The Best Resorts to Book in Vail, Colorado

Pretty as a chocolate box, this hotel offers cozy rooms with balcony views over the snowy surroundings. If you catch a chill, the suites have living rooms with gas fireplaces to snuggle up by. Bigger groups can opt for one of the super-luxe residences, which sleep up to 12. To organize some holiday-changing extras, speak to the concierge about guided snow-shoe hikes through the forest, dog-sledding adventures, or trips to the local golf course, which transforms into a Nordic ski course in winter. After all that, you can recharge in the spa, take a dip in the outdoor heated pool or have a warming whiskey at Remedy bar.

The original Vail resort, this boutique stay first opened in 1962 to fulfill the US Forest Service requirement that the brand new Vail Mountain resort have at least one lodge. It’s come a long way since then, having undergone a huge renovation in 2014. Guests can choose from simple rooms, one- to three-bed residences, or five- and six-bedroom chalets. All come with traditional alpine-style decor, a cozy ambience and access to the heated pool, hot tubs and fire pit.

If Sebastian was a real person, he’d be the perfect host. One of those friends who wants things to be comfortable and fun for his guests, and who recognizes when you just need some time to yourself. In short, he’d be a total legend. This luxury Vail resort lives up to the man, the myth. We love the Bloom Spa, with its library of rejuvenating treatments – try the Alpenglow package – and the ski-in, ski-out Base Camp, a private mountain club where ski valets will warm your boots before (and your hot chocolate after) your day on the slopes.

Costing millions of dollars to build, these private rentals are at the upper end of the upper-end lifestyle afforded in this swanky ski town. Condos sleep up to 16 in rustic luxury, complete with some combination of double-height living rooms, huge fireplaces, mezzanines, king beds and hot tubs. Affiliated with the Grand Hyatt resort in Vail, the residences enjoy access to its next-level amenities, including a chairlift for ski-in, ski-out ease; slopeside infinity pool; and weekly live music and champagne events.

A sister to the Lodge in Vail, this turreted hotel looks like a collaboration between Walt Disney and Wes Anderson and feels like staying in a winter palace. From its outdoor ice rink to the candle-bulb chandeliers, there are moments of winter wonder throughout, and every care is taken with service and guest experience. Don’t miss the Alpine-inspired treatments at the RockResorts spa and hearty fare at Tavern on the Square. This luxury resort in Vail demands a daily fee that covers parking for multiple vehicles, shuttles to the piste, ski/bike valet and in-room iPads to help you feel even more like royalty.