Victoria Lupascu 
Prepare your ski gear and get ready for a fun trip in Colorado’s most famous town! But first you should check my guide on where to stay in Vail!
Read this post to discover the 6 best areas to stay in for tourists plus a list of the most amazing hotels for all pockets from luxury to mid-range and budget.
Fear not, I made sure to go through all accommodation options out there in Vail and manually compared it to make sure you really get the best rated options no matter what budget you have for this trip!
In short, Vail Village is the best area to stay in Vail as it’s a short walk away from the ski slopes and it has amazing hotels! If you are visiting Vail in the summer, this would still be my best recommendation because of the proximity to restaurants and supermarkets.
Please keep in mind that Vail is a super popular holiday destination, especially during the ski season (Nov to April) but also year round, so make sure you book your hotels here in advance!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Check out this quick list of the best hotels located in the main area of the Vail Village, from luxury to budget:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- Should I stay in the village or outside of the village?
- 1. Vail Village – where to stay in Vail for the first time
- 2. Lionshead Village – where to stay in Vail for the outdoors
- 3. Cascade Village & Sandstone – best place for luxury
- 4. West Vail – best place to stay in Vail for budget
- 5. East Vail – for a tranquil getaway in Vail
- BONUS 1: Best places to stay in Vail for families
- FAQs about where to stay in Vail
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Should I stay in the village or outside of the village?
The advantages of staying in the village are clear! You’ll be just within walking distance of the ski lifts and popular hikes so you won’t need any transportation to get there, so you will save on time but also on money that you would otherwise spend on gas and parking.
But the main disadvantage here is that the hotels are pretty expensive!
However if you decide on staying outside of the village, you’ll find a wider range of affordable accommodations (big advantage) but the downside is that you’ll have to use the bus, or a car to get to the ski lifts. There is also going to be less infrastructure around and it might not be as walkable as the Village.
If you decide on the first option of staying in the village, check my 2 first areas, Vail Village and Lionshead Village and you are staying outside the scroll to Cascade Village & Sandstone, West Vail and East Vail (areas 3, 4 and 5).
Here’s a map for you to understand where all the areas I’ll be talking about in this post are located:
- Vail Village : for first-timers
- Lionshead Village : for outdoors
- Cascade Village & Sandstone: for luxury
- West Vail : on a budget
- East Vail : most quiet area
1. Vail Village – where to stay in Vail for the first time
You’re going to fall in love with Vail Village – set right in the middle of the mountain, at the base of the main lifts and ski slopes, this place is filled with fab restaurants, bars, shopping venues and has that small town feel to it.
This neighborhood will keep you entertained all day long! Whether you want to enjoy walks in the many parks, go mountain biking and hiking during summer, or ice skating and skiing at Vail Ski Resort (the 3rd-largest single-mountain ski resort in the U.S!) there’s something for you here!
NOTE: If you’re coming here solely for skiing, then definitely look into buying the Vail Epic Pass which offers unlimited access to the slopes.
For those who want to learn how to ski, you’ll find Vail’s ski school on Golden Peak!
The good news is that you probably won’t need a car to get around Vail Village as everything is set within walking distance including the gondolas and chair lifts which come right into town. But if you do have it (it could come in handy to visit Vail Valley’s wilderness areas), you can leave it in one of the paid parking options available inside the village and just walk to your hotel.
Just remember that the center area of Vail Village is a car free zone, so you’ll have to find a place to park outside of the central area.
And if you want to explore the other areas of Vail, Colorado, there is a free bus service that will bring you anywhere you want in town!
Set only a 5 minutes walk from the Gondola ski lift this hotel is so dreamy! Surrounded by mountains and boasting a mix of rustic and modern designs, the hotel offers a hot tub, a spa center with a sauna, and both an indoor pool and outdoor pools. After a day of skiing (the hotel even has a ski pass sales point) or hiking, enjoy a cocktail at the on-site bar.
Other accommodation options in Vail Village
This romantic place has a heated swimming pool, a spa where you can relax and a fitness center
This affordable place features family rooms, a restaurant, a hot tub, a sauna and gas fireplace
This boho-chic studio is located near the ski lifts and it offers a kitchen and free parking
The Lodge at Vail – Since Vail Village has so many incredible hotels, I wanted to show you another luxury option which is a short walk away from the gondola and that offers rooms with a spa bath!
Things to do in Vail Village
- Have fun at Alderhof ice skating rink
- Enjoy the apre-ski at Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant
- Browse all of Vail Village boutique ski shops
- Take the Riva Bahn Express Lift up to the mountain & hit the slopes
- Catch the concerts and cultural events in Vail Square
- Take in the views of the Vail Mountain
- Visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Check out the Colorado Snowsports Museum
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2. Lionshead Village – where to stay in Vail for the outdoors
Lionshead is only a 20 minute walk away from Vail Village, right at the base Eagle Bahn Gondola (map) which takes you up to the remainder of Vail Ski Resort.
Although it’s a bit smaller than Vail Village, it still has a wide range of restaurants, bars, amazing shops, and, most important of all, easy access to the mountains and cool outdoor sports!
NOTE: Don’t worry, if you’re not fond of walking, you can use the free shuttle bus to go from Lionshead to Vail Village (every 5-10 minutes during peak season and every 15-30 minutes during off-peak season).
If you are coming with you car, remember that just as Vail Village, the center of Lionshead Village is also car-free!
Lionshead is a fun place to visit all year-round, making it one of the best places to stay in Vail in summer (and other warmer months), but of course during the winter time the town is buzzing with energy and people who are eager to hit the slopes!
Definitely start your mornings with breakfast at The Little Diner (map) a classic American joint that serves yummy food!
Still, the atmosphere is peaceful here, slightly calmer than the one in Vail Village. Making this area perfect for families and those who just want to relax!
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort
Offering ski-in/ski-out access and ski storage, this resort is perfect for your holiday! Inside you’ll find a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, and an on-site bar where you can enjoy some drinks after your day out or at the restaurant that has a two-story fireplace!
Other accommodation options in Lionshead Village
Check out this great ski-in-ski-out hotel in Vail, with an outdoor swimming pool and rooftop hot tubs
A fully-equipped apartment that comes with a fireplace and a balcony where you can enjoy your coffee
This great condo overlooks over Vail Mountain and has large windows and a kitchen
Things to do in Lionshead Village
- Take the kids to the Sunbird Park Playground
- Play some sports with the family at Imagination Station
- Have a delicious burger with a mountain view at Garfinkel’s
- Have a panoramic ride on The Eagle Bahn Gondola (free to non-skiers from 3:30 p.m)
- Take a day trip to the Holy Wilderness Area
3. Cascade Village & Sandstone – best place for luxury
Conveniently located between Lionshead and West Vail, this area is absolutely packed with luxurious hotels and resorts that offer ski-in-ski-out access and a ski valet as well!
For those who don’t know, a ski valet usually welcomes you to the mountain area and they make sure to deliver and retrieve your ski equipment on time.
It is the ultimate destination for those of you who want to splurge on this holiday and enjoy some fabulous services!
Cascade Lift 20 is only a 10 min walk away from the area, so you’ll be up and running on the ski slopes in no time! If you’re not into walking, there’s also a free shuttle bus that you can take from Cascade Village to the ski lift.
In the warmer months you’ll have plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, so honestly there’s never a dull moment here!
This area is pretty small, but it still has a few restaurants, bars and of course places that offer ski rental services.
Unfortunately there are no budget hotels here (as I mentioned this a pretty expensive area) but I did manage to find a mid-range accommodation, so check it out below:
Luxury
- Grand Hyatt Vail – one of the best places to stay in Vail for couples, this hotel offers a ski valet for its guests and so many places where you can relax with your loved one like its spa center, the 2 heated outdoor pools and the 3 hot tubs! After a day on the slopes warm-up by the outdoor firepit and enjoy a romantic dinner at the on-site restaurant.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Vail – Enjoy your coffee on the balcony of your room at this hotel that offers a free shuttle bus.
Mid-range
- Vail Condo – This condo has everything you need including a kitchen and free parking
Things to do in Cascade Village
- Grab a drink at Wood & Steel Axe Company
- Hit the slopes on Vail Mountain
- Start your mornings at Gore Creek Market Cafe
- Catch a sunset by Gore Creek river
4. West Vail – best place to stay in Vail for budget
Are you traveling on a budget? Then West Vail is the place for you, located just a 20-minute bus ride/5 min car drive from both Vail and Lionshead Village.
While it’s not quite as direct, you can still easily access the ski resort via the Cascade Village Lift.
Plus, if you’re coming by car it’s much easier to find parking spaces since the area is not as crowded as Vail Village or Lionshead Village.
Here you’ll find some great, cheap accommodations (affordable hotels, hostels, and lodgings) and don’t worry you’ll still be surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes!
This means you’ll have access to a great number of outdoor activities from snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating in winter to hiking and biking during the summer months in the beautiful White River National Forest.
For those who like golfing, know that there are lots of courses in the area! EagleVail Golf Club (map) and Beaver Creek Golf Club (map) are some of the most popular ones.
In the village, there are also plenty of great restaurants if you want to have a dinner out, or a supermarket if you prefer to save money and cook your own meals, all just a stone’s throw away!
And, again, getting around from here won’t be an issue, the free shuttle bus will take you there in the blink of an eye!
Bluegreen’s StreamSide at Vail
You’re going to love the suites of this hotel! All have a lot of space, a lounge area where you can chill with your family or friends, plus a kitchen (perfect for those who want to dine in). Grab your swimsuit, as there’s also an outdoor swimming pool.
Other accommodation options in West Vail
Offering an outdoor pool, a spa center, and a hot tub, this is THE place to stay in West Vail if you want to fully relax!
Looking for a place to stay in Vail on a budget? Then check out this hotel, with a hot tub and a sauna
Quiet condo to stay in West Vail, with easy access to skiing, perfect for a getaway for couples or small groups
Things to do in West Vail
- Go on the adrenaline rides at Adventure Ridge
- Visit the historic mining town of Minturn, just a 10-minute drive away
- Have a picnic with the family at the dog-friendly Stephens Park
- Enjoy a cozy dinner and cocktails at West Side Cafe & Market
5. East Vail – for a tranquil getaway in Vail
East Vail, located a 10-minute car ride/shuttle east of Vail Village is a super picturesque place, completely nestled in natural beauty.
Mountain lovers will be happy here, surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains, countless green pines, and wildlife!
In fact, if you keep your eyes open you could spot so many animals: beavers, bighorn sheep, elks, raccoons, deer, foxes, and even the scary black bears!
This is the quietest place in Vail, perfect if you want to have a tranquil retreat (with your couple, family, or friends) and, at the same time, still access the many outdoor adventures: rock cliffs, ski slopes, and wonderful waterfalls.
In fact, if you follow the East Vail Falls Trailhead you will hike up to a waterfall (map) that you can even see frozen in the colder months… How cool is that?
Another advantage of east Vail is its good accommodation prices, a little cheaper than the ones you can find in more central areas like Vail Village or Lionshead!
NOTE: most places are guest houses and apartments, there are not many actual hotels in East Vail.
Boasting a cozy lounge area with large windows overlooking the forests, this condo is surely a keeper! Start your mornings with a coffee on the terrace and grab some breakfast (there’s also a kitchen) before hitting the slopes!
Other accommodation options in East Vail
Enjoy your holiday at this resort that offers a fitness center, tennis courts, 2 hot tubs, and an indoor pool
Here’s a more affordable place that comes with a lounge area, a kitchen and a small patio
This cozy condo in East Vail has a river stone fireplace, a private balcony, and great valley views
Things to do in East Vail
- Go rafting or trout fishing at Gore Creek
- Hike the East Vail Falls Trailhead to see the beautiful waterfalls
- Bring your kids to have fun at The Vail Racquet Club
- Keep an eye an all the animals in East Vail
- Play golf at Vail’s 18-hole Vail Golf Club
- Have fun at the Vail Nature Center
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$500 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$300 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$200 |
| 📍 Best area: | Vail Village |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Lionshead Village |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Sonnenalp |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Manor Vail Lodge |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Gravity Haus Vail |
BONUS 1: Best places to stay in Vail for families
Planning a family holiday? Then stop scrolling and check out this section!
Vail hosts many great hotels with family-friendly rooms or spacious fully equipped apartments where you can enjoy some privacy and quality time with your loved one.
To help you choose the best ones, I gathered below a list of amazing family-friendly hotels, which I ordered from most to least expensive:
- Luxury: The Ritz Carlton Residences Vail – located in Lionshead Village, this hotel offers luxurious apartments for up to 11 people, with fully equipped modern kitchens, perfect for big families or groups of friends! Here you will enjoy heated outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and free transfer service to Eagle Bahn Gondola.
- Mid-range: Montaneros in Vail, a Destination by Hyatt Residence – check out these great apartments located in the center of Lionshead Village, with room for up to 8 people! The accommodation features a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen, and they all give you access to a year-round outdoor heated swimming pool, a hot tub, and a sauna!
- Budget: Tivoli Lodge – set in Vail Village, this place has family rooms with slopeside access and great views of the mountains or village. Enjoy a yummy breakfast every morning, a cocktail in the lounge area at the end of the day, and engage in many activities like hiking or cycling with your kids in the beautiful surroundings!
FAQs about where to stay in Vail
🏠 Which are the best places to stay in Vail?
The best places to stay in Vail are Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, featuring a ski concierge, or the Tivoli Lodge, offering great value for the price, both located in Vail Village, the perfect place for first-timers!
👪 Which are the best places to stay in Vail for families?
The best places to stay in Vail for a family getaway are the luxurious Vail Collection at the Ritz Carlton Residences Vail or Montaneros in Vail, a Destination by Hyatt Residence, located in Lionshead Village.
👛 Which are the best places to stay in Vail on a budget?
The best places to stay in Vail on a budget are Highline Vail by Hilton and Eagle Point Resort, both located in West Vail and offering great prices!
⛷️ What are the best things to do in Vail?
The best things to do in Vail are skiing, seeing the amazing views from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, hiking and exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail Valley.
🏂 Vail Village vs Lionshead for the best ski-in, ski-out experience?
Both areas have hotels that offer ski-in-ski-out experience, like Lodge at Vail, A RockResort in Vail Village and The Arrabelle at Vail Square.
⚖️ Is it better to stay in Aspen or Vail?
Both are great! Aspen has a more tranquil, laid-back atmosphere while Vail is more entertaining and is always buzzing with energy!
📸 Where do celebrities stay in Vail?
Many celebrities like the Kardashian family have stayed at Four Seasons Vail and also at The Arrabelle at Vail Square.
🤔 What is the difference between Vail Village and Lionshead?
Lionshead is a bit quieter and smaller than Vail Village which has more restaurants and shops.
Conclusion
Already day-dreaming about Vail’s winter wonderland? Reading this guide on where to stay in Vail sure has that effect on you!
Vail has lots of amazing hotels and I’ve made sure to hand-pick only the most amazing ones!
If they were too many and you are still not sure which one to pick, check out my favorite hotels, that have a great location and reviews:
- Sonnenalp – one of the best places to stay in Vail if you’re looking for a luxury experience, only a 5 minutes walk from the Gondola ski lift
- Manor Vail Lodge – a great hotel in Vail Village, with a heated swimming pool and a fitness center.
But don’t forget to book them at least some months in advance (especially if you’re visiting in winter) if you don’t want to lose your spot… places in Vail sell out super fast!
Also, if you have any doubts or questions, or you want to share your experience in Vail to help our fellow travelers, drop me a comment below and I’ll answer as soon as possible!
Have the best holiday!
Victoria
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