Solaris Residences

Solaris Residences is a contemporary eight-story property that consists of interconnected tan-stone buildings with wood accents and peaked roofs in the center of Vail Village. Several nice shops are on the bottom floor of the complex, which sets an upscale tone. Inside, there's a spacious reception area flooded with natural light and elegantly decorated with wood-paneled walls, stone floors, and plush gray sofas accented with red pillows. However, since this is a residence-style property, most guests don't hang out in the lobby, except to grab free coffee and pastries in the morning or post-ski hot cocoa and cookies. Guests do tend to gather at Matsuhisa, a privately owned sushi restaurant located off the lobby. Matsuhisa has a beautiful, double-height bar area featuring stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a spacious terrace. Many guests are families and groups of friends on skiing vacations. 

The hotel is located in the heart of Vail Village and dominates the village skyline. Shopping options are found behind and on the lower level of the complex. Restaurants and galleries are also in easy strolling distance and there's an ice-skating rink out front. This is a great location for any traveler -- there's no better spot in the village, except for those who want ski-in ski-out access. Gondola One at Vista Bahn is only a few minutes' walk away, and a slope side ski valet service and ski lockers are available to guests. Solaris also provides shuttle service to nearby Golden Peak and Lionshead peaks, as well as other Vail locations on request. Denver International Airport is about two hours and 30 minutes away by car. Eagle County Regional Airport is around a 40-minute drive from the property. 

Solaris Residences features condo-style units with one to four bedrooms, and six-bedroom Penthouses. Some condos have dens and/or mountain views, and most are privately owned and individually decorated. Others feature elegant modern decor that showcases warm woods and earthy accents, interesting light fixtures, and large stone gas fireplaces. Bedrooms feel cozy and have accents in autumnal or pastel shades. High-end Frette linens and organic bamboo-and-Egyptian-cotton towels are nice touches. The open-plan gourmet kitchens have wine fridges and coffeemakers, and some units have bars in addition to dining tables. There are flat-screen TVs in each room of each unit, and free Wi-Fi and iPod docks are provided. 

White-tile bathrooms have deep soaking jetted tubs (in master bedrooms), and come with Aveda toiletries, thick terrycloth robes, and hairdryers. Units are cleaned twice daily and have washers and dryers. There are occasional complaints of highway noise and minor maintenance issues.

Though it's a residence-style property, Solaris offers amenities typical of a traditional upscale hotel. A stay can include a customized personal assistant program for things like pre-arrival grocery shopping, restaurant reservations, and tour/adventure bookings. The Solaris Plaza features privately owned venues such as Bol, a family activity center/nightclub with bowling; a movie theater; an ice skating rink; and the sushi restaurant Matsuhisa that has indoor and outdoor seating. Guests get free morning coffee and pastries and post-ski hot chocolate and cookies, as well as preferred reservations at the Matsuhisa and Bol. The residences have their own smallish, modern gym as well as massage rooms, but not a full spa. A heated indoor pool and hot tub are also available in a narrow room with attractive stone walls. Guests can park for free in an underground heated garage. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.