Last month, I had the pleasure of staying at Grand Hyatt Vail alongside a wonderful group of Brownell advisors, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. Situated at the base of Vail Mountain, with Gore Creek flowing right outside the rooms, Grand Hyatt Vail boasts a prime location in the heart of Vail Valley, within easy reach of Vail Village. This luxury ski-in/ski-out resort offers striking architecture and attentive service, providing us with a memorable stay. With a wide variety of activities available year-round, including hiking, biking, skiing, and more, Grand Hyatt Vail is the ultimate adventure hub. Here’s a detailed account of my time at the resort and the exclusive perks we can offer during your stay.
Know Before You Go
Prepare for the high elevation by drinking plenty of water before and during your stay, and consider limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Disposable oxygen cans are available for alleviating shortness of breath. Remember to pack essential items like base layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, and moisturizer due to the dry climate. Consider renting ski clothes, boots, and helmets to save space in your luggage. Packing cubes can also maximize your packing efficiency. Hydrate during your flight and consider bringing electrolyte packets and face masks to help your body adjust to the altitude. Plan a low-key itinerary for your first day to allow your body time to acclimate to the elevation change.
Arrival Experience
My arrival experience at Grand Hyatt Vail was exceptionally smooth and welcoming. After flying into Vail/Eagle Airport (EGE) and enjoying breathtaking mountain views from the window seat during the descent, navigating the quaint and charming atmosphere of the cabin-like airport was effortless. Upon reaching baggage claim, our private driver awaited us with a sign, ready to whisk us away to Vail. The scenic journey took less than 30 minutes, during which our attentive driver provided insights into the surrounding towns, including Beaver Creek. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed with a glass of Moet champagne (don’t miss out on the Moet vending machine in the lobby) and received personalized assistance as we were escorted to our rooms.
With a total of 285 rooms, the hotel provides ample options to suit every preference and need. Its prime ski-in/ski-out location, adjacent to the Cascade Village Lift chairlift #20, ensures convenient access to the slopes for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Odd room numbers are reserved for Mountain views and even numbers host the courtyard views. As a Hyatt Privé member, we can upgrade your room to a mountain view complimentary to you (subject to availability at the time of booking).
Spacious, Remodeled Accommodations
Deluxe Mountain View | King Room
My stay in the Deluxe Mountain View room with a King bed in the Terrace Wing was nothing short of exceptional. Situated in the highly sought-after Terrace Wing, known for its prime location within the hotel’s U-shaped layout, my ground-floor room offered a charming patio overlooking Gore Creek and ski lift #20. The recently remodeled accommodations in the Terrace Wing are impressively spacious, providing plenty of room for relaxation and storage, particularly convenient for guests with ski or snowboard equipment.
The modern décor added to the overall ambiance of the room, which featured a comfortable sofa, generously-sized dresser and desk area, fully stocked coffee station, flat-screen TV, double vanity, and a luxurious marble shower complete with Balmain skincare and haircare products. My favorite part of my room was the convenience of direct patio access, which made for memorable mornings savoring my coffee with a picturesque view of the ski lift.
Mountain View | Two Queen Beds
During my visit, we were able to take a peek at some of the other room categories. We started our tour by visiting a standard room: a Courtyard View room with two Queen beds. This room type features two queen beds and picturesque views of the resort’s inner grounds, including the communal firepits for post-dinner s’mores, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. Enjoy amenities such as a flat-screen TV with Netflix, marble finishings in the bathroom, a rainfall shower, a well-appointed coffee station, and more.
If you book your stay with us or another Hyatt Privé advisory, your room will automatically be upgraded to a mountain view at the time of booking (subject to availability). Contact us to learn more.
Mountain View Grand Suite | King Bed
The next room type we toured is a beautifully spacious Grand Suite with a King bed. Relax and unwind inside this 670-square-foot apartment-style suite with village and garden views. This suite features one king bedroom, a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, a private balcony, and a bathroom with a double vanity.
Luxury Residences
If you are traveling with friends and family, booking a residence is a great option! These residences are family-owned, yet still offer access to all of the hotel’s amenities. The residences are categorized by gold, platinum, and luxury platinum accommodation types. We viewed a four-bedroom luxury platinum residence and while it is spacious, with a full dining area and kitchen, the decor is quite outdated. So, if modern is the aesthetic you’re looking for, it may be better to book connecting rooms at Grand Hyatt Vail or explore other residences.
Each residence is decorated at the owner’s discretion, so it’s important to let us know what you’re looking for so we can find the best accommodation type that suits your needs. Luxury platinum residences are part of the Hyatt Privé program and include complimentary breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, a $100 resort credit, and more. Contact us to learn more about rates and availability.
Adventurous Activities Galore!
During my stay at Grand Hyatt Vail, I found plenty of activities to enjoy beyond skiing. Exploring Vail Village revealed a lively scene with shops, restaurants, and bars, along with an inviting ice skating rink. The holiday lights added to the festive atmosphere that lasts throughout the winter season. Vail boasts three distinct villages – Vail, Lionshead, and Cascade – each offering its own charm. Even if you’re not skiing, I highly recommend taking the gondola up the mountain for a mountainside meal at the 10th (you have to try their hot chocolate!) with stunning views and a sense of inclusion with all the skiers and snowboarders.
Vail Village’s ambiance, reminiscent of a European Christmas market, was a highlight, especially with the town’s ongoing holiday decorations. With a mix of high-end boutiques, gift shops, and chain stores like Lululemon, there’s something for every shopper. The complimentary shuttle from Grand Hyatt Vail makes accessing Vail Village a breeze. Looking ahead, I’m eager to return during the bustling summer season, when activities like mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking take center stage.
Pro Tip: For skiing or snowboarding enthusiasts, purchasing an Epic Pass before early December is advisable to save on ticket costs.
Moet Champagne Yurt
While Vail Village arguably offers the most excitement, Grand Hyatt Vail makes staying in just as enticing. End your day on the slopes inside the resort’s own private Moet Imperial Yurt to maximize your après experience. This cozy atmosphere is located in the center of the courtyard, next to other fun activities, like the ice skating rink, s’mores fire pits, and TopGolf Suites. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you can inquire about renting out the yurt for a special event. For a full list of activities offered by Hyatt, click here.
Spa & Dining Experiences
Spa
While half of the group spent a day on the slopes, the other half opted for a day centered around some R&R, including me. The waiting room at the spa is modern yet cozy with a crackling fireplace as the centerpiece. There is direct access to the massive outdoor heated pool and plenty of coffee table books to browse through while waiting for your treatment to start. I got a 50-minute signature facial, which was the perfect way to hydrate my skin after shocking my body with an 8,000-foot elevation jump. The heated treatment tables were a special touch and my skin was glowing the rest of the day (so much so that I opted out of wearing makeup to dinner that night). After a treatment, indulge in some time in the sauna, shower, or grab some citrus-flavored water and be on your way. The other members of my group opted for a 50-minute signature massage and had nothing but incredible things to say about their experiences.
Dining at Grand Hyatt Vail
Gessner’s Restaurant and Bar is the main restaurant at the hotel. We had dinner here on the first night of our stay and were spoiled for choice with a wide variety of appetizers and entree choices. The espresso martini was a fan favorite, and I loved the Salmon Oscar, which comes with a delicious bearnaise sauce. View their full dinner menu here. Gessner’s is also where you can enjoy your complimentary breakfast amenity. Choose from a fresh buffet selection or order off their breakfast menu. I particularly enjoyed the French toast.
Now for some exciting news! Makoto Vail is now open. This new Japanese-style restaurant was mere weeks from opening when we visited and while we got a sneak peek, we weren’t able to be one of the first dining guests. According to their website, Makoto Vail is a “new restaurant from award-winning chef Makoto Okuwa, located at The Grand Hyatt Vail. A master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa has more than twenty-five years of experience in traditional Japanese cooking, which he combines with his own innovative style. Makoto has acclaimed restaurants in Miami, Washington, D.C., Panama City, Mexico City, and São Paulo, with Makoto Vail being the Chef’s first location in Colorado”. Secure your reservations here.
Gore Street Market is located just to the left of the lobby and is your go-to for grab-and-go sandwiches, flavored coffees, and fresh sushi. I started each morning with a tasty vanilla almond latte.
Chasing Rabbits
One of the highlights of the trip was dinner at Chasing Rabbits. This modern, eclectic, high-end restaurant and bar opened only two years ago and brings vibrancy and nightlife to this quaint village. We sat in the library room and proceeded to brag about every dish we were served. The 40 oz ribeye was the fan favorite and not a single bite remained (pictured above).
After our delicious meal, we walked down the neon-lit hallway into the arcade bar, which just so happened to be karaoke night. For a few hours, everyone in the room became our friends and we may or may not have sung a few classic karaoke songs. I was pleasantly surprised with how diverse the crowd of people was, and if you’re looking for a family vacation with older children who are 21+, Chasing Rabbits single-handedly puts Vail on the map as a source of nightlife. Beyond the bar and dining rooms, there is also a speakeasy, Moon Rabbit, open Thursday-Sunday.
Let Us Elevate Your Stay!
As a Hyatt Privé agency, we can offer our clients exclusive benefits when they book their stay directly through a team member:
- Complimentary room upgrade at booking (STA)
- Daily breakfast credit for up to two guests per bedroom at Gessner’s Restaurant and Bar
- $100 Resort Credit
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out (STA)
- Welcome note at check-in
- Priority for connecting room requests
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Exclusive Promotion: 4th Night Free! Must book by April 30, 2024, for stays between December 01, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Blackout dates may apply. Contact our team to learn more.
Your Adventure Awaits
My stay at Grand Hyatt Vail was incredible, and I highly recommend booking your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons like winter and summer. Despite the hotel being at full capacity during my visit, it never felt overcrowded due to its spacious layout. With convenient ski-in/ski-out access via chair lift #20, guests can easily navigate to and from the main village without the need for shuttles. The hotel also offers an array of off-property activities, including cycling, hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, dog sledding, snowmobiling, tubing, ice and fly fishing, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Ready to book your stay? Feel free to take advantage of our complimentary booking tool. Then, a member of our sales team will reach out about anything we can do to add special touches to your stay.
Want to explore other hotel options in Colorado? Meg from Team O recently stayed at Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection in Telluride, and wrote all about her stay. To get started on planning your trip, please fill out a Travel Request Form or contact us and we will get back to you within one business day. For a more personalized touch on your trip, you can work with our Hotel Plus team to assist with any reservations, activity scheduling, concierge assistance, and more. Once your stay is booked through us, you will automatically receive exclusive and complimentary perks that you can indulge in throughout your stay. We look forward to turning your trip to Colorado into an ultraluxe experience.
