The Basics Back in boom times, when luxury hotel brands were popping up like pillow mints, Capella Hotels and Resorts tried something a little different. Its half-dozen locations were offbeat, like a 400-year-old castle in the town of Velden, Austria. And amenities seemed quixotic: no check-in or check-out times; personal assistants instead of concierges. The Capella Telluride, its first United States hotel, is no different. Opened last year at the ski resort of Telluride, the 95-room hotel adds a touch of white-glove service to an old mining town that still wears its flannel on its sleeve. Location In the heart of Mountain Village, a faux-European town halfway up the mountain, above town. Though the hotel is advertised as ski-in/ski-out, there was no obvious way to get from the slopes to the hotel without clicking out of your skis. The Room Check-in was as smooth as ice. When I arrived at about 10:30 a.m., the bellman greeted me by name, then passed me over to Alli, a desk clerk who opened the front door just as I reached for the handle. After signing a registration card, Alli escorted me to my room, where a manager was waiting outside to offer his welcome. Alli gave a quick tour: The standard room felt a tad cramped, probably because of the two queen-size beds, dark woods and leather club chairs that evoked a cigar room. Also, while some rooms have balconies, this had only a small window, adding to the cavelike feel. But there were lots of bright spots: ample closet space, a big flat-screen and a mini-bar stocked with free Pellegrino and juices. Just as Alli was wrapping up ('I know you want to get on the slopes this morning'), the bellman arrived with the luggage. The entire process -- from parking to the bellman leaving -- took no more than 10 minutes. The Bathroom Huge, with double vanity sinks, deep bathtub with armrests, and a walk-in shower larger than some bathrooms. Dark woods, marble and antique-style chrome fixtures continued the clubhouse feel. Nice toiletries, too, including a wooden comb, citrusy soaps and honey-scented bubble bath. Room Service Polished but with hiccups. A simple breakfast of oatmeal, a bagel and coffee (ordered the night before) arrived promptly at 7:30 a.m., but cost a staggering $54, including service charge and tip. There was confusion over some perks: The in-room booklet suggested that snow shoes were available to guests; the front desk denied it. Maid service did not show up three times a day, as promised. And the minibar was not replenished, despite two requests. Still, when a snowstorm threatened to close the local airport, Cassie, my 'personal assistant,' made a valiant effort to keep me abreast. Amenities Plenty to choose from, including three restaurants, a nicely equipped gym, ski valet and a spa, where a three-hour couple's massage with a Champagne bath goes for a pretty $700. There is also a common living room with fireplace that serves snacks and drinks throughout the day. The biggest disappointment was the pool and hot tub. Instead of being outdoors, under the snowcapped San Juan mountains, they are squeezed inside the second floor, behind folding doors that open onto a chairlift. The Bottom Line The Capella Telluride offers rustic-style elegance and a soft landing after a long day outdoors. Standard doubles start at $295 during the winter high season, and $195 in low season. Capella Telluride; 568 Mountain Village Boulevard, Telluride; (970) 369-0880; capellatelluride.com. DENNY LEE 