I was looking at the rate for a few day stay in Jan, and I was shocked by rates starting at $359. Why so much is it worth it? I currently have reservations for a couple nights at the St Regis Aspen at $300 a night, and a at the Sheraton Crested Butte Resort for $112. I get suite upgrades at both as a starwood plat. My plan is to stay in a few ski resorts, and vail is one of them. Is this place worth these rates, or should I stay in Aspen. marriott is 3 star and St Regis is 5 I believe, even Jermone Aspen is cheaper. Could anyone offer insight on this steep Vail price. Or like I said should I keep with my plans?

Thanks

You'll be much more pleased with the St. Regis in Aspen.

I was just in Vail and stayed at the Cascade. Both this resort and the Marriott are quite a distance from the action. You'll need a shuttle bus or car to get to dining and shopping. I can't speak towards skiing unfortunately as that wasn't an option when we were there.

Beaver Creek, right up the Interstate, was an incredible looking resort. There is a Hyatt there that looked very nice.

I've stayed at the Marriott, though most recently was 4 years ago.

The hotel is in a fantastic location for skiing. You are literally a 2 minute walk to the lifts. Depending on the conditions, you could even ski down to the hotel.

I thought the hotel itself was fine. We were upgraded (due to Platinum status) to one of the larger suites with a great mountain view from a balcony.

Can't help regarding the rates -- I assume its due to the proximity to the slopes.

I would not classify the Marriott as a 3 star location -- much closer to 5 star. In fact it is a Category 6 in Marriott's system which is close to the top.

If you're considering options, may I also suggest the Marriott Vacation Club in Breckenridge? It's sometimes hard to get a room on free points at short notice, but the rates are more than reasonable. On our Denver/Vail/Breckenridge vacation last month, I had to pay for a room (gasp...hard to deal with for a near-million-Marriott-pointer), but it was only $159 per night for a room with a full kitchen, a king bed and a HUGE day bed. Close to everything, spa and pool, etc., activities every night with a phone voice mail describing them to you, pool table, VCR tape rental, VCR int he room, 2 balconies, and close to the ski lifts (not an issue in August, of course!) And, walking distance to downtown Breckenridge.

We were very pleased with the room, the property, and with Breckenridge.

Oh. And you're in easy driving distance of Vail.

Just a thought. Whatever, enjoy! That is some kind of beautiful country.

Ryan754,

Whether $359 per night is "worth it" is, of course, relative. If you have to ask, I would say its not.

Personaly, I would never, and have never, paid that much to sleep in a bed. As far as ameneties, they would have to include a prostitute for me to pay that (just kidding).

If you arent a timeshare owner, then this may come as a shock. Interval International members can stay at any of the Marriott Vail, Breckenridge or PArk City Utah proeprties for anywhere from $214 to $399 per WEEK. Yes, per week. Although these rates are not available for January, they are for late Nov and Dec.

My advice is to travel at the edge of the winter season to get better rates.

[This message has been edited by detjason (edited 09-15-2001).]

[This message has been edited by detjason (edited 09-15-2001).]