Capella Telluride does things a little differently—as you discover shortly after checking in. The reception desk sits in an attractive, light-filled lobby with stone floors, high beamed ceilings, and a tiered glass-plate chandelier that hovers above the fireplace. Like most hotel lobbies, the space is open to the public. But once you have your key you can open the double wooden doors that lead to a secondary, guests-only lobby, where you can lounge in front of a large stone fireplace or grab a book from one of the shelves and settle into a leather chair. What time you arrive to gather your key is irrelevant; Capella Telluride has no set check-in or check-out times, so guests come and go as they please. The resort is also flexible when it comes to food. Its kitchen and dining room never really close—the restaurant staff is always on call—so if the craving strikes, you can have a dinner of elk chops at 3 a.m. Other distinguishing amenities at Capella Telluride include its personal assistants, who greet you in your room when you arrive and present you with a printed itinerary of your scheduled activities and meals. Your assistant can help plan any number of excursions in the Telluride area, including a day of heli-skiing in the San Juan Mountains. Accommodations The resort comprises two buildings that house 100 hotel rooms and 60 residences. Dining Three restaurants, Onyx, Suede Bar and Gray Jay Café are overseen by executive chef Kenny Gilbert. Facilities A spa and fitness center, a ski shop offering ski-valet service, and an ice-skating rink. Rates From $195 per night to $630 for a two-bedroom suite.
