The Dakota Lodge is without a doubt the best place to stay when visiting Keystone, and that’s winter or summer time! I went skiing but already plan to go back in the summer. I have been skiing Colorado mountains and European Alps for 20+ years and stayed at numerous facilities, so I feel I am well qualified to write reviews.
With that said, I found a gem in the Dakota Lodge and the owner’s 2 bedroom apartment I stayed at! The rooms and lodge are all you need from a great “escape facility”: it is 200 ft from the lifts and 800 ft from a reasonably priced ski rental. In the summer, you can rent a bike and other equipment there. The lift base area (also 200 ft) is vibrant and full of life, day and night. There are 5 cozy restaurants/ bars serving variety of foods and fantastic Colorado craft beers, 3 breakfast places (sit down and take out), ski, and many other shops. There is a shuttle bus that will take you around and buses taking routes to the neighboring town, and 3 other ski resorts located further (Breckenridge, Arapaho, and Veil). There is a shuttle bus going from and to the Denver Airport – ask the locals at the lift base or find it on the web:)
The 2 bedroom apartment is clean and well taken care of by the owners. It is more spacious than as seen on pictures and can accommodate up to 8 people. It has a balcony, so visitors can enjoy grilling and beautiful sunny weather. The kitchen has all you need to cook, including even more elaborate dishes, it’s practical and tidy. At the lodge there are 2 outside Jacuzzis and a pool – if for nothing else, you have to come for that! Imagine drinking a fresh beer or silky wine, while sitting in a warm Jacuzzi and enjoying the view of snowy mountains above. It’s a BLISS!
The room owners are nice people. We needed some towels on a Saturday evening (our fault we did not request them earlier). The owners made sure that the management company delivered the towels, and we got them in 30 min!
The 2 bedroom in the Dakota Lodge is a place for everybody: couples will love and explore the romantic feel of the place; groups, including college type getaways will simply have fun in the Jacuzzis, pool, and lively local bars; families with children will find a comfy and neat apartment in an altogether family-friendly environment. Age does not matter, younger or older, all will find the room clean, cozy, and simply a wonderful place to stay in Keystone.