It’s the primo spot for a winter stay at Steamboat Resort.  Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas have recently gone through a renovation and “Wow!” is what I said when I walked into my villa on the 8th floor for a weekend stay.  Who doesn’t want to stay in a villa, especially when it is soggiorno chic – that’s “chic stay” in Italian.

The color scheme of gray, beige, and brown are earthy and calming to counter balance the clean lines of the modern design of the furniture.  Yes, the design is very European.  Guess that’s why they’re called villas instead of rooms or suites.  I was floored by the size of my villa.  I was in a two bedroom which would comfortably suit four people, although you could get six folks in villa if two slept on the sofa.  I loved the big window in the master bedroom.  The second bedroom is smaller, but still comfortable for two people.  Both bedrooms have flat screen TVs and their own bathrooms.

I arrived late on Friday afternoon, just in time to watch an amazing sunset from my balcony.  Although I couldn’t see the ski slopes, I did have a wonderful view looking out toward the town of Steamboat and Hahns Peak.

The next morning, I braved the 3° temperature to sip my coffee and soak in the sunrise.  The kitchen is a good size and stocked with brand new appliances.  All of the kitchen basics are there – full-size coffee maker, dishwasher, full-size fridge, and full-size stove.  I had everything I needed to fix up a great breakfast of scrambled eggs and avocado to fuel me for a day on the slopes.

Here’s one of the best features of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas – walk out door and you are just steps away with Christie Peak Express lift or the Gondola.  That means you don’t have to lug your ski or ride gear all over the place!  I spent several hours swishing down the slopes of Steamboat with my cousins, including two of my favorite runs – Buckshot and Heavenly Daze.

After a great workout I was ready for lunch.  So I headed back to the Sheraton, did a quick change and headed down to Saddles Bar and Grill.  I bellied up to the bar, sitting next to two guys devouring grilled cheese and tomato soup.  I’m a SPG member, so at check-in I was asked if I wanted 250 points or a $15 drink voucher.  I opted for the later.  After ordering a sauvignon blanc, I perused the menu but decided on exactly what the two guys were eating – grilled cheese and tomato soup.  That is the perfect pair to help warm you up after skiing.  It was delicious.  My only regret – I didn’t snap a pic.  Guess I was too busy chatting with the other folks who sat down at the bar and of course eating!

I happened to be there for the send off for Steamboat Olympians heading to South Korea.  It was so cool to watch.  Steamboat has more winter Olympians, over 80, than any other town in North America, and possibly the world.

After the ceremony, my cousins came back to check out my digs at the Sheraton.  Over a glass of wine, everyone gushed about how nice and roomy it was.  My only complaint during my stay – elevators are slow.  I took the stairs a couple of times – yes up 8th floor and down – instead of waiting for elevator.  The next morning, I decided to be a little lazy and enjoy the comforts of room.  I had one of the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time – 9 hours of peaceful dreamy bliss.  Guess you really do sleep better in a villa!