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By Michael Gonzales · Updated November 6, 2026
The Sonnenalp is a family-owned, European-style hotel at 20 Vail Road in Vail Village, with 112 suites and 15 hotel rooms, an indoor/outdoor pool and spa, a ski concierge at Gondola One and several restaurants including Ludwig's, Swiss Chalet and Bully Ranch. It holds one MICHELIN Key. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout 11 a.m.
It suits people who want space more than ski-in/ski-out: most rooms are suites with gas fireplaces and heated marble bathroom floors, and children 12 and under stay free in their parents' room. If that fits, check Sonnenalp dates and rates on Expedia or book with the hotel on 866-284-4411. Vail Mountain is scheduled to open on November 13, 2026.
What is the Sonnenalp in Vail?
A luxury hotel in Vail Village owned by the Faessler family, who opened it in 1979 and also run a sister Sonnenalp in Ofterschwang, Germany. It has been a member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 2001, and the MICHELIN Guide awards it one Key.
The hotel has grown in stages. The family rebuilt the Bavaria Haus between April 1992 and November 1993, adding Ludwig's and Bully Ranch, and opened a Meadow Drive wing with 42 units and the Swiss Chalet restaurant in 2006. In 1987 the family bought the Singletree golf course in Edwards, down valley.
| Detail | What the hotel or MICHELIN publishes |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657 (listing) |
| Rooms | 112 suites and 15 hotel rooms, each facing Gore Creek or Vail Village |
| Recognition | One MICHELIN Key; Leading Hotels of the World member since 2001 |
| Check-in / checkout | 4 p.m. / 11 a.m.; front desk open 24 hours |
| Parking | Valet only, overnight charges apply; car can stay until 4 p.m. on checkout day |
| Pets | Not allowed; ADA service animals only |
| Airports | Eagle County (EGE) 35 miles; Denver (DEN) 121 miles |
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What rooms and suites does the Sonnenalp have?
Ten room categories plus the One Willow Bridge Road residences. Many suites have separate living areas, gas fireplaces, balconies and heated marble bathroom floors, and suites also list Nespresso machines, oversized tubs and customizable minibars. Sizes below are the hotel's own figures.
| Room type | Sleeps | Bedding | Size (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper Hotel Room | 2 to 3 | 1 king or 2 doubles | 350 to 420 sq ft |
| Lodgepole Junior Suite | 2 | 1 king or 2 doubles | 490 sq ft |
| Blue Spruce Junior Suite | 2 to 3 | 1 king or 2 doubles | 570 sq ft |
| Cross Creek Junior Suite | 2 to 3 | 1 king | 750 sq ft |
| Mill Creek Loft Suite | 3 | 1 king or 2 doubles, bedroom loft | 700 sq ft |
| Gore Creek One Bedroom | 2 to 3 | 1 king or 2 doubles; some Murphy beds | 770 sq ft |
| Bald Mountain One Bedroom | 3 to 4 | 1 king or 2 doubles | 795 sq ft |
| Golden Peak Two Bedroom | 4 to 7 | 1 king, 2 doubles | 1,050 sq ft |
| Vail Mountain Two Bedroom (one or two levels) | 7 | 1 king, 2 doubles (varies) | 1,350 sq ft |
| Castle Peak Two Bedroom | 7 | 1 king, 2 doubles (varies) | 1,600 sq ft |
| One Willow Bridge Road Residences | 4 to 10 | 2 to 4 bedrooms, varies | 1,600 to 2,900 sq ft |
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Juniper rooms and Blue Spruce junior suites both come in ADA-accessible versions. Rollaways and cribs are available on request. Families of four should look at Bald Mountain or the two-bedroom suites, since only two children 12 and under stay free and anyone 13 or older costs $25 a night extra.
What is the Sonnenalp Spa like?
A European-style spa with a heated indoor and outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpools facing Gore Creek, saunas, steam rooms, a spa café and an oxygen bar. Hotel guests can use the facilities during their stay; visitors from outside the hotel need to book a treatment.
| Spa detail | Posted on the spa pages |
|---|---|
| Treatment hours | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends |
| Pool and hot tubs | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Fitness center | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, adults 18 and over |
| Oxygen bar | 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily |
| Children | Under 16 may use the pools with an adult; saunas, steam and gym are adults only; no children in treatment rooms |
| Cancellation | 24 hours for individual bookings; 120 hours for groups |
| Fall offer | 20% off all spa services through November 20, 2026 |
| Phone | 970-479-5404 |
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The menu runs from massages and facials to a Hydrafacial and a dry-brush body treatment. See the Sonnenalp Spa listing and the Vail spas guide to compare it with the other resort spas.
Where can you eat at the Sonnenalp?
The hotel's restaurants each have their own season, so check which are open on your dates. Ludwig's Elevated Dining is winter only, and Swiss Chalet reopens November 18.
| Restaurant | Style | Winter 2026/27 hours as posted | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ludwig's Elevated Dining | Regionally inspired fine dining | December 16 to March 28, Wednesday to Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Christmas and New Year's Eve buffets | Required; 970-479-5429 or OpenTable |
| Swiss Chalet | Fondue, raclette, schnitzel | November 18 to December 15 Wednesday to Sunday 5 to 10 p.m.; daily from December 16 (4 p.m.) and December 19 (3 p.m.) to 10 p.m. | Recommended; 970-479-5462 or OpenTable |
| Bully Ranch | American and Southwestern, burgers | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily | Recommended; 970-479-5460 or OpenTable |
| Ludwig's Breakfast | Menu plus hot and cold buffet on Ludwig's terrace | Daily | Hotel |
| King's Club | Cocktails and live entertainment by the fire | Après and after dinner | Ask the hotel |
| Treff Café | Café | Ask the hotel | Ask the hotel |
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There is also in-room dining, and breakfast-inclusive rates can be chosen when booking. Swiss Chalet's wine list carries a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. For more options within a short walk, see the best restaurants in Vail and Vail après-ski.
How does skiing work from the Sonnenalp?
The hotel isn't ski-in/ski-out, but its Ski Concierge, run with Gorsuch, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter. Guests get a private lounge at the Gorsuch Ski Café steps from Gondola One with boot fitting, gear storage, boot warmers and on-site tuning, and can reserve rental or demo skis ahead.
That setup means you can keep skis and boots at the lounge by the gondola instead of in your room. If you'd rather click in at the door, compare it with the ski-in/ski-out options in the best hotels in Vail. The free town bus also stops throughout the village.
Is the Sonnenalp good for families?
Yes. Two children 12 and under stay free in their parents' room using existing bedding, and the two-bedroom suites sleep up to seven. The Kids Club, for ages 5 to 12, runs Tuesday to Saturday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. by reservation at $35 an hour per child, with crafts, games and dinner-and-movie nights.
Children must be fully potty trained, and private sessions can be arranged through [email protected] or 970-479-5448. The spa's adult-only rules mean younger children use the pools only with an adult. The Vail with kids guide covers ski school and other ideas.
How do you book the Sonnenalp and what are the policies?
You can book through the hotel (866-284-4411, [email protected]) or an online travel agency. The hotel charges a deposit when you book, and its cancellation window ranges from 14 to 60 days depending on the season, so read the rate's terms before paying.
Non-refundable rates also vary by season. The hotel takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Early check-in is possible but not guaranteed, and luggage can be stored before or after your stay. From Eagle County Airport the hotel quotes $60 to $90 for a cab or town car; see the Vail airport transfers guide and closest airports to Vail for the options.
If the Sonnenalp is full on your dates, compare hotels in Vail Village or a Vail condo on Vrbo.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Sonnenalp in Vail? At 20 Vail Road in Vail Village. Every room faces Gore Creek or the village, and the hotel's ski lounge is at the Gorsuch Ski Café steps from Gondola One.
Is the Sonnenalp ski-in/ski-out? No. The Ski Concierge stores your gear at its private lounge by Gondola One, open daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, so you walk to the lift without carrying skis.
Does the Sonnenalp have parking? Valet only, with overnight charges. You can leave the car until 4 p.m. on checkout day.
Can non-guests use the Sonnenalp Spa? Yes, with a booked treatment, which includes use of the pools and facilities. The spa says weekday day passes may sometimes be available; call 970-479-5404.
Do kids stay free at the Sonnenalp? Up to two children 12 and under stay free in their parents' room using existing bedding. Guests 13 and over cost $25 a night extra.
Is the Sonnenalp pet friendly? No. Only service animals as defined under the ADA are allowed.
What is the Sonnenalp's cancellation policy? It ranges from 14 to 60 days depending on the season, and a deposit is charged at booking. Check the terms of your specific rate.
Sources
- Sonnenalp: Hotel home (room count, location)
- Sonnenalp: Accommodations (room types and sizes)
- Sonnenalp: FAQ (policies, parking, pets, children, airports)
- Sonnenalp: Spa (hours, facilities, fall offer, fitness)
- Sonnenalp: Dining, Ludwig's, Swiss Chalet and Bully Ranch pages (hours, reservations)
- Sonnenalp: Ski Concierge (Gorsuch lounge, hours)
- Sonnenalp: Kids Club
- Sonnenalp: Our story (history, family, Leading Hotels)
- MICHELIN Guide: Sonnenalp Hotel (One Key)
Checked November 2, 2026. We didn't list room rates because they change by date; the Expedia link and the hotel show live prices.