Escape to Paradise: Red Sands Hotel's Torrey, UT Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Red Sands Hotel's Torrey, UT Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're dive-bombing into the Red Sands Hotel in Torrey, Utah! "Escape to Paradise: Red Sands Hotel's Torrey, UT Oasis Awaits!" - sounds dreamy, right? Let's see if the reality matches the hype. This review isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about feeling the experience. So, pour yourself a stiff drink (or a refreshing glass of water – your call), and let's get messy.
First, The Big Picture: Accessibility & Safety - Because Let's Be Real, It Matters
Alright, let's get some serious stuff out of the way. Accessibility: They say they have facilities for disabled guests. That's good, but I'm not going to pretend I know the ins and outs of that. Hopefully, they've got the goods. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security, Fire Extinguisher, Smoke alarms: phew Good. I like my hotels not-on-fire and not-being-watched-by-some-weirdo. Check-in/out [express & private]: Okay, fancy. I'm all about less waiting around. Elevator: Crucial. I'm not hiking up five flights of stairs after a day of hiking. Safety deposit boxes: A plus. Though, honestly, I usually forget what I put in there.
COVID-Era Cleanliness Frenzy! Okay, how are they handling The Rona? Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas: fingers crossed First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification: More good stuff, but I'm a bit suspicious of the 'hygiene certification'. Is it like, a real thing? Rooms sanitized between stays: Okay, I can get behind this. Room sanitization opt-out available: Huh. Interesting, a little counter-intuitive, but maybe they want to allow for flexibility. Staff trained in safety protocol: YES! Seriously, people, pay attention. Safe dining setup: Crucial, especially in the buffet area. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Always a good thing.
So, Cleanliness? Sounds Decent. Safety? Seems Covered.
Internet & Techy Stuff: The Modern Necessities
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! No more paying extra for the sweet, sweet internet connection. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: Options are cool because sometimes a wired connection is the only way to go if you need true speed. Wi-Fi in public areas: Essential for me to get my gram on. Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center: Work stuff, for those who must, but I'm usually trying to escape all of that. Laptop workspace: Good. It does give you a spot to work.
The Room: My Home Away From Home?
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Okay, so from this list, you know I loved the blackout curtains. I'm a light sleeper, so it's essential. And the free Wi-Fi? Sold. The coffee/tea maker, a must-have. Extra long bed? Yes, because I'm six feet tall. The complimentary tea: score! The private bathroom is essential. The bathtub? Luxury. Hairdryer: I can't travel without one. Safety/security feature, yep that's important.
Dining, Drinking, and the Art of the Leisurely Meal
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. "Dining, drinking, and snacking." Let's break it down. First of all, Restaurants, a la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. That's a LOT.
Let's start with the breakfast buffet. Oh, the possibilities! The scrambled eggs, the bacon, the mountains of pastries… It can make or break a hotel experience for me. One time, I had a terrible hotel buffet, and I started the day feeling defeated. So buffet game has to be on point. Poolside bar: Crucial after a day of hiking, just sipping a cocktail. And the room service, 24-hours? That's for the late-night snack attacks when my internal clock is all messed up. Happy hour? You had me at "happy".
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: The Heart of Escape
Okay, the real magic happens here. Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Whoa. Where do I start? This is the "Escape" part of the name, right? Pool with a view: Yes, please. Is it an infinity pool overlooking the red rocks? Tell me it is. Spa/sauna/steamroom: Oh, hell yeah. I live for a good steam room sesh. A massage is non-negotiable. A body scrub? Treat yourself. What about the fitness center? It's there, if you feel guilty about the buffet.
My Anecdote: The Steam Room Revelation
Okay, so I'm in the steam room. It's steamy, it's hot, and I'm completely alone. I mean, completely. This is my happy place. I crank up the heat, close my eyes, and just breathe. The tension from the long flight, the stress of… well, everything, just melts away. It's meditative. I start planning my novel. I solved some of the world's problems. And then, I realized I'd been in there for like, an hour. I left feeling like a new person. Seriously, that steam room alone almost made the whole trip worth it. I love the steam room.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge is there to help out. Luggage storage is essential. Daily housekeeping: always a plus. The convenience store is good too.
For the Kids (If You're Into That)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I'm not a parent, so I'm not exactly the target audience here. But I can see the value of the facilities for the families.
Getting Around: The Logistics
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. The car park [free of charge] definitely a plus - love that. Airport transfer: probably worth it.
The Verdict: Is This an Oasis?
Okay, so, is the Red Sands Hotel an "escape to paradise"? Well, it depends on what kind of paradise you're looking for. If you crave luxury, relaxation, and a serious pampering experience, then yeah, this hotel is a strong contender. The pool with a view, the spa, the steam room, and the overall atmosphere seem geared toward that.
The Quirks and Imperfections:
No hotel is perfect. I'm guessing there will be some minor things. The Wi-Fi might occasionally get slow. The buffet might not be 100% perfect every day. The staff might not always have it all right. Maybe the decor is a little dated. But the potential
Escape to Paradise: Relais La Corte di Cloris, Florence Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. We're heading to the Red Sands Hotel in Torrey, Utah, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Prepare for dust, deliciousness, and maybe a small existential crisis or two. Here we go!
DAY 1: Arrival of the Clumsy Tourist
1:00 PM - Okay, so the Arrival Disaster actually started BEFORE arrival. Booking the cheapest flight meant transferring through… shudders… Denver. Let's just say my checked bag and I had a brief, but heated, disagreement with a luggage carousel. Found it eventually, looking utterly defeated. Moral of the story? Pack snacks and a good sense of humor. These are key.
3:00 PM - Finally, the promised desert air! Arrive at the Red Sands Hotel. Gorgeous, yeah, but the heat hits you like a brick wall. First impression: whoa. Big, red, dusty… everything… I felt like I’d stepped onto the set of a John Wayne movie. Checked in, and yeah, I immediately fumbled with the keycard. Total pro.
3:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Questionable Coffee: Dropped my bag. My room is… okay. Clean enough. Bed looks comfy, which is all that matters after my luggage adventure. Okay, the coffee maker definitely looks like it's seen better days. Let's just say I'll be sticking to instant. My first impression of the room: the decor is… very desert. Probably could do with some more color. (Maybe I’ll steal a few throw pillows from the lobby later. Jk… mostly.)
4:00 PM - Poolside Drama (Self-Inflicted): Found the pool! Glorious, sparkling, and incredibly tempting. Threw on my suit… and promptly realized I hadn't packed sunscreen. Facepalm. Soaked myself in the pool, sun burning my nose, and people watching. Not sure what’s more ridiculous, the sunburn, or my swim technique. (I’m gracefully flailing, FYI.)
6:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant ("The Outlaw's Grub"): Okay, the name alone is a good start. The food, though… hmm. I ordered the steak. It was… edible. Let's leave it at that. The service, however, was fantastic. Our server, a woman named Betty with a mile-wide smile and eyes that have seen a thousand sunsets, told fantastic stories. Ended up chatting with her for ages. Learned more about desert life than I had in my entire life.
8:00 PM - Stargazing (and Existential Dread): Stepped outside. Holy moly. The stars. They're almost tangible out here. They're just… everywhere. And it’s freaking stunning. I spent ages just staring up, feeling ridiculously small and profoundly insignificant… and oddly, wonderfully, at peace. Got a little philosophical (as one does under the universe’s spotlight.) Wondering if I’ll ever amount to anything. Nope, just kidding! I looked for, and found, a shooting star.
DAY 2: Canyon Country Chaos
7:00 AM - Breakfast and a dose of Realism: Morning! Breakfast at the hotel. Waffles. They were… waffles. Fuel for the day, I guess. Needed that fuel cause I knew I would be doing some hiking.
9:00 AM - Capital Reef National Park - Drive-by and the Unexpected Miracle: Okay, so I'm not gonna lie, I'd imagined something a bit more epic for my first hike. Started off on what was supposed to be a "moderate" trail. Within 20 minutes, I was sweating, panting, and questioning all my life choices. The views, though… breathtaking. The red rock formations are just… whoa. And then, just as I was about to collapse, I ran into some old man who was actually walking. Turns out he was a retired ranger with decades of experience. Amazing. He told me cool things. He even gave me some water! I learned a ton.
12:00 PM - Lunch at a Roadside Diner (and the Best Pie EVER): Found a tiny diner on the side of the road, dusty, and charming. Ordered the pie. Apple pie. The kind of pie that makes you understand WHY people name their children after it. Seriously. Best pie. Ever. Made me question my life at the same level as day one, but it was worth it.
2:00 PM - Canyon Driving and the Lost Camera Cap: Drove around in the car and saw some amazing sights! My camera cap fell off. Still looking for it.
5:00 PM - Relaxing at the Hotel: Shower. Ordered some room service. Realized how much walking I had done today.
7:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Restaurant (and Mild Regret): Went to another restaurant. Ordered the fish. Shoulda ordered a burger. Oh well.
8:30 PM - Another Night of Stargazing (and a Whisper of Hope): Back outside. Chilled. Saw more stars. The silence. Wonderful. Feeling the magic, as I always do.
DAY 3: Desert Daze and Departure (with a hint of melancholy)
8:00 AM - Breakfast and Packing (The Dreaded Task): Sad to be leaving so soon! Packing is never my strong suit. Somehow managed to fit everything back into my bag (miracle!).
9:00 AM - Farewell Hike (Attempting to Learn from Mistakes): Went back to the trail. Tried a different route (with proper water and sunscreen this time!). Climbed. Saw a bighorn sheep! Incredible experience.
12:00 PM - Last Lunch (and a Promise to Return): Ate that pie from day two. Told myself I would come back. Probably will.
2:00 PM - Departure and the Long Road Back: Saying goodbye to the desert is hard… but my flight won't wait. The drive to the airport was a long one.
4:30 PM - Denver and the Turbulence from HELL.
7:00 PM - HOME.
Overall Impression: This trip was messy, beautiful, and more real than anything I've experienced in a while. The Red Sands Hotel, Torrey, and the surrounding area? They're a treasure trove of raw beauty, friendly faces, and food (some of it… questionable). I’ll remember it all. And I'll certainly be back. Don't let the imperfections and the occasional existential crisis scare you off. That's just part of the adventure, baby! Now, where's my pie?
Escape to Crayfish Creek: Aussie Van & Cabin Paradise!
Alright, Let's Talk About That Red Sands Hotel in Torrey, Utah… 'Cause I've Got Opinions (and Maybe You Do Too!)
So, Red Sands Hotel – Is it Actually Paradise? Don't Lie to Me!
Paradise? Okay, hold your horses. It's… *Utah*. Let's start there. Utah, in general, is pretty darn amazing, especially if you dig red rocks and starlit skies. Now, the Red Sands? Look, the website photos? They're stunning. Like, Instagram-gold level. My *real* experience? Well… let's just say after a six-hour drive, the "oasis" felt more like… a welcome respite from my screaming kids. So, not exactly paradise, but a definite *relief*. They do a good job with the landscaping though. Actual paradise? Probably not. A dang decent basecamp for exploring Capitol Reef? Heck yeah.
Tell Me About the Rooms. Are They Decent or… Motel 6?
Okay, room tour time. I stayed in… I think it was the "Deluxe Queen with a View" (or something equally fancy-sounding). The view? Gorgeous, seriously. Waking up to those red cliffs? Absolutely worth it. The *room*? Functional. Clean, which is a huge win. The bathroom… well, it wasn't *luxury*. Expect basic. I've stayed in worse (shudder, that roadside place in Kansas…), but it wasn't the Four Seasons, You know? Decent, clean, and did the job after a day of hiking. My biggest gripe? The AC. It sounded like a jet engine taking off. Seriously, I swear I could hear the vibrations in my *teeth*. But hey, at least it kept the room at a comfortable 72 degrees! Just… bring earplugs.
What About the Pool? That Instagram Feed Made it Look Glorious.
The pool… ah, the pool. Alright. Let me paint you a picture. Picture a scorching hot Utah day. Picture, your kids, all hyped up on sugar and the promise of swimming. Picture, arriving at the pool, and… a decent amount of people. It's not a massive pool, mind you. Think more… "rectangularish." The water was clean, that's the important thing. The kids loved it. I enjoyed the brief five minutes I actually spent *in* the water, before I was summoned to help find a lost sunscreen bottle. And the pool towels? Fluffy. That's all I'm saying. Just remember it's a pool, not an Olympic training facility. Lower your expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Or just happy to be wet.
Food! Did You Eat at "The Mesa Grill" - and Was it Any Good?
Okay, The Mesa Grill. This is where things got a tad… complicated. Look, after a long day of hiking and rock crawling, you're pretty much ready to eat anything that isn't a gas station hot dog. The Mesa Grill is convenient, let's start there. It's *right there*. The ambiance? Eh, it's what I'd call "Utah casual." The menu? Varied. Steaks, burgers, salads, the usual suspects. My burger? Pretty good. Not life-changing, but perfectly edible. My husband ordered the steak... and wow. He actually enjoyed it. However be warned, the service… varied. We had one waiter who was super attentive, and another... who seemed to be actively avoiding us. Overall though the food was decent, the location was aces, and well, it made me less cranky after a day of hiking. That's a win in my book, I think.
Okay, But What's *Actually* Awesome About the Red Sands? What's the Real MVP?
The *location*. Hands down. No contest. You're literally *steps* from the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. The views! Those red rocks! Those sunsets! You can *easily* spend your days exploring the slot canyons, hiking the trails, and just soaking up the sheer beauty of the place. We did a hike to Hickman Bridge, it was spectacular. So the hotel? It's a solid basecamp. The real star of the show? Utah itself. The Red Sands just puts you in a good place to experience it.
Are There Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises I Should Know About? Dish the Dirt!
Okay, here's the tea. The wifi. Prepare yourself. It's… spotty. Like, "I'm trying to work, but also apparently my phone is living in the stone age"-level spotty. I ended up tethering from my phone *constantly*. So, if you *need* to be connected, prepare properly. Also, the price is seasonal. Be prepared for it to cost more, especially during peak season. And parking… it can fill up, but there's always *somewhere* to squeeze in. Oh! And the vending machine. Overpriced. Bring your own snacks. Trust me, you will eventually start eyeing that machine for a snack. It's the red rock hunger calling.
Anything Else I Should Pack or Keep in Mind?
Definitely pack sunscreen – and reapply it religiously. The Utah sun? It's fierce. Bring layers. The temperature can swing wildly, especially at night. Bug spray. Because, nature. And good hiking shoes. Seriously, invest in decent ones. Oh, and water bottles! And maybe a spare phone charger, you'll be using it a lot. And finally, pack a good attitude. Things happen. Stuff goes wrong. Just roll with it. If your AC unit decides to try and vibrate your teeth out, laugh about it. Embrace the imperfections. It's all part of the adventure. And *for the love of all that is holy*, remember your sunglasses.
Would You Go Back? The Ultimate Question!
Honestly? Yeah, most likely. Despite the jet-engine AC and the spotty wifi, the Red Sands Hotel is a solid choice. The location is just too good to pass up. And after a day spent wandering the canyons and marvelling at the stars, all the 'meh' stuff fades away. It's convenient. It's clean. It's… fine. And you're in UTAH! Who am I to complain? Plus I've got some pretty good pictures now. Okay, okay, fine. I'll be back. Just… maybe next time I'll request a room away from the AC. Wish me luck.
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