Name: The Bunkhouse - Hostel
Address: 175 Williams Street, Minturn, Minturn, Minturn, CO 81645, United States of America
Rating: 9

Air conditioning

Smoke-free property

Heating

Express check-in/check-out

Terrace

Patio

Adults Only

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Locker

Linens

Rooms

Accessibility features

Wheelchair Accessible

Accessibility

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Common kitchen

Vending machine

Bottled water (at extra charge)

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Barbecue grill(s)

Hiking

Picnic area

Barbeque

Sun Deck

Recreation

Parking

Free parking nearby

Free Parking on Premises

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Ski storage

Ski facilities rental

Skiing

Winter sports

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Personal protection equipment for staff

Extra decontamination measures

Personal protection equipment for guests

Contactless check-in and/or check-out

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the hostel

Eagle County Airport

Aspen Airport

The Bunkhouse - Hostel

Minturn

In the title. Booked the night before. Next morning skiing was injured and couldn’t stay. Tried calling and emailing promptly but was told my “reservation was canceled but I will still be charged” very poor practice considering they know that people without means are the ones looking for a cheaper option to stay in the first place. Really disappointing

Ad said free cancelation -Untrue

I wish I could say I received the same lovely customer service from Nancy, but my experience with her was quite the OPPOSITE. I contracted covid and ended up in the ER two days prior to going to the Bunkhouse. As a result, I was advised by my doctor not to go on my trip to Colorado as the altitude and cold would only worsen my recovery and that according to CDC guidelines I needed to self-isolate. My cousin called the Bunkhouse on my behalf to cancel our booking and Nancy explained that their covid policy would give us credits for the unused room. When my cousin explained that we had only put down the deposit and had NOT yet paid the $580 owed to the room Nancy said that she would charge our card on file regardless of the fact that we had NOT yet paid and would NOT be able to retain our reservation. My cousin became upset and argued that this was a bad business practice and would be treated as fraud if the card was charged before hanging up. Unaware of what had transpired I received a call from Nancy on my cellphone – which was the number on record - and was blindsided as she began to chastise me that ‘adults don’t handle things by hanging up on each other.’ I asked her who this was and what had happened. After Nancy explained the call she had with my cousin, she proceeded to tell me we had two options 1) have my card charged and receive credit or 2) be blacklisted from her establishment and others in the area. I told her I will be completing my PhD abroad in Africa for the next three years and that realistically I wouldn’t be able to redeem the credit until I returned in 2025 at the earliest due to my field research season which runs from October to March annually and asked if there were any other options. She said being blacklisted. I told her that wasn’t really an option as no one chooses to be blacklisted and that this felt like a punishment in reaction to what my cousin did. She said it wasn’t and that this was normal policy for travel companies including airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. I told her I had been on the phone with airlines and car rentals companies earlier that day and none had presented the option of either charging my card for an unused service to redeem credit or else blacklist me from their company and others. I further argued that I still perceived the blacklisting option as a punishment for my cousin’s actions which I wasn’t present for. She responded that as he was representing me on the phone, his behavior reflected my own. To make my point I asked if those were the options presented to my cousin before he hung up and she admitted that she had only offered him credit. Therefore, I reiterated that blacklisting only became an option after he threatened fraud and hang up which is why I am perceiving it as a reaction to and punishment for his behavior. She said it was a moot point that I wasn’t welcome to her facility regardless and that I couldn’t be trusted to fulfill a contract for having cancelled last minute. Therefore, I would be blacklisted. I told her I didn’t cancel last minute by choice as I was in the ER unable to breath. Had that not happened I had every intention of completing the agreement and furthermore that I had not made the choice to be blacklisted. Nancy argued that as I had failed to make a choice, she would be blacklisting me. I tried to defend myself by saying, that exploring my options was not failing to make a choice. I tried to then explain why I was struggling to understand each of those options to which she spoke over me including when I asked her to please let me finish my sentence which she ignored. She ended her rant again saying that as I hadn’t made a choice, she would be blacklisting me from the Bunkhouse and any affiliated locations. When I again argued that it was unfair of her to make that choice for me, she cut me off again stating my response was a moot point as I was no longer welcome to her facility or others, that she hoped I felt better and that that was the decision made. At this point I had begun recording the conversation because I could not believe that after being in the ER less than 24 hours ago, I was being told that I would still be the charged $580 I had yet pay on top of the deposit the Bunkhouse had already received for me or else if I disagreed to that charge my only other option was being blacklisted. This to me seemed unbelievably unfair and unheard of. Instead of trying to argue any further I clarified whether my card would be charged while being blacklisted. She said no. Not knowing what else to say, I simply apologized for such an extreme misunderstanding of a situation. Her response was that hopefully this situation taught me not to let my cousin speak on my behalf anymore. She then said her good-bye and hung up.

Blacklisted for cancelling after being in the ER

My daughter & I had a wonderful weekend girls trip to Minturn/Vail area. The Bunkhouse is very easy to find, convenient, clean, friendly, comfortable & safe.
We had a double bunk private room, and the beds were SO COMFORTABLE. The pillows mattress & comforters were all so cozy . This place is a true Jem. I highly reccomend it.

Great place, great vibe, cute town

This was definitely one of my better hostel experiences and the best one I've had in North America by far.

The staff is great, fun, and super helpful. Location is central, being close to both vail and beaver creek.

The vibe was super fun as you had a solid amount people staying for longer term working nearby and thus it felt like a community.

Would recommend for snowboarders, skiiers, and anyone who wants to explore vail valley.

Excellent Across The Board

Love this place! The owner Nancy and the staff I met- Krista, Thomas, Ryan & John were awesome. They were all super friendly and helpful. The Bunkhouse has everything you need- a full kitchen, common area and cool people to hang out with, the cleanest, best smelling bathrooms of any hostel I've ever stayed at, and a comfy, private bunk to sleep in. They also sell local Colorado beer at the front desk! The bus line is right across the street which is so convenient if you don't want to pay $30 for parking at Vail Ski resort. This is by far the best, most affordable lodging option in the Vail Valley. I highly recommend this place.

Best lodging for Vail Ski trip

I was recently traveling through Colorado when my truck broke down. The only place with availability was the bunkhouse, it was late at night yet the staff said they would wait for me to arrive after the front desk closed. From the moment I arrived I was greeted with open arms by the staff. The following day I met the owner Nancy and from then on my stressful experience turned into a relaxing get away. Everyone was very helpful, it was like I fell into a close community. Everything was spotless from the bunks to the bathrooms. The staff was more than helpful with any need that I had. I would not of wanted to break down anywhere else. Also upon talking to the staff they realized I was a veteran, and throughout my life I have never been treated with the respect that I received from the bunkhouse. I plan on returning in the future, and anyone reading this I would highly recommend you stay at the bunkhouse it was an amazing experience I will never forget.

the best thing to happen in a bad situation

Having just stayed seven nights at The Bunkhouse I agree with other five-star reviews.  Like most hostels elsewhere you find an eclectic assortment of short term and semi-permanent residents.  During my stay most people at The Bunkhouse were Americans.  Hostel staff were employees at ski resorts, local hotels, etc., who live at the Bunkhouse on-the-cheap.

The enclosed bunks were quieter than typical hostels.  I used earplugs about half of my nights because noise was not much of an issue.  The only noises I heard were other guests rolling over in their sleep and light snoring one night.  People were respectful of curfew, but some people had late arrival or early departure flights that caused slight noise.  Pack your bags the night before leaving so you don't wake people up with early zippering and shuffling.

The kitchen was small but functional.  Everyone was polite about sharing kitchen space and cleaning up.  The commercial refrigerator accommodated a reasonable amount of fresh goods. You may receive a 1 cubic foot bin for canned goods, fruit, etc.  Just be respectful of the refrigerator / kitchen space and everyone will be happy.  Unmarked food is possibly going to disappear in any hostel... make sure you put your name and purchase date on food containers.  Fresh filtered water was a plus.

Bathrooms were clean and uncrowded with sinks for tooth-brushing, hand washing just outside.  A boot / glove dryer in the hallway had some competition for evening use; just be respectful.  Ski boots and outdoor shoes may be stored on a rack or designated floor space.  Plan on wearing slippers or socks indoors to avoid tracking muck through The Bunkhouse.

Owner Nancy lives on site with her family and dog.  She is very friendly & attentive.  She mostly just acts like another guest which is really cool.  Though her staff handle most questions and chores, you may see Nancy in the kitchen most mornings and evenings.

Minturn is a remarkable little town.  Make sure you check out the Minturn Saloon where Gerald Ford and lots of stars have autographed photos on the walls.  Gerry Ford was instrumental in making Minturn, Avon and surrounding towns viable.  His presence is strongly felt at Beaver Creek and elsewhere.

Although I had a rental car, I recommend public transportation or carpooling to Vail whenever possible.  Vail parking is overpriced and free street parking is extremely limited.  You can hop a city bus multiple times per hour from the Forest Service's free parking lot south of I-70 on Hwy 24 north of Minturn, to Vail or to Beaver Creek.  If you are friendly you may be able to bum a ride with someone from The Bunkhouse in the morning and ride the public bus home in the afternoon – however the downside is return busses to Minturn Center only depart once per hour from the Vail Transportation Center.  Bus rides to / from Vail costs $4 each way from Minturn.

Parking at the two public skier lots in Avon (Elk and Bear lots) costs $10 / day.  I had no problem finding space at either lot or catching free resort shuttles to the Beaver Creek ski lifts.

Each bunk has a small drawer at the base.  You can bring your own padlock to secure valuables though I think some people borrowed locks.  Skis and poles can be stored outside on the front porch or in your vehicle.  I did not sense theft was much of a problem but staff can suggest how to minimize your risk of loss.  I wouldn't leave cash or other valuables unsecured.

Offsite public parking is about two city blocks away from The Bunkhouse across the Eagle River near the Minturn Saloon.  I never had a problem with fifteen minute car loading / unloading in front of The Bunkhouse.

SUMMARY:  I have no regrets about staying at The Bunkhouse and many terrific memories.  Nancy and her staff made me feel like family.  This is a really wonderful alternative to the overpriced and generic feeling hotels.  You can ask staff about favorite ski runs, conditions, etc, and you will get the latest information that otherwise may be difficult to learn.  Just hanging out in the living space by the kitchen in mornings and evenings I learned so much.

Thanks to everyone for making my Bunkhouse visit so special.  I definitely plan on returning!

Great hostel in a wonderful location

Regretfully I only stayed one night.  I will stay longer next time.  The location is excellent.  The staff very friendly.  The other guests we fun too.  

The bottom bunk is very dark and there is good sound proofing.  There are fans going for white noise.  I slept so well.

Parking is 2 blocks away.  Easy walk.  Kitchen and bathrooms look new and are very clean.  If you sleep cold, bring an extra blanket.

I highly recommend this location.

Awesome location and peoplw

Really like the pods in the Bunkhouse.  Best sleep I've ever had at a hostel.  Very clean and just a short drive to Vail and Beaver Creek.  Only stayed a couple nights so went out to eat at a couple places within walking distance in Minturn.  Only knock is that it's very expensive for a hostel and at this price they should provide shower gel.

Great place to save

I had an extended stay lasting a little over a month at the Bunkhouse while I was a part-time ski instructor at Vail. The friendly staff and owners were actively involved and fostered a welcoming atmosphere for all the guests, and went out of their way to meet the needs of their guests. The private bunks are quite nice and allow you to get some peaceful sleep or alone time. I made many friends during my stay with the staff and guests and would highly recommend the Bunkhouse to anyone looking for affordable housing near Vail, Beavercreek or just passing through. Thank you, for the great experience and I certainly plan to return soon!

The Bunkhouse - Hostel

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