No matter where you turn in Vail, Colorado, you’ll be greeted with towering pines, snowcapped mountains, and a European vibe. Choosing the right area and hotel for your trip can totally change your experience, though. If deciding where to stay in Vail feels like a chore, not to worry: we’ve got you covered!
Vail has a plethora of accommodation types: boutique hotels, all-inclusive resorts, quaint ski chalets, and rental villas with access to all the amenities of your home. Once you have a good idea of what you want, this in-depth breakdown of the alpine town’s top-rated areas and neighborhoods will make booking accommodations at the best hotels in Vail as simple as pie.
Tired of sifting through hotel listings? Narrow down your accommodation search to the perfect neighborhood and find the ideal hotel for your journey with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Vail, CO!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Colorado Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in Vail, CO
Choosing the right base for your Vail trip starts with choosing the right neighborhood. Since each district has its own vibe and range of accommodation types, you’ll want to ensure you choose an area that aligns with your vision for your dream Vail vacation.
For a luxury experience, opt for a district with a high volume of boutique hotels and renowned resorts such as Vail Village or Lionhead Village. In addition to making it easy to find stunning accommodations, this will put the town’s high-end boutiques and restaurants at your doorstep.
If you prefer the laid-back nature of a vacation rental, you may want to check out condominium-dense areas like West Vail and Cascade Village instead.
For a good mix of both traditional hotels & resorts and Airbnb-style vacation rentals, consider a stay in Beaver Creek.
The best areas to stay in Vail, CO, are:
Vail Village
✓ The ideal neighborhood to stay in Vail for boutique hotel lovers
Meet the heartbeat of Vail. Vail Village is where you’ll find small-town main street vibes, with quaint restaurants, independent shops, and highly walkable corridors. With picturesque rows of chalets set against a mountain backdrop, glowy nighttime snapshots of this neighborhood will instantly induce wanderlust.
When you’re not out on a shopping spree or sitting down to a gourmet dinner, do in the area. Close to many of the most popular things to do in Vail, Vail Village has access to Gondola One for those who want to ski at Vail Mountain, and it’s also home to the iconic Vail Clock Tower.
Vail Village is a hotspot for boutique hotel lovers. If you’re looking for a trendy and luxurious small hotel with a personal approach to customer service, you’ll find it here. From hipster cafes to canine hotel employees, this neighborhood is the place to be if you want your stay to be totally unique.
Tivoli Lodge
Tivoli Lodge is a classic luxury ski chalet with cozy in-room fireplaces, exclusive slope access with a complimentary ski valet, and a mountain-view hot tub for soaking those joints after a long day in the snow. Be sure to keep your eyes open for Tivoli’s resident mascot: a chocolate lab named Racer who loves a post-ski snuggle.
Lodge at Vail, a RockResort
Lodge at Vail offers suite-style accommodation, with a unit to suit every party, from the single king beds dressed in luxury linens to rustic cabin-style bunk beds. Some premium guest rooms even come with private balconies and BBQs. Of course, the biggest attraction at this hotel is the award-winning restaurant: Elmay’s. If your ideal dinner consists of a hand-cut steak or locally-sourced rack of lamb, Lodge at Vail is the place to go.
Gravity Haus
Gravity Haus is the place to be if you are constantly on the go. Though there are plenty of relaxing spaces to enjoy, this is a hotel for the adventure-obsessed. Start your day with an energy boost from the craft coffee bar in the lobby, which roasts its own beans in-house. Then check out some premium gear to get ready for a serious excursion. Of course, you can get your hands on top-of-the-line ski and snowboard equipment but you can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and more from the hotel gear shop.
Furthermore, Gravity Haus is home to an 18,000 sq. ft, state-of-the-art athletics center. And this is no ordinary hotel gym. In fact, it may be better equipped than your go-to fitness center back home.
Even if you choose not to stay here, it’s worth picking up a day pass if you’re trying to maintain your normal fitness routine; you won’t find a better one around Vail. After your workout, you can soak those muscles with a dip in both hot and cold plunge pools.
The Sebastian
The Sebastian is Vail’s premier boutique hotel with an onsite tapas bar, poolside terrace dining, and an extensive artwork collection. If you’re a bonafide bibliophile, you’ll absolutely adore its library. With cozy couches and armchairs to sink into, a giant modern fireplace, and, of course, hundreds of good reads shelved from the floor to the ultra-high ceilings, there isn’t a book lover in the world who wouldn’t fall in love with this hotel at first sight.
Sonnenalp
Sonnenalp is a Swiss-style chalet, loved for its mountain-inspired decor, rustic wood accents, and luxury plaid linens. Plus, they have plenty of cozy communal spaces (stocked with board games) for spending warm afternoons indoors. After all, not everyone wants to ski all day long.
One of the most relaxing spaces in the hotel is the Sonnenalp Spa, where you can try out the oxygen bar and lounge by the spa fireplace in your robe after taking a dip in the steamy outdoor tranquility pool.
Not sure you want to brave the chilly air? Soak your stresses away in the indoor pools instead.
Lionshead Village
✓ The best place to stay in Vail for the younger crowd
A gem of a neighborhood, Lionshead Village is pedestrian-only, ensuring total relaxation, but it also has a lively uncurrent. Located near the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Lionshead features plenty of wintery activities as well as a decent nightlife scene.
Are you a night owl looking for evening activities close to your hotel? Lionshead Village has several bars worth checking out. Or, for a more family-friendly itinerary, strap on some blades and go skating under the streetlamps.
In Lionshead Village, you’ll find the highest concentration of larger ski resorts. If you’d like a luxury experience with a name-brand guarantee, this popular area is a safe bet.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort
With rooftop hot tubs and a lap pool, and backing onto an outdoor skating rink, this grand European ski resort isn’t just a hit in the wintertime. During the summer months, guests at The Arrabelle at Vail Square file into their gorgeous outdoor amphitheater for frequent live concerts.
If your Vail holiday falls in summer, you can also take advantage of mountain bike storage/rentals to get around the neighborhood like a true mountain dweller.
The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
The Hythe is a top-tier option for luxury-seekers with private balconies, gorgeous modern guest rooms, ad a complimentary shuttle for touring around town. They have multiple restaurants, from a whiskey bar (partnered with local distillers) to a top-notch restaurant whipping up alpine cuisine for multi-course dinners or luxurious pre-ski brunches.
The Hythe is also home to another of the best spas in Vail, complete with a Himalayan salt lounge and mountain-inspired treatments.
Antlers at Vail Resort
Antlers at Vail Resort’s biggest tourist draw are the pools and hot tubs tucked into the snowy treeline. They also offer plenty of extras to ensure your stay is enjoyable, from complimentary go-pro camera rentals so you can document your slopeside tricks to free espresso and loaner snowshoes in the lobby.
And remember, just because your condo-style suite comes with a full kitchen doesn’t mean you have to spend your precious vacation time cooking. Antler’s top chef, Chef Barry, will gladly prepare gourmet breakfasts, charcuterie boards, dinners, and desserts for the whole family and have them delivered to your kitchen table.
Four Seasons Resort Vail
The Four Seasons Resort Vail is rated as a luxury 5-star hotel—and it’s easy to see why. One of the highlights of your stay? The food. Sit by the pool terrace fireplace with a cup of signature hot cocoa (the European way) and s’mores, sip fine wine at The Remedy Bar, or have a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by the in-house chef. You should also plan an excursion with the resort’s resident dog sledding team, who will be happy to show you around.
Cascade Village
✓ The ideal area to stay in Vail for all-day skiers
Cascade Village is home to the Cascade Lift, which is considered one of the best places to ski and snowboard in Vail. If you’re an avid snow bunny and want the slopes to be at the center of your holiday, this neighborhood is an excellent choice.
In addition to housing some of the best ski runs around, Cascade Village also has an ample selection of spas for those who prefer to be pampered, sip wine, and enjoy the mountain views.
Cascade Village predominantly offers apartment-style accommodation. If you’d like multi-bedroom suites with full living rooms and kitchens, this neighborhood should be one of your top choices.
Eagle Point Resort
Eagle Point Resort is all about the guest experience. During your stay, you can take advantage of grocery delivery service or grocery store shuttle, weekly welcome parties, and a local newspaper delivered to your room each morning. Eagle Point Resort is also a conscious company you can feel good supporting. As an EcoCare property, they have several sustainability initiatives, including paid time off for employees to volunteer for environmental causes, waste diversion programs, water, and energy conservation efforts.
Vail Run Resort
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Just because Vail is a hotspot for world-class luxury resorts doesn’t mean you can’t find something equally as incredible at an affordable price tag. Vail Run Resort is near all of Vail’s top attractions and offers free transport service to Lionshead Gondola and Gondola No. 1 throughout the skiing season. There’s also plenty to do on-site, including a games room equipped with dartboards, billiards, and table tennis games.
Vail Residences at Cascade Village, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
At Vail Residences at Cascade Village, a homestyle vacation rental meets a luxury resort. Among the most popular village attractions are the pop-up sushi bar and luxury Topgolf Swing Suites for summertime adventures all year long.
Perhaps the best time to visit the village is during the holidays, when special activities like champagne sabering, crafting workshops, ice shows, and live musical performances are on the daily calendar.
Tired and sore after a long day on the slopes? Swing down to the concierge and request a Theragun rental for deep muscle relief.
Grand Hyatt Vail
The Grand Hyatt Vail is the Vail Residences at Cascade Village’s big sister, bringing you a more traditional hotel experience. In addition to sharing all the amenities mentioned above with the condos, there are a few exclusive areas to entice you.
Visit the grab-and-go food market for a quick lunch, or send your teens to the entertainment room with Xbox gaming systems if you need a few hours of peace and quiet.
The holy grail of the Grant Hyatt? The stunning fireside lounge with panoramic windows. You’ll be immersed in a forest of snow-covered fir trees to the tune of a grand piano, with local performers tickling the ivories.
West Vail
✓ The best district in Vail for young families
West Vail is a great location for families and do-it-yourself vacationers. You won’t be right in the center of the action here. But with grocery stores, casual restaurants, and public transportation nearby, you’ll be close by to everything you need for a relaxing week in the mountains.
For this reason, West Vail is also more budget-friendly, with many of the best Vail hotels lying closer to the tourist hotspots.
West Vail is largely a vacation rental area with a range of independent condos/villas, as well as suite-style hotels that’ll afford you access to the same amenities provided by a hotel chain you know and love.
Highline Vail – a DoubleTree by Hilton
Start your day at the Highline Vail with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and end it with a visit to Pivot62, pouring a wide range of local beers and cocktails; it’s the perfect place for a fireside nightcap. Among the hotel’s best features are its minimalist modern design and an onsite gear shop for all your mountainside needs. Plus, many, if not all, of the resort’s amenities were built with accessibility in mind—physical, hearing, and visual impairments accounted for. Even the pools were built with accessible entry!
Timbercreek Condo
Unlike some of the other vacation rentals, Timbercreek Condo is tucked away for a little more privacy, with a little creek running through the back of the property. This rental exudes luxury log cabin vibes with a multi-story stone fireplace feature, cushy leather furniture, and rustic accents like vintage saddles, horseshoes, and woven rugs.
Marriott’s StreamSide Evergreen at Vail
Spending the night in a two-bedroom villa in Marriott’s StreamSide Evergreen at Vail is ideal for young families who need a little extra space. The suites offer plenty of entertainment for the kiddos, including an indoor/outdoor connecting pool, playground, and toy room. Of course, adults can play a round on the racquetball court or golf course, too. In other words, there’s no shortage of fun around here!
Beaver Creek
✓ A superb choice for the value-seeker
Beaver Creek isn’t actually in Vail proper but lies on the outskirts, about 12 miles away. Whether you’re trying to save money or avoid crowds, this neighborhood is a great choice. Plus, you’ll still have the mountains right in your backyard; you’ll just have them all to yourself. (Well, as much as one of Colorado’s most popular mountain towns lets you!)
From snow sports to art galleries, there’s plenty to do in Beaver Creek itself, enough to make riding over here one of the most popular day trips from Vail. If you do decide to base yourself here and want to head into Vail for the afternoon, it’s a super quick car or bus ride away.
There aren’t a ton of accommodations located in the Beaver Creek area, but the ones you’ll find here tick a lot of different boxes. If this seems like the ideal neighborhood for your journey, it should be easy enough to find a hotel or rental at nearly any price point.
The Osprey at Beaver Creek, a RockResort
The Osprey at Beaver Creek is known for its exceptional customer service and hospitality, but that’s certainly not the only perk of staying here. As the hotel is located at the base of the Strawberry Park lift, you won’t need to go far to get your thrills.
Of course, if you do want to check out one of the other lifts in the area, The Osprey has partnered with Ford to provide a complimentary ski shuttle. Feeling peckish? The Osprey has a beloved fireside grill whose specialty is elevated comfort food, exactly what you need after a day spent carving through the cold snow!
Creekside at Beaver Creek
Creekside at Beaver Creek is a ski-in/ski-out lodge with resort-style rental units ranging from two-four bedrooms and upgraded soaking spa tubs. For the ultimate getaway, be sure to ask the concierge to help you book a signature sleigh ride dinner or an excursion to the nearest hot springs.
Feeling a little off? Though not everyone gets altitude sickness, it can certainly be a concern for some guests staying in the Rockies. Creekside wants to ensure every guest feels comfortable and can enjoy their time to the fullest, so they offer oxygen treatments on standby.
Beaver Creek Lodge, Autograph Collection
Beaver Creek Lodge is well-loved for its sculptural artwork collection scattered throughout the lobby and impressive scenic views from every single guest suite. While the rooms’ decor is kept relatively simple, a fur blanket is added to each bed for an extra touch of luxury, with sculptural artwork and scenic views from every room.
As an added bonus, Alpine + Antlers, the hotel’s American/Mediterranean fusion restaurant, has an apres-ski menu that’s perfect for swapping slope stories and indulging your tastebuds.
