I have actually stayed at the Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas for a few weeks, so I can clue you in here. I had a wonderful room with an en suite, fireplace, balcony, etc. Parking was crowded however.
I also remember this being a very......different Sheraton, in regards to it being primarily a bunch of condos with owners, vs. a more traditional hotel entrance, and amenities.
I agree though, I think the St Regis Deer Valley is probably the nicest hotel you can redeem at, maybe competing with the Waldorf Astoria Park City. Every other redeemable option is basically a Sheraton/Westin/W/etc.
I know the Park Hyatt brand is supposed to be as nice as WA/StR, but it seems everyone is agreement that this Park Hyatt is nice, but just a little lackluster.
N_Phoenix is sharing some insights though, SPG opening a Vail resort is interesting, the base of Vail is super congested/big, and I just have no idea where they would fit a resort in, that isn't a half a mile walk from a lift. The Holiday Inn going to Hilton management is disappointing, as the HI Vail was always a budget hotel in a otherwise expensive area.
I personally don't know why there isn't more investment from hotel chains, in ski resorts.
Originally Posted by
1readyset2go
Physically the BC Westin is really quite nice. I loved our room and their spa was one of the best I have seen at any Westin. My wife and I both had treatments that were great. I did not stayed at the PH, but I did peak inside to check it out for a future stay and I would have to give the look test award to the Westin. We did have a few issues while staying there though, but I would be willing to give them another chance if I was staying on points.
As others have said the PH location is hard to beat. It and the Oprsy (which is another great hotel you should check into) have the best ski in, ski out of any property at BC and that accounts for the difference in price. The ski valets at the Westin were great as well but....unless you want to ski arrowhead or Bachelor Gulch one must takes several lifts ski down, over and take more lift to get to BC's summit. It was too much. I found after trial and error that when staying at the Westin I would take the shuttle in the morning (which picks up right across the street from the Westin) to the main BC area and then you can pick up Centennial Express lift (6) and then (*8) and voila you are at the summit. Much, much easier. Where I would use the Westin's gondola was at the end of the day to go back to the hotel. That was handy. The Richard Sandoval restaurant inside the Westin is a great spot for dinner. I recommend it even if you are not staying there.
Having said all that, and to further complicate your decision, I am going to try the Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas this year as I am trying to save money. For 10k a night in SPG points its a steal (and I am using 50k for 6 nights!) and I am willing to sacrifice staying right by a lift for the savings. Next season when my non skiing wife goes I will splurge and give the PH a try although from everything I read here on FT its not nearly as good as other PH's. My wife loved the village area, although she found plenty to do at the Westin and was quite happy there.
End the end I don't think anything will ever come close to topping our stayed at the ski in, ski out, St Regis Deer Valley. Worth every point and then some, as the base room starts around $1100 in ski season. We upgraded to a suite. It was a dream! I could rave on and on about that stay.