It is pretty clear that the Sonnenalp is the best reviewed hotel in Vail. The rooms are beautiful, the service is amazing, and the prices reflect that quality, so I'll focus on some of the more practical aspects of staying here.

First, the hotel is about as far from the Vail Village lifts as you can get, and still be in Vail Village. Being at the far edge of the village can be a challenge on really cold nights.

The last review mentioned that Sonnenalp has a deal with one of the ski shops to provide free locker space to Sonnenalp guests. The shop is right below the Vista Bahn lift. We weren't told about the availability of of the lockers until we asked the concierge about ski rentals. Make sure you do this right away because the number of lockers is limited.

Even with the discount offered to Sonnenalp guests, ski rentals at the place where they have the lockers is (based on my shopping) the most expensive. Try American Ski Exchange Their rates are great, they'll let you check your skis for free at the end of the day, and they're right across the street from the place with the free lockers. Their demo equipment is good quality and well cared for. Keep a watch for the pink 20% off coupons for All American ski rentals.

Bottom line: everything about the Sonnenalp is absolutely five-star, and well worth the slight inconvenience of not being in the center of things. With a little planning you can minimize the inconvenience of being somewhat removed from the lifts.

I wanted to review a winter stay at the Sonnenalp because so many of the reviews were for off-season stays.

The Sonnenalp is located in Vail Village and is about a five minute walk to the slopes, including a chairlift and the ticket booth. Although there may be a few properties that are slightly closer, this is a great location for skiers. In addition, the hotel provided us with a locker at a retail winter sports store directly across from the lifts (including a discount coupon for rentals). The bellman moved our skis to the locker and picked them up when we checked out. The bottom line is that the location is very convenient for skiers.

The hotel is styled as an Alpen lodge and exude what German-speakers call Gemutlichkeit (sorry, no umlaut key on my keyboard). It has a very cozy feel with Swiss-themed decorations and various touches. Everything feels genuine, however, and not kitchy. The staff is largely foreign, and most of our interactions were either with Germans and Austrians, or South Americans. Sort of an Alps or Andes mix of relatively young staffers. All were extremely friendly and helpful.

We stayed in one of the larger suites. There was a minor mix-up with the reservation and they moved us into the larger suite to make-up for the problem (it was not, however, necessary). The room was nice, with a foyer, very large bathroom, and bedroom area. In addition, there was a sitting area with a fireplace.

As a general comment, the service at the Sonnenalp was superb. The maid service, for example, was five star with full-turndown, including slippers, fresh cookies, water, and the like. The German female bartender in the lobby bar remembered our drink orders from the previous night. The Concierge was extremely helpful with reservations, ski arrangements, and other requests. Again, this is a five-star hotel with the accompanying service.

Some other points - I don't know whether it was our rate plan or all plans, but a full American breakfast was included in the rate. The spa is excellent and is not an afterthought or "add-on." This is a proper spa with facilities designed into the hotel. I have regular massages and am very discerning in this area - the Sonnenalp masseuse was extremely talented.

The only constructive criticism I would offer is that the staff, while well meaning, sometimes don't seem to be well-directed. The first morning at breakfast we were seated in an area where it appeared that a single waiter was assigned to many tables. There were, however, many other staff who didn't appear to be doing anything - it seemed that they just didn't realize that could/should be helping out. Some additional adult supervision could improve this area (especially in dining). The other problems we had were with the bellmen, who just didn't seem to have it together. Skis were lost and rentals were returned to the rental store (before they had even been used), and the car keys were lost. They were well meaning, but were just not as organized as some other hotel departments.

Lastly, while the winter rates are high, I felt like there was a lot of good value for the money. I did not feel, like I do at many other expensive hotels, that I was being "nickel'd and dime'd" to death. The computers in the basement, for example, were available for use without any additional charge. I have also stayed at some other Vail Village locations, including The Lodge, and I thought the Sonnenalp was superior.

It was my first time in Colorado and the sonnenalp place is awesome. Our room was 1 bed suite with a beautiful fireplace/soaking tub. Most of the rooms have balconies with flower boxes. The suite view was to the mountains.
Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Concierge and staff were very friendly and polite. I even got the chance to meet the Owner of this nice place and take pictures with him. This is a place I would definatelly come back. Me and my honey would never forget this weekend! ILU baby!

We've just returned from a wonderful week's skiing, staying at the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail for the second time. The overall ambience and charm of the hotel is second to none, and the service and courtesy of the staff could not be faulted. We stayed in a Blue Spruce suite, which was very pleasantly decorated with gentle rustic charm, but with all the facilties you would expect of a top hotel (except perhaps the shower, which was more of a trickle than a power shower). The breakfasts (included in the rate) were amongst the best I've ever had, and the restaurant choices for dinner (Ludwigs, Bully Ranch and Swiss Chalet) were all very good. But the icing on the cake has to be the spa and pool. There is nothing nicer than returning from a hard day's skiing into the heated indoor/outdoor pool or sitting in the indoor or outdoor jacuzzi with a home made smoothie in your hand! Bliss! We're already saving up to go back next year.