If I want to get from Crested Butte to Memphis in one day I must leave on the morning United Airlines flight or the midday United or American Airlines flights out of Gunnison. That means if I want to ski on the morning on the final day of our long weekend that I must overnight in Gunnison and fly out the next day.
The past two years I’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Gunnison. Last year I checked their website to ensure they had an airport shuttle before I booked and as soon as I made my reservation I emailed to let them know I’d be needing the shuttle. This year they didn’t list airport shuttle as an option on their site and I confirmed with them that it is no longer offered as they just don’t have anyone to drive it.
(As a side note, it seems odd to me that in a college town – home of Western Colorado University- that they don’t have anyone to do things like drive hotel shuttles and run Uber/Lyft services. But I digress.)
So this year I tried one of the other two hotels available on points, the EconoLodge in Gunnison. EconoLodge is part of the Choice Hotels system. All of the Choice points I have were brought into the system when Choice acquired Radisson Rewards and this is my first opportunity to use them. No, it’s not an aspirational use but I thought I’d give it a try.
EconoLodge Gunnison
photo credit: TripAdvisor
Location
The EconoLodge is located on East Tomichi Avenue, one of the two major roads in Gunnison. The hotel is located next to the park with the covered outdoor skating rink and across from the visitor information center. It’s actually just down the street from the Holiday Inn Express but is closer to Main Street, the other major road, which leads to the ski resort that’s about 30 miles away.
As my family wanted to get back to Denver in time for the Super Bowl, our Sunday ski day was much shorter than normal and they’d deposited me at the EconoLodge around noon, well before the posted check-in time. In fact, when I handed the desk clerk my ID and credit card she seemed to think I was checking out, not in! Even though I was early they managed to find a room for me. I’d requested a king room on the ground floor and one was available, although it was an accessible room and so had features I didn’t need. But that was fine with me.
As I made my way down the hall to my room, I was especially glad I’d asked for a ground floor room as I did not see any elevators, only stairs, leading the second floor. I’d packed all my stuff into my skis bag and a large backpack for this weekend trip. Since we’d come practically straight from the slopes and had to cram our gear in the mini-van pretty much any way it would fit, my skis, poles and boots were not in the bag and I needed a luggage cart just to get everything in one trip. It would not have been fun to have to go up and down the stairs multiple times! Though Gunnison has a lower elevation than the resort, for a flat-lander like me the air is still thin!
King Accessible Room
The room had a standard layout with the bathroom on one side immediately upon entering and then the bed and desk beyond. There was no carpet on the floor and I wasn’t sure if that was because it was an ADA room or if it was because it was easier to keep clean, especially during snow season. Either way, I liked it.
EconoLodge Gunnison King Bed
The king bed was a little too soft for me. I’d guess because most folks sleep on that (window) side of the bed if using it solo. I don’t know if the other side was more firm but if so, rotating it to the other side would be helpful. Beyond that a new mattress should be in the not-too-distant future for this room.
EconoLodge Gunnison King Bed
There was only one night stand though the lamp on it was obviously made for a room with two beds. It had outlets that were easy to reach to charge my phone and tablet. A chair in the corner was a nice place to sit to change in and out of my snow boots.
Across from the bed and chair was a desk with a surprisingly comfortable real desk chair, and a chest with drawers, the mini-fridge and a microwave. The TV sat on top of the chest. There were outlets on the desk but I was disappointed to find out they did not work. I had thought the mini-fridge was not very cold but I purchased a sandwich on Sunday to eat before I left on Monday and when I pulled it out, parts were frozen! So I guess it’s cold after all.
EconoLodge Gunnison Desk, Cabinet and TV
The Keurig machine was on top of the desk too. It only had coffee pods but I didn’t check to see if tea or hot chocolate pods were also available.
EconoLodge Gunnison Coffee and Accessories
The bathroom was very large, I assume because this was an ADA room. It had a shower chair that could straddle the side of the tub though I didn’t need to use it. I liked that the shower curtain rod was curved as it made the tub area feel bigger. The shower head itself was in desperate need of cleaning but the water pressure was good and hot water was plentiful.
EconoLodge Gunnison ADA Shower and Tub
The sink area had an OK amount of counter space. There was no ledge underneath that could be used for storage, I assume so a wheelchair could roll up under the counter a bit. Since I was alone, there was plenty of space for my toiletry kit though with two people’s stuff it would be a bit more crowded. The surprisingly soft towels were available on a shelf over the toilet.
EconoLodge Gunnison Bathroom Sink and Toilet
Toiletries were made for EconoLodge and carry their brand. They were nothing special but got the job done which is really all I need.
EconoLodge Gunnison Toiletries
Common Areas
The lobby has some seating and, though I didn’t get a photo, it also has a computer available as its business center.
EconoLodge Gunnison Lobby
There’s and ice machine and a washer & dryer in the area by a staircase that’s just outside the breakfast room.
EconoLodge Gunnison Ice Machine and Laundry Machines
Breakfast is served 6-9 AM each day. Again, it’s nothing fancy but I didn’t go away hungry. There were hot selections including eggs and hash browns and maybe sausage? I forget what the third choice was. Hot beverages, juice, fresh fruit, cereal, pastries, make-your-own waffles, yogurt and shared milk and creamers. Plenty to get your day started.
Airport shuttle
The hotel advertised an airport shuttle and when I checked out about two hours before my flight, the manager posted a sign saying he’d be right back and pulled the van around for me. While the Gunnison airport is tiny, since there are multiple flights arriving and departing midday I find it worth it to arrive early, before the rush. Just be sure to grab a bite to eat before you go because the only bar/restaurant is often closed in the airport.
In the end
I used Choice Hotels points for this stay, but that was probably not a good deal. As I look for the same night next year, the price is only $81 and I could earn points instead. It’s not fancy, but my room was clean and it’s in easy walking distance to the main intersection in town where you’ll find restaurants (if they’re open). It fit my needs for this trip and I’d be happy to stay here again.
2B Traveling 
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