The Sebastian – Vail

"Start us off with an overview.This boutique hotel in Vail Village welcomes you with a contemporary take on mountain chic; a sleek, modern fireplace greets you in the lobby, stone and woodwork are accented by funky sculptures, and hip, though-provoking art hangs on almost every wall. It’s a hotel that cares about the small things, including a hot chocolate bar at the front desk. Sounds great. Who else do you see in the lobby?Well-traveled families and discerning skiers. And how easy is it to navigate arrival, from check-in to getting settled? Valets in the driveway hustle to help unload and park your car; the front desk is similarly friendly. The hotel is easy to navigate; the in-room tech, straightforward. Wifi is strong and fast throughout the hotel. Excellent. So on to the best part—the rooms. What can you expect from the Sebastian?The expansive rooms were recently remodeled; all feature curated artwork and a separate sitting space. Four-hundred thread count Egyptian cotton and fluffy down duvets make for plush beds, and each room comes with posh bathrobes and slippers. If you have a family, opt for a sprawling residential suite, a large, apartment-style space with a full kitchen, fireplace, balcony, one to four bedrooms, and major views of Vail Mountain. What are the other food and drink options on-site?Head to the Frost Bar for happy hour, football, or small bites. Meanwhile, Leonora, the on-site restaurant, does eclectic tapas and entrees. Brunch is also delicious, especially on the stone patio in the summer. Our pick, however, is to order dessert from the room service menu and tuck into scrumptious chocolate while literally tucked into bed. Sold! Any other parts of the hotel we should be sure to check out?The heated pool at the Sebastian is the stuff of ski town dreams, with a waterfall, stone galore, multiple hot tubs, and servers who bring snacks and cocktails. The Sebastian also boasts a nice on-site spa, a kids' club, a game room that’s actually worth playing in, and a ski and bike valet service that helps you spend your day schussing, not schlepping. Lovely. So if you were to recommend the Sebastian to a friend, what would be your pitch?This is a boutique hotel with large, comfortable rooms, a top-notch stone pool, and a convenient location in the heart of Vail Village." - Megan Barber