Is It Right for Me: American West Hotels

Indagare maps out how to choose among four distinct American West experiences, each unique in character, vibe and sensibility.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

• In three words: restored ghost town
• Getting There: Fly to Durango or Telluride, then drive two hours (from Durango) or about one and a half hours (from Telluride). To avoid having to make a connection, fly into Montrose, and drive four hours to Dunton.
• Who Should Go: Couples looking for a romantic cabin adventure and families who want access outdoor activities from a comfortable home base
• Good to Know: For an even more remote glamping experience, check out the sister property, Dunton River Camp at Cresto Ranch, which consists of eight prospector-style luxury tents.
• Highlights: Soaking in the nonsulfur hot springs; the owners’ personal art collection, pieces of which decorate each of the accommodations
• Souvenir: New friends made at the communal meals and health benefits from the hot springs water, said to open up blood vessels and improve circulation
• Read Indagare's hotel review.

Mustang Monument, Nevada

• In three words: Cozy, mission-centered eco-resort
• Getting There: Fly to Salt Lake City and drive two and a half hours to Mustang Monument. The smaller Elko Regional Airport (EKO) is about a fifty-minute drive away.
• Who Should Go: Horse lovers who want to have an equine-centric experience while supporting the protection of wild horses in the American West
• Good to Know: Mustang Monument is open only from late June to September.
• Highlights: Learning about the property’s commitment to protecting wild mustangs, developing roping skills, wagon rides
• Souvenir: A desire to construct a luxury teepee in the backyard back home.
• Read Indagare's hotel review.

Scarp Ridge Lodge, Crested Butte, Colorado

• In three words: Ultimate luxury adventure
• Getting There: Fly to Denver then take a 10-minute flight to Gunnison/Crested Butte Airport (GUC). The property is an easy 40-minute drive from the airport.
• Who Should Go: Those without a budget who want a truly unique, all-around experience that highlights the best activities of the region and exquisite cuisine.
• Good to Know: The seven-room property has a seven-bed bunk room ideal for a gaggle of kids, and the town of Crested Butte is at a high elevation so build in a day extra to acclimation.
• Highlights: The personal chef at the ready (pork empanadas with pomegranate guacamole, please) and the mountain biking that is made one-of-a-kind thanks to the outstanding guides.
• Souvenir: Pictures from heli-fishing for salmon (they’ll even ship the fish home for you).

Airstream 2 Go

• In three words: Chic, retro, mobile
• Getting There: You can pick up your Airstream 2 Go in Las Vegas and drive it as the whim takes you or along a pre-determined itinerary.
• Who Should Go: Adventurous types who are interested in hitting the road to see the American West without being bogged down by checking in and out of hotel rooms
• Good to Know: Drivers are given lessons on hauling Airstream trailers behind the GMC Yukon Denali tow vehicles provided before setting off.
• Highlights: Allowing pets, so the whole family can be included; a gas grill and BBQ equipment, plus a fully stocked kitchen for picnics and cookouts on the go.
• Souvenir: Newfound confidence in one’s driving abilities