Situated along Gore Creek at the base of Vail Mountain in Colorado, Grand Hyatt boasts a splendid setting in West Vail with peaceful views and easy access to Vail Valley attractions. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy ski-in/ski-out convenience via chairlift No. 20, just steps from the hotel.
And when the snow melts, the scenic Gore Valley Trail offers a creek-side recreational path that leads into Vail Village and beyond.
GRAND HYATT IN VAIL, COLORADO
The Grand Hyatt (formerly Hotel Talisa) opened in August 2019 after a multi-million-dollar remodeling. It blends mountain-chic and contemporary styles, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and local artwork that pays homage to the Southern Ute Native American tribe.
The expansive property has 285 spacious guestrooms and suites in several connected buildings, yet the lobby and lounge areas have a friendly, casual ambiance that feels more like a boutique hotel.
What’s more, the Grand Hyatt is pet-friendly, and at any given time, the lobby is buzzing with families enjoying the company of their well-behaved dogs. During summer, “yappy hour” is held on the patio.
AMENITIES AT GRAND HYATT VAIL
Grand Hyatt offers a variety of activities and amenities including ski valet and rental service, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, creek-side hot tubs and an infinity pool.
There is a cozy yurt on Grand Hyatt Plaza where special programs such as mixology sessions take place. Other activities at the plaza include ice skating (seasonal), roasting s’mores around a fire pit, and beer garden tastings.
The hotel offers three dining options: Gessner’s Restaurant, known for local ingredient-driven cuisine and award-winning wines; Fireside Lounge and Bar; and a gourmet market for grab-and-go. For dining in town, guests enjoy taking the complimentary hotel shuttle that runs continuously to Lion’s head and Vail Village.
A festive “après” hour takes place in the lounge areas with musical entertainment, hot cocoa and cookies. And, the bar presents daily champagne sabering with complimentary tastings of Möet & Chandon. Another nice touch: petite bottles of the “bubbly” are readily available in a lobby vending machine.
SPA AND WELLNESS AT GRAND HYATT
The Spa at Grand Hyatt offers signature massage, facials, nail care, and body renewal treatments with optional enhancements such as aroma-therapeutic botanicals, CBD oil, Himalayan salt, hot stones and oxygen boost.
The fitness center is open 24/7, and guests have access to the onsite Aria Club, which offers group fitness classes, personal training and an outdoor saline pool.
You can spend the better part of a day relaxing before and after treatments in the aromatherapy steam room, sauna, outdoor lounge and pool area. Whether you choose the hot tub or heated infinity pool, nothing beats a wintertime dip amid falling snowflakes and warm mist rising against a backdrop of snow-laden evergreen forest.
THINGS TO DO IN VAIL, COLORADO
An outdoor oasis on and off the slopes, the Vail Valley offers many opportunities for recreation including snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, creek-side walks and Vail Village attractions. Non-skiers can ride the gondola to Mid-Vail or Eagle’s Nest to enjoy epic views from Vail Mountain.
Vail Nordic Center, located on a golf course, offers some of the best snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in the valley with relatively flat terrain and a few hills. When the fairways are covered in snow, they’re converted to groomed trails enjoyed by novices and experienced athletes, alike.
New to Nordic? You can rent snowshoes or ski equipment and take a one-hour lesson at the center, then you’re ready to practice on your own. Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing are also popular on Vail Pass and Vail Mountain, where evening snowshoe treks are offered with naturalist-led tours by Walking Mountain Science Center.
VAIL VILLAGE HISTORY, SHOPPING, DINING
Vail’s iconic clock tower greets visitors to the quaint pedestrian village inspired by European alpine-style architecture. You’ll enter the village by its landmark wooden covered bridge, but before crossing the bridge, take a look at the 13-ft statue of a 10th Mountain Division soldier standing amid the evergreens.
The statue honors the legacy of WWII soldiers who trained at nearby Camp Hale and later influenced the ski industry in the U.S., particularly the early development of Vail Resort. The statue has become a revered monument in the village and a popular Instagrammable spot.
Since Vail’s founding as a ski resort in the 1960s, the town has grown into a vibrant community with renowned shopping, dining and unique cultural attractions, such as the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and Colorado Snowsports Museum.
History buffs can learn about the development of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado at the small museum, which showcases various artifacts, early ski and snowboard gear, and a ski industry hall of fame.
Vail has a lively restaurant scene, from fine dining to cozy, creative establishments such as the Bavarian-inspired Alpenrose and the new CinéBistro for gourmet burgers, drinks and a movie.
The village offers diverse cuisine including European, modern American, Mexican, Nepalese, Indian, and Japanese. And for a sampling of Vail’s best food, beer, wine and spirits, head for the annual culinary fest, Taste of Vail (April 1-4, 2020).
Did we mention shopping? Vail Village is perhaps most loved for its collection of upscale boutiques where you’ll find the best luxury brands and unique treasures, from swanky cowboy boots and sports apparel to jewelry, art and home décor.
For one-of-a-kind local designs, pop into Due Luca Bruno and longstanding favorite The Golden Bear, which sells handcrafted jewelry and the signature “symbol” of Vail.