Vail’s Best Hotels & Areas (My Guide for First-Timers)

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Vail

Vail Village and Lionshead Village are at the center of town. Both are walkable, with easy access to varied ski terrain, restaurants, and retailers. Vail Village is a bit larger and offers more nightlife, such as clubs and concerts at The Amp. Comparatively, it also draws more crowds than Lionshead, as many day visitors to the ski resort opt for Vail Village. 

West Vail accommodates various needs. Here, you’ll find Grand Hyatt Vail, a luxury hotel which offers private access to the slopes. Yet this area also features our top budget recommendation, Residence Inn. It, like accommodations in East Vail, are not walkable to the ski lifts. But free shuttles and the Gore Creek path make it easy to get around, even without a car.

Vail Village

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors  | ✨ Best Vail Village Hotels: The Sebastian • Lodge at Vail • Gravity Haus Vail • Sonnenalp

Vail Village is centrally located, offering easy access to the town’s best attractions year-round. Skiers can walk to Gondola One within minutes of any Vail Village hotel. But the Lodge at Vail provides the most convenient location, plus a full-service spa and sparkling outdoor pool. There’s also on-site dining at Elway’s, a steakhouse by the Broncos quarterback legend. 

The Sebastian is another hotel to consider and based on personal experience, one I highly recommend. Spend a day on the slopes, then settle into the hot tub or along the lobby’s fireplace with an après-ski cocktail from the Gambit Bar. Rooms here are spacious and comfortable, and the hospitality is top-notch. 

Beyond ski access, Vail Village features a fantastic food and beverage scene. Sample the selection during events like Taste of Vail in April and the Vail Wine Classic in August. For a special occasion, plan dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Sweet Basil. 

Live music is a regular occurrence in Vail Village, with DJ sets at Chasing Rabbits and famed performers on-stage at the Ford Amphitheatre. The adjacent Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a lovely place to stroll when the weather is warm. Don’t overlook Vail Resort in the summer, either. Epic Discovery attractions like the alpine coaster are a must for families. 

Pros of Staying in Vail Village:

• Wide selection of accommodations 
• Walkable to shops, restaurants, and attractions
• Easy access to varied ski terrain 
• Great après scene and nightlife 

Con of Staying in Vail Village:

• Hotels are costly during peak summer and winter seasons
• More crowded than other areas in Vail

Lionshead Village

👉 Best Area For Fewer Crowds | ✨ Best Lionshead Village Hotels: The Arrabelle at Vail Square • The Hythe • Antlers at Vail Resort • Ritz-Carlton Vail

Lionshead Village is very comparable to Vail Village, though a bit less crowded given that fewer day visitors frequent this side of town. Not open to vehicle traffic, this walkable area features many retailers, as well as wonderful places to dine. For a celebratory meal, I especially recommend Tavernetta at the upscale Ritz-Carlton Vail. 

The Arrabelle at Vail Square is another luxurious hotel in Lionshead. The alpine theme of its towering exterior carries through to spacious, modern rooms. Some feature fireplaces and full kitchens, though the menus at on-site restaurants encourage you to dine out. The Arrabelle also offers spa services, a rooftop pool and hot tub, and an ice skating rink in the outdoor plaza. 

Skiers can easily hit the slopes via the Born Free Express Lift and Eagle Bahn Gondola. When the snow melts, the gondola takes visitors on scenic rides, and provides access to mountain biking and hiking trails. Though Vail Village features more attractions, they’re easy to reach from Lionshead via the paved Gore Creek path and free public shuttles. 

Pros of Staying in Lionshead Village:

• Centrally located, but generally less crowded than Vail Village 
• Dining and shopping within walking distance
• Easy to access ski terrain of all levels 
• Free and frequent public transit to/from Vail Village

Cons of Staying in Lionshead Village:

• Hotels are expensive during peak travel seasons 
• Gorgeous and fun area, but lacks a local charm

West Vail

👉 Best Area For All Budgets | ✨ Best West Vail Hotels: Residence Inn by Marriott Vail • Highline Vail • Grand Hyatt Vail Resort & Spa

Just west of Lionshead, you’ll find one of my favorite places to stay in town: Grand Hyatt Vail. In my opinion, this resort offers the perfect balance between fun attractions and a quiet nature escape. 

The private entry of our garden-level room opened up to a grassy lawn and direct access to the Gore Creek path, which my pups loved. To ski the winter slopes, take the Cascade Village lift which exclusively services the Grand Hyatt. Heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, après drinks, on-site omakase dining at Makoto — what more could you want on a luxe ski getaway? 

But budget travelers should consider West Vail, too. Most often, Residence Inn by Marriott is the cheapest place to stay in town, with some nights priced less than $200 (a steal in this world-famous ski destination). Still, you’ll be plenty comfortable with a private kitchenette, complimentary breakfast buffet, and a balcony with mountain views. 

Keep in mind, there aren’t many attractions within West Vail itself. But the free town shuttle travels out this way, so it’s easy to get around to more bustling areas. 

Pros of Staying in West Vail:

• Lodging for all budgets 
• Balance of activities and quiet relaxation 
• More cost-conscious dining options nearby

Cons of Staying in the West Vail:

• Most attractions require driving/shuttle ride 
• Not as walkable compared to Vail Village and Lionshead

East Vail

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Recreation  | ✨ Best East Vail Hotels: Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort • East Vail Escape • Elegant Booth Falls Home

Like the western side of town, East Vail features several residences and a more local feel than the central villages. This area is furthest from Vail Resort, meaning driving or a free shuttle ride will be required to hit the slopes (I recommend the latter, as parking is expensive). 

To ski without cost and earn your turns, visit the legendary backcountry terrain on nearby Vail Pass. Alternatively, try cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center, one of the best attractions in East Vail. It also allows guests to experience snowshoeing and fat tire biking, followed by golfing when the snow melts. 

Come summer, you won’t want to miss the incredible hikes around East Vail. The Booth Falls trail is by far the most popular. In fact, parking is not allowed during peak season. You’ll need to take a shuttle to the trailhead, which does not allow dogs, unfortunately. However, transport won’t be necessary if you book this Elegant Booth Falls Home located just steps from the trail. 

Pros of Staying in East Vail:

• Hotels and rentals are more affordable than central villages
• Near skiing, hiking, and more outdoor activities
• Quiet and secluded, but free shuttle transport is available 

Con of Staying in East Vail:

• Need to drive or shuttle to Vail Resort 
• No restaurants, bars, or shops within walking distance
• Limited places to stay

Tips for Staying in Vail, Colorado

Be Ready For A Drive

If you’re traveling by plane to Colorado, then you’ll likely land at Denver International Airport (DIA). Vail is a two-hour drive from the airport in good weather with no traffic. If it’s snowing or you’re headed up to the mountains on a Friday afternoon, it can take significantly longer.

Also, be ready for mountain driving. You’ll be on a big freeway, but there are some serious uphill climbs and winding sections. Chains and snow tires may be required if you don’t have 4WD.

Or Consider Vail’s Public Transit

Not up for driving? To travel between Vail and DIA, you could book a private shuttle or use a rideshare service like Uber. Although pricey, it could be cheaper than renting a car and paying for parking, especially if you’re spending several days there.

There are also public transport services like Epic Mountain Express that can get you there and back. Plus, if you’re planning to visit Vail Ski Resort and/or other Colorado ski areas, these shuttles offer plenty of room for your gear.

Additionally, Vail has an excellent zero-emissions bus system that spans from East Vail to West. No matter where you stay in town, it’s easy to access the slopes and other attractions.

Vail is Very Walkable

If you’re staying in Vail Village, just about everything you’ll want to see and do will be within walking distance. Lionshead and the part of West Vail closest to the resort villages (where you’ll find Grand Hyatt Vail) are also very walkable, with easy access to dining and attractions. The paved Gore Creek path connects these and further areas seamlessly.

Pack for Varying Weather

No matter what time of year you visit Vail, there are certain items you’ll always want on your Colorado packing list. These include sunscreen and a refillable water bottle, as it’s especially important to stay protected and hydrated at high altitude. 

Take Time to Acclimate

If you’re visiting from a low elevation, you may want to spend a day adjusting to the altitude. Enjoy fun activities in Denver or mellow experiences around Vail before any strenuous hiking or skiing. And go slow on the après drinks! Alcohol hits harder at 8,150 feet above sea level.

FAQs

Is it better to stay in Vail Village or Lionshead?

It’s better for first-time visitors to stay in Vail Village, as most key attractions and special events are within walking distance. There’s also more of a nightlife scene in Vail Village. 

However, Lionshead is also a very convenient place to stay, being walkable to restaurants, retailers, and the ski lifts. Given the free town shuttle, you really can’t go wrong with either area.

Does Vail have a downtown?

Vail Village and Lionshead are considered Vail’s downtown area. These walkable villages feature many hotels, dining options, attractions, and more. Comparatively, given that it attracts fewer daytime tourists, Lionshead is a bit less crowded. 

Is Vail the same as Beaver Creek?

Vail is not the same as Beaver Creek, which is a separate ski town located ten miles west. However, both have ski resorts featured on the Epic Pass. 

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Thanks for reading! Whether you want an upscale ski getaway or quiet outdoor retreat, Vail is a fantastic destination. Leave a comment if you have any questions, and get more travel insights from our complete guide on where to stay in Colorado.