Best Pool Hotels in Vail

Describing itself as "modern mountain luxury, perfected," The Osprey at Beaver Creek melds traditional Colorado style (think stone fireplaces and cozy throw blankets) with bright orange and blue accents and sleek furnishings. Like its sister hotels (The Lodge at Vail and The Arrabelle), this RockResort caters to the high-end ski crowd with easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort, personalized concierge services and a heated deck for après-ski mingling. Guests love the heated pool deck — where you'll find the outdoor pool and the hot tub — which offers breathtaking mountain views. For its convenient location and its spacious guest rooms (some equipped with fireplaces and steam showers), The Osprey is one of Vail's better bargains, according to recent visitors. And to top it off, the resort's customer service is described as excellent.

The Sebastian – Vail, A Timbers Resort has makes a good impression among boutique hotel fans, with many recent guests saying that the customer service is some of the best they've ever experienced. While this Preferred LVX hotel strives to maintain the ambiance of a classic ski lodge, recent visitors love the trendy atmosphere found in both the Leonora restaurant and Frost, the hotel bar. Many visitors also compliment The Sebastian on its common areas, like the outdoor fire pit and the library, as well as its updated rooms. Accommodations house all the luxury amenities you'll need, including a flat-panel TV and 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. Travelers in need of a little more space should book one of the residential suites, each of which is equipped with a full kitchen, a dining area and a gas fireplace. And if you're in need of some extra pampering, you can make an appointment at Bloom Spa, which offers a full menu of massages and skin treatments. There is an expensive daily resort fee here; however, it includes a number of five-star services, such as a ski valet, kids amenities, and access to Wi-Fi and the on-site fitness center. 

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail has earned a reputation as one of the city's premier lodging options. And it's easy to see why: The location of this Four Seasons property in central Vail allows easy access to the slopes, while those who opt for a day of rest and relaxation have access to a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. Plus, the resort's in-house restaurant, Flame, is a classic American steakhouse serving all kinds of hearty, meaty dishes. Recent visitors enjoy the guest rooms, which come outfitted with stone-trimmed fireplaces, private balconies and flat-screen TVs. And you'll also love the on-site fitness center, the numerous kids activities, the coffee shop and the sports bar here. Be warned that some guests say that the amount of money you spend here may take your breath away; however, visitors say that the experience (and service) is worth the expense.

Towering over central Vail, this chalet-style resort doesn't skimp on coziness. With sweeping vistas of either the Vail Village or Gore Creek, each guest room features Rocky Mountain touches like custom-made Bavarian furniture, gas fireplaces and heated floors. The traditional lodge design carries over into the resort's four dining areas, each boasting wood furnishings and a rustic ambiance. Sonnenalp caters primarily to skiers, and visitors found both the resort's location and the ski concierge service to be extremely convenient. Even if you don't plan on tackling the slopes, you shouldn't rule out this resort; Sonnenalp offers a variety of ways to stay active that don't involve snow. The championship Sonnenalp Golf Club, for example, features 7,100 yards of rolling fairways and pesky sand traps. Meanwhile, the outdoor pool and cozy Sonnenalp Spa both provide a fantastic setting for rest and relaxation. Yet despite all its offerings, guests point to the hotel staff as the main reason to book here. Recent visitors say they were made to feel special by the hotel employees and were even greeted by name upon re-entering the premises. What's more, Leaders Club members get perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfasts at this hotel. One drawback: this resort is expensive, and daily resort and parking fees will cost you more than you may expect. 

This massive Ritz-Carlton resort near the Beaver Creek Ski Resort looks as though it's bursting from the mountainside. Guests love the traditional ski chalet feel here, from the exposed wood beams and stone walls of the lobby to the cozy fireplaces found in many of the guest rooms. For skiers, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch features an in-house ski and snowboard outfitter and a ski concierge, and the $55 winter resort fee ($30 in the summer) covers high-speed Internet access, shuttle transportation to Beaver Creek Village and access to the resort's fitness classes and sauna, among other services. If the slopes aren't calling your name, spend a day rejuvenating at the 21,000-square-foot Bachelor Gulch Spa while your children participate in one of the resort's kids programs. Then, regroup for dinner; there are three dining options to choose from. The one downside, according to recent visitors, is that things here can get very pricey very quickly. Keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy members can use and earn points by staying here.

Previous visitors say that the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is spot-on when it comes to customer service, and the spacious guest rooms receive a thumbs-up for their private balconies and fantastic views. And if you're in town to hit the slopes, this Hyatt's proximity to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort makes it a convenient home base. With on-site amenities like the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs – not to mention the full-service Allegria Spa and the mouthwatering 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill – guests have plenty of chances to unwind after a day on the ski runs. Although some travelers complain about the high resort and parking fees added to the rates, most say that staying here is worth the money. Plus, members of the Wold of Hyatt rewards program can save some extra dough by putting their points to good use.

Looking out over the Beaver Creek Resort from its perch in Avon, Colorado, (roughly 11 miles west of Vail), The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa offers a crisp, clean and classic ski resort experience. Sure, you'll still find cozy fireplaces and plush sofas, but The Westin's guest rooms come fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations and the Westin brand's signature Heavenly beds. (Still need more room? Opt for larger digs at the resort's sister property, The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas.) Guests praise the resort's on-site facilities, like the heated outdoor pool, the in-house Spa Anjali and the on-site Maya restaurant (helmed by acclaimed chef, Richard Sandoval). On the other hand, some travelers note that the nightly rates – in addition to the resort fee – can take a toll on your finances. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Unlike its sister RockResort properties, The Arrabelle at Vail Square and The Osprey at Beaver Creek, The Lodge at Vail is all about exuding a traditional ski lodge style. Guest rooms feature elegant antique furniture and bright red design accents (as well as marble bathrooms and, in some rooms, kitchenettes), while the common spaces keep to the code with exposed stone walls and large fireplaces. Recent guests note that the customer service here is fantastic, with staff members going above and beyond to make sure you're taken care of. While this hotel definitely won't come out to be one of your cheaper hotel experiences, The Lodge's heated outdoor pool, multiple hot tubs, full-service spa and mouthwatering Cucina Rustica restaurant are worth the extra splurge.

Sprawling over Lionshead Circle in western Vail (just a short walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola), this massive resort gives visitors easy access to the Vail Ski Resort. The majority of visitors agree that the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort is a great value for its location, describing the guest rooms as comfortable and clean. All accommodations come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges, while some others come with extra perks such as private balconies and fireplaces. Travelers commend the hotel's amenities, both inside and outside the rooms. The Marriott's two pools (one indoor and one outdoor) earn high praise from families, while weary powder hounds seriously appreciate the on-site ski valet. Because this property is a member of the Marriott family, those enrolled in the Marriott Rewards program can use points to cover the room rate.

Sitting on the western edge of Vail, The Arrabelle at Vail Square takes a different approach to ski lodging. Instead of forest-inspired colors with antler wall hangings, this member of the RockResort family boasts a European ambiance, complete with grand chandeliers and ornate marble arches. Still, some hints of a traditionally rustic atmosphere remain: Guests love the cozy throw blankets and fireplaces found in each room, while private balconies provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains (available in some rooms). When you're not on the slopes, indulge in a spa treatment, soak in the rooftop hot tub or enjoy a cocktail on the après-ski deck as you look out over Vail Square. When dinnertime rolls around, previous visitors highly recommend reserving a table at Tavern on the Square, saying that the homestyle comfort cuisine hits the spot after a long, snowy day.

Despite its name, the Beaver Creek Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colorado, (about 13 miles west of Vail) is anything but an ordinary mountain lodge. Resting at the base of the Beaver Creek Ski Resort, this property adds a pinch of contemporary spice to the traditional Rockies resort. Beds here are adorned by furry throw pillows, while the lobby ceiling is illuminated by red lights. Sure, you'll occasionally find kitschy cabin-style wood furniture here and there, but the Beaver Creek Lodge ultimately caters to the hip and stylish rather than the traditional ski town visitor. Guests are generally delighted with the hotel's ambiance, not to mention the excellent customer service. They also rave about the on-site amenities, which include a heated outdoor pool. Beaver Creek Lodge is also home to Revolution, which specializes in rotisserie meals.

Like its fellow Marriott property, The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas offers guests easy access to the nearby Vail and Beaver Creek slopes. This property also touts all the usual Westin amenities, including Heavenly beds, access to a fully outfitted fitness center and complimentary Internet access. Spacious suites distinguish The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas from other hotels in the area, including its sister resort — these oversized rooms can comfortably accommodate an entire family of skiers. Guests appreciate that each villa features its own kitchenette or kitchen, saying that having the ability to prepare meals helped them save on dining expenses. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

According to past guests, Tivoli Lodge offers an ideal location near White River National Forest and Vail, Colorado's world-renowned ski slopes. A member of the Gemstone Collection, this mountain-inspired hotel features two outdoor hot tubs, a fire pit, the Brown Hound Lobby Lounge (where children 4 and younger eat for free) and fitness and business centers. During ski season, visitors can enjoy complimentary ski valet services, as well as free cookies and beverages. Additional perks, such as free Wi-Fi access and complimentary access to the fitness and wellness amenities at the Vail Vitality Center, are available year-round. Plus, each of the 66 guest rooms and suites offers mountain or village views, a minifridge, a microwave and a flat-screen TV. Gas fireplaces and balconies are available in select rooms as well.