Manor Vail Lodge

Manor Vail Lodge has the ambience of a romantic Alpine ski lodge, with views of skier-studded slopes from room balconies and common areas. The vibe is low-key, with plenty of extra touches that give the lodge a cozy, upscale feel. The lobby is casual and warm, with lots of stone and wood incorporated into the design and decor, as well as landscape paintings and sculptures of wildlife that bring the outdoors in. Plus, free apres-ski hot chocolate and cookies are set out in the lobby. There are a variety of decks around the lodge with excellent vistas, as well as an elegant fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating. The resort's restaurant and bar, The Fitz, is furnished with comfy sofas clustered around fireplaces, as well as rustic wood tables, leather seating, and vintage ski photographs that set the mood. Although Manor Vail Lodge is a condo resort, it is just as much a ski lodge, with all the amenities and conveniences of such.

The Manor Vail Lodge is ideally located for skiers at the base of Vail Mountain and just across the street from the Golden Peak ski lifts. The property is set on 4.6 acres of parkland, with a large stream and a covered bridge on the grounds. There are hiking and biking trails, soccer and softball fields, a volleyball court, and two community tennis courts nearby. The nearest golf course is a five-minute drive away. There are grocery stores within a seven-minute drive of the lodge. The Betty Ford Alpine Botanical Garden, Cogswell Gallery, and the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum are under a 10-minute walk, and the Gerald Ford Amphitheater is a 13-minute walk away. The hotel operates a free shuttle to the center of Vail Village. Eagle County Regional Airport is a 40-minute drive from here, while Denver International Airport is about a two-hour drive.

Manor Vail Lodge is made up of 125 condos in a variety of configurations from Studios and One-, Two-, and Three Bedroom Suites to super-luxe Penthouses with vaulted ceilings, washer/dryers, whirlpool tubs, and more. Decor varies since units are individually owned, and though many have elegant, lodge-inspired decor, some are a bit dated. Some units have bunk beds, murphy beds, or sofa beds for additional guests. A few traditional single and double hotel rooms are also available. All condos have hardwood floors, ceiling fans, stone fireplaces, and full kitchens with ovens, refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, coffeemakers, and ample cookware. Rooms also have private balconies with gas grills, as well as lovely views of Vail, Gore Creek, or the Gore Mountains and ski slopes. Rooms overlooking the creek are quieter. Bathrooms are upscale, with either showers or shower/tub combos. Additionally amenities include toiletries and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Daily housekeeping and Wi-Fi are included in the resort fee.

Manor Vail Lodge features a bunch of excellent amenities geared toward skiers, including a ski school, individual ski storage lockers, and personal Ski Butlers available for hire. The spa is a popular place to unwind after (or instead of) a day on the slopes, with saunas and steam rooms, sports massages, aromatherapy, mani/pedis, and other beauty services. The hotel has two heated outdoor pools that are open year-round, as well as four hot tubs. The fitness center has yoga mats, exercise balls, weight equipment, and cardio machines with individual TV screens and iPod docks, as well as free headphones.

The hotel offers 12,000 square feet of event space, including a wedding garden, with event planning services available on-site. The lodge offers both indoor and outdoor parking lots, but they charge for parking privileges. The hotel does operate a free shuttle to the center of Vail Village. There is an obligatory daily resort fee that covers services like housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and use of facilities.

The Fitz Bar and Restaurant is an atmospheric spot for a craft cocktail or beer, or a meal by the fire. The menu features “Elevated Comfort Food,” including gravy fries, bison chili, burgers, and pot pies. There is a kids’ menu, as well as a list of Take and Bake meals that can be preordered by guests who are arriving late or simply want to eat in the comfort of their condo. There is live music in the lounge on many evenings. A breakfast buffet is served year-round (and included in some rates), with hot, hearty food in winter and a lighter menu in summertime. Barbecue facilities are available on the grounds.