In June, our fancy, schmancy Lutron lighting system was replaced because the processor failed. It had taken 4 months to have the new processor delivered and a local company Synergy installed it. We went to The Springs Resort (323 Hot Springs Blvd. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, 800-225-0934) during the installation period. We had a wonderful time e-mountain biking, soaking in the hot springs, and finding wonderful restaurants.
The accommodations left something to be desired--Super 8 motel type--at very high prices. We found the reception area eventually and checked in. John told us that we had a complimentary upgrade to a mountain suite. It was in a single-story building in the parking lot with no views (and in fact frosted windows). It was a long narrow space with a separate bedroom in the back. The bedroom had 2 closets and a large chest of drawers as well as a loveseat. The front door of the unit was next to the small, old-fashioned bathroom. The living room had a sofa and 2 end tables. The next space between the living area and the bedroom was a large kitchen with a stovetop, toaster oven, microwave, and sink. But there was no table or chairs that could be used as a dining table. The kitchen counter was large and had 3 stools that were too low for the counter. We set up the laptop at the counter and did not use the kitchen except for storage and coffee. We enjoyed the mineral hot springs. We were next to the Adult only/VIP pools and that was great. The temperatures were well-posted and accurate. They seemed clean but Dimitri commented that the railings should have been cleaned of the mineral sediment. The views of the San Juan River were lovely.
Having robes in the room and being so close to the pools was very good. We had brought rubber sandals so, with the provided pool towels, we were all set. We enjoyed the soaking and would recommend the place for that alone. The price was steep, however….$485 per day for the deluxe king room (from which we got upgraded). We did some wonderful mountain biking in dry conditions with warm weather. So our vacation was a success. Do Not Eat at the restaurant called the Café at The Springs! We went for breakfast on our first morning and the paleo bowl and the side order of scrambled eggs were both inedible.
The e-mountain biking was terrific around Turkey Creek Trailhead off of Pierdra Rd., #162, on a single track in San Juan National Forest--just what we like! We also e-mountain biked on Nipple Creek Road which was also terrific until we were stumped by a big tree trunk across the road (our third and largest by far, actually). The other day of biking was also fun. We would return to Pagosa Springs just for the mountain biking.
Our first dinner was at Ole Miner’s Steak & Chophouse (3821 E hwy 160 pagosa springs, co 81147, (970) 507-3156, https://www.oleminers.com/dinner-menu/)We had a good meal in an atmospheric ole miner’s cabin. Our server, Amy, was nice and professional although slow. The food was good and nicely presented. We were brought cornbread with pecan butter and ate it all up even though the cornbread was gooey (because we hadn’t had lunch). We shared everything as usual and drank water that Amy kept bringing us. The next to arrive was our Caesar Salad with a side of bone marrow (salad included and bone marrow $4 for 2 slices). The salad was good with not too much dressing. The charred bone marrow was inspired. For our main, we had the duck entree ($38) that was tasty and tender. Dimitri didn’t like the cornbread so Amy brought us some toasted slices of baguette with garlic butter on top. They were good but had too much salt on them. We had enough food both for us. There was nothing for dessert that we wanted. We spent $43.11 plus tip and left happy.
Dinner Number Two was at Alley House Grille (214 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, 19702640999, https://www.alleyhousegrille.com/menu/). We had a nice meal in a nice and quiet room. The tables had table clothes and flowers. Our server, Jeanine, was good and efficient. The pace of the meal was very good. She brought us our preferred water: tap water, no ice with 2 pots of hot water on the side. We shared everything as usual. We ordered the baguette ($4) that was okay. We started with half of a house salad ($10) that was good and large enough. For our main, we had shrimp scampi with linguine ($34). The shrimp were good enough and large enough. The sauce was tasty and the portion was large. There was no dessert that we wanted. We spent $51.31 plus tip. We were happy. Dinner Number Three was Thai Pagosa (565 Village Dr., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, 970-507-8564). We had a very nice dinner with very good service by the owner. We were the first to arrive but it did get busy by the time we left. We had one noodle and chicken dish and one curry with pork. The flavors and spice levels were good. We enjoyed our meal and spent $42.65 plus tip.
Dinner Number Four was the best! It was at Meander Riverside Eatery (358 E Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 (970) 703-3244, meandereatery.com). This new restaurant was excellent. Even though we were only two, they sat us at the table we chose—by the river and at a 4-top. Our server Weston D was a natural—professional, knowledgeable, personable, and a delight to talk to. We asked for bread, olive oil, and balsamic and he brought it immediately which we really like. Our table by the river was entertaining with the activity. We ordered the rye berry grain bowl to start ($14) because it had labneh in it and it was delicious. The Mediterranean flavors were distinct and enjoyable. When we asked about the chicken, we learned that thigh meat and the leg were being served so we ordered that dish ($35). The service was great and the kitchen kept the dishes coming at a good pace. The chicken was garnished with sautéed spinach and was excellent. It was enough for the two of us. We had the strawberry galette ($10) for dessert and that too was very good. With coffee, we spent $65.75 and were very glad we went. It is terrific that the town now has an innovative and creative restaurant with international flavors.
After our first unpleasant breakfast at The Springs Cafe, we went to local eateries. They were all good enough--Lone Spur and The Rose. Each breakfast was over $30!
Traveling north on #160 was prettier than south so we thought we had made a good decision. We saw Treasure Falls as we were driving by. We went by Wolf Creek ski area again and noticed that there was only one base area building. Highway #149 in South Fork is called the Silver Thread Scenic Byway but #149 is not as scenic as #160 and also the road surface was awful for miles. Basically, it was just mountain passes, high desert and ranch lands. We turned east on Hwy #50 the West Elk Scenic Byway and expected great scenery. We were VERY disappointed.
Staying at the Monarch Mountain Lodge was a huge mistake. The building is old and not maintained. The entryway has carpets that should have been replaced 30 years ago. Checking in was old-fashioned and we, of course, did not like the first room offered. We upgraded to a room with 2 queen beds and a mountain view. We also wanted the mini fridge and microwave that the upgraded room had. The total cost was $151.15 and insultingly high for what we got—a room that was mostly beds. The room was shabby. Its bathroom had never been renovated since construction. The room had 2 straight-backed chairs and a table that was against the wall and next to the room heater. The heater in the bathroom had been disconnected “because it was a fire hazard” so we were brought a space heater. We looked at the hot tub areas and decided against using them. They weren’t hot enough and definitely did not look inviting. The indoor pool and gym areas were awful too. The online menu for the restaurant was extensive but in reality, there was very little available when we were there. We ended up having one grilled cheese and one chicken sandwich for dinner and were very unhappy. We do not recommend anything about the place.
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