Parkside Retreat by Exceptional Stays

I booked and paid for this holiday in June 2025. Once it became clear that the Telluride Ski Resort wouldn't run as expected because of the ski patrol strike, I spent weeks asking Exceptional Stays for a refund. We gave plenty of notice and kept in touch, but they still refused. The place was booked specifically for a ski holiday. With only some of the resort reopened and minimal lifts and terrain available, what we got was materially different from what was marketed and paid for. I own and run a business, and I understand that strikes, disruptions, and operational problems happen. But I don't accept making customers carry the whole financial burden when the main reason for booking can't be delivered. If someone prepaid for a service at my business and arrived to find it unavailable because staff weren't there, I'd refund them. That's basic business responsibility. I also own investment properties, so I understand that side of things too. That's why insurance and contingency planning matter. Exceptional Stays handled this strike appallingly, communicated poorly, and showed no accountability. I'm extremely disappointed and frankly disgusted by how the situation was handled. I'll never use or recommend this company again. This was a serious failure in guest care and business ethics.

Getting on and off the slopes so easily made the stay worth the money by itself. Our condo, Granatia, 304, in the heart of ski village in Telluride was spectacular and comfortable, and the kitchen had everything we needed. Our private chef said it was one of the best kitchens he'd cooked in, in Telluride. We stayed the week after Christmas in 2022 and celebrated the start of 2023 there. We had a blast. Exceptional Stays made everything easy, and when the shower wouldn't drain, they fixed it within hours. The unit was ready well, and all the little extras, the management, and the preparation made the stay comfortable and enjoyable. We hope to return to Telluride next year and use Exceptional Stays again, hopefully for the same condo. If you're looking for a place there, call them. They're the best I've dealt with, hands-down.

Ice House Condominium, Unit 305 was freshly remodeled, and we were the first guests after the work was done. My wife and I loved the bright, sun-filled place, which the owners did a great job refreshing. It's just 1 block from the gondola, close to everything in Telluride, and an easy walk to a beautiful ride over to Mountain Village. We were so happy with Exception Stays that we're already planning another week there in February 2023, in the same unit.

Loki, our dog, loved it too. We had a wonderful time, and the place was great for skiing and getting around town. We just got back from 8 days in Telluride, the skiing was excellant, and we're already eager to return.