Summit County Condominium Ratings
Below are quality ratings based on what you can expect from a certain property based on how the property was constructed, when it was constructed, the property value, the interiors and the amenities. You can't expect to pay a 2 star rate for a 5 star condo. A rate range is posted for each of these condo types from a local property management based on this type of rating system and a one bedroom condo is used for comparison for condos in Frisco. If you are comparing Frisco to staying on one of the mountains, expect to pay $75-$150.00 more per night for that rate period for slopeside location instead of Frisco in the winter.
TIMBERLINE COVE: ★★★★★ Premium/Platinum Lakeside/Slopeside units Hyatt/Westin Like
Executive/Premium (condos built 2004 and later with granite counter tops, highest grade appliances/stainless steel, upgraded cabinetry, new higher-end furniture/beds, fireplace, washers and dryers in the unit the latest electronics, added amenities such as a garage, hot tubs, some with jetted tubs inside the bath $400,000-600,000 condos. Pets not allowed per HOA RESORT DESCRIPTION: PLATINUM or "A" LEVEL Exceptional accommodations, luxury accommodations for the sophisticated traveler. These properties are marked by unique design, that offer superior, quality furnishings, luxury features, designer appointments, and top of the line kitchens, baths and amenities. For added luxuries of a private hot tub, or jetted tubs and steam showers, look first at the Platinum category. Should you plan to eat in or entertain while on vacation, platinum property dining areas are usually inviting and spacious with top of the line appliances, fully equipped kitchen with fine china and excellent cookware. Leather sofas, tile entry and wetbars common. Property is lakeside or slopeside. Premium condos may be in town within walking distance of shops/restaurants, on the mountain or lakeside and may be between executive and Deluxe in quality. Construction build leads to a more quiet experience with walls and such and the folks who stay at these units tend to be white collar, retirees, couple on a romantic break.
Rate Range: $159.00/night Summer to $399.00/night Holiday (one bedroom condo)
★★★★ Deluxe (built 1990's and later, some nicer but not top always finishes, some with higher end furniture, garage, furniture 4-12 years old, some remodels in an older building. Newer condos without some amenities) $350,000-$425,000 condos. Pets not allowed per HOA. RESORT DESCRIPTION: GOLD or "B" LEVEL Upscale, well appointed accommodations, featuring very good/excellent furnishings, special features, and quality kitchens, baths and some amenities.
SUNGATE ★★★★ 1/2
Rate Range: $129.00/night Summer to $329.00/night Holiday
★★★ Moderate/Standard (built 1970's to 1980's) Mid level accommodations, moderate finishes, older beds and furniture 200,000-349,000 condos Some complexes have hHuge noise problems due to lack of quality construction. Older HOA's that may not have rules about loud pets. Some covered parking. RESORT DESCRIPTION: SILVER or or "C" LEVEL with basic comforts and conveniences along with value for their vacation dollar these properties meet quality standards while being priced for affordable budgets. Comfortable accommodations offering above average facilities with some amenities. Modest accommodations suitable for those seeking value over atmosphere. Buyer Beware: Breckenridge and Copper have some older, moderate properties that are slopeside and only some are remodeled. You'll pay for being slopeside, even in a run down condo. You'll notice reviews for large complexes on the mountain such as Beaver Run in Breckenridge have complaints about slow elevators, outdated/worn furniture in some units but because of the slopeside/town location folks rate up that part of their experience in surveys.
Frisco: Some Mountainside (remodels only), Frisco Bay, Creekside
Rate Range: $105.00/night Summer to $289.00/night Holiday
★★ Basic/Economy or Value (built 1970's to 1980's, low quality/old furniture, carpet, basic cabinets. Bed's may be 15-20 years old), may have older electronics and tube TV's. Higher level of wear and tear on these units (lumpy sofa/lumpy or saggy beds in units that have not been updated). $150,000-$225,000 condos. Some older buildings may allow pets. Huge noise problems due to lack of quality construction. Shared laundromat. Attracts the "college/pack them in" to a condo crowd. Older HOA's that may not have rules about loud pets. Usually no covered parking RESORT DESCRIPTION: BRONZE or or D LEVEL meet quality minimum quality standards while being priced for economy minded budgets and folks looking for something that is "adequate" or just a place to quot;sleep". Many of these complexes do not have a washer and dryer in the unit. Just a shared laundrymat and you will wait to use it during peak times.
Woodbridge (beware remodels….this building was a cheap motel conversion and the walls are thin, Mountainside, most of what is in Wildernest and Dillon is 2-3 star.
Rate Range: $89.00/night Summer to $239.00/night Holiday For comparison look at the local Super 8 hotel, Ramada Inn. Some Mountainside and Woodbridge Units in Frisco are rated this level.
NOTE: There is good reason to put together this little description of condo types and expectations from a resort/property management viewpoint. There are some "review sites"on the internet that have reviews with star ratings from guests. A guest can give a "5 star" rating to a "2 star level" condo as they enjoyed their time an it was adequate for their needs or fit their expectations as they were just looking for an economy condo. So a family could give a 2 star rating to an "A" level condo because they arrived early before their set arrival time the housekeeper was finishing up or were upset as the weather was blizzard conditions the entire time they were on vacation and it clouded their review. You can book a condo that was remodeled in a 2-3 star building and not be able to sleep because the walls are so thin or it sounds like elephants running over your head at 10pm from the neighbors above. Look carefully at the photos you are viewing on the website. Click on them and open them up. How old is the furniture? Do you see leather sofas? Look at the cabinetry in the kitchen and the appliances. White cabinets and appliances are in units that are old and have not been updated.
Why stay in Frisco instead of on the mountain?
1. You are centrally located to all of the resorts. If you are skiing more than one mountain, it's perfect.
2. Expect to pay 25-50% higher for the same type of dinner at night in Breckenridge, Keystone or Copper compared with dinner in Frisco. Many restaurants in Frisco run specials and the restaurants are much better.
3. You have a really nice Main Street in Frisco to walk from restaurants to shops. Service is faster, it's less crowded.
4. Safeway and Walmart are nearby. If you are staying in a condo and cooking, you'll probably run to these stores at least once or twice during your stay.
5. If you have an emergency, the hospital is right down the street in Frisco.