Glamping in Golden ❥ Camping but BETTER!
If you haven’t heard of glamping, you’ve been living under a rock.
Glamping, aka glamorous camping, is the latest camping trend that is all about reimagining the idea of sleeping outdoors by highlighting the aspects of style and comfort. A warm bed. A hot shower. It really is a luxurious camping adventure like none other.
Over the BC Day long weekend here in Canada, I had the opportunity to go on my first ever glamping getaway thanks to Glamping Hub and I am beyond excited to share my trip with y’all! By the way, yes, this is a sponsored post, but all opinions are of my own.
What is Glamping Hub?
Glamping Hub is a third-party online booking platform that provides unique outdoor accommodation rentals all over the world by connecting hosts with travellers. (Think Airbnb but with glamping.) From safari tents to camper vans and even tree houses and cabins, there are a wide range of rental options to choose from for that perfect getaway. All the accommodations are pet-friendly as well so furry friends are definitely welcomed.
The Booking Process
As mentioned above, this is a sponsored post hence my stay was completely arranged by the Glamping Hub team. That said, their reservation process is still fairly straight forward. If a glamp is available on the date(s) you wish to visit, simply hit the “Request Booking” button, fill out your information, and proceed with the on-screen directions.
Once your request has been submitted, the host will take about 24-48 hours to respond. When the host has accepted your request and your credit card has been charged, you will then receive a booking confirmation e-mail with the details of your stay including the exact address of the glamp. Again, very similar to Airbnb and it really is a no brainer.
My Experience at Love & Lantern
Through Glamping Hub, I was able to discover Love & Lantern, which is located at Golden Eco-Adventure Ranch in Golden, BC just along the beautiful Rocky Mountain horizon.
Check-in office.
Golden Eco-Adventure Ranch is essentially an RV and tent campground with bathroom + shower and laundry facilities. The campground is divided into numbered sections and each tent space has its own number.
We parked our rental car right in front of the tent so in a way it’s kinda like a regular house with driveway parking and an address plaque except you’re in the woods. Definitely very cute!
I brought a +1 with me on the trip and prior to our arrival, the host (Alysia) had already set up everything for us and we were given a passcode to access the tent. We literally only had to pack our bags and drive our bums there. As simple as that.
Okay, first off, how adorable is this!!!!!!!!!! And can we pleaseeeee talk about the fact that it’s located in a town called Golden!? All ’bout that glam life yo!
The tent can be lit up for the night as well.
Since there have been numerous wildfires here in BC, open flames have been banned. Alysia does provide cookware and utensils but because we couldn’t exactly cook, we brought our own food from a nearby grocery store.
During our stay here, we also got to experience Camper Jam. Not sure if it’s an annual event but it’s a cool little gathering for all VW buses. There are games, live music, craft beer, and food trucks. Oh! And morning coffee!!
One particular van that really caught my eye was The Rocky Bean Co run by a duo who do coffee out of a van in the Bow Valley. Being able to wake up in the middle of the woods to the smell of coffee? You can’t beat that.
Apart from these fun little activities, campers can also come here to paraglide.
Last but not least, a big highlight of glamping… shower!
Final Verdict
Amenities: ★★★★★ (in terms of camping, having bathroom/shower/laundry facilities is more than plenty)
Cleanliness: ★★★★☆
Comfort: ★★★★★
Proximity: ★★★★☆ (10-minute drive from main Golden area)
Quietness: ★☆☆☆☆
Safety: ★★★★☆ (follow campground rules to avoid attracting wildlife!)
Space: ★★★★☆ (sleeps up to two guests and is quite roomy!)
Value of Price: ★★★☆☆ (~$195/night)*
Internet Access: Wi-Fi available near main office
Pros:
– You don’t need to bring camping equipment and spend hours struggling to set things up
– Extremely hospitable host and welcoming staff at the ranch as well. Alysia was quick to respond my questions via e-mail and also made some awesome itinerary suggestions for us.
– Shower facilities available
– Very close to hikes and water activities in the nearby region
Cons:
– Camper Jam = more people = louder night parties. They kept me up until 2am but after things quieted down I really did sleep like a baby. Again, it most likely only occurs once a year so a visit at another time may be much more tranquil.
– Lots of mosquitoes but that’s the same no matter where you camp.
*In terms of price, I rated it as 3 stars because for $195, you really could stay at a hotel and not actually get bit by mosquitoes or have to fight for the washroom with other campers. BUT I can tell Alysia put a lot of time and effort into decorating the tent not to mention this really is a unique experience. Plus it is glamping after all, a glamorous version of your usual camping fun. I say it’s worth checking out!
As for Glamping Hub, I do find their website to be very user friendly. I’ve seen quite a couple other rental destinations that I really want to visit as well, especially the secluded rentals which you can find here. (Secluded cave vacations? Sign me up!)
I will conclude this week’s blog post here and hope this will inspire you to get out there and embrace nature. I also visited Banff on this same trip so please stay tuned for an upcoming photo diary. Also don’t forget to subscribe for newsletters in the sidebar on the right and I’ll see you next week!
November 2019 Update
It appears that Love & Lantern is no longer available for booking. Regardless, there are several other fun and cute alternatives on Glamping Hub that are definitely worth checking out!
Awesome photos Jasmine, it looks like an amazing place to stay! I love the whole glamping vibe, its so photo perfect. I stayed in a teepee in Cambodia, though I did have a bug problem as well. Oh and I need those deer cushions, they are so cute!
Thanks so much Tasha! Camping in a teepee in Cambodia sounds like a load of fun too. And ikr!??!?!! Aren’t those deer cushions the cutest!? I almost wanted to ask where the host got them from so I can get them myself too bahahaa.
I never heard of Glamping!! What an experience!! Your photos are dreamy amazing!. The place looks so cosy inside, you would never expect that it’s actually a tent!
Thanks Penelopi! Glamping is such a fun experience and I highly recommend it!! 🙂
Good to have an assessment of the pros and cons of glamping, and your points are very fairly made, too. It looks like a lovely set up, and I like the decor. There is tipi glamping near us, and I have always wondered if I would enjoy it. Definitely more tempted to give it a try after your account.
Glad you enjoyed my review, Bernadette! You should totally give the teepee a try!! I honestly haven’t gone camping since elementary school so this trip definitely brought back some good old memories 😉
Great post with beautiful photos. I love the pros and cons list.
Thank you so much Lisa! Glad you enjoyed my review and have a fabulous weekend <3
I love this post! I’ve been wanting to try glamping so much so I appreciate your detailed and honest review! Noise was my concern woh glamping so thanks for providing that info!
In terms of noise, like I said, I think it was only because we came during that specific event. Otherwise I don’t see how noise could be a problem when you’re literally in the middle of no where XDD Hope you’ll get to try it soon!!
Totally wanting to try glamping sometime! Love all the details of the decor of your spot! Thanks for the pros and cons, you’re right, it costs the same as a hotel but then it’s a totally different experience!
Hehee thanks Caroline! It’s definitely wayyyyyyy different than a hotel experience so it’s for sure worth trying out 😀
OMG, this is my idea of HEAVEN!!! I’m totally booking a glamping trip ASAP! I bet there’s loads here in CA…
Yes there are!!!!!! You should take a look at Glamping Hub. I was looking at some in Cali and they’re all so darn cute!
Oh my goodness – this looks like the cutest little place to glamp ever!! I have always wanted to try it 🙂 Love your photos too by the way.
Thanks so much Sophie! Isn’t this super adorable?!?!??!! I highly recommend glamping and you should totally check out Glamping Hub if you’re looking to give this experience a try 😀
Wow this looks like so much fun! I’ve been glamping before but in a cabin, setting up a real tent in a true glam style would be a totally different experience. Would love to do some more glamping in the near future. Thanks for sharing <3
Glamping in a cabin sounds like a lot of fun too! But yes, I agree. It’s not quite the same as sleeping out in a glamorous tent. Hope you’ll get to experience it in the near future and thanks for stopping by <3
Wow, those tents look amazing, really glamping. I love camping and my husband and I camp a lot, with our little tent. But this would be a nice treat 🙂
It definitely would be a treat! It’ll be nice not having to bring your own tent and having to set it up 😉
Love love love love glamping! We glamped multiple times in Europe and absolutely fell in love. We have noticed that the pricing of glamping sites is much higher here in the PNW than we are used to. Still looks lovely regardless!
Really!? That’s surprising. I’d think accommodation in Europe would be more expensive! And how lucky you are to have glamped so many times. I’d definitely love to try this again in Europe next time!!
Ohhh my gosh this looks so magical!! I actually stayed in Golden a few weeks ago when I was in the Rockies (but at a crappy chain hotel hahah). This looks so much nicer. I’m having my first glamping experience in a few weeks so I’m so excited. beautiful pics!
I saw your story about taking the train through the Rockies!!! And wherever you’re going glamping, can’t wait to follow along! <3
Always love your photos. Glamping is so up my alley. I never knew about Glamping Hub so thanks!!
Thanks so much Cherene!! You’ll have to check them out then! I think you’d love a glamorous glamp trip 😉
Man! This looks like too much fun! Glamping is definatly on my to-do list. Great photos!
Thanks so much Lindsey! Hope you’ll get to experience it someday soon 🙂
Wow this is such a unique accommodation! I would totally love to try out glamping! I love the idea of it for sure and they definitely decorated the place to cute! Ill have to check out glamping hub sometime! Gorgeous photos Jas!
Thanks Julie! I’ve known about glamping for over a year now maybe but this was my first ever glamping experience and I highly, highly recommend it!!! <3
I’ve never heard of Glamping Hub – good idea for those who want that type of accommodation. I appreciate your pros and cons list. I have to admit that I usually choose a hotel over a glamping site due to the shared bathrooms. But you can’t beat the opportunity to stay ‘in the woods’ in style!
Glad you enjoyed my review, Jamie! I definitely do think a hotel room is still much more convenient in terms of that point you made about the bathrooms but glamping is seriously such a unique experience. And I mean… if you really gotta go, you are in the woods after all 😉
I so want to do this! I I need to check out this location – the one I have seen are sooooo expensive!
Definitely give Glamping Hub a peek! They should have a couple that are under the $200 mark 🙂
Absolutely loved your post and photos! Sounds like a lot of fun! Also, the in depth assessment with pros and cons is very helpful! I’m checking out Glamping Hub right away!
Glad you enjoyed it, Meghna! Hope you’ll get to experience glamping soon in the near future because I highly recommend it!!
Sounds like such a fun experience! (Minus being kept awake until 2am.) Ha! I’ll have to check Glamping Hub out. I’ve heard good things!
Hahhahhaa we did come on a long weekend with the Camper Jam in action so can’t really complain about that! Def do look into Glamping Hub! I highly highly recommend it 😀
Excellent review!! I will have to keep this in mind next time, Id really like to check it out
You def should, Dawne! Highly recommended!
Ah yes, this is my kind of glamping experience. I love the interior of the tent because it looks so cozy! The camper van serving coffee is a lifesaver for me, too, if I were there! What a cool concept that is 🙂
Sounds like you need to book a visit here ASAP girl 😉
Omg what a beautiful glamping experience! I need to get on this site ASAP and see what’s around me. Hopefully there are options here in California!
Oh there are tons! I saw a bunch on Glamping Hub and they’re all so sooooo cute!
Looks like a very civilised way to camp without the worry of packing up all the gear necessary to camp. It looks very comfortable and the food also delicious. I think I could definitely handle this!
Hahaha yes, this is definitely not your usual camping. Very comfortable indeed and super luxurious. You should give it a try!!
I absolutely LOVE glamping and wish there were more options for it in my part of the world. Your pics make this experience look sooooo chic! I can’t wait for my next glamping adventure!
Awww you could always book a mini vacation to somewhere that offer glamping 😉
Love this! I really want to camp- but glamping sounds more my style! Now if only I could find a Sherpa for an AT trek lol!
Glamping > camping for sure and I highly recommend it!
Glamping is so much more my speed than regular camping! Everything looks so posh and comfortable. I love that this place is located in Golden. Such a fitting name!
Ikr!!! I didn’t even realize it until I got there and was like ohh well isn’t that a coincidence! XDD
I’ve been obsessing over glamping forever now!!! But I can’t find a good spot in the east coast. I’m saving this for when I go out west!
Cheers
Diana
http://www.seaofblush.com
There are a ton out here on the west coast! Hope you’ll get to visit one soon 😀
This is great! I was just reading about camping, and regretting that I have a husband who WILL NOT CAMP. But… I’m wondering if he would try this?? I’m thinking I need to check out the glamping offerings at Glamping Hub and see if something intrigues him. 😀
Aww I’m sure he’d at least be more open to trying this. I mean hey, you don’t even have to pack anything much really! AND you get to sleep on a bed. It’s literally a hotel outdoors, not really “camping” hehee 😉
What a fine-looking tent! Great concept — the adventures of camping combined with the comforts of a hotel room. It’s a concept that is also gaining popularity here in the Philippines. Worth a try! Beautiful photos, by the way.
Really!? In the Philippines!?!! Wow!!! I’d for sure love to go glamping in some of Philippines’ beautiful spots!
Thanks for the wonderful pictures & great blog post Jasmine! Your right, your stay was during a one time yearly event at the Eco- Ranch that Love & Lantern will avoid in the future (way too noisy!) Providing campers with a relaxing, quiet & private camp site is one of our top priorities! Sometimes a challenge during long weekends, but for the most part we succeed in allowing people to unplug & enjoy nature.. in solitude! 🙂
No problem! Thank you for such a fabulous stay!!! I seriously had so much fun and I totally get that we visited on a special weekend. The Camper Jam was quite fun too and we got to meet Chris from the lovely coffee van nearby. I’m for sure hoping to revisit at another time and experience the woods in tranquility! 😀
Wow! I’ve read about glamping but none of them moves me to want to try. Your post is my ideal glamping experience. Prolly, I should save my anxiety till when I travel to Canada. I’d love to glamp with Love&Lantern too.
Awww so glad to hear that, Lydia! I’m happy to have inspired you to give Love & Lantern a try <3
Oh my, how beautiful is this experience. Certainly a step up from the camping I’m used to. I did do glamping once at a festival but still not as luxurious as this… definitely looking in to this!
Glamping at a festival!? How fun!! I’ve still yet to camp/glamp at one myself!!
Wow, this is so cute! I’ve never tried glamping but I’ll have to look into it! It would probably be great for a more remote place where hotels would be further away from the action. It would be great not to have to lug all your stuff around too!
Oh for sure! So easy and effortless. I highly recommend you give it a try!
It looks like such a cool experience! I went glamping in a shephard’s hut in Cornwall years ago and have really wanted to go again, but I feel like the prices have been getting out of control, especially in North America. I’m super keen to check out Firelight Camps in the Finger Lakes, though. Have you heard of it?