Located in Colorado’s Rockies at the base of Vail Mountain, Vail is a small town known for its sprawling ski resort. This summer, my family discovered a 25-room boutique property, the Austria Haus Hotel with its European charm and personalized service. Located between Gore Creek and Meadow Lane, the Austria Haus is one of those hotel stays that make you want to return again and again.
Lucky me to live in the Rocky Mountains with access to so many unique Colorado hotels. But just when I think I’ve seen it all, my hotel travels took me to the Austria House Hotel, with a prime location in the heart of Central Vail Village steps from its famous Covered Bridge.
Arrival at the Austria Haus Hotel
I loaded up my grand kids for a Colorado road trip adventure in Vail, arriving from Denver in just under 2 hours (due to I-70 traffic). GPS brought us literally yard from the Austria Haus Hotel in the Vail Village, but then we came to a standstill near the free public parking garage.
The pedestrian-only cobbled walkway was directly in front of us with a warning sign of “no unauthorized vehicle.” I was hesitant to drive on it to check into our Vail hotel. A quick call to the front desk. Their concierge stepped out onto the entrance, waving us on to to the driveway of the hotel.
The stone columns are the first glimpse of the Bavarian-style architecture. Then we looked up to see flower-filled window boxes and wood shutters.
At the concierge direction, we left our car at the door especially when we learned underground valet parking was included in the room rate (bonus!). Once the car is parked, travelers can take the free Vail Village bus or simply walk.
Your first step into the luxurious lobby is a look at the Old World charm and ambiance of Europe with its flowered “Victorian” carpets, marble floors, stone work, leather chairs, heavy wooden tables, wood beams, and wood framed doors. 
The cool thing about a small hotel is that there is no waiting for check-in. Our arrival was late evening, and the receptionist took her time telling us of the many places to dine even though it was 8:30 pm. She marked the late-night restaurants on the map, oriented us with our amazing location.
Accommodations
The elevators are steps from the reception desk, and we gathered our overnight bag and headed to our accommodations.
Our room was on the 3rd floor. I loved the long hallways with wood accents, colorful walls, and the flowered tiles with room numbers.
With no two rooms alike, this Vail boutique hotel features 25 rooms. Ours was perfect for our family (me and my 2 grand kids), with its entryway, large newly renovated marble bathroom, two oversized beds, flat screen TV, small sitting area, and a desk. Two French doors (really more like oversized windows) opened out over the pedestrian walkway with a view of Vail Mountain.
Free Wi-Fi is also included, and since I had some work to do, the next morning I did power on the computer to try it out. I had issues connecting, but a call to the front desk resolved the issue within 15 minutes.
Amenities
My grand kids are always happy when there is a hotel pool. Since the outdoor pool closed at 10:00 pm, the kids quickly changed, and we returned to lobby. Located off the dining area overlooking the Gore River, the on-site pool and Jacuzzi are small, but it fits the size of the boutique hotel.
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In addition to complimentary underground valet parking, free breakfast buffet included a surprisingly hefty selection of pastries, breads, fruits, meats, cheeses, cold cereals, and eggs, as well as juice, tea and coffee.
For other meals, guests only need to step outside and discover Vail’s amazing dining scene. From La Tour, right next door, to Terra Bistro, Kelly Liken and Sweet Basil, guests can choose from high end to casual dining. Our family choose pizza by the slice at Pazzo’s Pizzeria about a block from the hotel.
Overview
The Austria Haus Hotel is a good value for Vail Village with its free breakfast and oversized rooms. As a family, we liked that WiFi and breakfast buffet was included, and the Central Vail Village location was a bonus as we could walk or take the free bus to wherever we wanted in Vail. If you’re looking for a family friendly, Colorado summer hotel, then you’ve found it at Austria Haus Hotel in Vail Village.
Room rates start at $171 although there are many vacation package options. You can also check rates and book through Booking.com or Expedia.
Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe & Austria Haus Hotel. Vail Resorts / Austria House Hotel provided accommodations for my review; opinions expressed are my own.
