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Where to Stay in Vail Part 3: East Vail & West Vail

Trying to figure out where to stay during your trip this winter to Vail? We’re helping you out with this series on the look, feel and lodging options in Vail’s main neighborhoods. Here in Part 3, we discuss the East and West Vail neighborhoods – havens for those those looking to mingle with the local community as well as the budget conscious (in case you missed them, check out Part 1: Vail Village and Golden Peak and Part 2: Lionshead).

If you don’t mind hopping on the complimentary Town of Vail bus to get to the slopes or are looking to meet some locals on their home turf, staying in the neighborhoods of East Vail or West Vail is a great option. Depending on how far you stay from the slopes, the bus ride takes 5 to 25 minutes and gives you a chance to make friends with fellow skiers and riders on your way into town. If you have a car and wish to drive, there are parking garages available in Vail Village and Lionshead that average $25/day.

While it only takes 10-15 minutes to drive between these 2 neighborhoods, there are lots of lodging options within each community. Lodging in East and West Vail is made up mostly condominiums, but you can also find some budget friendly hotels like The Holiday Inn. Many larger properties in West Vail also feature free skier shuttles.

West Vail
Areas of West Vail are often referred to by whether they are on the North or South Frontage Road. The South Frontage Road offers the residential communities of Matterhorn and Intermountain as well as hotel properties like the Streamside Marriot. On the North Frontage Road are the communities of Chamonix and Sandstone as well as Vail’s two supermarkets, City Market and Safeway, and restaurants like the Ale House, Yellow Belly, Bear Fish, West Side, Nozawa and fast food go-tos like Qdoba and McDonald’s. It also features several playgrounds and off-leash dog park, Stephens Park (learn more about bringing to your dog to Vail).

East Vail
The first neighborhood you come across when driving up from Denver, East Vail is nestled below the dramatic East Vail Chutes. It is a quiet, family friendly place with the ever popular Big Horn off-leash dog park, pond and playground and is home to many condominium properties including The Vail Racquet Club. The Racquet Club features a gym, outdoor heated pool and East Vail’s one restaurant and bar: Blu’s. For groceries, stop by Sim’s Market at Pitkin Creek or drive the 10 minutes to West Vail for a wider selection. Depending on where you stay, the gorgeous bus ride to Vail Village typically takes 15-25 minutes.

 

Have more questions? Ask them in the comment section below! You can also continue your search with our handy lodging app.