Four Seasons Vail, CO: Review
Four Seasons Vail was the second half of our Winter Colorado trip, with Aspen kicking things off as the first. The idea was to get a feel for which might become our go-to Colorado winter ski resort. Here’s the thing. We quickly fell in love with the town of Aspen, the incredible restaurants, the overall vibe, and, of course, our hotel—The Little Nell. So, is this review going to be a bit harsher than it might have been if we had only booked Four Seasons Vail and had nothing else to compare it to? Maybe? While part of me thinks we could have just stayed in Aspen the entire time, I’m glad we added Vail to the mix. After all, how would we know what we liked or didn’t like without experiencing both? Consider this a necessary research trip! When it comes to five-star hotels in Vail, the options aren’t exactly endless. The Four Seasons Vail stood out, especially after its recent renovations in several areas. There is also the Sonnenalp, which is charming in that Swiss chalet kind of way, and the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, though it’s a bit of a drive from Vail Village and not part of the scene. We chose Four Seasons because it’s a brand we trust, and with the timing of the new upgrades, including the unveiling of Tavernetta (replacing the old Flame Restaurant), a revamped spa, and a ski chalet just steps from the mountain, it felt like the right choice.
Off the bat after booking, a Four Seasons reservations agent reached out to ask if they could provide anything in our room before arrival. This is standard with high end hotels. We typically do not request much, but since they asked, we opted for a few sodas in the fridge along with a few sparkling waters. They, of course, obliged and I then connected with concierge on the Four Seasons branded app that allows you to message concierge to arrange things before arrival or during your trip. But when I reached out to the concierge through the app, something felt off from the start. The responses were slow and vague. We started with a few questions about activities, recommendations for restaurants that matched our vibe, and help booking ski related essentials. The first issue? They can’t book anything ski related. No lift tickets, no rentals, nothing. Okay. But when it came to activities and dining, the experience was not much better. They forgot to reply about activities altogether and sent a couple of restaurant recommendations that did not feel particularly tailored. Maybe the Four Seasons Vail team just does not utilize the app much pre-arrival. Surely things would come together once we were on-site, right?
We started our journey with a pre-booked driver to take us from Aspen to Vail. The drive is about two hours, give or take, depending on the weather. If you fly into Denver, the drive to Vail takes about two hours but can be challenging in bad weather. Alternatively, you can fly private or look for limited flights into Eagle County Regional Airport, which is about 35 minutes from Vail. The bluebird day made for a quick and scenic drive through the Rockies. As we approached Vail, the difference in vibe was immediately noticeable. You exit the freeway and are basically dropped right into the ski resort. It feels compact and right off the main road, which was a stark contrast to Aspen’s more tucked away real town and upscale vibe.
Room:
We had booked our stay through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, which is our go to for hotel bookings because of the perks it offers. Upon arrival, however, there were hiccups with the room situation. We initially waited in the Remedy Bar while the team worked to sort out the room. There was a fair amount of back and forth about upgrades, room types, and even us offering to pay for an upgrade to resolve things. Eventually, they moved us into a different room that was comfortable, but the process again felt unnecessarily complicated. At this point, we were already comparing the experience to our stay in Aspen.
Our Premier Room was nice for what it was and what we paid. There were a couple of macaroons on the table and a card waiting for us when we arrived. The room had a fireplace, a view of the snow and courtyard, and felt cozy overall. They also included a dog bed along with water and food bowls. The bathroom had a large soaking tub and L’Occitane almond bath products, which smell delicious. The TV paired easily with our phones for streaming, so he could get his football and basketball fix before dinner.
Later that day, we realized there was no iPad in the room. If you have stayed at Four Seasons properties, you know iPads are pretty standard. They’re extremely convenient for handling room service orders, messaging the concierge, or adjusting plans without picking up the phone. We went to the lobby to check if it had just been missed, and the staff member seemed confused, saying “I’ve been with Four Seasons for years, and I’ve never heard of iPads in rooms.” Huh? We were both confused. Are we imagining this?
That night, we also noticed the fridge had not been stocked with the soda and sparkling water we requested pre-arrival, even though they had emailed to confirm it. When we went down, the response was “Oh, it’s not stocked? Well, it should be,” followed by, “We also don’t carry that soda,” followed by, “We’ll send those drinks to your room but there will be a charge.” Okay, fine. At that point, it wasn’t about the charge and more about how ridiculous and wonky the whole situation was. If you emailed ahead of time and confirmed it, why did nobody seem to know anything about it? About 30 minutes later, housekeeping showed up with the drinks, plus a platter of chocolate covered strawberries, gummies, a calming drink for the dog, sleep shots, and the dog food menu we had not been told about earlier when we ordered off the room service menu specifically for our dog. It felt like they were trying to fix things, which was appreciated, but the whole process and day should not have been so disjointed.
Activities:
Four Seasons Vail offers a great selection of activities that can be arranged for your stay. Our main activities included strolling through the village, trying out dining spots, and doing a bit of shopping. It’s worth noting that, because Four Seasons Vail is not a ski-in/ski-out property and due to the liability waivers required by Vail Mountain, lift tickets, lessons, and gear rentals need to be booked directly through the Vail Mountain website. That said, the hotel provides convenient access to ski rentals through their on-site Gorsuch Ski shop. You can be fitted for gear right at the hotel, and the staff will send it over to their exclusive Four Seasons Ski Chalet at the base of the mountain. This private chalet reserved for hotel guests, offers ski lockers and a warm retreat where you can relax before or after hitting the slopes. Recently renovated, they did a beautiful job with the wood finishes throughout, and the variety of snacks, warm food, and space to relax does help make up for the fact that the property is not ski-in/ski-out. Getting there is simple: just ask valet for a shuttle, and they’ll drop you near the base of the village, where a short walk will lead you to the chalet. For kids, there’s an on property kids’ room where you can hire a sitter for the night. For teens, the property offers a game room with a pool table, foosball, ping pong, TVs, and a gaming studio equipped with computers and gaming systems to keep them entertained.
For guests interested in other winter activities off-property, the hotel can arrange options like ice-skating, snowmobiling, cross-country or backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing. If you’re visiting during the summer, you can book activities such as fly-fishing, white-water rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and biking, whether on mountain bikes or e-bikes.
Restaurants on Property:
Remedy Bar & Grill:
Remedy, the main restaurant at Four Seasons Vail, is located right as you walk into the hotel. It’s lively with floor-to-ceiling mountain views, outdoor fire pits overlooking the pool and mountains, and a large bar with tv’s playing sports games. During our stay, Remedy initially served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but later in the week, breakfast service transitioned to their newly opened Tavernetta downstairs, leaving Remedy to focus on lunch and dinner.
Our first experience at Remedy was for a late lunch shortly after checking in. The restaurant was very busy, with a 10 minute wait just to get a table, as many non-hotel guests were also dining there. Once seated, we ordered truffle fries and the mushroom soup with the ciabatta grilled cheese add-on. The truffle fries were flavorful but salty. The mushroom soup was delicious, and the ciabatta grilled cheese paired well with it. Breakfast the next morning was just okay. Orange juice is only offered in $19 to-go bottles, which felt unnecessary when all we wanted was a normal-sized, reasonably priced glass of juice. Vegetarian options were limited, with only a tofu scramble available off-menu. The hash browns, served as small circular pieces, were lukewarm and not particularly memorable. On the other hand, the chai tea latte and avocado toast were both good.
Later in the day, we tried one of Remedy’s signature offerings, the “Haute Chocolate.” Known for its fun presentation, it draws guests from nearby hotels who come to take videos of the staff pouring the hot chocolate tableside. It’s served with a large house-made marshmallow, chocolate tuile, and Chantilly cream. Sharing one is plenty for two people or more. One evening, we also ordered the cookie skillet for dessert. It’s also very large and very sweet, perfect for splitting between two or more people. That night, when the fireplaces outside had to be turned off, the staff offered to send our hot chocolate and cookie skillet back to our room. Instead of delivering the same items, they freshly prepared a new hot chocolate and skillet to ensure they arrived in perfect condition.
Dinner at Remedy was the best meal we had there. My partner enjoyed the Remedy Wagyu Burger with bacon jam and truffle fries, while I had the Vegan Quinoa Bowl, which was light, flavorful, and refreshing. Remedy has a lively atmosphere and offers some great dishes, especially for lunch and dinner.
Tavernetta Vail:
Tavernetta is an Italian restaurant that had just opened when we arrived, and we were excited to experience it so soon after its debut. The restaurant had been under renovation for the past year and now offers both breakfast and dinner. They did an excellent job on the restaurant, and it looks absolutely stunning. The breakfast menu featured similar items to Remedy and some Italian specialties added in. The breakfasts we had were good overall, but I found the flexibility a bit lacking, especially given that this is a Four Seasons property. For example, after breakfast at Remedy, I noticed on the room service menu that there were vegetarian options available, including specific ingredients and dishes I asked for and usually get at other Four Seasons properties. However, when I tried ordering these at Tavernetta, they weren’t able to prepare them or use the same ingredients from the room service menu. I also requested simple hash browns, but they couldn’t accommodate that either, offering instead an Italian version called Frico, which was a crispy cheese and potato dish. It ended up being absolutely delicious, but there was an overall lack of flexibility. Similarly, the pancakes couldn’t be made as basic buttermilk pancakes—they had to be the lemon ricotta version. The French toast and bagel with cream cheese and fresh dill were both good, and the yogurt bowl was tasty.
We also had dinner at Tavernetta, which is a completely different experience. The restaurant is stunning at night, with dim lighting, a gorgeous bar, and a large wine room. I started with a glass of a Super Tuscan wine and the Barbabietole antipasti, a dish of roasted beets, pomegranate, pistachios, and goat cheese. An obvious choice for anyone who loves beets and goat cheese! For mains, we were both in the mood for pasta, but the vegetarian options were limited. The menu only had four pasta dishes, and the sole vegetarian choice was a risotto. I had seen the menu at Tavernetta’s sister restaurant in Denver and wished the Vail location had the same variety. That said, the risotto was excellent, made with 24-month Parmigiano-Reggiano and balsamic di Modena. My partner enjoyed the Mafaldine pasta with fennel sausage, rapini, and pangrattato.
Speyside Cafe:
Speyside Cafe is a coffee bar open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Located down the hall from the check-in desk on the main floor, it offers a selection of espressos, lattes, teas, and freshly baked pastries. A perfect spot for a quick caffeine fix or a light snack to start your day.
Spa:
The spa was newly renovated, and I always appreciate when a hotel offers extra facilities to enjoy, even without booking a treatment. Four Seasons Downtown New York has a similar setup, and it’s nice for relaxing with a steam or sauna session at anytime. The co-ed relaxation area is spacious and modern, with teas and dried fruits to enjoy quietly before or after your treatment. There’s also an outdoor seating area with a fireplace, though it’s too cold to use in winter. The locker rooms are large, clean, and well-stocked with everything you might need. The spa facilities themselves featured expansive steam rooms, saunas, and a setup of hot tubs and plunge pools side by side for easy rotation. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and recharge during your stay.
Pool:
The pool is heated for winter and is a central feature of the hotel. It’s surrounded by balconies at Remedy and framed with views of the Christmas lights, snow, and the mountain. Guests swam in the pools and hot tubs throughout the day and night, even during snowfall, with heated towels provided to keep warm afterwards.
Gym:
The gym overlooks the pool area and, while a bit dated, has all the essentials for your stay. One room is equipped with machines and a drink and towel fridge, while a second open space offers room for personal use. After your workout, head to the spa to enjoy the complimentary plunge pool or steam room.
Things We Liked at Four Seasons Vail:
The balconies overlooking the snow and mountains are perfect for enjoying hot chocolate and small bites while watching skiers descend. Although it’s cold, the fires do a great job of keeping you warm. The tables are small, so it’s better for snacks than full meals.
The ski chalet was a standout for us. After injuring my leg in Aspen, I spent time blogging, eating, and relaxing there while my partner skied. It was easy for him to meet me for a break or a quick bite between runs. The food is packaged for on-the-go convenience, like warm breakfast burritos or empanadas in pocket sleeves, which fit perfectly in your ski jacket. You can also enjoy snacks, desserts, and drinks inside the cozy chalet.
The recently renovated spa was beautiful. I love when hotels allow you to use some of their spa facilities even when not booking a treatment and this is one of them.
We enjoyed the room service, especially the perfect grilled cheese and tomato soup for a late night snack.
The hotel, the town, and the employees were all very dog-friendly.
The valet team who coordinated our shuttles to the village, chalet, and restaurants each day, along with the shuttle drivers, stood out as some of the best employees. They were respectful, polite, and always up for a friendly conversation.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Four Seasons Vail:
Vail’s accessibility right off the freeway makes it feel more like a local getaway than a fly-to destination. It attracts nearby residents looking for a quick weekend escape, which gives it a different energy compared to more exclusive ski towns.
The village feels overly curated, like a fake Disney version of a Swiss-German town, and lacks the authenticity of other ski destinations. If you like the ski destination to have a true town feel, charming streets, and standout restaurants, Vail might feel underwhelming. The dining scene here, while decent, doesn’t compare in terms of atmosphere or vibrancy to Aspen or Deer Valley.
Not Ski-In/Ski-Out (If this is a need for you)
The hotel is a magnet for guests staying elsewhere, drawn by the famous hot chocolate or the new Tavernetta restaurant. This means Remedy Bar is always busy. While staff prioritize guests staying on property, it can still feel frustrating when you just want a relaxed experience without crowds.
There were several moments during our stay where the service felt disorganized, as if staff were new, lost, and still finding their footing. At a five-star hotel, especially a Four Seasons, you expect a seamless experience where most requests, especially straightforward ones, are handled with ease. This made the lack of flexibility and follow-through all the more surprising. We’re not demanding travelers, but even simple things seemed to be a challenge. It wasn’t just about the specific requests but the overall sense that the staff struggled with handling what should have been simple, everyday tasks. This lack of polish and coordination stood out, especially when compared to the typically high standards we’ve experienced at other Four Seasons properties.
The concierge experience felt overly complicated and surprisingly impersonal. It was frustrating to feel like I was doing more work than I should at a hotel of this caliber. The concierge was able to book restaurants prior to arrival, but the process didn’t feel streamlined or efficient. For example, at Four Seasons New York Downtown, they used the hotel’s credit card to secure a few reservations, ensuring everything was handled quickly and seamlessly. Similarly, The Little Nell in Aspen made reservations effortless with quick authorization forms and took care of everything from bookings to itineraries without any hassle. This level of effort and efficiency was noticeably lacking here.
Tips:
Enjoy complimentary s’mores nightly from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM by the fire in the pool area. Large jars of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate chunks are provided, along with sticks for roasting.
Make the most of the ski chalet at the base of Gondola One. Recently renovated, it features warm pocket foods like breakfast burritos in the morning and empanadas at lunch, rotating soups, chia seed pudding parfaits, couscous and pasta salads, veggie packs, snack mixes, snickers and twix ice cream bars, and a hot chocolate and coffee station. It’s perfect for warming up, grabbing a quick bite, or stocking up on snacks to take with you.
Complimentary coffee and tea are available from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM at Speyside Café near the lobby.
Use the steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, and plunge pools daily, even without booking a treatment. It’s a relaxing way to wind down before bed or recover after a workout.
Don’t miss the house-made power bars. Easily overlooked on the counter in the ski-chalet, these chocolaty, peanuty oat bars tasted like freshly made candy bars. We loved them so much we grabbed a couple to take home!
La Nonna Vail was the perfect spot for our first night, offering a cozy and satisfying meal. Be sure to try the penne in pink sauce paired with their house made lemonade or a glass of red wine.
Complimentary Services:
Nightly s’mores by the fire
Teen game room with gaming stations and computers
Shuttles to Vail Village and the mountain
Fruit and water at the fitness center
Twice-daily housekeeping
L’Occitane Amande bath products
Espresso and coffee machines in rooms
Polestar EVs available for guest use
Complimentary coffee and tea at Speyside Café from 6:00 to 9:00 AM
Pursuit Postscript:
I can see this hotel being a good choice for families or those who already live in Colorado and can easily drive here for a weekend getaway. However, it doesn’t deliver the level of luxury or seamless service you’d expect from a Four Seasons property. While the mountains are undoubtedly excellent and stunning for skiing, we’re here to be pampered as well, and this property misses the mark too often. This pains me to say, but this was one of the least impressive Four Seasons properties I’ve visited—not the worst hotel, but definitely below the brand’s usual standards. Destination hotels should feel effortless and full of options, but this one felt more like a city hotel in terms of service. There were moments that were enjoyable, like the cozy ski chalet, the outdoor fire pits overlooking the mountains with haute chocolate, and the skiing, but too many times it fell short of what Four Seasons is known for. That said, I’m glad we experienced it and can cross it off the list for future trips! Give it a try if you’re traveling with kids or can get there easily, especially if you find lower rates during off-season to make it worth testing out.
