Assessment: Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley, Auberge Assortment (Extremely Advocate!)

We lately wrapped up a visit to Deer Valley, Utah. We traveled with our older son, Miles, because it was his first time “snowboarding,” so we enrolled him in ski college.

In a earlier installment, I reviewed the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, the place we spent the primary three nights. On this publish, I’d wish to evaluate Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley, an Auberge Assortment property, the place we spent the following three nights. Auberge Assortment is a rising luxurious lodge group, and imagine it or not, this was my first time staying at one of many model’s properties, and I all the time get pleasure from trying out new manufacturers.

I’ve gotta say, Goldener Hirsch was completely improbable, and I’d extremely suggest it. The 68-room property is tremendous charming, mixing conventional Austrian design with a contemporary mountain aesthetic. The lodge has effectively appointed rooms, nice service, and an actual boutique vibe, with quick access to the slopes.

The one factor I’d warning is that this property positively has extra of a quiet vibe, so this isn’t the place to remain if you’d like a lodge that has a robust get together vibe.

Reserving Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley

For our three-night keep, we paid a charge of simply over $1,000 per night time. Ford booked us by the Virtuoso program, which got here with additional perks, together with an improve (topic to availability), a $100 property credit score, complimentary breakfast, and early check-in and late check-out (topic to availability).

As you’d count on, there’s huge seasonal variance by way of pricing at this resort, since Deer Valley is each a winter and summer time vacation spot. Charges on the lodge may be as little as $500 per night time over choose dates in summer time, and as excessive as $2,000 per night time throughout peak intervals of winter.

We visited within the first half of January, when charges have been nonetheless comparatively low, in comparison with later within the ski season. I simply should level out how Goldener Hirsch was charging lower than half of the speed of what the St. Regis Deer Valley was charging, which I’d take into account to be a peak “factors farm” property. The charges at that property merely haven’t any foundation in actuality, particularly when considering the service stage.

So whereas having the ability to redeem factors there’s a good alternative, I pity the one that pays double as a lot to remain on the St. Regis in comparison with this lodge.

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley location

One of many large promoting factors of Deer Valley vs. Aspen (or different ski locations) is how straightforward it’s to get to, given which you could fly into Salt Lake Metropolis (SLC), which is a significant airport, with nonstop flights from everywhere. It’s then only a 45-60 minute drive to Deer Valley.

Goldener Hirsch is situated in Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Village, proper at mid-mountain, subsequent to Stein Eriksen Lodge. So whereas Snow Park Lodge (the primary start line for snowboarding in Deer Valley) is at an altitude of round 6,500 toes, Silver Lake Village is at an altitude of over 8,000 toes.

It’s a picturesque drive up a mountain to get there, and it virtually feels prefer it’s out of a fairytale. You’ve got direct ski-in, ski-out entry from Silver Lake Village, and on high of that, it’s a roughly 5-10 minute drive to get to each Snow Park Lodge and to the charming city of Park Metropolis, and the lodge affords a complimentary shuttle service for each. If you happen to’re parking a automotive, valet prices $40 per night time.

The design of Goldener Hirsch is fascinating. That’s as a result of the property first opened all the best way again in 1992, as an 18-room Austrian-style chalet property.

However in 2021, the property was massively expanded, with the introduction of two new fashionable buildings, including 50 further rooms. What’s so cool is that every one the buildings are linked.

Which means you’ll be able to select whether or not you need to keep in one of many extra conventional Austrian-style rooms, or choose the extra fashionable lodging. Equally, the facilities are cut up between the buildings, and I like how the primary restaurant is situated within the historic constructing, so you actually really feel such as you’re in Europe.

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley foyer & check-in

We arrived at Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley within the early afternoon, and had a nice welcome expertise. Due to how small the lodge is, you actually really feel such as you’re in a boutique property, as there have been no different company in sight, and we have been helped straight away.

The foyer is within the fashionable portion of the lodge, and has a fire, and loads of cozy seating. As you’ll be able to see, even the “fashionable” a part of the constructing has a great sense of place, so this isn’t some unnecessarily ultra-modern setup.

The concierge desk was situated simply inside the doorway and to the left, whereas the entrance desk was situated past that.

Our check-in course of was fast, and we have been upgraded to the Goldener Studio Suite, one class up from what we booked. Our room was prepared, so we headed up there instantly.

By the best way, since I discussed each the fashionable and historic portion of the property, beneath is what the design of public space seems to be like within the Austrian chalet-inspired portion of the constructing. How beautiful is that?!

For what it’s value, the historic and fashionable parts of the property are linked by a bridge that goes over the road.

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley visitor room

We have been assigned room 224, situated on the second flooring. This may simply be probably the most centrally situated room within the lodge, because it was close to reception, the elevator, the espresso store and lounge, and even close to the bridge. Since we have been touring with Miles, we discovered it to be useful to be in the course of the constructing on this means, since we might simply get anyplace from there.

The Goldener Studio Suite is described as being 586 to 619 sq. toes, and on condition that this wing simply opened a number of years in the past, it nonetheless felt very fashionable. The room featured an entryway with the toilet to the left, closets and the minibar to the precise, and the remainder of the room straight forward.

The room boasted a extremely snug king dimension mattress, with a luxurious mattress and huge pillows. The room then had a wall-mounted TV with a bunch of closet house throughout from the mattress, plus an L-shaped sofa and a desk with two chairs on the far finish of the room.

Ready on the desk was a beautiful welcome amenity, with one thing for each children and adults. Miles cherished the freshly baked cookies and scorching chocolate, all of us appreciated the fruit and cheese plate, and Ford and I favored the bottle of Austrian glowing wine. I actually love how the property embraces its Austrian roots.

There have been additionally a few household photos, which was a pleasant contact (whereas we paid for our keep, Ford was the journey advisor who booked, and he had been involved with the property in regards to the keep).

Again towards the doorway was the minibar, with a Nespresso espresso machine, together with a small number of drinks and snacks for buy.

The lavatory was again towards the doorway, and was an incredible dimension, with double sinks, a soaking tub, a walk-in bathe, and a bathroom in a separate room.

The one side of the room that didn’t significantly impress was the view. Clearly properties in Deer Valley are constructed into mountains, so views can range. Our room had an outside house, however then there was a big wall simply previous that. On the plus facet, we had a great quantity of privateness, however there wasn’t in any other case a lot to see.

Wi-Fi within the room was quick and free, and housekeeping was supplied twice day by day, and was thorough.

For these curious, we additionally had a take a look at one of many rooms within the historic portion of the lodge, which have a very completely different vibe. Pricing is usually comparable, so all of it is dependent upon what you’re searching for.

Personally, I feel I choose the fashionable portion of the property, particularly because you get the Austrian chalet vibe within the restaurant. However the historic rooms largely have higher balconies, fireplaces, and so on., so it’s a tradeoff.

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley spa, pool, and gymnasium

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley has a rooftop pool and gymnasium, situated on the sixth flooring. The pool space is open day by day from 7AM till 10PM — as you’d count on, the pool is heated seasonally, and whereas it’s not big, it’s greater than adequate for a property of this dimension.

I’d say the good characteristic was the infinity-edge scorching tub, with some unimaginable views of the realm — how fairly is that this?!

The deck additionally has loads of seating, although when it’s snowing in winter, I’m guessing not too many individuals will probably be lingering right here for too lengthy.

The lodge additionally has a sauna, which is an effective place to heat up and dry off after visiting the pool.

The lodge then has a 24/7 gymnasium, which is on the essential facet, however I assume we’re speaking a few boutique ski resort, in order that’s not too stunning. I appreciated the vary of free weights, and I do know some others will just like the Peloton bikes.

Lastly, whereas I didn’t get any remedies, the lodge does have its spa on the primary flooring, named The Pleasure of Wellbeing by Auberge. There are two remedy rooms, and you will discover a remedy menu right here (it’s expensive, goodness!).

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley snowboarding

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley is a ski-in, ski-out lodge. The property has ski butlers who will help you with all of your snowboarding wants, and there are additionally lockers the place you’ll be able to retailer your skis.

The property is situated at Silver Lake Village, which is mid-mountain. So from the property, you’ll be able to go straight onto Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Lake Specific and Sterling Specific chairlifts. As talked about above, the property can be situated proper subsequent to Stein Eriksen Lodge, which has a bit extra of an après-ski get together vibe, if that’s what you’re searching for.

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley eating places & bars

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley has three(ish) meals & beverage retailers, as follows:

• The Hirsch is the lodge’s all-day eating restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and extra
• The Kitz is the lodge’s espresso store, and it additionally serves a considerable breakfast and lunch, instead venue
• Antler Lounge is the lodge’s lounge serving drinks and snacks, and it has dwell music sure days of the week

Anyway, let’s begin with The Hirsch, which is situated within the historic get together of the property. It’s open day by day from 7AM till 10PM, serving breakfast from 7AM till 10:30AM, lunch from 11AM till 2PM, dinner from 5PM till 9PM, and drinks and snacks all through the day.

I’m sorry, however how outrageously cute is that this restaurant?! The ahead a part of the restaurant has some eating tables and the bar, after which there’s a bigger room within the again with extra tables (we all the time sat within the ahead room).

We had breakfast right here every morning, which was included with our Virtuoso reserving. Breakfast is totally a la carte, and you will discover the menu beneath. As you’ll be able to see, the choice isn’t big, however I discovered the standard to be superb.

The drip espresso and cappuccinos have been glorious, and definitely helped with waking up each morning.

Over the course of our keep, we tried the yogurt and granola, the avocado tartine, the salmon crepe, the normal egg breakfast, and the children waffles (which Miles loved every morning).

Whereas we by no means had lunch or dinner on the lodge, we did come one afternoon with pals whereas the snack menu was out there. I ordered a negroni, which was tasty (however small, per Utah legal guidelines), and I additionally couldn’t assist however take an image of our good friend’s beer mug.

We shared the nice and cozy Bavarian pretzels, which was fairly a presentation.

Then we ordered the king salmon rillettes, the char grilled wagyu burger, and the wiener schnitzel (the beneath is the half portion, as they gladly cut up a dish between two plates).

The Kitz is the lodge’s espresso store, which is open day by day from 6:30AM till 4PM. It serves breakfast till 11AM, after which switches over to lunch. On probably the most fundamental stage, it is a informal store with barista espresso, pastries, and extra. Nevertheless, there’s additionally a extra substantial meals choice, with heartier dishes.

The concept is that The Kitz is situated simply throughout from the Antler Lounge, which is the lodge’s lounge. So should you get breakfast or lunch at The Kitz, you’ll be able to sit within the Antler Lounge, and eat there. Talking of the Antler Lounge, it’s an excellent cute house, with a fire and loads of cozy seating nooks.

From 4PM till 9PM, the Antler Lounge is transformed right into a bar and lounge of types, so you’ll be able to order cocktails and snacks there. Throughout the winter season, there’s additionally dwell music on Thursdays by Sundays, from 5PM till 8PM.

Miles loves music, and someway I don’t assume he has ever been at a lodge the place there’s dwell music on this means, so he cherished sitting there and watching the 2 glorious artists carry out. He was completely captivated.

It’s value noting that past the primary meals and beverage retailers, there are a number of outside venues as effectively, the place you’ll be able to prepare particular group dinners, or the place there are tasting experiences that may be booked sure nights.

Personally, I believed the combination of food and drinks choices was adequate for a property of this dimension, and the standard was high notch. I’ll say, although, that the eating retailers don’t actually have a lot of a celebration vibe, however as an alternative, it’s extra of a laid again ambiance. Personally I actually like that, however I do know it gained’t be for everybody, so it’s one thing to think about should you’re

If I have been to have one suggestion for the lodge, it might be good if there have been perhaps another outlet with a dinner idea, both by way of the vibe, the meals and drinks being served, and so on. I don’t assume that’s an enormous deal for a lodge that doesn’t even have 70 rooms, however I’d say that’s what was perhaps lacking a bit.

Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley service

I discovered service at Goldener Hirsch to be glorious and frictionless throughout the board. This actually appears like a boutique, luxurious property, and the service stage displays that. From the entrance desk associates, to the valet workers, to all of the bar and lounge staff, to housekeeping, everybody was tremendous pleasant and accommodating.

This was my first keep at an Auberge Assortment property, so if this displays the usual stage of service, then I’m very impressed. As is the case with many locations in Deer Valley in ski season, a lot of the workers gave the impression to be worldwide, I assume simply there for the season. Regardless of that, they have been very skilled, so clearly coaching is superb.

One other good contact was that on departure we have been every given a bit of present, with an “Auf Wiedersehen” coin.

Backside line

I used to be very joyful to have checked out Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley, because it was my first time staying at an Auberge Assortment property. I discovered this to be a extremely charming lodge, particularly the best way it has one wing that has extra of a historic Austrian chalet vibe, whereas the opposite wing had extra of a contemporary mountain resort vibe.

I cherished the lodge’s location, service, facilities, eating retailers, and extra, and I’d extremely suggest this property. Specifically, it’s nice for anybody who values a boutique vibe and desires a quiet and understated resort. If you happen to’re searching for an enormous get together scene, this property isn’t for you.

Whereas the lodge wasn’t low cost, this was simply such a great reminder of how a lot folks get screwed after they pay money for luxurious resorts affiliated with factors applications. It’s absurd to me that this lodge was charging about half as a lot because the St. Regis. I feel this may’ve been probably the most optimistic expertise I’ve ever had at a ski resort in the USA, as we usually far choose to go to Europe, the place the standard of some ski resorts is solely unparalleled.

What’s your tackle Goldener Hirsch Deer Valley?