Holiday Inn Apex Vail

The lobby of the Holiday Inn Apex is exactly what you would expect from a mountain-town hotel -- it's dark, comfortable, and decked out in leather, wood, and warm colors. The large copper-and-glass fireplace stands out in the center of the the lobby, surrounded by plenty of comfortable seating (including button leather recliners and studded leather club chairs).

While the lobby embraces lodge-style decor, the rooms, for the most part, do not. The loft-style one-bedroom units do have plaid accents, fireplaces, and wood staircases and ceilings, but they feel a bit worn, overall, and still mostly generic. The standard rooms also have plaid accents, but their white bedding and run-of-the-mill wood furniture are decidedly chain-like; they feel like they could belong at any other Holiday Inn.

You'll find that many people staying here are just passing through, since the hotel is on the outskirts of town and very close to I-70.

The Holiday Inn Apex is located in West Vail, on the north side of I-70. The location is not within walking distance to any of the ski areas, and the closest lift, Eagle Bahn, is two miles away. It is, however, close to good food, the best liquor store in town, and is in the same complex as a Safeway and a City Market.

• 2-hour-15-minute drive from the closest airport, Denver International Airport
• 5-minute drive to the Colorado Ski Museum
• 6-minute drive to Lionshead Village and Eagle Bahn Gondola, the closest lift
• 8-minute drive to the Ford Amphitheater
• 9-minute drive to Vail Golf Course
• 1-hour drive to the closest hot springs in Glenwood Springs

Rooms range in size from smaller, standard rooms with a king bed or two queens, to larger one-bedroom lofts with kitchens. The standard rooms at the hotel are like those at any other Holiday Inn location -- on the small side, and a little worn, but with clean linens. Loft-style one-bedrooms are larger, with two stories and L-shaped kitchens with ovens, dishwashers, full-sized refrigerators, and tableware. Both soft and firm pillow choices are available in all of the rooms.

The bathrooms in both the standard rooms and the one-bedroom lofts have granite countertops and tile showers. Expect to see Bath & Body Works bath products -- a nice upgrade from hotel-brand products.

• Updated bathrooms with granite countertops and Bath & Body Works bath products
• Soft and firm pillow choices
• Free water (two bottles) in every room
• Some units have balconies, but not all
• Full kitchens in the one-bedroom lofts, equipped with ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, fridges, and tableware
• Fireplaces and pull-out sofas in the one-bedroom lofts

Because the hotel is not located on the slopes, or even within walking distance, the Holiday Inn provides a free shuttle service in the winter, running every 30 minutes to Lionshead and Vail Villages. The large indoor Jacuzzi and sauna are popular after skiing, and the adequate (but no better than adequate) fitness center is open around-the-clock.

• Outdoor pool isn't anything special itself, but has beautiful views
• Indoor Jacuzzi with sauna and steam room
• Adequate 24-hour fitness center
• No on-site spa, but Simply Massage has a desk in the lobby
• Free self-parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Sushi Nozowa is located in the main lobby of the hotel and offers fresh sushi, rice and noodle bowls and a happy hour.

The Westside Cafe has a bar-like atmosphere, with good burgers, a decent beer lineup, and food-to-go at a some of the best prices in Vail.

Bearfish Bar and Grill is a sports bar with good burgers and beer. Try the fried pickles and the sweet potato fries, both local favorites.

All of the restaurants are located on-site, but none are affiliated with the hotel.