10 Top-Rated Resorts in Vail, CO

Vail is one of Colorado's most legendary ski resorts, known for swanky accommodations, a celebrity scene, and a Bavarian village vibe. Located just off I-70, about 2.5 hours west of Denver, Vail skews towards the luxury market, with most resorts garnering the 4-star and 5-star demographic. These cater to families and couples alike, and many of the best resorts are also dog friendly!

A year-round resort, Vail is just as popular in summer as in winter. It is also easy to get around, with gondolas and chairlifts running right down into its two main car-free villages, Vail Village and Lionshead, as well as points to the east and west. Free shuttle buses also connect resorts with the villages.

From resorts with ski-in/ski-out access to properties with top restaurants attached or inclusive of kids' clubs, there is something here for all styles of travelers. Here are our picks for the best resorts in Vail.

1. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

At the edge of Vail Village, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences does not offer direct access to the slopes, but you can take the resort's free shuttle to reach the mountain in just a few minutes. And what the property lacks in ski-in/ski-out access, it makes up for with its elegant modern rooms and suites. All boast soaking tubs in marble baths, fireplaces and Nespresso machines.

If you are traveling with the family or a group of friends definitely consider booking the residences. These are gorgeous, posh affairs with a mountain contemporary look, full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Butler service is offered.

Amenities are plentiful. The swimming pool is heated and remains open year-round. It also features a hot tub. The resort has a ski concierge, which can set up lessons, equipment rentals and offer advice on what trails to ride. In summer, activities from downhill biking to fly fishing can be organized.

The kids' club is perfect for entertaining little ones and the Four Seasons also welcomes four-legged family members. Also onsite is a restaurant with a heated outdoor patio, a spa with a full range of treatments and a sauna and a fitness center.

2. Ritz Carlton Club, Vail

Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Club, Vail

At the edge of Lionshead Village, the Ritz Carlton Club has a very private vibe but still offers easy access to the ski slopes and hiking trails. The 5-star resort has a glamorous vibe throughout and accommodation is in two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences that are perfect for families or groups of friends.

Set inside a large yellow building, each residence is luxe with gorgeous modern mountain decor throughout. Expect spacious living areas with a fireplace and entertainment center that is perfect for relaxing after a busy day. All come with gourmet kitchens and a washer and dryer. Primary bedrooms have walk-in closets and beautiful bathrooms with cast-iron Jacuzzi tubs, heated marble floors, and marble countertops.

Apartments either have views of the mountains or the highway, and if you want in-your-face views from the balcony, it may be worth paying extra for the mountain-view units. The residences located on the top floor are the most prized, as they have double-high ceilings.

Amenities here include a ski valet in season along with a shuttle to the slopes. If you want to go out at night, there is also an on-demand shuttle to Vail Village for dining and entertainment options.

There is also an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, steam rooms, fitness center, and a spa. If you are traveling with older kids, they'll love the Teen Room with air hockey, games, and a pool table.

3. Sonnenalp Vail

Accommodation: Sonnenalp Vail

Sonnenalp personifies Vail's Bavarian charm. In the heart of the village, it is designed to resemble a European chalet.

The boutique property has just 112 suites and 15 rooms, and each has the same luxe Euro ski town vibe as the hotel's exterior and interior design. Expect custom-made furnishings, comfy beds, gas fireplaces with faux logs, and heated bathroom floors.

If you are traveling with kids, the Sonnenalp is super family friendly. Not only does it feature a kids' club with structured activities for little ones between the ages of 3 and 12 years old, but it also has two-bedroom suites that accommodate larger families easily.

Should you not be visiting in winter, you can check out their championship links-style golf course. There is also a heated indoor and outdoor swimming pool with hot tubs and a riverfront sun deck.

Other amenities include a full-service spa with an oxygen bar and three restaurants.

4. Grand Hyatt Vail

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Vail

Super popular with dog guardians, the Grand Hyatt Vail welcomes pups with seasonal "yappy hours" and other woofer-focused amenities. The stylish 4-star property has a luxe, mountain elegant vibe throughout.

Rooms and suites come in a number of shapes and sizes. All are modern and comfortable. Some have direct mountain views, while others look out onto Gore Creek or the public spaces. In winter, you can ski right back to the resort, and in summer the position is great for hiking.

The Grand Hyatt is not located in Vail Village itself, but it runs a free shuttle service to take you into the main dining and shopping area, which is just two miles away.

The Grand Hyatt has a restaurant that serves global fare, and a popular après ski lounge. There is also a heated, outdoor saltwater swimming pool and two hot tubs for relaxing soaks. Work out the post ski muscle aches with a treatment at the alpine-inspired spa.

5. The Arrabelle at Vail Square

Accommodation: The Arrabelle at Vail Square

In the heart of Lionshead, which is one of the village areas at Vail, the Arrabelle blends into the town's signature Bavarian look seamlessly. It was designed to look like a grand hotel in a European Alpine village and has an elegant ambience throughout.

The lobby area features gorgeous marble and stone fireplaces, soaring ceilings, wood beams, and a chandelier. The rooms and suites are equally swanky.

Staying here garners you ski-in, ski-out access, and there is a slopeside ski valet for guests. In winter there is also ice-skating just steps from the hotel.

The property is family friendly, with babysitting offered and children's activities.

Grab a bite to eat at their restaurant, Tavern on the Square, which serves a contemporary menu and has a lovely mountainside patio.

The rooftop hot tubs and lap pool are another perk. There is also a spa, sauna, and fitness center on-site. If you are traveling with a dog, the hotel is pet friendly.

6. The Sebastian - Vail

Accommodation: The Sebastian - Vail

A trendy boutique property, The Sebastian - Vail is also located in the middle of the action at Vail Village. With a fantastic art collection and a cozy library, the public spaces here are designed for living and appreciating.

Rooms and suites come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from single queen beds to four-bedroom residential-style suites that are perfect for large families or groups of friends. All are comfy chic and come with high-quality linens and nightly turndown service

The spa here is very good. Besides the usual range of massages, facials and body scrubs, it offers oxygen treatments if you are feeling the altitude. Other amenities include a year-round heated swimming pool and several hot tubs plus a fitness center.

Grab a bite to eat at the mountain bistro-inspired restaurant Leonora, which serves locally sourced organic fare that changes with the seasons. You can also order room service.

7. Tivoli Lodge

Accommodation: Tivoli Lodge

The family-owned Tivoli Lodge is another luxe 4-star resort. It is located in the heart of Vail Village and just a few minutes' walk from the Vista Bahn ski lift. Like other Vail properties, it boasts European Alpine chalet-style architecture that blends into the environs.

Choose from mountain or village views in the 65 rooms that are spacious and also newly renovated. Many come with fireplaces and large soaking tubs. The boutique hotel has one suite with amazing 180-degree views.

Food is not the focus of staying here, as the hotel is within walking distance of so many restaurants in the village. That said, guests can pay a fee for a bountiful, full buffet breakfast each morning.

Other resort-like amenities include a fitness center with a Peloton bike, bikes for guests to use, a hot tub, mountainside fire pit, and valet parking (extra fee). There is also a ski valet in winter.

8. The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail

Accommodation: The Hythe Vail

Less than a five-minute walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, as well as Lionshead Village, The Hythe underwent a $40 million renovation before re-opening in spring of 2022. The alpine-chic property has 382 rooms and pays respect to Vail's history and culture.

The lobby here is impressive, the kind of place you actually want to hang out, with a cozy yet contemporary style featuring a glass-enclosed, gas log fireplace and a giant curved couch with soft, fuzzy throws.

Rooms are comfortable and stylish but a little on the small side, especially if you are a family sharing a standard room with two double beds. For more space, book one of the apartments that come with kitchens, a separate living space, and balconies with mountain views.

The Hythe has a few different dining options on-site. Margie's Haas serves Italian and Austrian alpine fare. Revel Lounge is where to head for the après ski party.

Other amenities on the grounds include a swimming pool, hot tub, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes that stays open 24/7. There is also a full-service spa with Vail's only a salt therapy lounge.

The hotel is pet-friendly, if you are traveling with a pup.

9. Gravity Haus Vail

Accommodation: Gravity Haus Vail

Part members club, part hotel, Gravity Haus Vail is new on the scene and offers a different style of resort lodging that is based around active lifestyles. Just a short walk from the gondola and Vail Village, the boutique property is steps from Vail's covered bridge and has just 22 hotel rooms and seven condos available to rent.

Rooms are modern and comfortable with a chic look. But where Gravity Haus really excels is in the amenity department. Guests can book high-end ski and snowboard demo gear in winter and mountain bikes and SUP boards in summer for an extra fee.

Other amenities include a bistro restaurant serving locally sourced produce and sustainable proteins. There is also an 18,000-square-foot fitness center with Peloton bikes and lots of strength training equipment. Indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, steam room, and a spa with a full range of treatments are also found on-site.

10. Austria Haus Hotel, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel

Accommodation: Austria Haus Hotel, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel

One of the more affordable resort options in Vail, Austria Haus Hotel is a 3-star property in a great location.

Right by the covered bridge in the heart of Vail Village, it is less than a 10-minute walk from the nearest ski lift and all the shops and restaurants in the village.

The boutique resort with a Bavarian-chalet-style exterior caters to couples and families alike. Choose from rooms and suites, all of which come with rustic mountain chic decor, comfy beds, and heated marble bathroom floors that are perfect for cold nights.

Some rooms have private balconies and fireplaces. Suites add separate living space through curved archways and have wood accent beam ceilings.

Amenities include a free morning breakfast in the hotel's lobby lounge that also has an afternoon après ski scene. The heated pool and hot tub on a deck facing Gore Creek is another perk.

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