Vail, Colorado is one of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado! It’s a top-choice ski destination for many people. Vail is also delightful in the summer with lots of outdoor activities and events scheduled throughout the season! Vail is a great place for couples, groups of friends, and families.
Whether you visit the Vail Valley during the winter or summer you can rest assured that your vacation is going to be filled with an abundance of fun, beautiful scenery, delicious restaurants, and outdoor exploration.
But how do you know where to stay in Vail, Colorado?
This guide will help you know which properties are the best places to stay during your Vail vacation! I’m sharing expert advice on where to stay in Vail, Colorado so you’ll know exactly what you’re booking.
With so many lodging choices and price ranges, finding the perfect place to stay in Vail can be difficult.
Living in Colorado and working in the travel industry for many years, I’ve had the pleasure of staying at many of these hotels in Vail.
I’ve compiled a list of 23 of the top-tier hotels, villas, and condominiums in Vail, Colorado for those looking for the best Vail experience.
I hope this in-depth list helps make your decision easier when planning a vacation to Vail during any season!
In This Article
The Villages of Vail, Colorado
There are four distinct areas in the Vail area. These are Vail Village, Lionshead Village, West Vail, and East Vail.
The two main villages with the best ski lift and mountain access, lodging, restaurants, and shopping are Vail Village and Lionshead Village. West Vail and East Vail also have lodging options and are not too far from the main pedestrian villages. Thus making them a lovely, quiet place to stay and not be very far from all the action.
Vail’s aesthetic resembles the charming ski villages of European ski destinations. The architecture, gourmet restaurants, history, and boutique shops are all representative of Vail’s European inspiration. One of the founders of Vail, Pete Siebert’s vision was influenced by several visits to Zermatt, Switzerland.
I’m breaking them down for you here so you understand the differences and benefits of staying in each area.
Vail Village
Vail Village is one of the main original villages in Vail at the base of Gondola One. Vail Village is a collection of pedestrian streets lined with cute shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. As you enter Vail Village, stroll under the covered bridge to begin enjoying Vail Village’s special ambiance. Gore Creek runs through Vail Village, providing a beautiful natural setting of rocks, water, and tall trees.
Lionshead Village
Lionshead Village is less than a mile from Vail Village and walkable. It will take about 15 minutes to walk from Vail Village to Lionshead. If you prefer not to walk, Vail has a free bus service throughout Vail that conveniently runs between the villages.
In Lionshead Village Vail, you’ll also notice the European style that permeates through the villages. Here, pedestrian streets are lined with quaint condos and hotels, bars, sports shops, and restaurants.
West Vail and East Vail
Both West Vail and East Vail are just minutes away from the bustling areas of Vail Village and Lionshead. These are great places to stay if you’re looking for a quieter place to settle in with more space to spread out.
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
Getting Around in Vail
The Town of Vail’s fabulous transportation system is a free in-town shuttle system that is highly efficient and very easy to use.
This system is a year-round bus service throughout Vail and the surrounding neighborhoods. As a feature of this convenient top-rated bus system, they provide real-time bus locations, service alerts, and arrival times on LED signs throughout Vail Village, Lionshead, and other bus stops.
If you’re traveling to other surrounding towns like Leadville, Minturn, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, or Gypsum, Vail Transportation also provides regional buses with low fares daily by ECO Transit. The schedule for ECO Transit can be found here.
Questions to Consider Before Deciding Where to Stay in Vail, Colorado
Here are some things to think about when you’re deciding on where to stay in Vail, Colorado.
Who are you traveling with?
If you are traveling with all adults in your party, Vail Village might your top choice because it’s the village with the most nightlife, restaurants, and shopping available. There’s a vibrant energy in Vail Village that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re interested in a pedestrian village with quick access to the best bars and boutiques in Vail, Vail Village is the place to be.
If you are traveling with children, you may want to stay in Lionshead Village. Lionshead Village is also very walkable and pedestrian but tends to be quieter and more subdued.
From Lionshead Village, you’ll have easy access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola which takes you up to Epic Discovery at the top of the gondola. At Epic Discovery your family will find the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Zipline, Bungee Trampoline, and more!
Lionshead Village has restaurants, hotels, boutiques, sports shops, and bars so you’ll have plenty to explore in Lionshead.
Do you enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene or quiet evenings?
Vail Village is where you’ll find more abundant nightlife, bars, and restaurants. Lionshead Village has restaurants and shops too but will be a quieter location.
Determining the type of experience you’d like to have, or what you want the best access to is a great place to start. This will help you when choosing which Village to stay in Vail, Colorado. You’ll find the best hotels in Vail listed here!
History of Vail
Vail Ski Resort was founded by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton in 1962. Pete Seibert was an American skier and former elite ski trooper and member of the 10th Mountain Division in the U.S. Army at Camp Hale in Colorado. With a vision to create a ski resort since he was a boy, Pete Seibert along with many others began Vail Ski Resort. Read more about Vail’s history here.
Hotels in Vail Village
Courtesy of Sonnenalp Vail
Sonnenalp Vail
Sonnenalp Vail will delight you with European charm and warm, friendly hospitality. Located centrally in Vail Village along the pedestrian streets, the Sonnenalp Vail offers its guests a beautifully comfortable guest room or suite, luxury amenities, world-class restaurants, and one of the best spas in Vail. When it comes to the best luxury hotels in Vail, Sonnenalp is at the top of the list!
Guests can enjoy the heated indoor/outdoor heated pool and riverfront sundeck. There are views of Gore Creek or Vail Village from the guestrooms and easily walkabout to shopping and dining.
Dining at the Sonnenalp Vail is a special experience and there are great options not to miss. Swiss Chalet offers traditional European cuisine including Schnitzel and fondue! Bully Ranch is a casual dining setting serving a Southwestern and American menu. Or stop into Ludwig’s Breakfast for an incredible European-style breakfast on a beautiful terrace overlooking Gore Creek! Ludwig’s is one of the best breakfasts in Vail.
One of the top coffee spots in Vail is here at the Treff Cafe! Read all about the best coffee shops in Vail here.
Read more about all of the fabulous dining options at Sonnenalp Vail here.
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
The Sebastian Vail
The Sebastian Vail is a stylish mountain-chic boutique hotel with a prime Vail Village location. Beautiful woodwork and luxury rustic style welcome guests to enjoy this full-service luxury hotel in Vail. The Sebastian Vail is one of the best Vail Village hotels!
The sophisticated vibe at The Sebastian Vail is present everywhere you turn at the property. Restaurant Leonora is a beautiful spot to dine serving fine, fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Library is a perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee or an apres-ski cocktail. Bloom spa, inside The Sebastian Vail, has a lovely spa menu of mountain-focused treatments to enjoy on your day off from hiking or skiing!
The Sebastian is one of the nicest luxury hotels in Vail.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Vail
Four Seasons Vail
The Four Seasons Vail delights its guests with a mountain chic contemporary design that includes fireplaces, private balconies, stunning views, and the top-level service that is expected with a stay at Four Seasons. Four Seasons Vail is a top-rated luxury hotel in Vail. Walk out the door directly on the path to Vail Village to enjoy the vibrant, fun, energy of Vail Ski Resort! When you’re interested in a Vail Village hotel, Four Seasons Vail is a highly recommended top choice.
Remedy Bar inside Four Seasons is an ideal spot for apres-ski or after hiking for a relaxing drink with spectacular mountain views. Get cozy on their expansive patio by one of the toasty fire pits or enjoy a spot at the bar for the fun social scene at Remedy Bar Vail.
The spa at Four Seasons Vail offers a variety of luxurious body treatments, facials, nail services, and salon services. The signature rituals at the spa will help you discover deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and hydration during your stay in Vail Colorado. The spa at Four Seasons Vail is one of the best spas in Vail!
The Four Seasons Vail is one of the best Vail hotels with all of the luxury amenities you’re looking for.
Gravity Haus
Gravity Haus Vail enjoys a prime location in Vail just a short walk to Gondola One in the center of Vail Village. As a small, boutique-style hotel, Gravity Haus is the perfect place to call home during your stay in Vail, Colorado. With only 22 guest rooms, a stay at Gravity Haus feels private and personal alongside top-notch service.
The amenities shine at Gravity Haus Vail, with a gorgeous restaurant called the Slope Room, fitness classes at Dryland Fitness, Unravel Coffee, and top-notch treatments at Dryland Spa. They also offer a unique membership that offers perks at other Gravity Haus locations, access to cool co-working spaces, and more! To get more familiar with Gravity Haus and the benefits of membership, go here.
Courtesy of Solaris Vail
Solaris Residences
Solaris Residences are in a stunning complex that faces Vail Village and Vail Mountain ski resort. These are elegantly designed, spacious residences from one to four bedrooms with gourmet kitchens and en suite bathrooms.
The beautiful Solaris Residences also feature resort amenities that include a pool, fitness center, world-class spa, hot tubs, and restaurants. Guests of Solaris Residences are just steps away from the best Vail dining, shopping, bars, and the charm of Vail Village.
Within the same complex as the Solaris Residences is Yeti’s Grind coffee shop, Matsuhisa Sushi, Bol Restaurant and cocktail lounge, Vail Brewing, and Cine Bistro. There’s even an ice skating rink in the winter in Vail to enjoy!
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
The Lodge At Vail
The Lodge at Vail is one of the original, quintessential lodges in Vail Village. The location is prime in Vail Village, walkable to the best shops, restaurants, and bars that Vail has to offer! The design of the Lodge at Vail has old-world charm and that of an alpine inn.
Inside The Lodge at Vail, you’ll find Elway’s restaurant to enjoy a drink after a long hike or fun ski day. Or, sit down to the perfect luscious steak dinner for a special celebration and outstanding dining experience. Stop into Cucina’s for a leisurely breakfast before heading out into Vail Village for a day of exploration.
Courtesy of Austria Haus
Austria Haus Vail
Austria Haus Hotel is a small, 25-room boutique hotel in Vail Village that was inspired by the authentic, family-run ski chalets in Austria. The property prides itself on its charm and friendly service. Austria Haus overlooks Gore Creek and is steps from Vail Village thus being a perfectly convenient location.
The luxurious guestrooms at Austria Haus Hotel have modern bathrooms with marble floors and the suites have gas fireplaces. An outdoor heated swimming pool is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink and social time.
When you’re looking for where to stay in Vail, Austria Haus is a great option to have a quintessential European Inn experience.
Austria Haus in Vail has joined the Destination by Hyatt portfolio starting in the Spring of 2022.
Tivoli Lodge
A perfect location in Vail Village, Tivoli Lodge is located steps from the ski lift and the vibrant cobblestone streets of Vail Village.
Mountain views, friendly staff, and charming European-style architecture are what you’ll find when staying at the Tivoli Lodge. The property has a nice newly remodeled hot tub and fire pit to enjoy after a hike or ski day!
The hotel is privately owned and operated and open year-round in Vail.
Sitzmark Lodge
The Sitzmark Lodge is a small, European-style lodge in the center of Vail Village. Cozy and super convenient, the Sitzmark Lodge makes it easy to access dining and shopping, right out the front door of the property.
Family-owned since 1974, the Sitzmark Lodge has been committed to a warm, friendly atmosphere and personalized service. When looking for where to stay in Vail, The Sitzmark is a lovely choice!
East West Property Rentals
East West Vail Mountain Lodging offers a collection of excellent residences throughout Vail. While exploring where to stay in Vail, a luxury residence managed by East West is a great option. Every unit has been vetted by East West Hospitality, and you can trust the quality, comfort, mountain design, and management service.
When you book with East West Hospitality, you’ll receive stellar on-site management, concierge services, special amenities, and even some local discounts!
Properties in Lionshead Village
Courtesy of Arrabelle at Vail Square
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a Rock Resorts
The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a luxury hotel right in the heart of Lionshead Village. Designed to replicate a European resort hotel, Arrabelle Vail delights their guests with luxury amenities, top-notch service, and beautiful style and elegance. Guests of Arrabelle Vail can walk directly into the center of Lionshead Village when stepping out of Arrabelle. Access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola is just out the door, whether for skiing or accessing the best hiking trails in Vail.
Inside the Arrabelle at Vail Square is a 10,000 square foot full-service spa, Rock Resorts Spa at the Arrabelle. The spa menu includes rejuvenating spa treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness center. They have 11 luxurious treatment rooms including a couples treatment room. The Arabelle at Vail Square in Lionshead Vail is one of the best luxury hotels in Vail.
The Tavern on the Square is a pub and eatery located inside the Arrabelle at Vail Square. The Tavern has a lovely outside patio to sit and enjoy lunch in the sun with a cocktail. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and cocktails in the afternoon during apres-ski or after hiking in Vail.
Ritz Carlton Residences at Vail
The lovely Ritz Carlton Residences in Vail are in a prime location at the base of Vail Mountain. Two, Three, and Four bedroom club residences feature gourmet kitchens, amazing views, elegant furnishings, and a lot of space to make yourself comfortable.
Each luxury residence has master bathrooms with marble countertops, a master bedroom with LCD TV, kitchens with stove, dishwasher, wine cooler, coffee maker, and beautiful granite countertops. Also, each unit has a washer and dryer plus a private balcony. These residences are a top choice for a luxury hotel in Vail.
For their guests, the Ritz Carlton Residences at Vail also has an outdoor heated pool, fire pit, and whirlpool spa to enjoy either winter or summer. A fitness facility with a movement studio is on-premises and spa services are available.
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
Courtesy of The Hythe Vail
The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort
The Hythe Vail (previously the Marriott) is a beautiful recently renovated hotel in Lionshead steps from the Lionshead Village. The Hythe is one of the best new hotels in Vail!
With a sophisticated upscale vibe, the Hythe offers great service, delightful guest rooms, and a very convenient location. Whether you’re visiting during the winter ski season or summer, The Hythe is just a short walk to the Eagle Bahn Gondola and the Lionshead Village.
Margie’s Haas, a contemporary alpine-inspired restaurant inside the Hythe, serves a scrumptious breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Also on premises at the Hythe Vail is the Revel Lounge for your favorite cocktails after a day of exploration in the Vail Valley. A Grab & Go is also available to pick up delicious snacks before heading out for a day of hiking or skiing.
Antlers Vail
Antlers Vail is a wonderful condominium property that’s only 150 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola at the base of Lionshead Village. The Antlers Vail is known for spacious living and comfortable accommodations. The property has a great reputation for service, convenience, and amenities. During a winter visit, guests enjoy slopeside ski valet services which is a convenient way to store skis and snowboards at the base of Vail ski mountain. They take care of everything for you.
Guests at Antlers Vail love the private balconies and gas fireplaces!
Additional amenities that you’ll find at Antlers Vail are a pool and hot tubs to relax in, a fitness center, covered parking, daily housekeeping, and high-speed wifi access. Accommodations include units from Studio Suites all the way up to Four-bedroom with lots of space to be comfortable!
Evergreen Lodge At Vail
The Evergreen Lodge at Vail is known for its great value and convenient location between Vail Village and Lionshead Village. The property is a short walk to either village or is easy to hop on the complimentary town shuttle and head to shopping and dining in either village.
The Evergreen Lodge provides warm and friendly service along with comfortable accommodations. Guestrooms are simple in design, spacious, and offer mini-refrigerators, coffee-makers, and LCD flat panel TV. Condominiums are also on offer at Evergreen Lodge, starting from one-bedroom units and going up to three-bedroom. These also offer gas fireplaces, workspaces, and sleeper sofas. Evergreen Lodge is a perfect choice for groups traveling together since they have a great array of lodging options.
A full-service front desk is available to assist guests with anything they need! Amenities at the Evergreen Lodge include an outdoor heated pool, indoor hot tub, dry saunas, fitness center, and massage studio.
Stop into The Altitude Bar and Grill for your favorite beer or cocktail! They have a full food and cocktail menu available to enjoy a fun and casual lunch or dinner. Annapurna restaurant inside the Evergreen Lodge is a great place to enjoy simple Indian and Nepali cuisine as well.
Courtesy of Vail Spa
Vail Spa
The Vail Spa Condominiums in Lionshead Village are a wonderful lodging option, featuring two to four-bedroom condominium rentals. Vail Spa is in a great location, just a short walk to the conveniences of Lionshead Village and the base of Vail mountain. Stroll out the door to the best shopping, dining, and access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Amenities at Vail Spa include indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, and free covered parking.
Every condominium at Vail Spa includes a full kitchen, gas fireplace, and private laundry which makes it a perfect home away from home. Plenty of space to spread out and be comfortable with your family or friends.
A really nice additional amenity of staying at Vail Spa is their concierge service. If you’re interested in activities around the Vail Valley, they’ll provide you with the details and make your arrangements. Thus, if you’re interested in dog sledding, snowshoe tours, dinner reservations, or childcare services – just stop by and ask the concierge!
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
Lion’s Square Lodge
Lion’s Square Lodge has one of the BEST locations in Lionshead! It’s located directly on the mountain, next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Ski in ski out in Vail and their accommodations have gas fireplaces, the best views, and an array of room types available, Lion’s Square Lodge is a perfect place to call home during your visit to Vail.
Outdoor hot tubs, outdoor heated pool, sauna, and fitness center are all a part of your stay at Lion’s Square Lodge. Also, enjoy a delicious meal at El Sabor, serving Latin-inspired cuisine on their outdoor dining deck with mountain views! El Sabor is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or stop in after your hike or apres-ski in Vail!
Courtesy of Destination Resorts Vail
Destination Resorts Vail
Destination Resorts Vail is a property management company that manages a collection of distinct, residential vacation rentals in the center of Lionshead Village. Destination Resorts Vail follows a rating system that has been created by the Vail Valley Partnership. Each rating assigned to a condominium represents quality in design, style, comfort, and how current the latest updates to the unit have been. They’re rated from Diamond to Silver and the full descriptions are here.
The Destination Residences Vail collection consists of six independent properties. You can pick from the bedding layout, nightly rate, view, and on-property location. All of the condominiums are just a short walk to shopping, dining, bars, and Vail resort mountain access. All properties have amenities of housekeeping, concierge, a front desk, in-town shuttle, parking, full-service kitchens, and high-speed internet.
The condominium complexes that are represented by Destination Resorts Vail are Landmark Condominiums, Montaneros in Vail, Vantage Point Condominiums, Vail 21 Condominiums, Enzian Condominiums, and Westwind Condominiums.
The Lion
The Lion in Lionshead is one of the newest luxury accommodations in Vail. In a premier location just steps from Lionshead Village, these beautiful residences have everything needed to enjoy a convenient and super comfortable stay in Vail. The Lion development includes 65 residences from studio to four-bedroom rentals with stunning hardwood floors, marble, and granite.
At the Lion in Lionshead, you’ll find oversized windows that provide views of Vail mountain and the village, washer and dryers in the unit, air-conditioning for the summer months, and private ski lockers and ski valet are all available to guests. When you’re looking for a luxury Vail resort, the Lion certainly fits the bill.
Lodge At Lionshead
The Lodge at Lionshead is a moderate property that has a great location, very close to Lionshead Village and the pedestrian path leading to Vail Village. This is a condominium property that offers studio to four-bedroom units with full kitchens, nice furnishings, flexible bedding options, and comfortable living rooms and sitting areas. They provide plenty of room to spread out and really call home during your stay in Vail! Most units have fireplaces and either a balcony or patio.
On the property at the Lodge at Lionshead, guests enjoy the outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, fitness center, complimentary cruiser bikes in the summer, and snowshoes in the winter to get out and explore the outdoors!
Hotels in West Vail
West Vail is a short distance from Lionshead Village and is a great option for lodging. Especially if you’re looking to save some money and stay a bit further from the action. To access Lionshead Village, guests can hop on the Vail city transportation, ride on a shuttle provided by the lodging, walk, or drive their own car. In the summer, a walk over to Lionshead is delightful. In the winter, the shuttles provide more convenience for getting to Lionshead or Vail Villages.
Courtesy of Grand Hyatt Vail
Grand Hyatt Vail
Grand Hyatt Vail is a wonderful hotel with direct access to a ski lift to Vail Mountain, making it a ski-in, ski-out property. The chair lift here at Grand Hyatt doesn’t access beginner terrain so if you have children or new skiers in your group, grab a shuttle or drive over to Lionshead or Vail Villages.
With a full-service resort feel, the Grand Hyatt Vail has very nice amenities for guests to take advantage of while staying there. The Grand Hyatt Vail has 289 rooms and 29 suites, thus able to accommodate groups of friends, families, corporate groups, and retreats.
Gessner Restaurant and Bar is Grand Hyatt Vail’s signature restaurant featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a cozy apres ski or a cocktail after a hike in the summer, the Fireside Lounge is the place to be. Mountain views and a lively social scene will be experienced when spending time at the Fireside Lounge! Grand Hyatt also has a wonderful little Grab and Go to pick up something to bring with you on your daily adventures in the Vail Valley.
Vail Residences At Cascade Village
Vail Residences at Cascade Village are luxury accommodations providing spectacular views, upgraded kitchens, spacious living rooms, and upscale amenities. These are two, three, and four-bedroom units with plush decor and elegant furniture designs. If you’re looking for more space and privacy in your mountain accommodations then Vail Residences of Cascade Village will be a great option!
Guests at the Vail Residences at Cascade Village will enjoy all of the lovely amenities that are available through the Grand Hyatt Resort such as a full-service spa, world-class dining at Gessner Restaurant and Bar or the cozy Fireside Lounge. Grand Hyatt Vail also has a Yoshimi Pop-up that offers Japanese favorites and Sapporo on tap!
Highline Vail
Highline Vail, a Doubletree by Hilton is a perfect spot if you’re looking for a nice hotel close to Vail that provides great value! The Highline Vail offers comfortable, clean rooms, and the property is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Vail Valley. There’s a pool, hot tub, and fireplaces, all aimed to create a cozy stay in their mountain hotel. All of your basic hotel needs are met at Highline Vail.
Highline Vail hotel also offers private shuttles to Vail Village and ski and snowboard rentals provided by Charter Sports. The hotel is located across Interstate 70 from Vail Mountain.
Grab a drink or pizza at Pivot62, and enjoy the ambiance and fun of a resort gathering spot inside the hotel.
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
Hotels in East Vail
Courtesy of Manor Vail
Manor Vail Lodge
Manor Vail Lodge is a premier property in Vail that offers guest accommodations of a studio, one, two, and three bedrooms. Manor Vail is located east of Vail Village at the base of Golden Peak with easy access to the Golden Peak Ski School and Vail’s Golden Peak Terrain Park. This is also the quickest access to the Back Bowls and Blue Ski Basin.
The rooms at Manor Vail Lodge offer spacious living rooms with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs with cable, and a balcony or patio. Guests will also receive daily housekeeping, complimentary coffee and tea, and wireless internet service.
This post is all about the best hotels in Vail.
Conclusion
Vail, Colorado has a wide range of hotels, residences, and condominiums for every preference! Whether you’re looking to be directly on the mountain in a ski-in, ski-out property, a cozy boutique alpine inn experience, or a luxury full-service hotel, Vail has it all.
I hope this guide to the best hotels in Vail helps you plan your next trip to Vail, Colorado!
If you’re looking for Vail activities, check out this post on the best things to do in the summer in Vail!
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