When we go out west, it's usually in addition to any other vacation we have scheduled for the year. So to justify the expense, we usually try to go on the cheap. So the places I've reviewed here are not meant to be the best of the best. And although I'm not shy about throwing coin at restaurant or a hotel, it's all about the value. So lets see how things stacked up on this trip.
Moab, UT
Food: Moab Brewery
Wonderful beer, especially the Scorpion Pale Ale. The food is unremarkable, but the wait for it sure is. Stick with the beer.
Eh
Sleep: Apache Motel
We have usually stayed at the funky and recommended Gonzo Inn, but it was booked. So we took a stab at this 50's-ish motel. The motel is about 3 blocks off the main drag, which is either good or bad -- but not much of either. Room was clean, no noise at night. So if you're going to be out all day anyway (and that's why you're in Moab in the first place), there's no reason not to choose the Apache Inn.
Recommended
Durango, CO
Food: Gazpacho New Mexico Restaurant
Easily the best thing we experienced in Durago. Very good New Mexican food.
Recommended
Sleep: Alpine Inn
The room smelled like a nursing home and a cleaning bucket of bleach and rags never left from just outside our door. Sleep was quiet enough, but in a town the size of Durango, there must be a better place for the money.
Not recommended
Cortez, CO
Food: El Grande Cafe
A little old-fashioned diner in the heart of downtown Cortez. We saddled up to the counter and had the best breakfast of the trip. No surprizes, just solid food and plenty of local color.
Recommended
Hovenweep NM, UT
Sleep: Campground
Nice siting for the campground, good expansive views from most sites. Clean bathrooms. No camp store, though -- so make sure you don't forget anything.
Recommended (for camping, that is)
Boulder, UT
Food: Hell's Backbone Grill
Groovy Buddhist vibe, excellent thoughtful food, stunning surroundings -- what's not to like. And they even have a cookbook now.
Strongly Recommended
Sleep: Boulder Mountain Lodge
Last time we were in Boulder, we stayed in Pole's Place. Not that it was bad, but for $20 more you can get a room with an absoutely stunning view that's only a few steps from a wonderful restaurant. I'm not a big fan of the high pretension factor of some of the guests,
Recommended
