Recommendation for Vail
 

We'll be stopping in Vail for one or two nights during an upcoming summer trip from California to the midwest. First time in Vail. I'd appreciate a recommendation for some modestly priced lodging within walking distance to shops, restaurants, etc. The reviews on Frommers and Fodors do not give me a good sense of location for each place. I am considering the Marriott Vail Mountain Resort but it seems to located away from the town restaurants, shops, etc.

BTW, how far is the drive from Vail to Breckenridge?

Thanks in advance!

Have stayed twice during the summer at the Marriott Vail.

There is a free Vail shuttle that will take you from town center to Marriott. Although I personally don't think that the Marriott is that far.

Marriott is also VERY close to the lift that takes you and your bike to the top of the mountain for some downhill mountain biking or hiking.
(found out why the trail "fred's lunch" is named so, I believe Fred lost his lunch here".)

Thanks for the response. About how long do you think it would take to walk into town? How frequently did the shuttle run?

Is Sweet Basil's still open (and still divine)?

vail
 

Yes you could walk from the marriott which is at lionshead village to vail village. It would probably take you about 10-15 minutes. The shuttle will probably run every 15 minutes, but check vail.com for more accurate info.
If you want to stay in the heart of vail and are looking for a deal check out vaildaily.com and click on the link that says "vail on sale." The two best restaurants in vail are latour for something intimate and sweet basil for a place with more energy.