Best Vail Hotels

Located on the banks of Gore Creek just a few hundred yards from the Covered Bridge, the Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa is known not only for the spacious rooms (which can configure from lodge rooms into two or three bedroom condos), but for the Vail Athletic Club and Terra Bistro, both located on the premises. The rooms are comfortable and have been remodeled within the past few years, but the décor tends to verge on more country than chic. However, the Vail Mountain Lodge is Spa is truly known for its staff, which is friendly without being obsequious, the fitness center (you’ll have complimentary access to the center and to classes such as Pilates and yoga during your stay), and Terra Bistro, the restaurant located onsite. Terra Bistro’s chef, Kevin Nelson, was serving organic and local ingredients before it was trendy, believing that “if you eat good food, you’ll feel good." The menu reflects this with its multitude of symbols (the key is at the top) denoting gluten free, nut free, garlic free, and blends Southwestern, Mediterranean and Asian flavors. For a unique meal, try Terra Bistro’s Thousand Year Breakfast: everything on the menu was available 1,000 years ago (our favorite is the Baaa Naan skillet, with eggs, kale, goat cheese and garlic on naan bread).

The Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is a one of the largest resorts in Vail with 292 guest rooms, 80 condominiums and private residences; Aria Spa and Club; the restaurant Atwater on Gore Creek; the Fireside Bar, and the Village Market and Café (great for grabbing a quick bite). It’s quite popular with families and large groups and meetings. With such a big resort, though, some of the rooms tend to be quite far from the lobby and can be confusing to find—the front desk will give you detailed directions. The Club at Aria includes a basketball court, tennis courts and an extensive workout room. The pool is located on the back of the resort, with views of the mountain and Gore Creek. Located west of Lionshead, the Cascade also has its own chairlift, which makes for convenient access to and from the mountain; the hotel has a shuttle that drops guests off in the Village and Lionshead, an approximately half-hour trip.

Evergreen Lodge remains one of the best “value” properties in the neighborhood, located directly between the Village and Lionshead. While many lodging properties in Vail have undergone major renovations in the past five years, the Evergreen Lodge has remained much the same. There are rumors that the property will be turned into a Fairmont resort, but details are sketchy. The onsite restaurant, Altitude Billiards & Sports Club, attracts an easy-going crowd looking to catch a game of pool and Altitude Café serves a hearty breakfast buffet during the winter season to fuel up before hitting the slopes. While the rooms are clean and comfortable, don’t expect the same level of service or splendor that you’ll find in some of the more upscale lodging properties.