Marriott's StreamSide Birch at Vail

The Marriott Streamside is nestled in the foothills of the Rockies to the west of Vail, on acres of land. Gore Creek runs through the property and the hills form a lovely backdrop, making it easy to forget that this series of condos is right next to the interstate.The timeshare units are managed by the Marriott StreamSide, and are well-maintained, with wood and leather accents throughout.

The Marriott StreamSide is located in West Vail, on the south side of (and right next to) I-70. The location is not within walking distance to any of the ski areas, and the closest lift, Eagle Bahn, is two miles away. It is, however, in a beautiful natural setting, with Gore Creek running through the property, and just across I-70 from good food and a Safeway.- 2-hour-15 minute drive from the closest airport, Denver International Airport

• 3-minute drive to Safeway
• 5-minute drive to the Colorado Ski Museum
• 6-minute drive to Lionshead Village and Eagle Bahn Gondola, the closest lift
• 7-minute drive to Vail Village
• 8-minute drive to the Ford Amphitheater
• 9-minute drive to Vail Golf Course
• 1-hour drive to the closest hot springs, Glenwood Springs

The units at Streamside are on the older side, but they've been kept up with continual upgrades. The understated mountain decor feels cozy -- almost like being at home -- with leather and wood accents. All units full kitchens that feature ovens, dishwashers, fridges, microwaves, and tableware.Bathrooms have granite countertops, and in the Evergreen and Douglas sections, walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs (the tub we saw had Jacuzzi jets and could easily fit two people). The closets are also spacious, allowing for storage of skis or summer outdoor gear.- Kitchens with full ovens, microwaves, fridges, dishwashers, and tableware

• Balconies off most rooms
• Flat-screen TVs and DVD players in most units (some still have tube TVs)
• Fireplaces (gas in Evergreen and Birch, and wood-burning in Douglas)
• Spacious closets
• Wrought iron bed headboards
• Free Wi-Fi
• Washer/dryers in Evergreen units
• Bathrooms in the Birch units have shower/tub combos. Bathrooms in the Evergreen and Douglas units have walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs; the tub we saw in an Evergreen unit had jets.

The hotel offers winter shuttle service to Vail Village and the slopes, and the indoor/outdoor pool and Jacuzzis are open year-round.- Large, two-story fitness center and racquetball court

• Large indoor/outdoor pool, one indoor Jacuzzi, and three outdoor Jacuzzis
• Shuttle service in the winter to the slopes
• Steam room
• "Kids' Night Out" in kids' club with pizza, movies, and arts and crafts
• The Cave teen room with Wii games (including Guitar Hero), vending machines, and stuffed animal claw game (but not much else)
• No restaurant on-site, and no room service
• No spa
• No pets allowed
• View full list of amenities