at Ted's before leaving denver. This was the 2nd time we have dined at this restaurant and it was as good as the first. My husband and I enjoyed the Buffalo and the Filet Mignon. The sides were mostly good with the exception of green beans, these tasted overcooked.
We joined our family for dinner at Ted's before leaving denver. This was the 2nd time we have dined at this restaurant and it was as good as the first. My husband and I enjoyed the Buffalo and the Filet Mignon. The sides were mostly good with the exception of green beans, these tasted overcooked.
*** Table Mountain Grill Restaurant
1310 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401
March 2012
We were a party of 9 who called a half hour earlier for a reservation. We had no problem getting a table during the lunch hours. The service was extremely attentive and friendly. The food was very good. I can't recall what everyone ate but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo Reuben and the Sierra Flatbread Sandwich.
We were a party of 9 who called a half hour earlier for a reservation. We had no problem getting a table during the lunch hours. The service was extremely attentive and friendly. The food was very good. I can't recall what everyone ate but my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo Reuben and the Sierra Flatbread Sandwich.