Sonnenalp

HOTEL OVERVIEW

So I’ve stayed at the Sonnenalp probably four times now, and honestly? It’s one of those places that just gets Vail right. You know how some hotels feel like they could be anywhere, but this one actually feels like it belongs in the mountains. It’s right on Vail Road, which means you’re literally steps from the Village – I mean, you can stumble back from Garfinkel’s after dinner without calling an Uber, which is pretty clutch when you’re dealing with après-ski legs.

The thing about the Sonnenalp is it has this Austrian lodge vibe that doesn’t feel forced or theme-park-y. The lobby has these massive timbers and the kind of stone fireplace where you actually want to sit with a drink, not just Instagram it. What really sold me though was the spa – they’ve got this whole European water therapy thing going on, and after a day getting beat up on Blue Sky Basin, those mineral pools are basically magic. The rooms are interesting too because they’re not cookie-cutter modern. Some have balconies that look out toward the ski mountain, others face the creek that runs behind the property. Pro tip: if you’re staying in winter, request something facing away from Vail Road because the snow plows start rumbling through pretty early.

I’ll be real with you – this place isn’t cheap, and it shows its age in some spots (the elevators are, well, let’s say they take their time), but there’s something about the Sonnenalp that keeps pulling me back. Maybe it’s because the staff actually remembers you, or because they’ll store your skis without making it feel like a huge favor. The restaurant situation is solid too – you’ve got the fancy dining room if you want to get dressed up, but honestly their more casual spot does this venison stew that’s perfect when you roll in cold and tired. Location-wise, you’re walking distance to everything that matters in Vail Village, but far enough from the chaos around the Vista Bahn that you can actually sleep. And if you’re here in summer – which more people should consider because Vail in July is pretty spectacular – you can walk to the hiking trails or just sit on their terrace with a beer and watch people attempt to navigate the roundabout. It’s that kind of place where you end up extending your stay if they have the room.