Highmark

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Permalink Reply by jg atl on November 5, 2009 at 4:23pm

Great location. Lobby looks nice as I drive by. Don't know anything else about it.

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Permalink Reply by SteamboatRider on November 5, 2009 at 8:47pm

It's had an extremely checkered history - problems with the original development, lawsuits and an inability to sell the completed condos, even during the 'boom', led to it's reinvention as a 'hotel' last year. I don't think it's reinvention has been any more successful than it's previous incarnations and history and I still think there could be ongoing legal problems.

It was quite nice when I walked round maybe a couple of years ago but they made some very strange decisions on finishes and cut corners in a number of places (maybe because of the problems they had encountered by that stage).

When they reinvented themselves, they continued cutting corners and put up probably the cheapest, most tacky signs at any lodging property in Steamboat - you would think they might have learnt the lesson but I also think that gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Location is great but I definitely would not recommend it above the numerous other established, proven lodging options.

Sorry Highmark, I know it's a damning indictment but obviously it's only my POV. I'd be happy and very very interested to hear the opinion of anyone who's actually stayed there (has anyone?!!)

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on November 5, 2009 at 8:50pm

Highmark is across the street from LaMontana and Market on the Mountain grocery and liquors which may be convenient and a short walk to the ski base. It is new and the rooms are luxury. If you are on an upper level floor you could have some great views of the south valley.
I would compare it with the Steamboat Grand except the Grand has more amenities such as a bar, fitness center, some retail and a nice restaurant(The Cabin).
It depends on what you are considering otherwise.

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Permalink Reply by zacharooni on November 5, 2009 at 9:26pm

That is what I love about the internet and a site like this is you get a "real" local opinion rather than some internet or biased magazine review. We are torn between this and Bear Claw but being all guys would like a little more elbow room which is what the Highmark offers (square footage). We can get a much bigger place for about $700 less over 4 nights and a free shuttle to the airport and back. I know Bear Claw is ski in out etc... just not sure which one to pull the trigger on since both of these options are a large chunck of change.

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Permalink Reply by skiwoods on November 6, 2009 at 10:09am

I was at Bear Claw 2 years ago. For me Ski in/out is VERY important. Of all the places I have stayed at Steambboat, Bear Claw is my favorite.

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Permalink Reply by Cardiac mike on November 6, 2009 at 10:28am

I can't tell you what great location bear claw is re: ski in and out. If this is important to you then I would push for bear claw

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on November 6, 2009 at 11:02am

Bear Claw will offer awesome convenience with direct ski in/out but is not as convenient to the base area retail and restaurants as the Highmark. If you're priority is sliding right out on the snow over walking across the street to a bar or the grocery/liquor store and the short walk to the Slopeside and Tugboat Restaurants then Bear Claw.
I did visit the Highmark model a couple of years ago and liked it a lot but my memory isn't exactly crystal and I would have no regrets staying there. They have what looks like a nice indoor/outdoor pool.
I don't see how the legal issues from years ago would effect your stay now.
Here are a couple of web sites with a couple of guest reviews that may help.

http://www.travelpost.com/hotels/Highmark_Steamboat_Springs/r386396
http://www.highmarksteamboat.com/amenities/
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=2167276

I have seen worse pools. Ha ha.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on November 6, 2009 at 11:06am

Here is Bear Claws site.

http://bear-claw.com/PhotoTour.asp?id=88&tr=1

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Permalink Reply by skisteamboat on November 6, 2009 at 11:04am

Sounds like the price is a good deal, including the Shuttle to/from the airport. I would probably choose the Highmark for location, close to the free bus stop, etc. unless ski in/out is a "must have". Even with their very checkered past it is probably the better choice. $700 + about $50 RT shuttle fare per person can make up for a lot of potential shortcomings.

Cheers

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Permalink Reply by zacharooni on November 6, 2009 at 11:41am

Thanks everyone for the input. Man, the Bear Claw sure does look nice and rolling out the back door onto the slopes after a long night sure is tempting. I am a big fan of ski in out (who isn't :-P ). It sounds like from y'all that the Highmark isn't a bad second choice. They say they have a ski valet right next to the Gondola to drop/pickup your stuff everyday so I imagine that will help us a bit. It comes down to almost a grand more when you account for the shuttle fees as skisteamboat said. I just wish the Bear Claw was a little cheaper. For example. I am sure the boys would rather have a free $250 bar tab every night and deal with the short walk and "potential shortcomings". Putting it in a simple guys perspective :-)

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Permalink Reply by Barry Goldkind(TeachToSki) on November 6, 2009 at 1:37pm

If you can stow your skis next to the Gondola the Highmark would be the way to go for a grand less.
The walk across the street to the ski base area is easy. Drop your skis off at the end of the day step into the Gondola Pub and Grill for apre ski and walk a few hundred feet to your condo when your beer goggles are full.
Can't beat that.

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