Sonnenalp Resort of Vail
When you meant to book St. Anton's Post Hotel but couldn't find the time to head across the pond for a ski vacation, the Sonnenalp is a close second. With its hatched wood beams, cutout shutters, and wooden flower boxes at almost every windowsill, this 137-room lodge is a model in faux-Bavarian that actually feels authentic. Most of the rooms and suites have fireplaces and heated floors in the marble bathrooms, and all have views of the mountain or Gore Creek. The Euro-style spa—with a kiva fireplace lounge at its center—attracts the occasional Euro-style spa-goer, to whom towels are a mere accessory rather than a necessity. But then, that—and the lederhosen-wearing staff—is what lends the place its Old World feel.
Tip: Perpetuate the Euro experience and take advantage of the hotel's guiding program, where guests can share the services of a private guide (starting at $700 per day).
Room to Book: The most recently renovated—and attractive—rooms are on the second floor.
As Featured In...
From Travel + Leisure, Dec 2007
“Though renovated and expanded in late 2005, the hotel retains an uncommonly personal touch....” MORE>>
From Food & Wine, May 2004
“In a town known for fake-chalet architecture, Sonnenalp has genuine Bavarian charm (it's been owned and managed by two generations of the Faessler family), as well as 88 stylish rooms, all with fireplaces, and expansive views of either Vail Village or Gore Creek. Plus, the hotel is extremely well located, right in the center of town....” MORE>>
From the T+L 500
Bavarian-inspired ski chalet with a new $25 million west wing in the heart of Vail Village.
- Stats:
- 127 rooms; 4 restaurants; 4 bars.
- Competitive Edge:
- A 4th-generation family-run hotel, with old-world European hospitality.
- Rooms to Book:
- Junior Suites with gas fireplaces and views of Gore Creek.
- Don't Miss:
- A guided snowshoe trek through Vail Valley's scenic trails.
lastArticle = 12/2007 and lastAward = 01/2008
