The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail is, as the name signals, a residence property rather than a conventional hotel, and its strength is where it stands: in Lionshead Village, steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and the lifts of Vail Mountain. That puts the ski terrain, and in summer the hiking and biking, within a short walk, while keeping you in the heart of a village of restaurants, bars and shops. Arrival feels more mountain lodge than ski-resort scrum, with valet and concierge rather than a crush of boots and gear.
The accommodation is built around space. Rather than standard rooms, the property offers two, three and four-bedroom residences with gourmet kitchens, fireplaces and generous living areas, finished in a polished alpine style of rich woods and textured fabrics rather than antlers and rough timber. Beds and insulation are a clear notch above the average ski hotel, so early starts on the slopes do not translate into disturbed nights. A ski valet warms and hands over gear, a shuttle runs to the gondola, and a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs face the mountains.
Two honest caveats. Despite the gondola being a short walk away, the building is not literally door-to-lift ski-in, ski-out in every unit, and on-site dining is limited because Lionshead and Vail Village put restaurants on the doorstep instead. Neither is much of a drawback for the guests it suits: families and groups who want room to spread out, a kitchen, fireplaces and Ritz-Carlton service, with the mountain and the village both a short walk from the door.
