A detour to Grand Junction for a car repair could have been a big bummer, but The Hotel Maverick saved our bacon. Here are a few reasons why this spot is well worth checking out.

An uh-oh moment

There’s nothing quite like the adrenalin rush of the check engine light coming on at the beginning of a long road trip. The Ford Transit diesel engine hauling out 23-foot motorhome has been a workhorse in the five years we’ve been out exploring, but even the finest pony sometimes needs attention.

So, after a tech pulled a code and diagnosed a glow plug (the diesel equivalent of a spark plug) needed to be replaced, we hobbled down the road looking for a shop that would take us. Many cannot accommodate a rig as beefy as ours, which is a lot like a hefty delivery van.

After striking out in three states — seriously, there’s a gaping need for diesel mechanics out there! — we finally had some encouraging news from a Ford dealer in Grand Junction, a city we used to call home.

Yes, they could squeeze us in, but they’d have to keep it overnight because they needed a part sent from Denver.

So began the search for a place to stay that wasn’t the typical chain hotel. The Maverick, located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, checked all the boxes: good location, noteworthy dining and a noble mission.

Teaching hospitality

Hotel Maverick stands out in making a terrific first impression with its striking, sleek design playing well off the gorgeous geologic features in the distance. Yes, that’s the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest tabletop mountain to the east and the Colorado National Monument to the west. Both are best viewed from the rooftop restaurant, The Devil’s Kitchen. That evocative name actually comes from a famous trail on the Monument.

But what elevated this experience was the gracious hospitality from the reception at check in — thanks, Derrick! — to the congenial barista at Betty’s Coffee, named for one of the university’s trustees, Betty Bechtel. Our server during dinner was the perfect blend of friendly and efficient. The bar was packed during Monday Night Football, but Maresa never fumbled.

What goes on here?

Well, Hotel Maverick plays a key role in CMU’s hospitality and culinary programs and many of those working here are students. Very cool.

Now, about that bison tamale.

Such an intriguing menu

Chef Elise West has a well-seasoned resume, including working as a tasting and tour guide in Colorado’s growing wine country just down the in Palisade. She’s got a masters in gastronomy from Boston University and is an adjunct professor at CMU.

Her menu is all over the map in the best possible way: duck tostadas, jambalaya with Cajun spiced prawns, Chinese five spice chicken and a nod to Nashville with vibrantly seasoned lobster and waffles. But first, start with the Devil’s Kitchen Eggs. These beauties are a departure from the traditional stuffed eggs because the whites are first fried in tempura batter, adding a crispy texture to the creamy yolks, which are decorated with a bit of bacon and watermelon radish. So good.

The star of the evening’s meal was the Colorado bison tamale, a layered presentation that emphasized the tender chunks of meat and the fiery peppers in between the masa. Such a beautiful preparation that tasted every bit as good as it looked.

By the end of the impressive meal, we had nearly forgotten about the pain in the neck that brought us to this place. In our comfy room, we slept well.

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