Madeline Hotel and Residences – An Honest Review
Pros of Staying at Madeline Hotel
The Madeline Hotel and Residences’ location was why I enjoyed our stay so much. When you’re traveling with children, convenience and proximity to activities is a priority. The ski-in ski-out aspect saved us so much time traveling to and from the hotel and it was located right in the heart of Mountain Village.
1. Prime Location
Madeline Hotel is perfectly situated in Mountain Village, offering:
- Easy access to ski rental shops like Telluride Sports and Christy Sports.
- Close proximity to Telluride Ski School and Meadows ski area, making it an excellent choice for families and beginner skiers.
- Easy access to intermediate and advanced runs, making it also a great option for all levels of skiers.
- Easy access to Mountain Village’s restaurants, shops, and gondola (the gondola provides a direct connection to Telluride Village, making it easy for guests to explore more dining, shopping, and entertainment options in town).
2. Unique Water Options
Hydration is key at high altitudes, and Madeline Hotel goes the extra mile by offering:
- Gemstone-infused water (for energy healing).
- Chlorophyll water, which helps alleviate altitude sickness and promotes hydration.
- Binchotan charcoal water, known for its ability to remove impurities.
Since I wasn’t familiar with where things were situated in Telluride, our private ski instructor would meet us at the Madeline’s ski valet to save time and we would ski either through the Meadows to Chair 10 or head up towards Chair 4.
3. Complimentary Ski Valet
The ski valet service makes ski-in, ski-out access effortless, so you don’t have to worry about hauling your gear. They also have hand and toe warmers, mini chapsticks to grab for free.
4. Oxygen-Enriched Rooms & Spacious Residences
To help with altitude acclimation, Madeline offers oxygen-enriched rooms as well as 2- and 3-bedroom residences, which are great for families or groups traveling together. We had booked a two queen bed oxygen-enriched room which was perfect for our kids since they were feeling nauseous from the high altitude.
Camp Madeline was the Madeline Hotel’s kids club that was offered Wednesday-Sunday evenings. My kids looked forward to this each night and enjoyed the extra play space and craft activities before heading back to their hotel room for the night.
This is a quick experience to kick off après celebrations that happen daily at 4 p.m. Cheyenne, the St. Bernard is the sweetest and loves to eat the snow on the ground. Try to grab yourself a glass of bubbly and pet Cheyenne as he passes by.
5. Thoughtful Family Perks
Families staying at Madeline will appreciate:
- Free Camp Madeline kids club (available select days of the week).
- Complimentary ice skating tokens for kids 12 and under.
- Daily free refreshments, including morning coffee and tea with dairy-free alternatives, Hotchkiss cider from 11 AM – 7 PM, and fresh oranges (subject to seasonal offerings).
- APRÈS ALPHORN Every day at 4 p.m., the General Manager, Bryan Woody, with his St. Bernard, Cheyenne, kicks off après celebrations by sounding a custom-made Bernatone Alphorn.
6. On-Site Dining
The hotel’s restaurants are excellent, offering a variety of high-quality dining options without needing to leave the property:
- Black Iron Kitchen + Bar – A contemporary, elevated dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and hearty mountain-inspired dishes. This is also the only option for breakfast aside from in-room dining on the property.
- Timber Room – A stylish and cozy lounge offering craft cocktails, small plates, and après-ski bites with stunning mountain views, more of a place to grab drinks.
Cons of Staying at Madeline Hotel
1. Service Can Be Inconsistent
While the staff is friendly, the service doesn’t always match the expectations of a Forbes 5-star resort:
- In-room dining delays – Morning room service took a lot longer than quoted and expected.
- Front desk responsiveness – Reaching the front desk by in-room phone was challenging, as calls frequently went to voicemail.
- Housekeeping – Requested items were often not fulfilled at first request
2. Fitness Classes Were Canceled
During our stay, fitness classes that were advertised were canceled which was disappointing for those looking to take advantage of the resort’s offerings.
3. Camp Madeline Limited Availability
The Camp Madeline kids club is not offered daily—only available Wednesday through Sunday, which may not align with all travel schedules. It would have also been more beneficial if the hours of the kids club started earlier than the 5:30pm.
4. Limited On-Site Dining and Pricey Stay
While the hotel’s restaurants offer high-quality dining options, the selection is limited compared to other luxury resorts. Guests looking for a variety of on-site dining experiences may find themselves needing to venture into the villages for more options.
Luxury comes at a cost. Madeline Hotel is expensive, and while it provides great amenities, travelers should weigh whether the price aligns with their expectations of service, location and experience.
The oxygen-enriched two queen room was the perfect size for us. The lobby area was spacious and also had fireplaces, a pool table and shuffleboard for guests to enjoy. In the evenings, we enjoyed some s’mores outside.
Final Thoughts: Is the Madeline Hotel Worth It?
If you’re looking for prime ski-in, ski-out access, luxurious amenities, and family-friendly perks, Madeline Hotel is an excellent choice. However, the inconsistent service and high price point may leave some guests expecting more from a five-star resort.
For families, the convenience of location, complimentary ski valet, and kid-friendly perks make this a great option. However, if flawless five-star service is a priority, it may be worth exploring other luxury stays in Telluride.
Would we stay here again? Yes, but with adjusted expectations.
