We'll be in mid-May for some nice, quiet relaxation and to take in the scenery. Which one is best, and why? In Estes Park, we'd stay at the Romance Song B&B, and in Vail the Sonnenalp Resort.

Is there anything in particular you are looking to do? Both have nice scenery, but you need to be more specific.

I have not been to Estes Park, so I cannot comment. However, my husband I stayed at the Sonnenalp Resort in Vail for four nights in July. We loved the Sonnenalp and Vail. It was a very relaxing trip. The resort is lovely (best breakfast I've ever had) and we enjoyed walking into Vail Village from the resort. Nice shopping and good restaurants. We took a drive to Glenwood Springs (through Glenwood Canyon - awesome).

I can highly recommend the Sonnenalp and Vail.

I agree with Carrie - more specifics! Estes and Vail are like comparing apples and oranges.

Estes is basically the gateway to RM National Park. There are shops and restaurants but I don't see Estes as a destination in of itself. RMNP is beautiful, Estes is just another small tourist town.

Vail is a RESORT town. It is a pedestrian village geared toward higher end shopping, restaurants, lodging, etc. It will definitely be more expensive. The Sonnenalp is a great hotel in the center of town.

Either way, mid-May is a little early in the season. Some shops and restaurants are closed until Memorial Weekend, weather may be sketchy, mountains may be muddy vs. snow/green. There's a reason May is called mud season!

I think in May I'd be tempted to choose Estes Park (although passes in RMNP will most likely still be closed). Too much closed in the resorts in May.

Outdoorsy guy that I am, I would take Estes Park everytime. RMNP is fantastic!

In May there is generally still a lot of snow cover in RMNP. If you plan on hiking, you'll need snowshoes - really.

One plus, it has gotten unbelievably crowded in June, July and August so you will miss the crowds.

JoeG