Curator’s statement
I was able to start summer 2023 with my first ever Familiarization (FAM) Trip as a travel agent with FORA. The Grand Hyatt Vail graciously hosted myself and other advisors to tour the property and experience summer in Vail. I can’t wait to return in any season with my kiddos (ages 8 and 6). Summer was ideal for hiking, biking and white water rafting (and escaping the humidity in CT), but locals shared their favorite season is Fall when the Aspens turn the mountain bright yellow and Oktoberfest celebrations take place in early September. In winter, the Grand Hyatt Vail is the only hotel with a dedicated chairlift which offers the most convenient ski in/ski out access to the slopes of Vail. The Vail Residences at Cascade Village consist of unique properties ranging from 1 bedroom condos to 8-bedroom luxury homes managed by Hyatt. Guests have access to all of the upscale resort amenities and shuttle services provided by Grand Hyatt Vail.
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Location
The Grand Hyatt Vail is a short shuttle ride or scenic walk from the main villages of Lionshead and Vail. While it takes only minutes to drive or bike into Vail, walking is about 30 minutes to Vail and 15 minutes to Lionshead on the paved paths along Gore Creek. The hotel offers more seclusion and calmness from the hustle and bustle staying directly in the main villages. This can be an advantage in peak ski season when the lines for gondolas can be 45-minutes long. The lines for the designated chairlift at Grand Hyatt Vail tend to be much shorter.
Room Categories
The hotel is wide with rooms stretching out from central common spaces along four floors. Rooms have either King or Two Queen beds and range from Standard, Mountain View, Deluxe w/Mountain View and Premium w/Mountain View. Grand Suites range from no view to Village View and Mountain View. There are 68 total connecting rooms.
Some of the terrace rooms have balconies, while others on the first floor have a walk out patio open to a private green space utilized for yoga classes or in our case a private picnic lunch. These rooms are ideal for weddings to take over to create an extra private area for guests. My room on the fourth floor had a sitting area by the window for views and sounds of Gore Creek. I loved the peacefulness I experienced on this side of the hotel. The rooms have a similar modern mountain retreat decor, but some have baths while others an oversized walk in shower. Ask your travel agent to inquire about the specific room layout and design at time of booking.
Property Amenities
Upon entering the lobby guests immediately see the Fireside Lounge, or lobby, with floor to ceiling windows offering amazing views of the mountain and back of the property that runs along Gore Creek. Don’t forget to purchase coins for the Moet Champagne vending machine to enjoy apres ski or s’mores by the fire pits overlooking the creek and pool area. To the right of the lounge you’ll find Gessner Restaurant and Bar which is open daily for breakfast and dinner and offers a locally inspired menu. The terrace seats, with views of the infinity pool and Gore Creek, are a lovely spot to enjoy breakfast in the summer. Spa hours are currently limited as the hotel is constructing a second on site restaurant to the left of the Fireside Lounge. The new sushi restaurant will include a larger terrace offering the same amazing views as Gessner Restaurant and Bar. I’m excited to see the finished space. For quick bites to eat there is the Gore Creek Market situated next to a small game room for families to enjoy. Creekside Pool Bar is open during summer and located next to the 24/7 fitness center overlooking the infinity pool. Topgolf Swing Suites and Axe Throwing are two on-property activities for guests to enjoy, while Adventure Sports assists guests with ski, board and bike rentals for outdoor adventure on the mountain.
Need to know
Spa hours are currently limited during the construction of a second on-site restaurant.
In-room dining is available until 9:30 PM. There is not designated adult-only pool area.
Beginner ski & boarders will have to transfer to ski school in Vail vs utilizing the property’s designated chair lift. Check out Park Hyatt Beaver Creek for a convenient alternative ski on/off the property. Inquire about transfers to/from Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (15 mins) to ski both mountains. Private chef dinners and decorating for Festive can be arranged in the residences.
Vail Residences at Cascade Village are independently owned properties managed by Hyatt. No two are the same. Reach out to your travel agent to see updated photos of each unique property.
Exclusive Festive Promotion at Grand Hyatt Vail
20% OFF best nightly rates for the entire 2023/2024 Winter Season
Receive a beautiful handmade Christmas ornament, hand-crafted in Colorado
Book by July 31st, 2023
Festive Promotion at Vail Residences at Cascade Village
Book by July 30th, 2023 to receive 10% OFF if you book 5 Nights or More!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vail. In need of further inspiration? Check out another of Nicole’s trip reports, Property Spotlight: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
Travel Advisor
Nicole Sansone
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