Dakota Lodge 8458

We didn't get into the room until 6P, even though check-in was meant to be at 4. The lodge was in a different location from reception, so we had to drive back there to pick up keys. When I asked for a discount or late checkout because of the delay, they offered only a bottle of wine. We tried cancelling through Expedia and customer service, but neither would refund us. Our credit card company said we could dispute the charges, and that's what we'll do. The customer service was the worst.

After skiing, the hot tubs feel great, though they can get crowded. We waited in the heated pool until someone left a tub, which worked for us. There's a catch if you're staying in the associated neighborhood instead of the hotel itself: you can't use the hotel bathrooms or locker room to change. You have to tailgate someone else to get in. If you don't mind leaving soaked in foam in freezing weather and making a sad, wet walk back to your car, this place is for you.

Parking was the one real headache. Covered parking costs an outrageous amount, and finding a spot otherwise is tough. It seems to be that way wherever you stay in Keystone, so come prepared. The Dakota itself was a very nice place to stay. Our room was roomy, comfortable, and well cared for, and the pool and hot tubs were lovely. We also liked the location and how easy it was to get around the resort area.

The room was fine, with a fireplace that helped warm things up and dry our wet clothes. It's about a five-minute walk to the lift, though the lifts and gondolas can move slowly with so many kids around. Keystone is very kid-friendly, maybe too much so. Big families come because kids 12 and under ski free when rooms are booked through the resort. The problem is that some parents don't keep their kids in check. They ran around the pool and hot tub, ate pizza in the hot tub, and even dived into it.