Since all you awesome Fodorites helped me plan a great honeymoon in Australia on the other side of the board, I thought I would ask for advice for the 1 year anniversary too.
We plan to spend 2-3 nights in Vail, either before or after New Years (New Years will be in Estez Park at the Stanley Hotel). We're looking for a luxurious hotel, preferably close to downtown, although we will have a car. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

When I booked my stay in Vail this summer I kept hearing how wonderful the Sonnenalp hotel. It turned out to be a little too pricey for our family but it did look fabulous. We stayed at the Marriott Resort and loved that. You won't need your car. Everything is close, connected by bike paths and a frequent running free shuttle bus. You're going to love Vail.

We want to go to Vail next summer...which Marriott should we go to? Evergreen at Streamside?? We like to play golf....is golf nearby? WHat else is there to do??......

The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulf Resort is about 15 miles from Vail. It also is part of a separate ski area called Beaver Creek and you can ski-in ski-out. Friends of mine have been there and thought it was beautiful and very luxurious. They have a spa as well. Take a look at Ritzcarlton.com

Sonnenalp, mentioned above, is a member of Luxury Hotel of the World. I haven't' been to this hotel, but being a member of LHW is generally a good indication of quality:

Sonnenalp Resort of Vail
20 Vail Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
Tel: (1-970) 476-5656 Fax: (1-970) 476-1639
website; lhw.com

don't stay at a marriott and don't stay 15 miles from "downtown" vail. stay at the sonnenalp. i HAVE been there on many, many memorable vacations. staff/guest ratio is the best in town, the spa is AMAZING, and the location is unbeatable.

My vote is for the Sonnenalp also. We stayed there this past December. It was fantastic. Be sure to get a room with a stream view. It is a little more money but IMO definitely worth it. It is right in town and you won't need a car to get around. The spa is great there also.