Vail is not only famous for its ski scene and snow-packed mountains, but also for its charming streets which are the perfect place to wander, shop, dine and indulge in a bit of après ski. For these reasons, even if you don’t plan on hitting the slopes, Vail still is a great destination for a winter getaway in the United States. In this post, you’ll find a list of hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Vail, Colorado.
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Getting to Vail
Getting to Vail takes about a 2-hour drive from Boulder, Colorado. If you are not in Colorado, you can fly into Denver, rent a car, and drive onward to Vail (which takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic).
Additionally, Vail does have its own airport, Vail’s Eagle County Regional Airport, which receives direct flights from cities such as Houston, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
Hotels and Resorts in Vail, Colorado
Should you want to wake up with the sun, hop on your skis, enjoy après ski, and then head back to a comfortable bed to rest and start all over on the next day, then here are some of the finest hotels to stay at in Vail and have an extraordinary experience.
The Best Hotels in Vail
Sonnenalp Hotel – All the rooms of the Sonnenalp have a view of either Gore Creek or Vail Village. The hotel has a heated indoor/outdoor pool, a Turkish spa, and 5 restaurants (with the Swiss Chalet offering European cuisine and the Bully Ranch an American menu). If you are looking for a perfect place to stay in Vail, you can’t go wrong with the Sonnenalp.
Four Seasons Resort Vail – This is one of the best resorts in Vail. It has a heated outdoor pool open year-round, a ski concierge service, and a spa. For food and drinks, the Four Seasons Vail has you covered with (a) an American-style steakhouse with indoor and outdoor seating – Flame; (b) a bar with mountain views and an extensive selection of wines and cocktails – The Remedy; (c) d the Pool Bar, which serves, amongst other things, a signature hot cocoa.
Grand Hyatt Vail – In this ski-in/ski-out resort, you’ll legitimately be in one of the best places to stay in Vail. Additionally, the Grand Hyatt Vail has a gorgeous heated outdoor infinity pool with striking views of the creek as well as hot tubs, a few restaurants, and shuttle service to Vail Village and Lionshead Village.
The Sebastian-Vail – This hotel is another great stay in Vail as it offers ski-in/ski-out access to Vail Mountain Gondola One. The Sebastian also has a heated outdoor pool, which is open for all seasons, and 4 hot tubs. The hotel also provides a perfect starting point for walking around Vail Village and sampling its restaurants.
The Ritz Carlton Vail – This luxury hotel offers residences with 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms with private balconies and remarkable views of the surroundings.
Tivoli Lodge – This hotel is a great option to stay in Vail for those wanting to ski/snowboard as well as be close to the ski lifts and restaurants in Vail Village.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square– Are you looking for a quieter place than the buzz of Vail Village? Try staying in Lionshead Village, where The Arrabelle shows off an outdoor rooftop lap pool, hot tubs, and an on-site bar and restaurant – Tavern on the Square.
Restaurants in Vail, Colorado
Places to eat in Vail
Vail has an extensive selection of restaurants that will please pretty much every type of traveler. Here are some you should definitely add to your list of places to eat while in town.
- Swiss Chalet at Sonnenalp Hotel
- Flame at the Four Seasons
- Fall Line Kitchen and Cocktails
- Mountain Standard
- Sweet Basil
- The Tenth
- Game Creek Restaurant
- Alpenrose Vail
Places to drink in Vail
After a long day skiing, snowboarding, or just walking around Vail, be sure to head to these places for drinks:
- Tavern on the Square at The Arrabelle
- Bart & Yeti’s
- The George
- Vail Brewing Company
- The Remedy at the Four Seasons
Coffee Shops in Vail
When the time comes to grab a coffee in Vail, these are the best coffee shops to visit:
- Hygge Coffee (located in Avon, just outside of Vail Village – approximately 10-minute drive)
- Yeti’s Grind
- Two Arrows Coffee
Other helpful tips for visiting Vail
If you are planning on skiing/snowboarding, the season usually goes from the end of November to the beginning of April.
Vail is also an excellent place to visit not only during the winter, but also in spring, summer, and fall due to its mountainous location.
Should you need to buy any clothing, Vail has stores such as Lululemon, Patagonia, North Face, and Burton as well as other ski outfitters.
Continue your trip by heading to Aspen, Rocky Mountain National Park, or Boulder.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN THE US:
AUSTIN: The Weekend Guide to Austin
NEW YORK: A 3-day Itinerary to New York City and Tips for Visiting the Harry Potter Store
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK: First-Timer’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park and 3-day itinerary to the park
