Accolades
Paws Up is such a treasure. My husband and I spent our honeymoon here in January 2007 and, although we were excited and had high expectations, we were completely blown away.
From the booking process to our departure and ride back to the airport, the entire experience was a pleasure. No place is perfect, but Paws Up tries to cater to your every wish; no detail is left undone.
Some details we noticed and appreciated:
- Our deck was salted in the mornings so we wouldn't have much ice if we went out to the hot tub or left the cabin.
- There was plenty of laundry soap and dryer sheets in the cabin's laundry room.
- In addition to generous-sized Aveda toiletries, there was a first aid kit and tub-tea with the Paws Up logo for you to enjoy a scented soak in the large Jacuzzi tub.
- In the loft upstairs, there were games like UNO, Scrabble and Monopoly, plus poker chips and a chessboard downstairs.
- The fridge was stocked with water and soft drinks when we arrived, and each bottle of water we drank was replaced the next day.
- Each flat-screen television had surround sound.
- The paper delivered each day was the local paper, so we could get the national news we wanted, but also enjoyable local news (i.e. dogsled race and weather).
- Many of the snacks in the basket on our counter were made with local ingredients (i.e. buffalo jerky and huckleberry candy).
- The turndown service included not only chocolate, but also a local token like a Native American poem or a leather string with beads.
- Staff members not only remembered our names, but where we were from and what we were celebrating.
- Logs and kindling were replenished at least once a day so we always had more than enough. That was good since we used our fireplace a lot (for both atmosphere and because the temperatures were well below freezing).
Details like this truly do make a luxury resort. And the staff actually cares if you're having a good time. They all were friendly and eager to please, but never nosy or obsequious. One staff member, Doug, impressed us throughout our stay. He picked us up from the airport at midnight and, since I felt a cold coming on, he stopped at the 24-hour Walgreens. How accommodating! In addition, on the way to the resort he told us a great deal about the area — history of the land, Native American tribes and names of mountain ranges. As we later found out, he's written a book about the area, so he's truly an expert.
The day after our arrival our camera died and we realized we left its charger at home. We were irritated with ourselves since we had only taken five photos, but we decided to see if we could somehow buy another one. I went to the reception barn and asked if there was anyone going into town that day. I asked if we could order a camera over the phone from Best Buy and have someone pick it up while in town. "No problem!" we were told. Doug was just on his way into town, so he could stop. He left and we called Best Buy. When the manager of the store would not let us make a purchase over the phone, we figured we would just have to go without. But Doug paid for the camera and memory card with his own money. Then, when we asked for a ride back to the cabin to get cash to pay him back, we're again told “No problem! You go enjoy yourselves. When he gets back, we'll reimburse him and just add it to your bill. Then we'll send someone out to your home to deliver your new camera." They not only brought us our camera, memory card and receipt, but also made sure we got the mail-in rebate form that came with the memory card.
The rest of the week was very smooth. Whether there were a few guests on property or a lot, it always felt as if it was our place. We stayed in a big timber home and it was every bit as beautiful as the pictures in the brochure and on the Web site. The decorations were rustic, yet elegant, and the furniture was luxurious. The beds are huge and outfitted with featherbeds and down comforters. You need steps to climb into them; it's tempting to just stay in there all day. High thread-count sheets, bathrobes and slippers kept us comfortable and warm.
The food was fantastic, although the chefs must really love leeks and capers. It seems as if they're in everything! While the menu was delicious on our first dinner at Pomp, we inquired if steak was going to be on the menu later in the week. We were told there was some being flown in and asked if there was a certain cut or anything we would prefer? Incredible.
The chef prepared a special complimentary "Amuse" (tiny appetizer, almost tapas-like, but fancier) each night, and it was always something creative and yummy. I've never had lamb's cheek before, but who knew it was so delicious!
We were also impressed with the meals we had delivered to our cabin. At run-of-the-mill hotels, room-service food can get cold between the kitchen and your sixth-floor room. But at Paws Up it goes from the restaurant to outside in 4-degree weather and snow in a van, and still arrives hot with beautiful presentation. Try the Last Best Burger for lunch. It's as good as it sounds.
As for the activities, we were there to relax and rest, so no snowshoes or cross-country skis for us. We wanted to ride, not work, so we went dog sledding and snowmobiling. Both were wonderful! The dog sledding was as fun as we'd hoped, and the dogs were friendly and playful. They truly do love to run! The mushers were kind, answered all of our questions and let us give the dogs treats after the ride. There was a stop midway to enjoy hot chocolate by a campfire. We saw both deer and elk, and the scenery was gorgeous.
The snowmobiling made me nervous at first. Maybe because the guide said it's not unusual for guests to get stuck in the snow or fall off the sled?! But not to worry, they said they'd be there to help. Once we got going, it was obvious that as long as you go at a pace that matches your ability, it was easy, safe and lots of fun. There were two guides, so my husband took off and got the thrill of a fast ride, while the other guide stayed with me since I was a bit more cautious. The trails were wonderful, the scenery was truly spectacular and despite the sub-zero temperatures, we were outfitted enough that we really didn't get cold. We saw some moose (including a calf), several beautiful views and Garnett, the ghost town.
Since it was too icy to go on a sleigh ride, I went to the stables to see the riding arena and the horses. The man in charge, "Cricket," was great fun and let me feed treats to the enormous draft horses. On days with no activities, we enjoyed the spa services. We had a couples massage in our cabin that was fantastic. I haven't been to lots of spas, but I've been to some good ones (La Costa, Four Seasons Hualalai, Mandara in Aruba) and this massage was one of the best, if not the best, I've ever had. They bring everything and set up in front of your fireplace, which could not be more relaxing. The massage ended with a wonderful facial. Our second spa experience was at the bunkhouse (the spa in the winter) for a hot stone massage. It was good, but I'd recommend the in-home massage for sure.
That's it! There can't possibly be anything else to mention. It's a fabulous, beautiful place. Go there, get away from it all and have fun. It's a welcome retreat from regular life.
Bryce & Angie Boob
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