Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

The Four Seasons has all the trappings of a cozy ski chalet -- stone and wood accents inside and out, sloping roof eaves, cozy leather furniture -- but on a decidedly grand scale. (Each of the 121 rooms start at 575 square feet, and the public spaces are impressive.) But the property manages to effectively blend the typical Four Seasons elegance with a snug mountain feel. The design is perfectly suited to the location, with a warm color palette, thoughtful extras like stone fireplaces in every room, and excellent mountain views (particularly from the aptly named Fireside Lounge, and the excellent Flame restaurant.)

The Four Seasons is situated on Vail Road right off of Frontage Road and I-70, within walking distance of the slopes and Vail Village. It's not a ski-in, ski-out property, but the hotel does offer frequent shuttles to town.

Although it’s not quite as pretentious as Aspen, Vail is one of the Rocky Mountains' most luxurious resort towns. Vail is the country’s largest single-mountain ski resort, and is continually ranked as one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. Even celebrities come to weave down its snowy slopes.

In the winter, the main draws here are obviously skiing and snowboarding, but Vail also offers excellent restaurants (though most are expensive). Nightlife and entertainment options abound, especially on Bridge Street, one of the most popular nightlife destinations in town.

• 2-hour-15-minute drive from the closest airport, Denver International Airport
• 7-minute walk to the Colorado Ski Museum
• 8-minute walk to downtown Vail Village
• 9-minute walk to the Vista Bahn lift up Vail Mountain (or take a shuttle that leaves every 10 minutes in the winter)
• 1-hour drive to the hot springs at Glenwood Springs

Even the standard rooms are among the largest in Vail Valley, and come with gas fireplaces, balconies, wood-floor entryways and deep walk-in closets.

The bathrooms take up a fair amount of the square footage in each room, with double marble sinks, stone walk-in showers and standalone soaking tubs. Some bathrooms include LCD TVs in the mirrors.

• Among the largest rooms in Vail, starting at 575 square feet
• Luxurious marble bathrooms with double sinks; walk-in showers and separate deep soaking tubs; and L’Occitane toiletries
• Gas fireplaces with stone surrounds
• Balconies
• 42-inch flat-screen TVs
• iHome docking stations
• Nespresso-brand espresso makers
• Humidifiers are plugged in and filled with water, ready to turn on.
• True walk-in closets

The lovely pool area, with plenty of lounge chairs, a pool-side stone fireplace, and one of the largest Jacuzzis in the area, is a highlight in both winter and summer.

The spa has its own 30-foot indoor hot tub and cold plunge pool, as well as his-and-her relaxation rooms, and treatments designed specifically for high altitudes.

• Large, renowned spa with 13 treatment rooms
• Outdoor, year-round pool with big Jacuzzi and fireplace
• Huge, modern fitness center with personal training and yoga/Pilates classes available (for a fee)
• Ski rental shop on-site in the winter
• Summer bike rentals
• Teen Club with air hockey table, video games, foosball table and iMac computers
• On-site daycare service, for children aged 5 to 12
• High-end clothing shop
• Morning coffee and newspapers
• Free, frequent hotel shuttles to Vail Village and the slopes

• "Flame" serves a morning breakfast buffet and seasonal, contemporary American cuisine for lunch and dinner.
• "The Fireside Lounge" serves cocktails and light fare (including sushi in the evening), and boasts heated outside seating overlooking the large outdoor pool. True to its name, it also features several fireplaces.
• 24-hour room service