With a prestigious reputation amidst its Colorado ski town counterparts, Vail is second to none when it comes to indulgent mountain lifestyles, rustic restaurants with a price tag, and an affluent clientele that’s global—you’ll hear a medley of accents and languages that don’t ring in the sound of an American. As you meander through the village, you're transported to a winter wonderland reminiscent of Austrian or Swiss alpine resorts.
This worldly ambiance is no accident, of course. It aligns with the vision of Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton, who aimed to bring European ski culture to the United States. Seibert, a World War II veteran who trained with the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, joined forces with Eaton, a local rancher and Army engineer, to establish Vail in the late ‘50s and ‘60s.
{Start Perks}
BOOK WITH US FOR PERKS
- Reservation priority
- Welcome amenity
- Hotel credit
- Complimentary breakfast
- Early check in/late check out
- Upgrades
{End Perks}
When you book a room at The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, this fascinating history comes to life in more ways than one. It begins the second you hop out of the car and encounter the attentive ski valet: your bags are swiftly tagged and whisked away, ready for collection at the ski tent near the gondola—just like that, your load (both physical and mental) is lifted.
As you enter the inviting lobby, a soaring foyer centered by a floor-to-ceiling iron fireplace draws you in. Sumptuous leather couches, fur-cloaked chairs, black marble accents, and reclaimed wooden walls create the coziest alpine retreat, making it sink in that you’ve arrived at your mountain town getaway.
There’s more to explore in the living-room-esque lobby, from a rotating art gallery to the 10th Mountain whiskey bar and a heritage vault filled with historic photographs and memorabilia from Vail’s beginnings—each a tempting distraction. However, guests will be pleased to find the rooms are equally enticing to snuggle into, especially after long days on the slopes. A contemporary lodge aesthetic envelops these chambers with earthy browns, leather headboards, and plush checkered accent pillows. Lavish white marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers provide sleek, refreshing retreats post-outdoor affairs.
The most thoughtful touch? The cleverly appointed mudroom at the entryway is designed for shedding ski layers, boots, and all, with hooks and cubbies for seamless gear storage, keeping everything tidy yet ready for the next day's runs.
Speaking of skiing, The Hythe makes gliding across the snow easier than ever. With all the gear involved, it's easy to forget the little things—helmets, goggles, mittens. Thankfully, their handy Adventure Locker on the second floor covers you with ski essentials and après must-haves. Think snow pants, jackets, Oakley goggles, snowshoes, Helly Hansen backpacks, board games, and even pool noodles for post-slope hot tub lounging.
As for the food and drink, you won’t go hungry here. Paying homage to Pete and Earl’s vision for Vail, the Revel Lounge embodies après culture, where post-powder revelry means swapping ski stories over top-notch drinks and bites. A wraparound bar, low-slung green velvet couches, and Gray Malin-adorned imbibing corners set a laidback yet upscale scene. Wild game meatballs, soft pretzels with beer cheese, and a classic club sandwich steal the show, best paired with sippers like the Huckleberry Smash (Woody Creek Distillers Bourbon, huckleberries, mint, honey, and lemon) or the Revel Old Fashioned (Woody Creek Distillers Rye, nocino, maple syrup, and walnut bitters).
By morning, Margie’s Haas takes over—a cozy breakfast spot honoring homesteader Margie, who welcomed Camp Hale soldiers in for coffee and conversation. Steak and eggs or stuffed French toast fuel outdoor feats, while Mountain Ration Grab & Go downstairs keeps things quick with coffee, cereal, and breakfast bars for those eager to hit the slopes.
In summary, The Hythe is more than a luxury mountain abode—it feels like home, embodying the essence of ski culture in a way Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton would surely approve of.
Top Takeaways
Location: Vail, Colorado
Rating: 5-Star
The vibe: An elevated mountain lodge that melds history and modern style.
Our favorite thing about the hotel? The little touches that make a big impact. Each guest receives a deck of cards in their room—a thoughtful nod to Vail’s first resort, Frenchman’s, which consisted of just two tents: one for sleeping and one for playing cards, fostering camaraderie in the valley’s early days.
Food + Drink: Elevated American comfort food, bar bites, and craft cocktails at Revel Lounge. Sit-down breakfast at Margie’s Haas or quick morning bites from Mountain Ration. Whiskey and appetizers at 10th Mountain.
Amenities: Well & Being Spa (full treatment menu, recovery room, Himalayan salt therapy, and steam room); fitness center; outdoor pool; ski and car valet; restaurant and bar; excellent breakfast; accessible facilities.
Any personal neighborhood recommendations? While technically next door at Beaver Creek Resort, dinner at Beano’s Cabin is a must. A motorized sleigh ride whisks you to this authentic log cabin, home to one of Colorado’s top restaurants. Expect hearty, flavorful tableside service and front-row views of chefs at work in the grand dining room. (Our visit highlighted a special Blackbelly collaboration, where we indulged in a whiskey-washed, 35-day dry-aged Wagyu striploin with black truffle purée, perfectly paired with a 2020 Concha y Toro “Don Melchor” Cabernet Sauvignon. It all ended with a sticky toffee pudding we’re still dreaming about—safe to say, we left happily full.)
Rooms: 344 rooms and suites, including eight residences (from $6,000 per night) and two penthouses (roughly $8,000 per night).
Pricing: Rates start at $297 per night.
Closest Airport: Eagle County Regional Airport is a 40-minute drive, and Denver International Airport is approximately a 2-hour trip (with no traffic via I-70.
Hotels Above Par may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links, at no cost to you.
