Where to stay in Vail, Colorado

Finding a place to stay in Vail can feel a little overwhelming with so many hotels and areas to choose from. I’m sharing my recommendations for places to stay, whether you’re looking for a luxury ski-in, ski-out hotel experience or a quiet getaway in the mountains.

If you’ve ever been to Vail, Colorado, you know how special a place it is, and if it’s your first time visiting, you’re in for a treat! It’s a luxurious resort town with some of the best skiing in Colorado, high-end shopping, and award-winning restaurants. While winters are peak season in Vail, summer is a gorgeous time to visit, with lots of outdoor mountain activities.

My quick picks for where to stay in Vail

Best for	Stay	Area	View property
Best Overall / Classic Vail Experience	The Sonnenalp	Vail Village	View The Sonnenalp →
Best for Lionshead Village	The Arrabelle	Lionshead Village	View The Arrabelle →
Best for Luxury	Four Seasons	Between Vail Village + Lionshead	View Four Seasons →
Best for Ski-In/Ski-Out	Grand Hyatt Vail	Cascade Village	View Grand Hyatt Vail →
Best Boutique Hotel	Sitzmark	Vail Village	View Sitzmark →
Best for Remote Work + Fitness	Gravity Haus Vail	Vail Village	View Gravity Haus Vail →

The best hotels in Vail

The Sonnenalp

The Sonnenalp is a beautiful and unique European-inspired boutique hotel in Vail Village with lots of character and charm.

Why we love it:

• Spa, outdoor/indoor pools, and hot tubs
• In Vail Village
• Ski valet
• Unique Bavarian style
• Family owned
• Multiple on-site restaurants

A pet-friendly alternative is The Sebastian, but I prefer The Sonnenalp.

Check availability and pricing at The Sonnenalp →

The Arrabelle

The Arrabelle is a luxury hotel right in the middle of Lionshead Village and close to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. In the winter, they have a magical outdoor ice rink right in the middle of the village.

Why we love it: In Lionshead Village, an outdoor ice rink, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a spa, an on-site restaurant, and a quick walk to the gondola

Check availability and pricing at The Arrabelle →

Four Seasons

Four Seasons is a luxury hotel close to both Vail Village and Lionshead. It’s a favorite for many with contemporary and updated rooms.

Why we love it: 5-star resort, spa, outdoor pool, dog-friendly (small dogs only)

Check availability and pricing at Four Seasons →

Check pricing and availability at Grand Hyatt Vail →

Sitzmark

The Sitzmark is a boutique luxury hotel in Vail Village. It’s one of Vail’s oldest hotels and recently went through a big renovation.

Why we love it: In Vail Village, rooftop pool and hot tub, a 5-minute walk to Gondola One, on-site restaurant and bar, locally owned, dog-friendly

Check pricing and availability at Sitzmark →

Gravity Haus Vail

Gravity Haus is a newer hotel right on the edge of Vail Village. It’s within walking distance to Gondola One and lots of Vail’s restaurants and shops. It’s perfect for working remotely with a co-working space and an amazing workout space.

Why we love it: In Vail Village, a 5-minute walk to Gondola One, on-site spa, dryland fitness classes, hot tubs, cold plunge, sauna, cafe, restaurant and bar, co-working space, hot tubs, dog-friendly

Check pricing and availability at Gravity Haus Vail →

Piney River Ranch

If you’re looking for a glamping, summer camp vibe, Piney River Ranch is it. It’s unlike any of the other places in Vail to stay, but if you’re into the outdoors, hiking, camping, and canoeing, this is your place.

While it’s in Vail, it’s a 45-minute drive from Vail on a mountain dirt road with no cell service, so it’s certainly not for everyone.

Why we love it: glamping yurts, incredible mountain view, lake with canoeing, immersed in nature, amazing hiking, lots of wildlife

Check pricing and availability at Piney River Ranch →

Austria Haus

Austria Haus is a smaller European-style hotel in Vail Village, right along Gore Creek and just a short walk from Gondola One. It’s a good option if you want the walkability of Vail Village but prefer something smaller and quieter than some of Vail’s larger luxury resorts.

Why we love it: Vail Village location, walkable to Gondola One, creekside setting, outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and a smaller boutique feel.

Check pricing and availability at Austria Haus →

Worth the drive: The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

If you’re planning a honeymoon or romantic mountain getaway and don’t mind staying outside of Vail, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is worth looking at. It’s about 20 minutes from Vail at Beaver Creek Resort and feels much more like a secluded mountain resort.

The resort has ski-in, ski-out access, a huge spa, an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, several restaurants, and beautiful mountain-lodge interiors. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s one of those bucket-list Colorado resorts that makes sense if the hotel itself is a big part of the trip.

Why we love it: Ski-in, ski-out access, secluded mountain setting, huge spa, outdoor pool and hot tubs, and perfect for a honeymoon or romantic trip.

Check pricing and availability at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch →

Things to note about Vail

• Parking in Vail and the hotels isn’t always the cheapest. Expect to pay a nightly parking fee for their garages as well as a resort fee for hotels.
• Be sure to make reservations ahead of time when possible, especially for their popular restaurants. Holidays and weekends are the busier times.
• Mud season will have little to no crowds, but also restaurant and business closures during their off-season, which is usually April, May, October, and November.