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Sonnenalp Hotel brings a standard of European hospitality to the Vail Valley in Colorado. Located in the heart of Vail Village with views of Gore Creek, guests will experience a caliber of luxury designed to exceed their expectations of hospitality and comfort. Family-owned for five generations, we weave a boutique quality of care into the comforts of a European luxury resort. As one of the first-ever MICHELIN Key Hotel recipients in America, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and named among Travel and Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels, we take pride in creating unforgettable experiences and providing a flawless stay that feels catered to the specific needs of our guests.
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Sonnenalp Vail emerges as a luxurious alpine retreat, renowned for its spacious and comfortable rooms adorned with European charm and amenities such as fireplaces, not to mention the stunning views that captivate guests. The hotel's cleanliness is impeccable, with visitors frequently lauding the spotless environment. Staff at Sonnenalp Vail are celebrated for their exceptional service, exuding warmth and hospitality that surpass expectations.
Nestled in a prime location, the hotel offers easy access to skiing and Vail Village, all while maintaining a cozy atmosphere complete with live music. Despite its premium pricing, the hotel's transparent costs, top-notch amenities, including a spa and family-friendly offerings, justify the investment for many.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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As repeat guests to the Sonnealp we wondered how the COVID pandemic would affect our visit to the Sonnenalp. We were very impressed by the precautions made by the management and staff. All staff were wearing masks, practicing social distancing and at the same time we did not feel alienated by them doing so. The same overt care and welcoming attitude we have come to expect came through. Our arrival was met by Julia Batchelor and the Manager of Housekeeping Mariano as we had requested some considerations in our room-extra towels for our stay as the Hotel was not providing turn down service.. Check in was essentially contact free and we were assisted by Spencer, one of the veteran Valet's with our bags to our room in short order. Our room had obviously been quite thoroughly cleaned-perhaps more than usual and items such as throw pillow were gone due to safety concerns. With that said, we did not really miss them. Our Sonnenalp breakfast buffet (world class) has been modified to a menu with a very good assortment of choices but not the same as the pre-pandemic buffet we have enjoyed for years. We were not disappointed. Irena, the Ludwig's manager, always had a smile under her mask and managed her team well given the additional responsibilities of extra cleaning care. Bully Ranch restaurant had their full menu and the food quality excellent. The Kings Club lounge was open a few nights and actually had live entertainment with appropriate distancing. We never felt our personal space was compromised. Lubo, the bartender, always warm and welcoming! The Concierge team lead by Victor (Matt and Connie) were outstanding in arranging dining, golf and even a wheel chair for my 91 year old mother in law who joined us for this trip. Tremendous service all around! The pool, grounds ad and our accommodations were what we have come to expect from the Sonnenalp; warm, inviting and the calm of the Rocky Mountains in Summer.
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Date of stay: June 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I have stayed at quite a few resorts in Vail and Breckenridge but the Sonnenalp was the best by far! The hotel was welcoming cozy and clean. The atmosphere is so beautiful and the hotel is a great place to get away for relaxation and fun. We decided to try this beautiful hotel for my Mother in laws 60th Birthday celebration. We only spent one night and when we arrived we immediately went to the pool and hot tubs and they were clean private and you could see and hear the river flowing making a sound of paradise. We were so relaxed. We enjoyed it so much one night was not enough. I wish we were still there! My Mother in law said she never spent a night in such a beautiful place and our suite was perfect for us three. Our Suite was very updated and stylish we had clean white robes and slippers in each closet in case we wanted to visit the spa! We had a complimentary bottle of wine and a happy birthday card for my Mother in law placed in our room which was greatly appreciated. This was a memorable relaxing weekend and we took a million pictures. We seen a few deer on the way up and on the way home. Your desk service was very helpful all staff very nice! I am recommending the Sonnenalp to all my friends and family because like me they Love Vail and are always looking to stay in the best resorts and cabins at an affordable price.
Thanks again in helping us make this the most memorable time for my husband his Mom and me.
Paulette Rodriguez
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Date of stay: June 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Junior Suite is the way to go!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My husband, our toddler, and I stayed in the Gore Creek Suite over Labor Day Weekend. It was our first time to Vail, and the weather was amazing. Upon arriving, our valet who’s name escapes me was kind and loaded all of our bags onto a cart and took them to our room. Connor helped us at the front desk, and was so hospitable and friendly! He even gave our toddler a coloring book with crayons. The room itself was beautiful. I feel like the photos online don’t do it justice. There were two balconies, 1.5 bathrooms, a Murphy bed in the living room, a 4 chair dining room table, 2 mini fridges, a microwave, and a desk which my son claimed for himself! More than enough space for the 3 of us. Housekeeping and turn down service were super sweet, and they left chocolate chip cookies for us at night time. We only had 2 issues*, (if you can even call them that). 1. Our suite was on the 3rd floor just above Ludwigs. This is also where wedding receptions were held both Friday and Saturday night. The DJ booth was just below our room which made for a LOT of noise until 10pm each night. Luckily for us, our toddler sleeps with a sound machine and we are in our 30s and don’t mind fun music. But we both agreed had our parents been in that room, they would have complained immediately. It wasn’t cheap by any means, and not everyone likes hearing music until 10pm. 2. We kept trying to sit outside at Bully Ranch restaurant and we’re turned away twice for not having a reservation. That really isn’t an issue, but more of a tip. Be sure to make reservations before you arrive if you plan on dining at The Bully Ranch. Lastly, both my husband and I got massages at the Spa which was lovely. My masseuse, Mark, was fantastic! He made me feel very comfortable and was just super nice and easy to talk to. Definitely not a stuffy vibe at their spa, which is a nice change of pace from others we have visited. The Sonnenalp was beautiful and the staff were very helpful and kind. It is centrally located, and the floral window boxes are to die for. I would highly recommend The Sonnenalp to anyone looking to stay in Vail.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Be sure and make reservations at the on site dining prior to arrival.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything about my stay was excellent. Each staff member was friendly and helpful and my room was very clean and well appointed. The location is perfect! I also enjoyed the spa and the various restaurants offered around property. It was also nice to see hourly cleaning of the commonly touch surfaces (there is a sheet initialed each hour after cleaning). My one comment is that I do not like it when staff members mention my room number out loud (for security reasons) and this happened several times during my stay. Other than that, the hotel exceeded my expectations and I will certainly return in the future.
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Date of stay: September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my first time to visit this very charming hotel with the finest people working so hard during this time giving it their all to keep everyone safe, secure and happy.
You are greeted with a huge smile although behind the mask the people work there in every dept absolutely stole my heart and then gave it back again. Front desk Milane, Missy, Justice, Madison to name a few. I also wanted to say housekeeping does an extarodinary job as they are so understaffed they all help one another get it done especially when the hotel was at capacity. I fell in love with Ada, Norma, Rocky and ibraham to name a few. They were always smiling and helpful no matter what I needed. I would like to also mention the Concierge team whom I loved Victor, Connie and Matthew all of them exuded such kindness and were always available to help a very professional team. The Valet led by John was also right on top of everything whenever you needed their help, which I did, Jeff, Jake, Michael to name a few they were all great!!
Several suggestions for in-room comfort the pillows are not good, they are old and no pillow case covering, the linens need to be replaced as they are itchy so a refresh for the bed as my bed was not very good in room 307..double beds..yes preferred a king but reservations asked me to move during my stay so I did to a smaller room but with the view I asked for. They have 45 classes of rooms so it is not easy to tell you which one's you will prefer. I preferred for my 34 night stay to be on the river side to be able to hear and see the river was important as I rarely left my room due to all of the guests not wearing masks, just acting as if they owned the pool area...so I protected myself from all of them who thought they were the only one's there.
I will review the spa separately. They are the finest spa #1 in all of Vail beyond fabulous!!
I will always remember how lovely, professional, kind, helpful, joyful, and amazing they are to everyone you meet and especially to me.
It is because of their uplifting energy that I chose to stay longer...so much longer than I had planned.
Seeing their bright shining eyes and the smiles underneath your masks made me feel at home.
My stay changed my life in so many positive ways and I want to thank all of you for being so special to me and beaming so much light into our world.
Especially now, when the world needs more love and light.
You take hospitality to a new level despite the amazing challenges in this industry which is my beloved industry.
You show the passion, compassion and commitment that you have been bringing to our world for over 100 years.
Congratulations, in the midst of chaos, constant change, and being understaffed you bring the leadership qualities required to continue to bring the client experience to life in everything you do.
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Date of stay: June 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Rooms facing the river either Spruce Suite or Lodge Pole Suite ( smaller version)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We recently stayed as a family at the Sonnenalp for a weekend getaway. While we were apprehensive at first due to COVID-19, the staff’s dedication to safety protocols put our minds at ease. From their willingness to accommodate guests who are uncomfortable eating in the restaurant to the frequent sanitizing of surfaces and rooms, we truly felt comfortable during our stay. On top of that the Bavarian style hotel is beautiful and the rooms are cozy. There is no better way in which to experience everything Vail has to offer. The ski valet takes your gear right to the base of the mountain, and the hotel is in a great location. The Sonnenalp has become our favorite hotel to stay in and every time the friendly staff exceed our expectations. Highly Recommend!
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Date of stay: January 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The resort accommodations and food did not disappoint. Hotel management did disappoint. I am posting a review so that others are aware of an odd "protocol" that was described to me by the housekeeping department. After checking in at the Denver airport I received a phone call that my curling iron was left in the room. I quickly recounted my packing and did not remember seeing my curling iron (nor did I miss it). I told the housekeeping department I did not see it on the bathroom counter so therefore I neglected to pack it. She informed me that the "protocol" was to store guest's personal items like that in a drawer, and had I notice my toiletries had been laid out for me, Personally I thought we just had a quirky housekeeper... I was informed that I could room charge the return of my property via ground mail. I replied no, I'll speaker to the hotel manager, that it's ridiculous to charge me, for my "hidden item". After being left on hold, "Cory" returned to tell me the manager was unavailable but this time she would appease me and mail my item to me via ground mail. I was very satisfied with our agreement. Imagine my surprise when a $20 charge appeared on my Visa, days after my final folio charges had been posted from our stay. Imagine my surprise when FedEx appeared at my door with a package containing my curling iron. If you're going to charge me at least throw in some packing material - it's the principle not the price. This property specializes in pleasant, small details, it would have been an extension of fine details had this had been taken care of by the hotel; as I was told. After all I paid my fair share of resort fees and valet parking.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wanted to give it a 5 star, really did, but it's just too dated for me. The service is great, it's a very quaint European like chalet.
What they have in charm they lack in updates. We stayed in a suite that had two levels but the beds were a little uncomfy and the amenities a little "used".
I happen to really enjoy the outdoor space and pool area for its location and uniqueness to the space. It isnt a huge pool, but unless you are swimming laps who cares. Also with three hot tubs it is very friendly if you need to social distance from people and not jostle for space.
So it has its pros and cons. For what I paid I wanted a little more. Plenty of great options in Vail so there is a little something for everyone!
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This hotel has a nice European feel. I was a bit dubious about the fit and furnishings of the rooms which seemed quite outdated, but the outstanding turndown made up for it.
The service is not quite even enough to be a top tier hotel. Three examples:
(1) I arrived early and asked to store my bag, but after putting on my boots I had to track down the bellman rather than the front desk taking care of it. Then when my room was ready I had to request my bags be taken up. A very minor thing, but something I’ve not experienced at a five star hotel, where usually the bags are delivered to the room when it’s set. Staff just didn’t seem coordinated.
(2) I was confirmed in a room for a conference by their own group sales coordinator, but the front desk changed the room.
(3) You are only given TWO coffee pods for your entire stay. Yes, it is only possible to have two cups of coffee in your room. When I requested some (there were none in my room when I checked in) the front desk man was a bit irate and told me they cost $2 per pod. So stock up before you come? Seems ridiculous at this price point and I can’t think of another hotel I’ve stayed in in the past 10 years that doesn’t offer in-room coffee every day.
However; the served breakfast was excellent and the servers are kind and capable. In addition, I really needed some floss late at night and one of the front desk woman gave me her personal floss. Simply outstanding and very appreciated. The tubs and fireplaces are great at the end of a long day. All-in-all a pleasant stay with many good things, but a few areas for improvement in my view.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking for a beautiful property that takes COVID preparation very seriously? This is the place. We watched them clean tables after meals, space people in the bar and kindly tell people to mask up. The property itself is stunning and very clean with wonderful staff. John at the bellstand greeted us and gave us multiple suggestions for dining, reservations and hiking. The front desk was efficient, kind and welcoming. Every staff person we encountered seemed to enjoy their work. You know how you go places and the staff is complaining? Not at the Sonnenalp. The pool was open and clean and the spa immaculate. The beds are to die for and the property is pretty and well maintained.
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Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No as with many hotels of that type they focus on providing service. The concierge will direct to local laundry service or provide the service for you. I’ve found the staff very helpful for many requests but we typically do not do laundry for a week while staying.
Hi, please forgive me I am so glad everyone wrote you as I had broken my wrist and did not check Trip Advisor.
Yes, it is open now in January. They keep it covered and then you make an appt to use it and it is heated as are all of the hot tubs.
I had on work out gear some of my time there and jeans and a blouse the rest. It’s casual yet nice! For Bully Ranch jeans and a nice blouse are great. Ludwigs seemed to have people dressed a little nicer for breakfast. Enjoy!
Yes, within minutes depending on the time of year. The concierge at the hotel booked it for us. They know the right people and the right places for the right price.
There are more places to choose from in the Vail area.
PRICE RANGE
$415 - $1,257 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sonnenalp resort of vail hotel vail, sonnenalp hotel vail, sonnenalp resort vail
LOCATION
United StatesColoradoVail
NUMBER OF ROOMS
127
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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