To make our road trip less hectic driving from Denver to Santa Fe, we planned a one-night layover in Salida, CO which would also give us a chance to visit the Great Sand Dunes only about an hours drive away. We chose the Thomas House Bed and Breakfast as one of about 4 or 5 B&Bs in Salida. It was a great choice.

We had to check-in kind of late, but Steve (one of the owners) was waiting to help us check in. We stayed in the Monarch Room (ground floor - good for my wife who has a bad knee) which was a king-bed suite and was very pleasantly surprised. It was basically 1 very large room with a separate bathroom with shower. The bed was super comfy, just what you want in a B&B. The room included a really nice couch, small table with 2 chairs, and all the assorted furniture, bookcases, lamps that made it a home instead of just another motel. The room included a microwave and refrigerator. The shower was very elaborate, nice tile, good hot water pressure. There was nothing wrong, and everything great about the room.

The whole B&B experience was whimsical. We could only stay 1-night, but we realized (like the other guests) that this would make a good multi-night stay. Steve and Tammy were excellent hosts. Steve was there to help at all times, sharing his stories about the area and Colorado (he's a native) with the guests at breakfast. The other guests were also interesting. A couple from the East Coast, another from Michigan. The grounds were excellent. A hot tub and relaxing enclosed porch area with flowers, chairs, and decorations. Again, whimsical. Salida itself was one of the nicer Colorado mountain towns we've visited. More original, and less "plastic" tourism. I now understand what Denver residents see this place for retirement. Traffic was very slow and respectful. Thre are great hiking trails nearby (14,000 walk up mountains, as well as foothill mountain biking/hiking trails). This location would make a great layover for a rafting trip on the nearby Arkansas river (about a block away). The house itself is located on the main street, and about 2 blocks from the main happenings. A very pleasant and short stroll.

Breakfast was buffet style and consisted of coffee (drip, or the cassette type), juices, cereal, toasted bagels/breads, strawberries, and some homemade egg, cheese, ham muffins. You can use the cassette coffeemaker for coffee or hot chocolate at anytime. Being a big-protein breakfast guy, I was a bit disappointed not to see scrambled egss, and in particular bacon and/or sausage links but maybe the breakfast menu changes. You can always email/call Steve/Tammy and check on this I guess. They are great hosts.

If you want to veg in a perfectly comfortable, laid back, relaxing, beautiful, wonderful alpine breezy, sunny, quiet getaway, this is a perfect place. I may come back to disappear again someday.