Vail hotels

Walking into the Sonnenalp feels like traveling halfway around the world to Europe – and for good reason. Founded in 1979, the Sonnenalp is designed to look just like a Bavarian ski lodge in the Allgäu Alps. That’s where the hotel’s founders, the Faessler family, opened their first property in 1919 before deciding to hop across the Atlantic and settle in Vail more than 40 years ago.
My two favorite places at the Sonnenalp are the spa and the King’s Club. The sun-dappled spa has a large fireplace, an indoor/outdoor pool and multiple hot tubs along the banks of Gore Creek (I could seriously spend all day relaxing here).
The King’s Club, meanwhile, is the hotel’s cozy lobby lounge, complete with comfy couches and live musical performances. The Sonnenalp’s charm is coupled with a great location in Vail Village – it’s just a short walk to the slopes, as well as bars, restaurants, and shops.

Situated on the tree-lined banks of Gore Creek, Grand Hyatt Vail is a perfect base for a winter ski trip, a fall leaf-peeping getaway, or a summer adventure vacation. A few minutes’ walk west from Vail Village, this upscale hotel is a bit off the beaten path, but that also makes it a little quieter and more serene – plus, it’s right next to Cascade Village Lift 20, which can help connect you to the rest of Vail Ski Resort’s sprawling 5,317 acres of terrain.
The hotel’s 285 rooms and suites are bright and airy, with lots of natural light streaming in through the windows. Many also have private balconies, which I’ve found are the ideal place to sip a cup of coffee and take in the views of the mountain every morning.
If you like to socialize and meet new people when you travel like I do, be sure to take advantage of Grand Hyatt Vail’s fun little gatherings, such as a dog-friendly “yappy hour” and champagne sabering lessons.

Gravity Haus Vail is one of the newest accommodations in town, having opened in December 2020. This modern boutique hotel, situated along Gore Creek in Vail Village, has just 22 rooms, which gives it an intimate feel. Gravity Haus is ideal for digital nomads and remote workers visiting in any season, since it has an on-site coworking space called Starterhaus Vail, plus tons of other handy amenities.
These include group exercise classes at Dryland Fitness and an all-day coffee bar called Unravel Coffee. More broadly, this Vail hotel is unique in that it’s part of a growing network of Gravity Haus locations, primarily in Colorado and California (for now).
The company has a unique membership model that includes perks, such as free gear rentals and nightly rate discounts, but you don’t have to be a member to stay here.

Location, location, location: Vail visitors (myself included) adore staying at Sitzmark Lodge because it’s situated in the heart of all the action in Vail Village. This family-run property, built in 1969, has just 35 rooms, which makes it easy to make new friends while lounging by the rooftop pool or fueling up with the complimentary continental breakfast.
The lodge is also home to The Left Bank, a beloved Vail restaurant serving up authentic French fare, from escargot to steak au poivre. Rooms range from standard guest rooms with two queens or one king bed, all the way up to a posh 2,800-square-foot penthouse with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. All of the rooms have balconies and great views (of either Gore Creek or the mountains).
In the winter, the property offers free ski and snowboard storage. In the summer, guests can borrow the lodge’s bicycles to pedal around town in the sunshine.

In Old English, “hythe” means “landing place” or “haven” – and that’s precisely the role this contemporary hotel plays for travelers visiting Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The Hythe has 344 rooms, suites and residences to choose from, plus an array of gorgeous communal spaces and eateries – all designed with sophisticated and subtle 1960s vibes.
Nestled in Lionshead Village, the Hythe is ideally located for a ski vacation at Vail Ski Resort as it’s just a short walk from Eagle Bahn Gondola. One of the best places to hang out is at 10th Mountain, the Hythe’s chic lobby bar, which serves up craft cocktails made with spirits from local 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company.
I highly recommend my personal favorite drink, the Soldier’s Sidecar, which is made with brandy, orange liqueur, lemon and cherry. The hotel offers curated experiences, such as free yoga classes and daily s’mores around the outdoor fire pits, which add to its boutique feel.

For a truly luxurious escape, check into Four Seasons Resort Vail, which delivers the brand’s exceptional service in a mountainous setting. After checking into one of the elegant 121 guest rooms and suites, let the concierge at this 10-story property take care of everything else.
They can arrange bike rentals, point you toward a lesser-known hiking trail, or help you reserve a private cabana for an afternoon snooze by the heated outdoor pool. They can even help organize your arrival via private jet – in which case, I expect an invite. Located in Vail Village, the property also has a 14,395-square-foot spa for the ultimate relaxation experience.
My personal favorite treatment is the s’more indulgent facial, which incorporates cocoa and marshmallow whip – and reminds me of my best memories sitting around a campfire. The spa wows with further amenities, including a steam room, cold plunge and dry sauna.

Tivoli Lodge is one of the few family-run hotels in Vail. The second generation of the Lazier family now helms this Tyrolean-style property. You’ll find warm, welcoming touches throughout the hotel, including the presence of a furry, four-legged hotel mascot named Racer – the third chocolate labrador to “work” at the hotel.
If you’re like me and you hate leaving your dog at home when you travel, you’ll be happy to know that this hotel has dog-friendly guest rooms. Throughout the public and private spaces, you’ll find warm wood tones and rustic finishes that make the lodge feel like an upscale log cabin.
One of the best parts about staying at Tivoli Lodge is that it’s close to the slopes of Vail Ski Resort. It also convenient amenities like a ski valet and self-service laundry. Its convenient location right on the free shuttle bus route, is the easiest way to get around town.

If convenience is your top priority while visiting Vail, book one of the guest rooms, suites or residences at The Arrabelle at Vail Square. It’s situated in a prime location in Lionshead Village, just steps from Eagle Bahn Gondola, and offers everything you need for the ultimate winter vacation right in one place – including an open-air skating rink, outdoor fire pits, restaurants, shops and a world-class spa.
If you’re flying and don’t want to deal with the stress of lugging your bags around, the Arrabelle also offers a handy luggage and sports equipment shipping service for guests. During the summer months, you can also score tee times at Red Sky Golf Club, a private golf club with two courses.

One big reason to visit The Sebastian? Base Camp, the property’s private slope-side club at the base of Vail Ski Resort, where valets can get you set up with ski or snowboard rentals, then store your gear overnight (and ensure your boots are toasty the next morning!).
The hotel’s beautifully designed outdoor pool deck is also an ideal spot to catch the sunset while soaking in a hot tub. With guest rooms, suites, residences and a luxurious 5,300-square-foot penthouse, the Sebastian has accommodations for everyone, from couples and solo travelers to big families.
And, after a day spent on the slopes, one of the best places to meet up as a group is at the aptly named Frost Bar, where bartenders shake up refreshing drinks like the “Over the Rainbow Spritz,” made with prosecco, vodka, Aperol, elderflower liqueur, and passion fruit.

The pool and hot tubs at Antlers at Vail have one of the best views in town: from the water, you can gaze out at Gore Creek (and take it from me, this is an ideal way to soak and relax after skiing). In addition, the property offers more room for families to spread out, since it’s made up entirely of condos.
The 87 units range from efficient studios to spacious four-bedroom, four-bathroom condos. Guests who stay here get all the conveniences of a hotel, including housekeeping, a fitness center, and heated, covered parking – plus a few other perks.
For instance, Antlers at Vail has a private chef, who can whip up delicious and hearty meals for guests to enjoy from the comfort of their condo (and the chef can even pack a sack lunch for a day on the slopes).