"Why book? Vail’s Bavarian-inspired village finally has a hotel rooted in European ski (and après-ski) culture and modern-day design and hospitality. Set the scene A massive, glass-enclosed fireplace anchors the hotel lobby, and skiers fresh from the slopes order whiskey cocktails from the lobby bar and sink into oversized rocking chairs and arc-shaped sofa banquettes. One level higher, the hot tub and heated pool buzz with young 30- and 40-somethings and families gather around the nearby fire pits to roast complimentary s’mores. Inside at Revel Lounge, half the après crowd sips cocktails in robes and slippers while the other half have logged back on with work and are huddled away in the bar’s many discreet nooks and corners. The backstory A $40 million renovation has transformed the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort into a dazzling hotel worthy of inclusion in the brand’s Luxury Collection portfolio. The rooms Entry-level rooms span just 300 square feet, so if you crave space, it’s worth upgrading. Bi-level lofts are great for friends or families, and the three-bedroom penthouse suite feels like a private chalet. Most rooms have fireplaces and mountain views, and all feature design details that nod to the area’s history, including framed 10th Mountain Division pins. Wi-Fi is fast and chargers are plentiful. Entryway shelves and hooks are perfect for storing outdoor gear. Food and drink Revel Lounge finally gives Lionshead Village a destination cocktail spot with an excellent drink menu (the chai hot toddy and Lionshead Sour, a mix of Leopold Bros. gin, strawberry basil syrup and lemon, are standouts) and shareable snacks, including a meat and cheese board and black garlic hummus with house-made bread and crudites. The hotel partnered with 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company for its lobby bar, which means whiskey fans no longer need to visit the tasting room in neighboring Vail Village (though the hotel will arrange tours of the distillery, 40 minutes west in Gypsum). Margie’s Haas, named after a local woman who would cook for the 10th Mountain Division soldiers, features hearty European alpine fare with a Rocky Mountain twist—think bison poutine, raclette, and crispy chicken torchon. Guests can opt for a breakfast buffet ($39) or à la carte dishes like blue corn pancakes and smoked salmon eggs Benedict. If you’re jonesing to get on the trails, Mountain Ration Grab & Go has quick and easy coffee drinks, breakfast burritos and pastries, and lunch sammies, plus any provisions you might have forgotten to pack, from playing cards to sunscreen. The spa The Well & Being Spa puts equal emphasis on relaxation and recovery. Guests who get after it on Vail’s ski slopes and hiking and biking trails can book a CBD massage or pop into the self-care lounge and soothe sore muscles with Hyperice massage guns and Normatec leg compression sleeves. If you’re coming from sea level, book an oxygen therapy session to help acclimate to the altitude or an oxygen facial to repair wind-burnt skin. Arrive early to take advantage of the Himalayan salt lounge and build in post-treatment time to enjoy the complimentary glass of champagne. The 24-hour gym is athlete-worthy, equipped with Peloton bikes, a SkiErg, battle ropes, and any other piece of equipment you could ever dream of. The neighborhood/area Lionshead Village had lagged behind neighboring Vail Village when it came to a cocktail-focused après scene and elevated dining. The opening of the Hythe levels the playing field, and you can’t beat the hotel’s location—a short walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and ice skating rink. The service Low-key and friendly while simultaneously being highly attentive. A spa attendant magically appeared the moment someone struggled with the settings on the Normatec compression sleeves. When the staff learned of my pre-dawn departure, they arranged a to-go breakfast bag packed with an egg-and-cheese bagel sammie, granola bars, bananas, and water, plus a steaming cup of coffee. A complimentary house car transfers guests to Vail Village. For families Families will love the easy access to the slopes and the daily s’mores ritual by the outdoor pool and heat lamps. Eco effort Aluminum water bottles replace plastic, and Elkay water stations have been installed throughout the hotel. Accessibility A number of rooms have ADA features like roll-in showers and toilet seats at wheelchair height, and the pool has an ADA-compliant chair lift. Anything left to mention? Just off the lobby you’ll find a hallway showcasing a rotating selection of local art, and beyond that is a room full of vintage photographs from the 10th Mountain Division and golden age of skiing. The hotel partners with adventure sports app, Adventure iO, to curate pro-athlete hosted excursions like heli-skiing and mountain biking. Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? At a time when Vail has become synonymous with ski conglomerate Vail Resorts, the Hythe reminds visitors of the ski area’s founding vision: to celebrate the mountains. Design, decor, and dining pay homage to Vail founders Earl Eaton and Pete Seibert and the mountain’s 1960s heyday. A fantastic restaurant and cool bar scene mean visitors no longer need to go to Vail Village for evening entertainment, and the spa’s recovery-focused therapies ensure you can handle back-to-back days on the trails." - Jen Murphy
