Lodge at Vail set for ‘significant renovations’

Vail’s most historic hotel that celebrated its 50^th anniversary last year, The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort announces it will undergo significant renovations this fall to debut for the 2014-15 winter season. The property will remain open for business during the renovations, starting in August and completing in December, with all hotel amenities accessible to guests including spa, restaurants and other public areas.

“The Lodge at Vail is a favorite spot among Vail visitors for its unrivaled Vail Village location just steps from the new Gondola One, as well as its alpine chalet charm and impeccable service,” said James O’Donnell, chief operating officer for Vail Resorts Hospitality. “This transformation will bring the iconic boutique hotel to the forefront of Vail’s evolution, providing guests with modern comfort and chic décor.”

The Lodge at Vail’s International Wing of hotel rooms underwent renovations in 2008, and now the alpine inspired hotel’s remaining 56 hotel rooms will be completely renovated.  The scope of this renovation includes interior finishes, furnishings, soft goods, lighting and the installation of air conditioning. Additionally, the hotel’s corridors, main stairways and lobby will receive upgrades as well. The lobby’s refresh will include new furnishings, textiles, paint, artwork and lighting designed to maintain the authentic character and cozy ambiance for which the boutique hotel is known.

Last summer, the hotel’s popular pool area was renovated including two large side-by-side, in-ground hot tubs with a gas fireplace; furnishings; stonework and landscaping; two additional gas fire pits; a sound system with the ability to cater music to guests’ needs; heating for year-round access; and a full-service bar and commercial kitchen.

This past winter one of the two on-site restaurants, Cucina at The Lodge at Vail, also received a facelift to its bar area. Cucina is famous for its hearty breakfast buffet and après ski by its outdoor fire pit. In 2011 Elway’s Vail opened at The Lodge at Vail. Named for former Denver Bronco quarterback and NFL Hall of Fame Inductee John Elway, Elway’s Vail is the restaurant’s first location outside of Denver and the third location in the collection.

“Adding to our revitalizations of the pool area and the Cucina bar this year, as well as the International Wing guest rooms and ballroom and new RockResorts Spa and fitness center in 2008, the next phase of renovations will complete The Lodge at Vail’s makeover, enhancing the overall guest experience,” said Stephan Nicolas, General Manager of The Lodge at Vail.

The renovation of The Lodge at Vail marks the latest investment in Vail by Vail Resorts. In 2012 Vail celebrated its 50th anniversary with a momentous birthday present located just steps from The Lodge at Vail – Gondola One, a 10-passenger gondola with heated, cushioned seats and Wi-Fi access, and this season Vail Resorts installed the new Chair 4, a high speed, six-person chairlift.