Mountain-Style Comfort for Families at the Lodge at Vail

When visiting a destination known for incredible natural beauty such as Vail, Colorado, families deserve a hotel that will enhance the stress-free vibe the mountains give off, not detract from it. The Lodge at Vail is a great choice for parents who want a touch of luxury but who also want to feel comfortable during a stay with kids.

Family-Friendly Review of the Lodge at Vail

Accommodations

The Lodge at Vail, managed by RockResorts, was the first hotel in Vail, yet the interior doesn’t feel the least bit dated and the property has undergone several renovations. Even so, it’s one of the only properties in the area that still has real, wood-burning fireplaces — a true treat in the winter ski season.

For families, the International Wing is a great option because it is more modern and spacious and offers mountain views. Here you’ll find beautiful suites or privately owned condos (one-, two- and three-bedroom options) with kitchens. For larger groups, the Lodge at Vail also has luxury chalets with four to six bedrooms.

The starting price point for a family of four in a luxury suite is $419 in summer.

Amenities

Lodge at Vail knows that families need amenities to enjoy around the resort when not out on the mountain. The outdoor pool is spacious and sunny, despite being tucked away almost courtyard-style. There are several hot tubs to choose from for a post-ski soak, including by the pool and at the spa.

Speaking of the spa, this is a must for moms and dads. During my hourlong facial, I felt a world away from real life and my skin has never felt better. The staff is very professional and accommodating and the space is serene.

My favorite amenity is the complimentary shuttle that runs from the entrance of the hotel to Lionshead Village (at the lodge’s sister property, the Arrabelle). Kids aren’t known for being particularly patient, so it’s nice to know you can get between these two hubs of activity in the area without waiting on public transport or worrying about parking. Lionshead is home to ski school for children in the winter, as well as the gondola up to Epic Discovery in the summer months.

Special Touches for Kids

A plush Mort the Moose, the property’s friendly mascot, is given to younger guests upon check-in. There’s also a game room that older kids will enjoy during their downtime from the mountain activities. For families, Lodge at Vail can arrange grocery delivery service — an essential. There is no grocery story anywhere within Vail village, so this amenity is important for keeping snacks, drinks and even cooking supplies on hand during their stay, if you’re in a suite or condo with a kitchen.

I appreciated that the common areas around the hotel are very relaxed and kid-friendly. Kids will enjoy flopping down on the comfy couches and parents won’t have to worry about little ones breaking fussy antiques. Despite the casual atmosphere, the look is still appropriately upscale.

Dining

All the outdoor activity in the area will leave families feeling hungry. The Lodge at Vail has guests covered from morning until night. Cucina, the main restaurant on the property, offers one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve ever had. Portions are huge, service is quick and the menu options are endless. The table service is a welcome change from the typical hotel buffet breakfast.

In the afternoons during ski season, there’s a s’mores bar that should hold everyone over until dinner. During the evening, Elway’s is a popular choice not just among guests of the hotel, but also those staying elsewhere in Vail. This steakhouse has a gorgeous (and heated) outdoor patio and a friendly atmosphere. I saw lots of families dining here each night, as well as couples and groups of friends.

Location

Perhaps the biggest perk of a stay at the Lodge at Vail is its outstanding location. It is just steps away from Gondola One, which takes you right up the mountain. It’s also tucked away beautifully among all the wonderful restaurants, shops and fun of Vail Village itself. Vail is far more family-friendly than I imagined, including several playgrounds and a new turf surface that kids enjoy with impromptu games of soccer and football each evening. Most of the streets are strictly pedestrian, meaning that even little ones can roam around safely, and families look just as relaxed strolling around the village as they do enjoying the scenery at the top of the mountain.

Finding a hotel that can impress guests beyond the beauty of the mountains around Vail is a tough task. But the Lodge at Vail rises to the challenge by giving families a comfortable place to relax and lots of amenities to enhance their stay.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Colorado on Ciao Bambino 

10 best ski resorts for summer family fun

Summer thrills abound at Epic Discovery on Vail Mountain

Old-world charm for families at The Arrabelle at Vail Square

Editor’s Note: Nicole was hosted by Lodge at Vail to review the property for families. As always, all opinions are our own at Ciao Bambino. Photos by Nicole Wiltrout.