More romantic
possibilities
than box of chocolates:
B&Bs can be great getaway
By Monique Cole
Business Report
Correspondent
If you're stumped over what to give your sweetheart - for a romantic
touch why not consider a stay at a local bed and breakfast inn.
A romantic getaway
could be right in your backyard, with the variety of unique inns
in Boulder County, Denver and the foothills.
"The nice
thing about giving a stay at a B and B is that it's an entire evening's
experience," said Ray Schultze, owner of the Inn on Mapleton
Hill. "Obviously, it has a lot more romantic possibilities
built into it than a box of chocolates."
Many inns are
located in historic buildings and furnished with antiques. Upscale
guest rooms often have special features such as whirlpool bathtubs,
fireplaces and private balconies. Plus, you don't have to make breakfast
in the morning after a long night of romancing. Most inns serve
hearty home-cooked fare for their complimentary morning meal, not
a meager Continental breakfast.
"Many people
prefer B&Bs (over hotels) for romance," said Meredith Lederer,
manager of the Boulder Victoria and Earl House Historic inns. "The
atmosphere is more intimate and romantic."
A frivolous
night out in your own hometown can be a different way to celebrate
a special occasion (not just Valentine's Day) with your loved one.
"You can get away from the kids and away from familiar surroundings;
that's what makes things more memorable, refreshing and romantic,"
Schultze said.
Only a block
away from restaurants and galleries on Boulder's Pearl Street, the
Inn on Mapleton Hill is located in a beautiful and quiet historic
neighborhood. The Cottonwood suite is the best bet for romance with
its four-poster queen bed, claw-footed antique tub, and private
sunroom, library and deck overlooking downtown and the Flatirons.
Granola and other goodies baked fresh each morning by owner Judi
Schultze are the highlight of the generous breakfast.
The Boulder
Victoria and Earl House inns are running a Valentine's weekend special.
If you pay for Friday and Saturday nights, you get to stay for free
Sunday night in these charming historic inns. A half-bottle of champagne
and fresh flowers are included in the package price, which runs
$218-$358, depending on which guest room you choose.
For a mountain
getaway, consider the honeymoon suite at the newly remodeled Cedarridge
Lodge at Wondervu in Coal Creek Canyon. It has a fireplace, a whirlpool
bathtub, and a private redwood deck with a hot tub and sauna. The
$250 nightly rate includes champagne as well as breakfast. Other,
less-expensive rooms in the lodge have aspen log canopy beds and
handmade quilts. And the communal hot tub has great views of the
Continental Divide.
To mix relaxation
with romance, the Dakota Ranch has a special couple's package that
includes a night's stay, a massage for each person, unlimited use
of the mineral pool, a candlelight dinner by the fireplace and breakfast
for $250 per night. Situated in a quiet rural setting 10 miles north
of Boulder, the Dakota Ranch has great Front Range views.
You also can
get a massage and a wide range of other spa treatments at the beautiful
Gold Lake Mountain Resort near Ward. Along with complimentary breakfast,
overnight guests staying in the luxuriously appointed log cabins
are treated to lakeside hot pools, an indoor hot tub and sauna,
and mountain activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country
skiing (equipment provided). Romantics on a budget might find the
evening escape attractive -- it includes a three-course dinner at
the resort's Alice's Restaurant and soaks in the lakeside hot pools
(towels and robes provided) for $45 per person.
If dinner and
dancing in the "big city" is more your style, several
Denver inns offer elegant accommodations in historic buildings that
recall the glory days of the 1880s when mining barons built extravagant
homes. Perfect for the urban romantic, the Capitol Hill Mansion
has fireplaces, jetted tubs, balconies, soothing music, fresh flowers
and an option for breakfast in bed.
Similar amenities,
along with a complimentary two-hour wine service, are offered at
the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast Inn located within walking distance
of Capitol Hill, the 16th Street pedestrian mall, Larimer Square,
and a host of theaters and restaurants.
