Sitzmark Lodge at Vail

The Sitzmark Lodge at Vail is a warm, laid-back Vail institution. The Sitzmark has been owned and run by the Fritch family since 1974, and the family continues to live on the premises, which adds to the personal attention guests can expect and the friendly ambience throughout the hotel. On Monday nights, there is a wine reception in the owners' apartment, where guests can meet and greet. 

Outside, the Sitzmark has an alpine vibe, but inside it is more like a big living room, with coffee, tea, cider, hot chocolate, espresso, and mulled wine available for the taking. Guests can watch TV and socialize, or find a quiet corner and read a book by the hearth. The deck overlooks Vail Village, and Gore Creek can be heard rushing by behind the hotel. The grounds are lined with pretty trails, great for summertime strolling or jogging. In the evenings, the Left Bank Restaurant serves a French and American menu in a sophisticated, but not overly formal dining room with a large wine cellar; the restaurant is popular with locals as well as hotel guests. 

The Sitzmark is a relaxed, casual, family inn, with enough amenities (including ski storage) to make groups, outdoorsy types, athletes, solo travelers comfortable, without the pricey, over-the-top luxuries of a high-end chalet. It's the kind of place to which guests return, year after year, for the warmth and personal attention.

The Sitzmark Lodge at Vail is located in the center of the Vail Village pedestrian area, about a 10-minute walk to Vail Ski Resort. Gondola One, one of Vail’s oldest, is steps from the lodge, and the inn is surrounded by restaurants and boutiques. Cogswell Gallery is 10 minutes from the hotel; the Gerald Ford Amphitheater and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are a mile away. Guests can park their car in the Sitzmark’s covered garage and find plenty to do within walking distance. Gore Creek runs directly behind the hotel, and there are hiking trails on the grounds. Nearby activities include Golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and, in the summertime water skiing, sailing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, and biking. The Sitzmark is two hours east of Grand Junction. Denver International Airport is a two hour drive from the lodge.

The 35 rooms at the Sitzmark Lodge at Vail are clean, spacious, and cozy, with private balconies overlooking either the mountains or Gore Creek. (Creek views are gorgeous in the summertime.) Guest rooms come in a variety of configurations, from Studio Rooms with kitchenettes to Deluxe Fireplace Rooms. Many have separate sitting areas. The decor includes dark-wood furniture, wall-to-wall carpeting, Tempur-Pedic beds, and mountain-themed art on the walls. The vibe is homey, but there is no quirky Colorado charm. There are ceiling fans but no AC (also the case at Austria Haus Hotel). 

Bathrooms are large and modern, with shower/tub combinations, plenty of counter space, and vanity areas with stools. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels and DVD players, mini-fridges, digital media players, and in-room safes, but no microwaves. Second-floor rooms have direct access to the pool and hot tub.

The Sitzmark Lodge at Vail offers a free continental breakfast each morning, which includes make-your-own Belgian waffles. In the evenings, The Left Bank serves dinner, featuring a French and American menu, in a stylish dining room that is popular with both guests and locals. There's a bar and lounge for apres-ski cocktails, and coffee, tea, cider, and other drinks are always on offer in the lobby. The Sitzmark's heated outdoor pool and hot tub are open year-round, and there are lounge chairs on the sundeck for taking in the view. The fitness center is tiny, with a few cardio machines. The Lodge provides free ski storage and loaner bikes. In-room spa services are available, but guests should call to reserve before arrival, if possible. 

There are barbecue grills around the property for guests' use, as well as a laundry room on-site. Child care and babysitting are available for a fee, though there are no kids' club or programmed activities, unlike at the more luxurious (and expensive) Sonnenalp Hotel and The Sebastian - Vail. The Sitzmark has a one station business center with a printer. Finally, the hotel features several high-end boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, shoes, crafts, toys, art, and souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.