Last weekend, my husband and I decided to take a much needed, kid-free, trip to Vail, CO. It was just what we needed to rejuvenate and relax to gear up for the coming busy holiday season. I felt like it was the perfect time of year to go to Vail (if you aren’t an avid skier) to see the trees changing colors and to not have to deal with huge crowds of people. The town was quiet, reservations weren’t needed for dinner, and the weather was beautiful.
We stayed at the Sonnenalp hotel which I believe is right in the “heart” of the Vail village as it is just walking distance from anything you would like to do. From renting bikes to taking a ride on the gondola, it’s all just a quick walk from the hotel. The Sonnenalp immediately caught my eye when we were looking for places because of it’s unique atmosphere with a European flair. I knew it would be somewhere different from anywhere we have ever stayed.
Voted #4 in the west and #80 in the world to stay by Travel + Leisure, it definitely lives up to every expectation . The Sonnenalp has been through four generations of family ownership and is one of the few hotels that is family owned in the nation. With it being a family owned hotel, I noticed a more comfortable vibe that the hotel provides becoming almost your “home away from home”. The atmosphere is cozy and warm with some of the most beautiful wood details in every room, restaurant, and spa.
As soon was we got into our room, we decided that really we could have just spent all of our time in the room with a gorgeous patio, fireplace, large spa tub in the bathroom, and room service. However, this was our first trip to Vail so we decided to venture out into the village to take a look around. It was lunchtime, so grabbed a quick bite at the Blue Moose Pizza, and did a little shopping. On the way back, we took a different route and walked along a river.
We returned to the hotel and walked around exploring the different restaurants and pool. That night we went the Swiss Chalet restaurant for dinner and had such an amazing experience. We ordered the full experience of fondue, complete with a cheese fondue (sides of bread & veggies) and a broth fondue (sides of meats & veggies). The service, atmosphere, and food were all exceptional!
We spent the remainder of the night walking around the hotel, warming our feet by the fireplace in the spa, and ordering late night room service root beer floats. The next day, I got up early and headed to the spa for one of the best massages I have ever had. While I waited, there was flavored water and tea available, and when I finished I was able to have full access to the spa with saunas and pools. It was the perfect start to the day.
Garth and I decided to have a slow, lazy start to our morning and go for a late breakfast at Ludwigs. It was a European style buffet with so many options including crepes, waffles, an oatmeal bar, fruit, danishes, really the list could go on. We sat out in the covered terrance that over looked the gorgeous aspen trees and mountains. With full bellies, we walked around the village once more before heading back home.
Our highlights were experiencing the Sonnenalp and walking around the village of Vail. Next time we would love to rent bikes, try paddle boarding, and take a ride on the gondola (it was closed the weekend we visited).
Vail was the perfect town to do a couples getaway to, but also had so many fun activities for children. Next time, I think we would bring the girls as the Sonnenalp has daily activities for kids and even a children’s spa.
So whether you decide to go just the two of you, or bring the kids, I know that you will fall in love with Vail as much as we did.