The Sebastian – Vail

This modern hideout in the Rocky Mountains is a beautiful twist on the traditional Colorado mountain hotel, with remarkable attention to detail in the public spaces. The big, airy lobby has light stone walls, a barrel ceiling with wood beams, stylish furniture, and a sleek black fireplace with a surround of perpendicular stacked-wood slats. The intimate library, by contrast, is a cozier area with comfy leather seating, dim lighting, and an extensive collection of books within its towering black bookshelves. The Leonora bistro has a warm atmosphere, with dark woods, beige velvet banquettes, and thick, mustard-colored armchairs, while the Frost lounge has glass "icicles" hanging from the top of the bar. The hotel also hosts an impressive private art collection, including paintings and abstract sculptures from artist Manuel Felguerez, and works from other local artists. Guests are mainly couples and families with a taste for the refined. 

The Sebastian is situated on Vail Road, right off of Frontage Road and I-70. It's about an eight-minute walk to downtown Vail Village and the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum, but there's not much immediately around the hotel. Skiers can walk about 10 minutes and take the Vista Bahn ski lift up Vail Mountain; there’s also a free shuttle to Base Camp, the Sebastian’s own slope-side retreat. It’s a one-hour drive to the hot springs at Glenwood Springs. The closest airport is Denver International Airport, which is around two hours and 15 minutes away by car. 

Overall, the lower-level room categories are on the small side for the Vail Valley area, but many rooms were updated in 2014, including Luxury Plaza Rooms, with sleek wood furniture and built-ins, studded leather headboards, and sumptuous fabrics in wintery blues and silvery grays. Comfortable beds are covered in high-thread count cotton linens. Bathrooms have long brown marble-topped vanities, mirrors in silver frames, lit makeup mirrors, and curtained shower/tub combos with stone-colored tile. Nespresso machines come with easy-to-use instructions and the semi-stocked mini-fridges come with free sodas and water. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iHome alarm clocks, and plush bathrobes. Nightly turndown service includes a dessert made in-house. There are roomier one- and two-bedroom Executive Suites available. The Sebastian’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom Residences come with full kitchens, living rooms, gas fireplaces, washer/dryers, and pull-out sofas. Classic Rooms are the smallest option, though come with the same freebies as other categories. 

One of the best features of The Sebastian Vail is the slope-side Base Camp, with gear rental, boot warmers, and a cafe that serves hot chocolate and sweets. Another standout is the exclusive art collection, which includes abstract paintings and sculptures. The hotel’s Leonora bistro serves wine and tapas made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The Frost lounge is located just outside the lobby and offers more than 30 different types of Scotch whisky, a good local beer lineup, and light fare such as lamb skewers and Spanish cheeses. Breakfast is served daily in the restaurant just off the lobby, with a varied menu that includes homemade Greek yogurt parfaits and salmon Benedict. Bloom Spa offers a variety of treatments and salon services, and the big, modern fitness center has wood beams and trim. An attractive outdoor pool with a waterfall, stone surround, and four hot tubs, is open year-round. The Library has free morning papers and plenty of leather chairs for reading or relaxing. Pets are allowed in the hotel rooms, though not the residences, for an additional fee, with services that include food and water bowls delivered to the guest rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.