Best Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels in Vail
Vail is my #1 favorite ski resort of all-time: I love this mountain. And I love the nightlife here: in fact, some of my most epic nights have taken place in Vail….from Vendetta’s to Garfinkel’s to everywhere in-between! Vail’s got more sense of humor than Aspen, & offers wayyy more variety than resorts like Keystone. While the mountain is huge, it’s not quite as big as a place like Park City ~ which can be overwhelming. Nearby Beaver Creek is another favorite, but in terms of all-around good times & epic powder: Vail is very hard to beat. Here, we’ll cover the best ski-in ski-out hotels in Vail!
Vail is my favorite ski resort of all-time, & in this article ~ I’ll show you the best ski-in ski-out resorts in town.
Overview of Vail Ski-in Ski-Out Hotels
- Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Lionshead Village: The Arrabelle at Vail Square ($1,250+) is one of the most beautiful hotels in Vail & my TOP hotel choice (also great for romance & celebrity-spotting), while Lion Square Lodge ($262+) is an old-standby & less expensive, located right by the gondola.
- Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Vail’s Main Village: This is the busiest part of Vail, with lots of nightlife & restaurant choices. My top picks are The Lodge at Vail (where I’ve stayed many times). In the “More Affordable” category is quaint Christiania Lodge ($187+). In the “Very High-End” category: you’ve got the ultra-luxe Four Seasons Resort Vail ($1,756+) ~ which is located between Lionshead & Vail Village, & another great place for celebrity-sightings.
- Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Cascade Village: This is the furthest east side of the mountain, with the least amount of nightlife. For skiing, you’ll need to jog across the mountain to reach more popular lifts. But here you’ll find Grand Hyatt Vail ($680+), located right next to the Cascade Lift.
The Arrabelle
Lion Square Lodge
Grand Hyatt Vail
Chalets at Lodge at Vail
Tivoli Lodge
Antlers at Vail
Christiana Lodge
Four Seasons Vail
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Lionshead Village
Hotels where you’re most likely to run into celebrities in Vail are starred below….
**1. Arrabelle at Vail Square ($540+) = Most Romantic
The Bavarian-theme of The Arrabelle at Vail Square fits in perfectly with Vail’s European feel, & rooms here are my favorite in town: elegantly upscale, with every modern amenity you could want. But with far more charm than a Marriott or Hyatt! You’re 150 yards from the slopes & Eagle Bahn Gondola, plus they have a Ski Valet to take care of your gear as soon as you leave the slopes. After skiing, order an apres hot-cocoa cart directly to your room ~ or walk over to favorites like Tavern on the Square, or super-popular Garfinkel’s.
Their 10,000 square foot spa is also not to be missed…& you may run into Kim Kardashian here, as rumor has it this is the Kardashian family’s favorite hotel in Vail.Â
Closest Ski Lift: Eagle Bahn Gondola
The Arrabelle is as close to the slopes as you can get in Vail, & their rooftop pool is oh-so-chic. Photo by Red Awning.
Rooms at the Arrabelle are my favorite in Vail: warm, elegant, & inviting.
The European chalet-exterior is fitting for the charming town of Vail.
“They have a ski valet at The Arrabelle (where you can pick up/drop off skis & boots) ~ located right at the gondola. Special thanks to Shep & John. Every time we come off the lift they’re waiting to take our gear. No matter how many people are around, we always feel like they’re waiting just for us.”
– Trvel1970
2. Lion Square Lodge ($552+) = Family & Budget-Friendly
Lion Square Lodge is a totally different vibe from upscale & romantic Arrabelle ~ but its location directly next to Eagle Bahn Gondola is one of the most impressive in Vail. Families & big groups will love staying in the one to four-bedroom condos here: all with full kitchens, fireplaces, & patios or balconies. Jump into their heated pool or one of three jacuzzis. Or sip on margaritas at their popular Mexican restaurant, El Sabor.
Closest Ski Lift: Eagle Bahn Gondola
As far as ski-in/ski-out locations go in Vail: Lionshead Lodge is primo.
Check into anywhere from a 1-4BR condo at Lion Square Lodge; perfect for families & big groups on a budget. Photo by Booking.com.
“There’s a ski valet on the way to the Gondola, which makes it convenient to pick up gear & head right out. Same with returning:Â we just dropped off our skis with the valet & headed into Lion Square Lodge. Pool & hot tubs were wonderful after a day of skiing, & the restaurant inside the hotel, El Sabor was fantastic!”
– Ketah
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Vail Village
3. The Lodge at Vail ($566+) = The “OG” Vail Resort
We’re in Vail’s Main Village now, where all the action is: The Lodge at Vail is where I stayed with friends last time I was in town, & we had…..SOOO…MUCH…FUN!! Vail’s first resort used to be the swankiest option in town (now the Ritz & Four Seasons have taken over there), but the location is still fantastic ~ just a few minutes’ walk to the slopes. For larger groups, check out their Chalets at the Lodge, which offer more luxurious & larger condo-style rooms with full kitchens. You’re just steps away from the best nightlife in Vail: at Elway’s, Gorsuch Ski Cafe, Vendetta’s, Los Amigos, & the list goes on…..!!Â
If you’re here to party: stay in Vail Village.
Closest Ski Lift: Gondola One
The Lodge at Vail was the first resort in town ~ & it’s still a solid choice for ski-in/ski-out with its prime location by Gondola One. Photo by Vail Ski Resort.
Some rooms at The Lodge offer views of the slopes.
” Our primary consideration for choosing The Lodge at Vail was location, ski-in/ski-out, close access to the gondola & main village. This was definitely the right choice. Easy walk to restaurants, everything. We had a two-bedroom condo which was spacious & comfortable. Excellent!”
– Virginia M.
Check prices at one of the best locations in town: The Lodge at Vail.
4. Christiania Lodge ($343+) = AMAZING Budget OptionÂ
In the “Budget” category: there’s charming Christiania Lodge. If you want to save money, you can’t get closer to the slopes AND Vail Village than here ~ for less than $400/night. In Vail, this is a steal! And this darling, Bavarian-themed hotel is a great choice: you’re just a 3-minute walk to Gondola One, which is great for beginner or advanced skiers (use “Upper Lion’s Way” to jog over to greens). Rooms are a little “frilly” & feminine, but they also have mountain or valley views. And their Ski Valet + boot dryers will be a welcome relief after a day on the slopes.
Tivoli Lodge is next-door to the Christiania, & is another solid budget option in Vail Village.
Closest Ski Lift: Gondola One
The Christiania is a more relaxed, less expensive option ~ but also just steps from Gondola One.
“The Christiania has an excellent ski in/ski out location. In the heart of Vail Village. Steps away from shops & restaurants. Clean & comfortable rooms. Inviting staff. The heated pool was a plus for our kids.
Can’t wait to return!”
– Cosmina B.
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Vail
5. Grand Hyatt Vail ($649+) = Not in Main Village
Furthest east, off on its own is Grand Hyatt Vail ~ located right next to Cascade Village Lift. The downside here is that you’ll have to rely on the hotel’s restaurants, as it’s a bit of a drive into town. For skiing, you’ll need to jog across the mountain to reach more popular lifts that take you higher up the mountain. But if none of that matters to you, this is a good option! You’ve got an outdoor pool & two hot tubs, plus room service is offered 24/7, so a solid option if proximity to the slopes is your main consideration.
Closest Ski Lift: Cascade Lift
The Grand Hyatt is located outside of Vail’s main village, so you’ll have fewer nightlife options here.
But there’s still a nice pool at the Hyatt; this is a good option for families, & people who don’t care about staying in the heart of town.
“The lift is literally right next to the ski valet. Just 10 steps away. The Grand Hyatt is nice & luxurious. Free s’mores, cookies, & champagne for Apres. Their one restaurant is delicious & joined with the bar. Two different menus. Kid’s menu has the usual choices & ours loved the food. Check-in was fast & friendly.”
– 5StarsGal
Best Ski-in Ski-Out Resorts in Vail
**6. Four Seasons Resort Vail ($1,860) = LUXURY
You can’t talk about resorts in Colorado without bringing up the Four Seasons Resort Vail. Looking at a map, their location is a little confusing: because they’re not next to the slopes (they’re closer to the freeway). But don’t let this fool you!! They have the most luxurious Ski Valet in town, which happens to be three-stories tall. You can rent any gear you want here, & they’ll take care of everything ~ which means dropping you off at any Vail base you want. Then making sure your skis are waiting for you in the morning….& whisking them away as soon as you’re off the mountain!
The Four Seasons has great food in-house, with celebrity chef Tyler Florence heading up their restaurant program. But you’re also located between Vail Village AND Lionshead….meaning: you can apres anywhere.
Closest Ski Lift: Wherever You Want! (Ski Concierge will drop you off)
The Four Seasons is THE premier luxury resort in Vail, & their three-story Ski Concierge will attend to your every need while skiing in Vail.
Enjoy apres-ski at the Four Season’s Remedy Center Bar. Photo by Four Seasons.
” You can literally rent & get all your gear in the Four Seasons, & they’ll transport you to the base of whichever slope you want to ski! The Ski Lodge is amazing ~ before departing on their complimentary shuttles to the lifts, you can get ready at the lodge with free coffee, tea, & snacks.”
– Wanderlustingg
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Best Apres-Ski Spots in Vail
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We’re from the East Coast and typically ski at Aspen every year, but decided to do Vail instead. Based on your overview, we found the Four Seasons to be the best option for our family of 5 – and boy, it did not disappoint! My sons and husband were able to ski all day, every day, while my daughter and I did a little less skiing and were able to use the heavenly spa, not to mention the great Vail apres-scene. When you’re not from the area, it’s really helpful to read an article like this to give you the lay of the land! Much thanks, Natalie
Hi Natalie, thanks for your comment ~ & I’m so glad your family enjoyed staying at the Four Seasons Vail! I think it’s a great spot for those with varying ability levels, as they can drop you off to ski wherever you want. Cheers! xoxo Noelia