YouGoGirl

My girlfriend and I are sending our husbands for a long weekend to Vail in late February. They will obviously ski most of the day, but like nice accomodations, bars, food, service, etc. Should we book Sonnenalp or Lodge at Vail? Does either one have better ski on/ski off access?
Thanks

antmaril

I don't ski, so I can't answer about ski access. However, my husband and I stayed there for four nights in July and absolutely LOVED IT! The resort is beautiful and the location was great. We just walked out the front door and walked into Vail Village. Breakfast is included and it is one of the BEST breakfasts we've ever had. Our room was large with a fireplace and the bathroom floor is HEATED!!!

I highly recommend the Sonnenalp!!

skipop

First, you are a wonderful wife. Second, between the Lodge and Sonnenalp, they are both nice. As I recall, the Lodge would be slightly more convenient to the slopes, but the Sonnenalp should be the slightly nicer place of the two. For bars and food they would probably eat around the village anyway so I wouldn't let that sway me.

Third, since you're opting for the mega present, are you sure you have the ideal ski resort for the boys. If they're strong intermediate to expert skiers, a trip to Jackson Hole would be amazing. I love Vail, but for a "guy trip," I'd take Jackson Hole. Snowbird/Alta is another great spot, but the food and accomodations would be nicer at Vail or Jackson. (Please no flames from the Utes. Alta is my favorite resort. However, if really good food and nice accomodations are an important part of your ski trip, Alta ain't it.)

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, just wanted ot make sure you matched the resort to your boys.

Grasshopper

Skipop, You kind of echo my sentiment. While yougogirl is picking great hotels, they don't seem like the best choice for a guy trip. My guy friend prefers Beaver Creek for skiing. And I wonder if renting a ski-in, ski-out condo might be better for a couple of guys.

Coskier

Yes but Beaver Creek really does not offer much in the way of Nightlife. They could easily ski there a day though. Good suggestion of a condo.

BLYVAIL

The Lodge at Vail is the closest lodge to a lift. Sonnenalp is nicer for rooms. Both are within easy walking distance to skiing, restaurants and nightlife. Sonnenalp is a smaller, romantic, service oriented hotel - I don't know if this is what 2 guys are looking for in a lodge?! Although they could scope it out for when they bring you there for a nice spa weekend maybe?

localgal

From a Vail resident: Lodge at Vail is only steps from the main chairlift> Sonnenalp is a few blocks away which isn't fun in ski boots! The Lodge is also closer to all the Bridge Street bars & restaurants. The Sonnenalp is a bit more luxurious but why would guys care> give 'em a beer & a bed!

Cher

Lodge at Vail is probably one of the best in Vail Village for ski-in/ski-out. They even have a ski attendent right as you get off the main lift. You can leave your skis there and pick up the next day right as you are getting on the lift (and they will even wax over night).

The Lodge also has a nice heated outdoor swimming pool and 4 or 5 hot tubs all in the pool area ... not sure what Sonnelap has for this. There's a nice bar area in the Lodge too.

The Lodge also serves one of the most incredible hot breakfast buffets I've ever had. We love having a big breakfast for ski vacations. Guys will probably love this.

For a "guy" vacation, between the two I would pick The Lodge for the above reasons, although I've heard the Sonnenalp is a great place to stay, It's probably more for couples.