Where to Stay in Vail, Colorado (25 Best Hotels in Vail)
Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Molly Egan
Where to stay in Vail, Colorado, may be a daunting question. You’re in luck; we have the best hotels in Vail at all prices for you here. Depending on your likes – skiing, hiking trails, shopping, fishing, spa, or relaxing – there is the right place to stay in Vail with the best luxury hotels in Vail Valley.
Villages of Vail, Colorado
When you stay in Vail, you will most likely be in the villages of Vail, including Vail Village and Lionshead Village. From a skier’s perspective, there are three bases where you can access the mountain by a ski lift – Golden Peak (no gondola here), Vail Village with Gondola One, and Lionshead Village with Eagle Bahn gondola.
Vail Village
Vail Village is the central Village of Vail with a history that is the beginning of Vail. Bridge Street is the iconic street in Vail Village, where you walk through the covered bridge. Think of this as the city center of Vail.
Lionshead village
This area is newer and has fewer options for hotels in Vail and fewer dining options; however, it is excellent for that, too! You will find fewer crowds here on a Saturday or holiday weekend!
The Vail Square is the public space surrounding the Arrabelle Hotel and residences. During the Winter, you will find the ice rink there, or in the Fall, the Octoberfest celebrations or Vail Jazz Tent in the Summer.
West Vail and East Vail
These two areas are outside Vail Village and Lionshead Villages and are famous for visitors as the Vail hotels are cheaper and not within walking distance of the village or base. Many options include shuttles into town, which alleviate the need to deal with parking.
In the Summer, the garages are free; however, in the Winter or Peak Season in Vail, they are not. The good news is in addition to the shuttles for hotels in Vail, there is the Vail-free in-town bus system.
All hotels in Vail – whether West Vail, Lionshead Village, or Vail Village – have hot tubs for you to soak after a long hike or ski day. Also, many offer Vail residences, nicer options with larger spaces for groups and families.
Skip to the Best Hotels In Vail
Enjoy an Exciting Nightlife or Quiet Evenings?
We recommend staying in Vail Village hotels if you want a vibrant nightlife and walking distance. The second choice is Lionshead Village or any place walkable to Vail Village – where most of the nightlife happens.
For quiet, tranquil experiences, we recommend Four Seasons Vail, Manor Vail Lodge, and West Vail options that are South of I-70, such as Grand Hyatt Vail and Marriott Streamside.
Depending on the time of year, the location for the best Vail hotels will change – think ski season and festivals.
Cons of:
Con of Staying in the Golden Peak Neighborhood
A con is that you are a farther distance from the Gondolas. Depending on your purpose in visiting, this would be nice!
If you visit for the ski season, this will be a short walk to the ski lifts. If you are with children in ski school, pick Golden Peak, not Vail Ski Resort Ski School at Lionshead, as this will be a trek. There is a free in-town bus, though, so don’t fret!
Con of Staying in the East Vail Neighborhood
Staying in the East Vail neighborhood, you are farther from the action – grocery stores, restaurants, ski lifts, and Vail and Lionshead Village. However, it’s a good pick if you want something quiet.
This area of East Vail is known for townhomes, homes, and the East Vail Racquet Club. We recommend accommodation through the East Vail Racquet Club if you stay in East Vail.
Con of Staying in West Vail Neighborhood
This area is a short rental car drive, shuttle bus, or taxi into town for many dining options, spa services, and ski lift access.
Con of Staying in Minturn
You have a public bus option into Vail ski resort; however, it is less frequent than the local Vail In-town bus. If you want to ski home to the Minturn Inn, you can go out of bounds and ski the Minturn mile!
You are lucky that the Minturn Saloon is finally open for post-minturn mile beverages this Fall. The Minturn Country Club is not a real country club but a great dive for a grill-your-own-meat experience.
Con of Staying in Avon
When Staying in Avon, you will need a car. It will make getting around to eat more effortless, and both ski resorts – Vail and Beaver Creek (and the historic Cooper if you choose to go!)
What to Consider Before Deciding Where to Stay in Vail
The main question to ask yourself when picking your accommodations is whether you plan on bringing a car, renting a car, or walking everywhere.
During the Summer, having a car is more manageable with parking options; however, in Winter, it is a pain and unnecessary with free in-town buses and hotel shuttles.
However, suppose you are staying in Minturn, Eagle-Vail, Avon, or Edwards. In that case, we highly recommend bringing or renting a car for the most flexibility in getting around to eat at both Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Ski Resort, Vail Villages, and restaurants.
Best Hotels In Vail
There are 25 hotels in Vail shared here. We’ll share more about which hotels are best for your type of trip and then break down each hotel by area of Vail Valley.
- Four Seasons Resort Vail – Best Hotel in Vail
- Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail Village – Best Hotel in Vail for a European Vibe
- The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Lionshead – Best Ski In/Out Hotel in Vail, Lionshead Village
- The Sebastian, Vail Village
- The Lodge at Vail
- Gravity Haus Vail
- Sitzmark Lodge, Vail Village
- Mountain Haus, Vail Village
- Gasthof Gramshammer, Vail Village – Best Historic Hotel in Vail
- Manor Vail Lodge, Golden Peak, Vail
- Christiania At Vail
- Tivoli Lodge, Vail Village
- Austria Haus – Club & Hotel, Vail Village
- The Hythe, Lionshead Village
- Ritz-Carlton Residences Vail, Lionshead Village – Best Hotel in Vail Lionshead Village
- Grand Hyatt Vail, Cascade Village, West Vail – Best Hotel in West Vail
- Marriott’s StreamSide at Vail, West Vail
- Highline Vail – DoubleTree, West Vail
- Marriott Residence Inn Vail, West Vail – Second Best Hotel in West Vail
- Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
- Minturn Inn, Minturn – Best Bed & Breakfast in Vail Valley
- Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas, Avon – Best Hotel in Avon & Beaver Creek
- Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon
- The Christie Lodge, Avon – Best Hotel in Vail Valley for Long-Term Stays (30+ days)
- The Inn At Riverwalk, Edwards
Vail Village – Where to Stay in Vail for Your First Visit
Sonnenalp Hotel, Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer, and the Four Seasons Vail are the top three places to stay in Vail for your first visit!
The Sonnenalp has the charm, luxury, and coziness to make your visit memorable and enjoyable. The Four Seasons Vail is the most luxurious way to enjoy your first visit to Vail!
Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer is staying at the historic property, the first hotel in town, and an impeccable location to all Vail Village has to offer!
BONUS: Best 3 Places To Stay in Vail for Skiing
The best hotels in Vail for skiing are the Arrabelle, Ritz Carlton, and Manor Vail Lodge due to the accessibility to the ski slopes and Vail Mountain (think ski in/out and ski concierge).
Vail’s Top Places To Stay
Outside the Village, the Best Hotels in West Vail are Grand Hyatt Vail, Marriott Streamside, and Marriott Residence Inn Vail.
BONUS: Hotels in Vail With Outdoor Heated Pool
The best hotels in Vail with a heated outdoor swimming pool are Christiania, Manor Vail Lodge, Four Seasons Vail, Ritz Carlton Vail, Grand Hyatt Vail, and Westin Riverfront in Avon.
Hotels in Vail Village
Four Seasons Resort Vail
Vail Village
Luxury
5 Stars
Find personalized experiences and exceptional service for a luxurious stay in Vail. There are gorgeous mountain views and all the amenities you’d expect of a 5-star hotel.
In-house dining includes the Flame Restaurant and Remedy Bar. The complimentary ski valet and heated swimming pool will make your stay in this luxury hotel most enjoyable.
Sonnenalp Hotel
Vail Village
Luxury
5 Stars
It is a Hotel with European-Bavarian charm, a fantastic location, and an award-winning Sonnenalp Spa and golf course. The dining options in luxury resort are delicious at Ludwig’s, Swiss Chalet, and Bully Ranch.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Lionshead Village
Luxury
5 Stars
Prime location steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and ski slopes in Lionshead—an alpine-inspired design with luxurious amenities. In-house dining includes the Tavern on the Square.
It is the closest property to the Eagle Bahn gondola in Lionshead village – aka ski in/ski out property – which makes it a top choice for a Vail ski-out property.
The Sebastian – Vail
Vail Village
Luxury
4 Stars
It is a luxury collection resort with contemporary accommodations between Vail Village and Lionshead. Tantalizing in-house dining includes Leonora and Frost Bar.
The Lodge at Vail
Vail Village
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
Lodge at Vail has a fantastic location with unrivaled proximity to Vail’s iconic slopes. Fine dining at Cucina Rustica and a lively après-ski scene at The Lodge Bar. Cozy rooms and an inviting outdoor pool.
It is a Vail Resorts property; sometimes, you can find deals through Epic Pass as an employee.
Gravity Haus Vail
Vail Village
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
It has a modern design and social atmosphere with a co-working space, Dryland Spa and Fitness, and delicious food in the Slope Room restaurant.
To those who have been coming to Vail for years, this was the former Vail Athletic Club and Terre Bistro. A great benefit of staying here is their Haus Quiver gear rentals, including mountain biking and demo ski gear!
Sitzmark Lodge
Vail Village
Mid-Range
3 Stars
It provides affordable accommodation in the heart of Vail, walking distance to shops, dining, and the ski slopes. The new ownership is renovating the rooms for a modern feel for these rooms that flank Gore Creek. For the Go Pro Games, this is the best accommodation!
Mountain Haus
Vail Village
Mid-Range
3 Stars
It has a great location – off Bridge Street across from the Vail Village garage – with easy access to skiing and activities. It has spacious condominium-style accommodations, a complimentary breakfast, and a heated outdoor pool.
Gasthof Gramshammer
Vail Village
Mid-Range
3 Stars
Gasthof Gramshammer is a piece of Vail’s history with a unique European ambiance and a family-run ski chalet. It was the first hotel in Vail Village! On-site dining at Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant. The location and proximity to shopping, dining, and nightlife are unrivaled on Bridge Street.
Manor Vail Lodge
Golden Peak, Vail
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
Peaceful location near Golden Peak base at Vail Mountain that flanks Gore Creek. The spacious condos have kitchens and fireplaces. Amenities include a restaurant – with Gore range views – a swimming pool and a spa.
It is an excellent location for when you come to town for Ford Amphitheater – hello, Vail Dance Festival. It is the second closest property to Golden Peak base, with tennis courts and pickleball within a stone’s throw! The closest Vail hotel to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is Manor Vail Lodge.
Christiania at Vail
Vail Village
Mid-Range
3 Stars
Christiania has a quaint European-style lodging in the heart of Vail. It has old-world charm that makes you feel you’re in Europe due to the family-run ski chalets over the past decades. The bedrooms are dated but have a renovation underway. The proximity to Vail Village and their large hot tub make this a top pick!
Tivoli Lodge
Vail Village
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
This boutique lodge has comfortable rooms, mountain views, cozy in-room fireplaces, and a complimentary ski valet. The proximity to Gondola One and Golden Peak base is fantastic and hard to beat!
Austria Haus – Club & Hotel
Vail Village
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
This boutique club and hotel is now a destination by Hyatt Resort. It has a timeshare and hotel format, which is nice because, if available, the three bedrooms with spacious living rooms and full kitchens are fantastic for a family stay in Vail. In the heart of Vail Village and on Gore Creek, you can’t beat it.
Hotels in Vail, Lionshead Village
The Hythe
Lionshead Vail
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
This recently renovated Marriott hotel, Luxury Collection Resort, has a grand modern lobby with a 10th Mountain Whiskey bar. The proximity to Lionshead is a short walk, and they have a shuttle outside the front door!
The pool and hot tubs with views and nightly s’mores are a fun treat for parents and children. Snag a room with a private balcony and enjoy the views of Vail Mountain.
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail – Lionshead Village
Lionshead Village, Vail
Luxury
Rating: 5 Stars
Three Reasons to Stay at the Ritz are the warm chocolate chip cookies, Ski-in/ski-out access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, and top-notch amenities, including a spa and dining options.
The ski concierge services will make your vacation rental all the more enjoyable – hello, boot warmers.
Cascade Village, West Vail
Grand Hyatt Vail
Cascade Village
Luxury (Expensive)
4 Stars
Luxurious alpine resort with ski-in/ski-out access – this hotel’s first lift is the best ski convenience. It has a great spa, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and outdoor pool—in-house dining options at Gessner and Fireside Lounge.
Hotels in Vail, West Vail
Marriott’s StreamSide at Vail
West Vail
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
Streamside is a spacious villa-style hotel with multi-bedrooms and kitchenettes along Gore Creek. It is a quick shuttle bus ride away from Lionshead. This property is excellent for family ski vacations and has an indoor pool and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
Highline Vail – A DoubleTree by Hilton
West Vail
Mid to High Range
4 Stars
Comfortable rooms with views and easy access off Frontage Road off 70 – it is not walkable to Lionshead or Vail Village. The hotel has a free in-town shuttle outside your door to Vail Village and ski slopes.
The on-site restaurant of Westside Cafe is a top breakfast choice in the Valley. We highly recommend the rooms with private balcony and mountain views!
Hotels in East Vail
Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
Apartments
Affordable
3 Stars
This health club resort and condo complex have one to three-bedroom options, which are great for larger groups. It is farther from skiing, shops, restaurants, and main villages; however, it does have an onsite restaurant.
Minturn Hotels
Minturn Inn
Minturn Bed & Breakfast
Affordable
2 Stars
15-minute drive to Vail Mountain
It is a charming bed and breakfast in Minturn. It has cozy and comfortable rooms. European-style breakfast freshly made in-house with homemade palisade peaches jam.
Nearby Options – Short Drive From Vail
West Vail is a short drive and off the free in-town bus that will transport you to Lionshead, Vail Village, or Golden Peak Base.
A 10-minute drive down the road to Minturn or 15 minutes to Avon, your options for lodging increase, as well as 20 minutes to Edwards! Please read this for more lodging options, as these areas are significant for Beaver Creek.
Avon Hotels
The following hotels are 10 minutes from Beaver Creek Ski Resort and a 15-20 minute drive to Vail Mountain.
The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas, Beaver Creek
The Westin is fantastic for its amenities, location, and gondola access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. The heated outdoor pool is salt water and has the best view of Beaver Creek Ski Resort.
Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon
It has a good location across from Nottingham Park; you will want a car while staying here; however, you can walk to the Avon Transit center to catch the bus to Vail Mountain or Beaver Creek!
The Christie Lodge
This an excellent option for a more extended stay in Vail Valley as it offers suite-style lodging.
SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites
The upcoming dual-brand property, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites, is an exciting new Marriott property in the Avon or Eagle Vail area across the highway from Walmart. It has a great location to access both ski resorts and will be open in late 2023.
Edwards, CO Hotels
The Inn At Riverwalk
This hotel is excellent for those who want to participate in activities all over the Valley. This hotel flanks the Riverwalk Mixed-Use Development, full of shopping, restaurants, and a movie theater – the location of the river is quite relaxing!
Conclusion:
There are many options for staying in Vail. Decide what you want – walking distance to the lift, a specific price point, or amenities.
No matter where you stay in Vail, you will have the time of a lifetime! You can read more on the best breakfast and bars in Vail.
