Located in one of the passes in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Vail offers some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by the grandeur of soaring mountain scenery, whether you travel there in summer or in winter.
Despite its small size, Vail has become famous the world over for its skiing. However, this town is a great holiday destination in every season. Surrounded as it is by nature, it offers great hiking, climbing, bouldering, and other outdoor experiences in the warmer months. Of course, you could always give some of these activities a try in the colder months as well!
Despite its popularity, there isn’t a lot of information out there on the best neighborhood to stay in Vail close to everything. This oversight is probably because of the town’s small size, but if you want a convenient stay, with all your favorite activities close at hand, then let this be your guide.
Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Vail?
- Where to stay in Vail first time – Vail Village
- Where to stay in Vail on a budget – West Vail
- Best neighborhood in Vail for families – Lionshead
Where to Stay in Vail
If you’re the type of person who prefers to just book and go, here are some great accommodation options that will almost every type of traveler.
Nestled in the heart of one of Vail’s most desirable neighborhoods, this hotel is a great option to stay in the city if you don’t want to break the bank on a trip to the notoriously expensive area.
Lion Square Lodge boasts a fantastic location along with an impressive array of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a rejuvenating hot tub, and a soothing sauna.
Located a mere 200 meters from the Vail Village Gondola, this luxurious hotel provides rooms with captivating views, a sophisticated cocktail lounge, and a well-equipped fitness center, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable stay amidst the mountains.
Vail Neighborhood Guide
Vail is a small, remote town without many neighborhoods. It’s located between the mountain ranges of Sawatch and Gore which restricts its size, but this town packs a lot of charm and outdoor activities into a small area. For the best area no matter your budget and interests, here’s where to look.
Vail Village is the best choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Vail close to everything. If you’ve seen pictures of Vail, then they were probably taken in this quaint mountain village which offers the best combination of access to the outdoors and modern amenities.
The second area to look at is West Vail. As it’s a little further away from Vail Village, you can find cheaper accommodation and food in this area. In addition, due to the free shuttle bus, you can still head into the main areas without any trouble or expense.
The final area is Lionshead, the best neighborhood in Vail for families. This cozy village offers a huge variety of activities and a diverse culinary and shopping scene.
Vail’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Still, having trouble making a choice? Well, here’s a closer look at what each area has to offer.
Neighborhood#1 – Vail Village
Where to stay in Vail first time
- COOLEST thing to do in Vail Village – Go skiing in winter at the Vail Ski Resort and hiking or biking in summer.
- BEST place to visit in Vail Village – The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens for a relaxing look at the flora of the area.
Vail Village is almost ridiculously quaint, which is what makes it the best neighborhood in Vail for your first time. This is where you’ll be surrounded by lots of buildings that date back to the founding of the town in the early ’60s, as well as all the amenities you could want during your stay.
Vail Village perfectly balances the appeal of a small town with world-class shopping and restaurants. It also has amazing clubs and bars for some after-hours fun as well, which is why this village is a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Vail for nightlife.
- Have a meal at Mountain Standard or the Big Bear Bistro.
- Warm up with a few drinks at the Pool Bar, Vail Ale House, or King’s Club.
- Relax with a spa treatment at the Sonnenalp Hotel.
- In summer, go tubing down the 330-foot-long tubing hill.
- Take Gondola One to the top of the mountain and take in the views.
- Get your adrenalin up at the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster.
- Learn about the history of Snowsports at the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame.
Best Budget Hotel in Vail Village
Manor Vail Lodge
Located close to the center of Vail Village and in the best neighborhood in Vail for nightlife, this cozy lodge is great for families, groups, and solo travelers. It offers units with a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom as well as a delicious American breakfast every morning. The lodge also has a bar and restaurant, a garden, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Vail Village
Christiania Condominiums
This apart hotel is the perfect place to stay for those who love the outdoors with it having a beautiful outdoor swimming pool surrounded by woodlands along with being on the doorstep to a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking and biking in the summer months and skiing in the winter months.
Best Luxury Hotel in Vail Village
Tivoli Lodge
For a little luxury in the heart of Vail Village, this lodge is perfect. It has ski-to-door access as well as a buffet breakfast every morning so you can start your days right. It’s also just 200 meters from the gondola and offers rooms with views, a cocktail lounge, and a fitness center just in case you’re not getting enough exercise in the mountains.
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Neighborhood#2 – West Vail
Where to stay in Vail on a budget
- COOLEST thing to do in West Vail – Take a snowmobiling adventure through the mountains.
- BEST place to visit in West Vail – The West Vail Pass wildlife area for amazing views and wildlife.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Vail on a budget, then you need a more local area. That’s exactly what you get in West Vail. West Vail doesn’t have the attractions of other areas, but it does have some affordable accommodation options as well as shops and restaurants that are more for locals than visitors.
There are a few different areas that makeup West Vail, most of them on the South or North of Frontage Road. While you’re in this area, you’ll need to have your own car or hop on the complimentary Town of Vail bus to get to the ski slopes. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy the stunning alpine views as well as the company of the locals.
- Take the free shuttle bus into Vail Village for shopping and more activities.
- Have a meal at the Blu Cow, Gessner, or The Westside Café & Market.
- Take the kids to play at Donovan Park or Stephens Park.
- Hike the trails and explore nature at the Vail Nature Center.
- Go hiking on the North Trail or the Vail Trail.
Best Budget Hotel in West Vail
Aspen at Streamside
Located right in the center of the best neighborhood in Vail if you are on a budget, this hotel offers stunning views and natural surroundings. It has apartment-style accommodation with all the comforts of home including kitchens. The hotel also has an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, and an on-site fitness area and is surrounded by local restaurants.
Best Mid-range Hotel in West Vail
Marriott’s StreamSide Evergreen at Vail
This 3-star hotel has a beautiful location, with it being situated in the heart of nature, being surrounded by the White River National Forest. It is also just a short distance from Vail Village where you will find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars. The hotel also features amazing facilities including connected indoor and outdoor pool area perfect for all seasons.
Best Luxury Hotel in West Vail
Highline Vail
Located right in the heart of West Vail, this hotel has an outdoor pool and spa center as well as a restaurant so you never have to go far for food. There’s also an on-site bar, and the hotel has large rooms that include lots of extras like a coffee machine to make your stay comfortable.
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Neighborhood#3 – Lionshead
Best neighborhood in Vail for families
- COOLEST thing to do in Lionshead – Visit Village Square in summer for concerts and winter for the Alderhof ice skating rink.
- BEST place to visit in Lionshead – The Imagination Station for a huge range of kids’ activities and equipment.
Located practically next to Vail Village, Lionshead is one of the most popular areas to stay in Vail. It offers easy access to the local ski resorts and to some of the best restaurants in this city. This is why it’s the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Vail for families.
This safe little town offers amazing shopping and an air of peace that’s rare, probably because cars aren’t allowed in the village. If you like outdoor activities, then Lionshead is close to some of the best hikes in the area as well as biking and climbing areas.
- Head over to the Apex Mountain School for rock climbing lessons.
- Fill your stomach at Moe’s Original BBQ or Montauk Seafood Grill.
- Let the kids explore Sunbird Park.
- Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola up to the skiing area..
- Head out of Vail to the untouched landscape of the Holy Cross Wilderness Area for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities
Best Budget Hotel in Lionshead
Evergreen Lodge
You’ll really love the views from this hotel, particularly from the seasonal outdoor pool. Surrounded by nature it offers a restaurant, fitness center, and bar, close to the center of Vail. The property also has a sun terrace and large rooms with all the usual amenities, as well as a wellness center with a hot tub and sauna so you can soak away your stress. Close to the center of Vail, it’s ideal if you don’t want to go far for entertainment or food.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Lionshead
Lion Square Lodge
Lion Square Lodge is perfect for those heading to Vail for the winter season with it being a ski-in/ski-out lodge situated opposite Bahn Gondola. The hotel also has some fantastic facilities for relaxing after an adventurous day, including an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a sauna.
Best Luxury Hotel in Lionshead
The Arrabelle at Vail Square
This romantic hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Vail for couples. It’s only five minutes from the local gondola to the ski fields and offers an outdoor pool and hot tubs. There’s a bar and a restaurant on-site as well as ski storage and a fitness center. The rooms are spacious, boasting Alpine decor, and some of them have their own fully equipped kitchens just in case you feel like cooking during your vacation.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Vail
It’s really not that surprising that Vail is such a popular vacation spot. With staggeringly beautiful natural scenery, lots of outdoor activities, and quaint small towns, this part of Colorado has something for almost every traveler. To take advantage of the best that this part of the world has to offer, make sure you make the choice of where to stay in Vail for your first time carefully. This will ensure that you have a trouble-free, blissfully relaxing stay in the Rocky Mountains.
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