Monte Vista's Hidden Gem: The Best Western Movie Manor Awaits!

Best Western Movie Manor Monte Vista (CO) United States

Monte Vista's Hidden Gem: The Best Western Movie Manor Awaits!

Monte Vista's Hidden Gem: A Review of the Best Western Movie Manor - Lights, Camera, (Mostly) Action! (A Messy, Honest Take)

Alright, deep breaths. I've just returned from my stay at the Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, Colorado, and honestly? My brain is still rewinding like a wonky projector. This place… it's an experience. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't a glossy brochure. This is real.

First Impressions: The Hollywood Vibe (Or, "Is That a Giant Oscar Statue?")

Okay, so the Movie Manor. You drive up, and BAM. You're immediately aware of the theme. Think Hollywood, but… Colorado-fied. There's a massive Oscar statue, film reels everywhere, and… is that a Marilyn Monroe cutout by the pool? Yep. It’s a visual feast, or maybe a sensory overload, depending on your perspective. My inner child was giddy. My inner minimalist was… a little overwhelmed.

The Big Question: Accessibility and Safety (Because Real Life, People!)

• Accessibility: Okay, this is important. I didn’t personally need a fully accessible room, but I poked around. Good news! The reviews I saw pointed to decent wheelchair accessibility. They have elevators (thank heavens!), and the hallways seemed wide enough. I did see ramps, so kudos to the hotel for doing their best to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

• Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Factor (And How They Handled It) Honestly, I was a bit nervous traveling during our current pandemic. But the Movie Manor tried. They were definitely taking it seriously. I saw signs for:

  • Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.

  • Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Double check.

  • Room sanitization opt-out? Yep. They even had a little notice you could put on your door saying you didn’t want them to come in (which I appreciated!).

  • They were very pro "Daily disinfection in common areas", and"Professional-grade sanitizing services".

  • Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. They all wore masks, and you could tell they were trying.

  • Individualized food options? They had them at the breakfast buffet, and other places at the snacks and the restaurant!

  • Cashless payment service? Yes, though I always prefer cash, the option was there.

  Now, the execution wasn't perfect. I saw a few staff members with their masks slipping, and I wasn't entirely convinced some of the cleaning in the hallways was as rigorous as advertised. But, again, they tried. And the fact that they were making the effort made a difference. It's okay if it's not perfect.

Rooms: My Cozy Little Viewing Booth (With a Few Quirks)

• Available in all rooms: Let's break it down. There was, of course, air conditioning. Hallelujah. A comfy bed. A desk that I definitely used to write all this stuff. They also had coffee/tea makers, and complimentary tea, and also free-bottled water. The bathrooms? Clean, but basic. Good water pressure, but the shower felt a little… cramped. Overall, "adequate." You're not coming here for luxurious accommodations, folks. You're coming for the experience.

• Internet Access: Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Mostly Good, Sometimes Glitchy) Okay, this is crucial. In this day and age, internet access is a lifeline. The Free Wi-Fi in my room was a lifesaver. I always need to be online. The connection was pretty good most of the time, perfect for Netflix and working, but there were some frustrating moments when it sputtered and faded. Thankfully, for the most part the internet access- LAN and Internet services were fine.

• Amenities: The Good, the Okay, and the “Wait, What?”

• Swimming Pool: I did not go in, but it looked nice, and there were a bunch of happy kids splashing around. I also didn't see a pool with view.

• Fitness Center: It’s in the basement. Which means, uh… no view. But it had the basics. Treadmill, weights… I'm not a gym rat, so I can't give a super-detailed review.

• Spa & Spa/ Sauna: The website advertised a spa. I’ll be honest, I didn't see one.

• Breakfast: Buffet of Dreams (and a Few… Nightmares)

• Breakfast [buffet]: Now we get to my honest favorite part. The breakfast buffet. Now, I am a big fan of Asian cuisine in restaurant, however the breakfast did not suit me. BUT…they had the Buffet in restaurant. Their options were really varied. There was a bit of everything. A la carte in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. I loved it. A lot. I went crazy for the fresh fruit and the pastries (I mean, who can resist a croissant?). It's included with my stay. Breakfast service was available.

• Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag (and the Legendary Popcorn)

  • Restaurants: The Movie Manor boasts a restaurant. I had a dinner there, and the food was… okay. Nothing spectacular, but acceptable.
  • Poolside Bar: The poolside bar was a real highlight, with a chilled vibe.
  • Snack Bar/Coffee/Snack Bar: There was a snack bar in the lobby with popcorn everywhere. It was fantastic.
  • Other dining options:
    • Room service [24-hour] and coffee/tea in restaurant were available, and the restaurant did serve salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, and desserts in restaurant. There was also Happy hour, and Vegetarian restaurant.

• Services and Conveniences: The Helpful and the… Not So Much

  • Front Desk [24-hour]: The staff at the front desk were generally friendly and helpful.
  • Concierge: Nope.
  • Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: All offered, which is always a bonus.
  • Food delivery: Seemed non existent.
  • Daily housekeeping: Was great. Always on time.
  • Elevator: Yes. Because again, thank goodness.
  • Gift/souvenir shop: Had the essentials. Movie-themed trinkets, postcards, etc.
  • Airport transfer: Was not an option
  • Car park [free of charge]: It's free, and there is a lot of parking.

Getting Around

• Car park [free of charge]: There's plenty of parking, so no worries there.

For the Kids: Family Friendly (But Maybe Not Baby-Friendly)

• Family/child friendly: The theme itself is kid-friendly. My kids would have loved it.
• Babysitting service: Was not advertised, or if it was my memory's faulty.
• Kids facilities/Kids meal: Nope, I don't think so.

Things to Do: Beyond the Lobby (or, "What Else is There to Do in Monte Vista?")

• Ways to Relax, Spa/sauna, Massage, Steamroom, Pool with view, Sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness: Well, there's not a lot to it, but maybe ask about things in the nearby area.
• Meetings, Seminars, On-site event hosting, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: The Movie Manor does have meeting and event spaces. I didn’t attend anything, but they seemed decent enough.
• Proposal spot The movie theme is super romantic.

The Verdict: Worth a Stay? (With a Few Caveats)

The Motel Manor isn’t perfect. It's a bit quirky, a little rough around the edges, and a little… over-the-top theme-wise. But, it's got character. It's memorable. It’s clean, the staff seems to really try to be kind, and the pricing is reasonable. They make a real go of it, and I give them a ton of credit for that.

Would I go back?

Yes. I'd go back. I’d probably check it out for a couple of nights. For a fun, quirky stay, and with a few adjustments to manage expectations, the Best Western Movie Manor is a solid choice for a unique experience. Just don't expect five-star luxury. Instead, expect a star-studded, popcorn-fueled blast.

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Best Western Movie Manor Monte Vista (CO) United States

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, bullet-point travel log. This is the messy, glorious, truth-telling account of my… cough cough …adventure at the Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, Colorado. Prepare for tangents, existential crises over stale popcorn, and a whole lotta love for cheesy cinema.

Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Popcorn)

• 1:00 PM: Arrive in Monte Vista. Okay, so "arrive" is a strong word. More like, limp into town after a grueling drive that felt like it was orchestrated by a sadist who loves speed bumps. The scenery? Vast. Unforgivingly vast. It's the kind of place where tumbleweeds probably have their own social media accounts.

• 1:30 PM: Check in! The lobby is… well, it's got personality. Mostly in the form of fading movie posters and a vaguely suspicious smell that I think is popcorn. The reception lady, bless her heart, looks like she's seen everything. Probably has. I swear she told me to “enjoy my time here,” like it's a prison sentence and the sentence is a romantic comedy marathon.

• 2:00 PM: My ROOM. Oh. MY. GOD. This is it. This is the holy grail of my travel plans – the hotel rooms where the beds are literally in the movie theater! The little theatre is set up with an actual screen where you can get the movie experience in the hotel room. Room 212. (An Ode to a Room): Themed as "The Wizard of Oz" - the color scheme is all green and yellow. The bathroom is slightly dated and there's a distinct lack of a hairdryer (a tragedy, I tell you! My hair is a beast). The sheets smell… mostly clean, but I’m not getting out of bed yet. The remote control has more buttons than the Space Shuttle. After fiddling with that, I finally realized I had the wrong one. I was using the TV remote for the thermostat! Oops.

• 2:30 PM: Mandatory popcorn-related anxiety. Realized there's a microwave. Must. Have. Popcorn. BUT… the popcorn situation in the vending machine is dire. Stale. Possibly older than the Wizard of Oz itself. Debated calling room service (wait… does this place have room service?) but ultimately decided to brave the lobby vending machine. Won. Got the popcorn. Ate the popcorn. Regretted the popcorn. (But hey, the feeling was good, right?)

• 3:00 PM: Wizard of Oz is chosen off the available list of movies, and the curtains are drawn! The experience is like a child again, or maybe in the beginning of a therapy session, because it's all kinds of bizarre. The sound system and the atmosphere is absolutely perfect. I love it.

• 4:00 PM: Break. Nap. Okay, a full-blown, deep-sleep nap, because movie-watching is hard work when you're emotionally invested. Woke up in a cold sweat convinced I was Dorothy, desperately seeking the way back home.

Day 2: Deep Dive into Cinematic Madness

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast. (Or, "Breakfast," to be exact.) The complimentary continental breakfast is a carb-lover's dream, but I had my doubts about the eggs. And there were the pastries. Oh, the pastries. I had the blueberry muffin and I had no regrets.

• 10:00 AM: Chasing the tail of the previous movie experience, i decided to make this all about the movies! Today, I am making a point of watching every single movie that the hotel has prepared, or at least, every movie that I'm somewhat interested in.

• 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM: The entire day was dedicated to endless film! I'll be honest, it's a blur of cinematic moments and half-digested snacks. Remember that initial romantic comedy marathon reference? Yeah. Nailed it.

Day 3: Farewell…and Will I Ever Leave?

• 9:00 AM: Breakfast, again. My digestive system is starting to question my life choices. Contemplated joining a support group for Best Western Movie Manor survivors.

• 10:00 AM: I try to watch what's left of the movies, but I fail, because I'm running on pure sugar.

• 11:00 AM: Check out. The reception lady gives me a knowing look, like she's seen my journey of cinematic rediscovery. I wave, then almost trip over a stray popcorn kernel.

• 12:00 PM: Drive away. The vastness of the landscape feels a little less intimidating this time. I'm tired, my eyes hurt, and I smell faintly of butter flavoring, but I'm good.

• 1 PM: (on the road back home): Reflecting. I liked it there. I thought I wouldn't. I even thought of having a permanent home there. Maybe next time.

Final Thoughts:

Look, the Best Western Movie Manor isn't the Ritz-Carlton. But it is an experience. A weird, wonderful, slightly-smelly, love letter to movies and the joy of doing absolutely nothing. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stumbled into a parallel universe where popcorn is a food group and all of your favorite movies just happen to be on repeat.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Heck, I'm already planning my next visit. Just gotta remember to pack extra conditioner. And maybe my own popcorn. And possibly a therapist. You know, just in case.

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Best Western Movie Manor Monte Vista (CO) United States```html

Monte Vista's Hidden Gem: Best Western Movie Manor Awaits! - The (Unfiltered) FAQs

Okay, spill. Is this place *actually* as cool as it sounds? Like, are you *really* sleeping in a room that's a *drive-in*?

Alright, alright, buckle up buttercup. Is the Movie Manor cool? YES. Is it as cool as it sounds? ...Mostly. Look, the pictures on the website? They *try* to capture it, but they don't quite get the *weird magic*. Think: you’re driving, maybe slightly lost, following what feels like a long, lonely road. Then BAM! The *Neon* sign, brighter than Vegas, and you KNOW you've hit the jackpot. You pull up, and the facade? Pure vintage brilliance! But yeah, the room. The *room*. It's a goddamn drive-in *experience*. You *literally* sleep behind your own screen! I've seen some really, *really* bad movies there, and enjoyed every minute of it. Except that one time the sound was wonky. THAT was a nightmare. Seriously, pack earplugs.

What's the *movie* situation? Do you get to pick? Is it all old stuff?

Okay, movie selection... here's where things get...interesting. You don’t exactly pick. It's a roll of the dice, baby! It's the price you pay for the unique experience!. They have a rotating library, a lovely mix of classics and…well, let's just say "vintage fare." I remember one trip when my expectations were shattered because I thought I was on my way to see 'Casablanca', but instead wound up watching 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes'. Look, that’s part of the charm. You are NOT going to pick your favorite new release, but you *are* gonna laugh. Oh, and the quality? Sometimes…it’s *gritty*. Which honestly adds to the drive-in vibe. Embrace the imperfections!

I'm concerned about comfort. Are the beds… you know… motel beds? And what about snacks?

Ugh, beds. Yeah, they're motel beds. They're… functional. Not the *most* luxurious things in the world. Plan accordingly. I'm not saying bring your own memory foam topper, but maybe consider it. Snacks, though? Now we're talking! They DO have the classic concession stuff, but here's the *real* secret: Monte Vista has a pretty decent grocery store. Hit it before you check in. That's my #1 travel tip for the Movie Manor. Popcorn, candy, the works. It's imperative. It's part of the *experience*. You're not just watching a movie; you're *living* it. (Just, you know, don't be *that* person with the extra loud chip bag...)

What's the *vibe*? Is it kitschy and fun, or just…sad? Is this a place for families, or…what?

It's kitschy and fun! Okay, maybe *slightly* sad, too. Hear me out. There's a certain… nostalgia, a sense of faded grandeur. Seeing families there makes it feel wholesome. And the other folks? Well, I've met people from all walks of life - film buffs, road-trippers, people simply escaping the everyday. It’s a real melting pot of personalities. And the staff? They’re *genuinely* lovely, which makes all the difference. One time, my kid threw up his popcorn (sorry, front desk lady!). They didn’t bat an eye. They brought us extra towels and even a small stuffed toy to make him feel better. Places like this can only stay afloat because of that genuine care. That's the magic, really. The people, the movie, the experience.

Is it *actually* clean? I'm a bit of a germophobe…

Okay, look. It's a motel. Let's be realistic. It's *not* a five-star hotel. That said, the rooms are generally clean. I always bring disinfectant wipes, just to be safe. It's my travel ritual. You know, wipe down the remote, the light switches… the usual. You *might* find the occasional cobweb in a corner. It’s part of the age of the place. But, generally, it’s fine. It's not the kind of place that will give you the heebie jeebies. Probably. ;)

Tell me about *the* best experience you've had there!

Okay, okay, brace yourselves. This is messy, but it was magical. Years ago, I went with my best friend, Sarah. It was a cold night, seriously chilly. We were on a total road trip from god knows where, and ended up in Monte Vista, dead tired. We got the room with the huge screen. The movie? 'Creature from the Black Lagoon.' I *hate* that movie. But we were so tired, we didn’t care. We got all the popcorn and candy, the works. We were probably way too loud and were laughing our asses off after it was over. I remember waking up at 3am, the credits rolling on the screen, and Sarah was snoring like a chainsaw. I grabbed a blanket and sat there in the dark, listening to the wind howl outside. It felt...peaceful. And stupidly comforting. I started reflecting how stupid my life *had* been, and how important she was to me. We are not best friends anymore, but the night? That was perfect. Imperfect movies and everything.

Anything *bad* to know? Any downsides?

Sure. The location, for one. Monte Vista is… well, it's not a bustling metropolis. Don’t expect fancy restaurants or late-night clubs. Think small-town charm and limited options. The sound system is sometimes questionable. Reception can be spotty. The decor is…dated. You might find the occasional squeaky bedspring. But honestly? Those "downsides" are *part* of the fun. You have to embrace the imperfections to truly enjoy the Movie Manor. The real downside? Leaving. It’s a weird, wonderful place. And you *will* want to go back. Soon.

So, should I go?

YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. If you're looking for a cookie-cutter travel experience, skip it. But if you want something *different*, something memorable, something that will make you smile (and maybe laugh at the absurdity of it all), you *have* to go. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a journey. It’s a time capsule. It’s…well, it's a damn good story. Just…pack earplugs. And maybe a sense of humor. And maybe a friend who will laugh with you when the movie gets really, really bad. YouEscape to Comfort: All Towne Suites St. Robert, MO - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!

Best Western Movie Manor Monte Vista (CO) United States

Best Western Movie Manor Monte Vista (CO) United States

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