Vail has long been known as one of the most popular and luxurious ski towns in Colorado. While it is known for its luxury lodging and world-class skiing, it is also a great place for families.
With more and more people wanting to get away to US destinations that have a more European feel, Vail has become even more popular than before. With an influx of new visitors and a greater demand for ski season lodging, new hotels and resorts are popping up every year.
If you are considering a trip to Vail, you will soon find that there are many lodging options, and the choices can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll offer our list of the best hotels in Vail for skiing. We will also take a moment to answer some questions about traveling to Vail.
The 15 Best Hotels in Vail for Skiing
1. Lion Square Lodge
“Steps away from world-class skiing. Beautiful views and condo-style accommodations.”
Lion Square Lodge is one of Vail’s premier resorts. With the Eagle Bahn Gondola just outside of the resort, you cannot get any closer to some of the best skiing in the world. Lion Square Lodge offers visitors luxury condo-style accommodations with many of the amenities of a world-class hotel. Rooms range from King bedroom suites to spacious multi-room spaces large enough to accommodate up to six people.
When it comes to skiing in Vail one of the most sought-after amenities is a ski valet. Bring your skis and check them in the complementary ski storage. You don’t have to worry about dragging your skis to the room. Lion Square Lodge also has some of the best outdoor amenities including a year-round heated pool and a great hot tub. The sauna is a great spot to end your day.
2. The Lodge at Vail
“The first hotel built in Vail. Considered an icon of Vail Village.”
When Vail was still a small ski town, The Lodge at Vail was constructed and turned the community from a quaint local ski town to a coveted destination. Today, The Lodge at Vail remains the cornerstone of Vail Village.
The Lodge at Vail offers a variety of room types, to accommodate a range of visitors. Each room is luxuriously appointed with wood details, full kitchens, and leather furniture. You’ll feel like you have stepped off the slopes and into a European chalet. Rooms range from standard studios to a three-bedroom condo that accommodate up to 8 people.
The Lodge at Vail is part of the Vail resort group so when you stay there you have access to some of the best amenities available at the ski area. The Lodge offers two dining options, a complete spa and fitness facilities offering classes and state-of-the-art circuit equipment.
3. Grand Hyatt Vail
“Luxury accommodations with a mountain flair.”
The Grand Hyatt Vail is one of the newer hotels in the Vail Valley. It offers its guests all the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel. The Grand Hyatt offers rooms ranging from standard King rooms to their Grand and Presidential suites. These rooms are the pinnacle of comfort and have all the features that you expect from a Hyatt property.
The hotel is just steps from the slopes and offers ski-in/ski-out from the main lobby. The hotel offers one of the most beautiful year-round heated pools along with spa facilities that include sauna and hot tub access. The hotel is pet-friendly for well-behaved animal companions.
You’ll find that the Grand Hyatt Vail has a variety of dining options that will satisfy the whole family. One of the most popular spots in the Grand Hyatt is the TopGolf Swing Suites. Here you can enjoy pub food, and beverages and play a round of golf even in the dead of winter.
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4. Lodge Tower Slopeside
“Slope-side accommodations located steps away from Gondola One and all of the Vail Village amenities.”
The Lodge Tower is one of the most desirable lodging options in Vail. It is located slopeside in Vail Village with walking access to Gondola One. The Lodge Tower offers units that range from traditional hotel-style rooms to their largest condo options, a 1,600 square foot, 3-bedroom luxury space. The Lodge Tower is one of the more family-friendly resorts in Vail, but also offers couples a perfect mountain getaway.
It is the little things that make the Lodge Tower Slopeside so desirable. They do not have an onsite restaurant, but their amazing concierge can help you with dining recommendations and reservations. At the end of a long day on the slopes, the Lodge Tower offers warm cookies and refreshments. Start your day with their complimentary breakfast.
Other amenities that make the Lodge Tower so great are its on-mountain ski valet, covered parking, and pre-arrival grocery shopping.
5. Christiania Lodge
“ European style boutique hotel in the heart of Vail Village.”
Just because this hotel carries the Hyatt name, doesn’t mean that you are going to get a typical chain hotel experience. The Christiania Lodge is part of the Hyatt Destination Hotel line. These are individually owned, boutique-style hotels that offer a more intimate lodging experience.
The Christiana is a European-style chalet hotel. Rooms are modestly appointed, but most have patios or balconies, and the renowned Hyatt luxury bed. The Christiania Lodge has just 22 rooms, so it is perfect for visitors who want a peaceful place to stay.
Though it is small, this hotel is conveniently located. It is ski-in/ski-out to Gondola One and is nestled in the center of Vail Village putting it within walking distance of world-class shopping and dining.
6. Tivoli Lodge
“Family-owned luxury hotel with a relaxed feel and comfortable Accommodations.”
It is hard to find an independently owned hotel in most of the ski resorts in the United States. However, Vail has a gem with one of the area’s oldest, family-owned hotels, the Tivoli Lodge. This hotel was originally opened in 1968, by Bob and Diane Lazier. The building you see today is brand new, but the hotel still offers just 65 luxury guest rooms.
The Tivoli Lodge is built in the Tyrolean style that is common in the Swiss and French Alps. Rooms and common areas have beautiful wood accents, soft beds, and luxurious linens. The hotel is located slopeside in Vail Village and is walkable to the main chairlifts and Gondola One. It is not a ski-in/ski-out hotel, but lifts are less than a block away.
Amenities at the Tivoli Lodge include ski storage and valet, Apres ski gatherings, breakfast buffet, fitness center, and mountain-facing hot tub. The resort is also pet friendly and is home to its mascot Chocolate Lab who is a favorite of adults and children alike.
7. Austria Haus Hotel
“Stylish rooms and suites in a charming European-style hotel.”
Sitting on the banks of Gore Creek and tucked into the heart of Vail Village you will find Austria Haus Hotel. This charming boutique hotel, part of Hyatt’s Destination line, feels like walking into an Austrian Alps chalet. This boutique hotel has basic offerings that are elevated by luxury details.
The Austria Haus Hotel is located within walking distance of the slopes. Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the lobby lounge before hitting the slopes. At the end of your day, the lobby bar is the place to unwind followed by a dip in the heated pool or mountainside hot tub.
8. The Arrabelle at Vail Square
“Opulent and inviting with luxurious comfort and European charm.”
From the outside, the Arrabelle at Vail Square looks like a collection of French residences set in the center of Lionshead Village. When you step inside the Arrabelle you are walking into one of the most luxurious resorts in all of Vail. The accommodations can be best described as lavish.
The Arrabelle is part of the Vail Resort Group. It is slopeside with direct access to the Eagle Bahn gondola. It is also conveniently located within walking distance of the fine dining and world-class shopping available in the Lionshead Village.
Guest amenities at the Arrabelle include luxurious rooms ranging from a standard double room to a 5-room condominium residence. Most rooms have balconies and suites have balconies and fireplaces. The resort has a full-service spa, ski rental, valet service, heated pool, and hot tubs. One of the most charming features of the Arrabelle is the ice skating rink located in the hotel plaza.
9. Vail Residences at Cascade Village
“Luxurious homes and condominiums centrally located between Vail and Lionshead Villages.”
Vail Residences at Cascade Village is the sister property to the Grand Hyatt Vail. Vail Residences as Cascade Village offers condominiums and homes with ski-in/ski-out access to Vail Mountain on Chair 20. Each unit has a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and luxurious furnishings. Most units have balconies and fireplaces.
Vail Residences at Cascade Village offers visitors access to their full-service spa, on-site dining, and mountainside outdoor pool and hot tub. The resort is conveniently located within walking distance of both Vail Village and Lionshead Village where you can enjoy world-class dining and shopping.
As the sister resort to the Grand Hyatt, visitors to the Vail Residence at Cascade Village are also able to access many of the amenities available at the Grand Hyatt Vail.
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10. Lodge at Lionshead
“Full-service condominium property with cozy yet luxurious features.”
The Lodge at Lionshead is one of the few non-corporate lodging options in Vail and Vail Lionshead. This privately owned condominium resort offers a full-service resort with condominium-style units. The Lodge at Lionshead sits off the mountain along Gore Creek. It is just far enough away from the slopes to be quiet but at the same time still within walking distance.
The resort offers year-round outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, a newly renovated fitness center, ski storage for each condo, babysitting services, and access to snowshoe rentals. All units from the studio to the four-bedroom residence feature full kitchens, luxury linens, and complimentary toiletries.
11. Montaneros by Destination Resorts Vail
“Boutique condominium resort in Lionshead Village.”
Montaneros by Destination Resorts is one of the smallest Hyatt properties in Vail. This residence resort has 35 comfortably appointed condominium units. The property has one, two, and three-bedroom condominiums. Each has a full kitchen, mountain-style furnishings, balconies or patios, and gas fireplaces.
From the resort lobby, you’ll step out into Vail Square in the Lionshead Village. Here you will find shopping, restaurants, and activities. The hotel has a year-round heated pool, hot tub, and movie rentals, making it a great location for families. Store your ski gear in the ski locker room which is complete with boot dryers.
12. Gravity Haus Vail
“Highly rated luxury hotel in the heart of Vail Village.”
If you are traveling to Vail and expect the best in luxury lodging, look no further than the Gravity Haus Vail. This luxury boutique hotel is located in the center of Vail Village and in walking distance of Gondola One. This hotel is rated as the #5 hotel in the Southwest by Conde Nast Traveler. It is by far one of the most luxurious and unique hotels in Vail.
Gravity Haus offers amenities for the active, health-conscious traveler. This boutique hotel with just 22 rooms offers group fitness classes in the Dryland Fitness Center, the full-service Dryland Spa, and healthy balanced meals at the Slope Room Restaurant.
Gravity Haus offers some of the most modern and unique rooms in Vail. You can choose from traditional-style hotel rooms, or check out one of their modern family bunk rooms that make hotel stays fun for kids.
13. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
“Flawless hotel and residences from the original luxury brand.”
You really cannot go wrong when you choose to stay at a Four Seasons Resort. This brand may have defined what modern, luxury travel looks and feels like. The Vail Four Season Resort and Residences offer exceptional luxury in their standard guest rooms, suites, and private residences. Four Seasons guest rooms are some of the largest in the industry, offering a spacious and comfortable room for relaxing and unwinding. All rooms and residences feature gas fireplaces and balconies or terraces.
Guest amenities at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail are exceptional. The resort has four restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. The full-service spa is one of the most luxurious in Vail. And there are daily, curated activities to keep you and your kids entertained.
14. Sonnenalp Vail
“Bavarian style lodging in the heart of Vail Valley.”
The original Sonnenalp Hotel opened in Vail in 1979. For more than forty years the Sonnenalp Vail has offered German-style, luxury lodging. The Vail Sonnenalp Hotel and Resort is one of two resorts owned by the Faessler family. The original Sonnenalp resort is located in Ofterschwang, Germany. The Vail Sonnenalp Resort is modeled after this successful resort in the Bavarian Alps.
Visitors to the Sonnenalp Vail will enjoy guest rooms and suites in the Alpine chalet style. Rooms have rich wood details, sitting areas, balconies, and plush linens. The hotel offers seven unique dining options on-site including a breakfast cafe, a traditional Swiss restaurant, and a steakhouse. The resort also has a full-service spa.
15. Manor Vail Lodge
“A Vail original. Conveniently located at Golden Peak and within walking distance of Vail Village.”
If you are looking for a quiet, family-friendly place to stay in Vail, Manor Vail Lodge is a perfect destination. Located just far enough away from the main ski village, but still close enough to restaurants and amenities, Manor Vail Lodge is a local favorite thanks to easy access to extreme terrain, but also the Golden Peak ski school.
All of the units at Manor Vail Lodge are condominium-style residences. Each unit has a full kitchen, nicely appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, balconies, and mountain-style furnishings. Larger units have gas fireplaces. Each unit is unique and comes stocked with everything you need for a great stay.
FAQs About Hotels in Vail for Skiing
Now that you know a bit about the 15 best hotels for skiing in Vail, we offer some answers to some frequently asked questions about staying in Vail.
What is the best hotel to stay in near the lifts in Vail for skiing?
The Lodge at Vail Village is the original resort in Vail and still offers the best access to Vail Mountain, the ski village, dining and shopping.
What is the best hotel to stay in near Vail village for skiing?
If you are looking to stay in Vail Village and skiing is your goal, the best hotel is the Tivoli Lodge. It offers luxury accommodations, but also amenities like ski lockers, ski-in/ski-out to Gondola One, and apres ski activities.
What is the most luxurious hotel in Vail for Skiing?
There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Vail that cater to the ski crowd. However, it is hard to beat the Four Seasons Resort and Residences. This luxury brand has perfected the luxury resort experience.
What is the best budget-friendly hotel in Vail for Skiing?
Lodging rates go up during the ski season in Vail, and this can make it hard to find a budget friendly option. During the ski season budget-friendly options are located outside of the ski resort area. In the resort area, your most affordable option is the Simba Run Condos.
What is the best family-friendly hotel in Vail for Skiing?
Most hotels in Vail offer amenities that make them at least reasonably family-friendly. However if you are looking for a spot near the ski area that has great amenities for families, the Sonnenalp Resort is your best option.
