The Best Vail, Colorado, Hotels

Sonnenalp is a Vail institution. Vail Village is styled after a traditional German or Austrian ski town, and Sonnenalp, which has a sister hotel in Bavaria, fits right in with its charming, chalet-style architecture. Rooms and suites exude warmth and coziness, with features like gas-log fireplaces, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and wet bars. There are four on-site dining options, including, of course, an extensive fondue menu at European-style restaurant Swiss Chalet. The hotel’s spa is considered one of Vail’s best, and after a day of intense skiing or hiking guests can unwind with treatments like a Warm Herbal Poultice Massage. Every part of the Sonnenalp experience exudes charm in spades, and for those hoping to get a unique taste of Vail, Sonnenalp is the perfect choice.

• Business center
• Complimentary newspaper
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Event spaces
• On-site dining options
• On-site spa

From 575-square-foot mountain view rooms, to the four-bedroom residences, the Four Seasons offers some of the most spacious and luxurious accommodations in Vail. The large rooms and extensive amenities at this property are perfect for families, who will have their every need catered to after check-in. At Jade Glade, options like kitchen stocking and replenishment and a private ski concierge mean you can enjoy the Four Seasons’ signature service alongside all the comforts of a residential environment. The hotel has extensive programs for visiting families looking to fill time between trips to the slopes. Activities on offer include dog sledding, bowling, and of course, the heated outdoor pool. Babysitting services can be arranged, for parents who want to book a couples massage at the spa, or have a romantic date night at Flame, the on-site steakhouse.

• Pet friendly
• Outdoor pool
• On-site spa
• On-site dining options
• Event spaces

Vail is known as one of the ritziest resort communities in the U.S., and accordingly, budget accommodations are far and few between. Room rates at the Evergreen Lodge start at about $150 in the off season, making these some of the lowest-price accommodations within walking distance of Vail Village. The property includes standard rooms and condos. The standard rooms are clean and comfortable, with coffee makers and seating areas. The condos are all privately-owned and decorated in an array of styles. All condos include fully-equipped kitchens, and some have gas fireplaces. 

On-site Altitude Bar and Grill and Annapurna are laid-back dining options, serving traditional bar food and Indian/Nepalese food, respectively. On-site Deep Roots massage studio offers treatments like CBD Massage and cupping therapy, and is great for those wanting to book a massage without taking a trip to town. One of the property’s highlights is the heated outdoor pool with mountain views. For travelers looking for a no-frills home base with a great location and convenient on-site perks, the Evergreen Lodge an excellent economical option.

• Pet friendly
• Parking included with resort fee
• Indoor and outdoor pool
• On-site dining options
• On-site spa

The standout feature at The Arrabelle is the rooftop lap pool, overlooking stunning views of the adjacent mountains. The pool is admittedly on the small side, but it is heated, meaning guests can enjoy a dip year round, and the hotel’s close proximity to the Eagle Bahn lift means this spot offers a totally unique view of the mountains and the Vail Square area. Beyond the pool, notable amenities include on-site RockResorts Spa, which includes a steam room and dry sauna for some post-ski run R&R. Scenic views are also a highlight of the hotel’s restaurant, Tavern on the Square--the outdoor patio portion of the restaurant is feet away from the slopes. The interiors of the hotel are inspired by grand European hotels, and rooms reflect this through features like heated bathroom floors, soaking tubs, and gas fireplaces. For those looking to enjoy the hotel’s prime views in a more intimate setting, some rooms include balconies overlooking the mountains.

• On-site dining
• On-site spa
• Rooftop pool
• Pet friendly
• Conference facilities
• Event spaces

The Ritz-Carlton Club consists of forty-five residences, which combine the elegance and top-notch service synonymous with the brand with all the conveniences of home. Guests can choose from two, three, or four-bedroom configurations. All of the residences are privately owned and owner-occupied for a portion of the year, but they must all adhere to a strict Ritz-defined décor scheme. Marble bathrooms include fixtures like rain showers and jetted tubs. All rooms include balconies, gas fireplaces, and washer-dryers. 

There is no restaurant on site (there is a bar), but the property is walking distance to the many dining options in town. For those who prefer a low-key dinner after a day of skiing, kitchens are large and fully equipped, and the property also provides the option of arranging for private in-residence dinners. The spacious residences at the Ritz combine 5-star luxury with all the conveniences of a ski-home rental, and are an excellent option for those traveling with families, with groups, or just looking for a little more privacy during their time in Vail.

• Outdoor pool
• Hot tub
• On-site spa
• Fitness center

For visitors whose #1 priority is maximizing their time on the slopes, having ski-in, ski-out access is a must. Having convenient access to lodging can also be a boon for beginners planning to fit in some much-needed cocoa breaks between runs, or those traveling with kids who might not have the stamina to stay on their skis from sunrise to sunset. The Lion Square Lodge is a hybrid property, with both traditional hotel rooms and also a number of privately owned condos available for rent. Reviews of this property rave about the location, as it is one of the few accommodations in Vail offering true ski-in- ski-out access, without the intermediary of a shuttle or short walk. 

Other than its great location, the Lion Square Lodge offers a heated outdoor pool, three outdoor hot tubs, and an on-site Latin restaurant with ski-in, ski-out access. The condos are privately owned and each configuration and décor style is unique, but many include features like a washer/dryer, balconies with mountain views, and gas fireplaces.

• Outdoor hot tubs
• Outdoor pool
• On-site restaurant

The Sebastian offers a luxury experience with a slightly different vibe than some of the more traditional or rustic hotels in Vail Village. The hotel opened in 2011 and renovated in 2014, and the common spaces and rooms are decorated in a warm, eclectic style, with the owner’s extensive modern art collection on view throughout. The property is a short walk from Vail Village, but the extensive amenities and lively atmosphere make this a great choice for those especially intent on an elegant après ski.

On-site restaurant Leonora serves tapas alongside an extensive wine list, and there is a hearty breakfast served daily so guests can fuel up before a day of outdoor activity. Those seeking a day indoors can take advantage of on-site Bloom Spa, which offers treatments like an eighty minute “high altitude adjustment.”

• On-site dining
• On-site spa
• Outdoor hot tubs
• Pet friendly
• Event spaces

Although the mountains may not be skiable, Vail is anything but boring in the summer. The Grand Hyatt Vail makes the most of its mountainside location all year round, with a rotating roster of activities and offerings that make this an especially good choice for those looking for somewhere to stay and something to do in the warmer months. The property has a number of firepits, which are perfect for a s’mores roast. Other activities for warm-weather visitors include fly fishing, guided nature walks, and bike rentals, or a trip up the property’s ski-lift for some sightseeing and a downhill hike. For rainy days, or those who need to relax sore muscles, there’s a spa. The on-site dining options make it convenient to grab a meal after a long day of enjoying the outdoors.

• On-site spa
• Outdoor pool
• On-site chairlift
• Pet friendly
• Fitness center
• On-site dining options