Travel Budget for Vail Visit Vail on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Vail include:

• Tivoli Lodge starting at $293
• Lodge Tower starting at $275
• Sitzmark Lodge starting at $243
• Antlers at Vail Resort starting at $273
• Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer starting at $199

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Vail

While Vail has a good public transit system that allows for staying farther from the ski town, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.

Vail is known as a family-friendly ski town, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.

This ski town features several resorts to explore. You may discover accommodations that include meals or at least breakfast, with many resorts boasting onsite dining.

For honeymooners visiting Vail, luxury hotels are the ideal choice, and some of the best options include Tivoli Lodge, Lodge Tower, and Vail's Mountain Haus.

If you're visiting Vail for a week or more, opting for a vacation rental with a kitchen will let you prepare some of your meals, saving you money.

If you avoid winter and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.

Though Vail is a popular tourist spot, its small size means hotels can sell out fast. To avoid any issues during winter, make your reservations well in advance.

Walking is a favored way to experience Vail, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.

Expect price hikes during ski season, so be sure to reserve early. Many properties with convenient access to the slopes fill up fast and may come with a hefty price tag.

Transportation Tips

Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

• Private Eagle County / Vail Airport Transfer to Vail for $299 details
• Private Departure Transfer to Vail Airport EGE for $128 details
• Private Eagle County Regional / Vail Airport Transfer to Beaver Creek for $299 details

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Vail is around $129 ($129) per person, with previous travelers spending from $52 to $308. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Vail are as follows:

• Breakfast: $13 to $39
• Lunch: $19 to $52
• Dinner: $39 to $90
• Coffee: $10
• Fast Food or Street Food: $19

The town of Vail has a number of terrific restaurants and other food options. From high-end fine dining to quick and affordable fast-food, everyone has an option for their budget and time commitment. Grocery stores are also found in the area if your accommodation has a kitchen, as cooking is perhaps the best way to save money on food.

Sweet Basil, Bully Ranch, and Pepi's are some relatively casual restaurants serving various American and European dishes. Another is Terra Bistro which offers a variety of locally sourced ingredients in their creative dishes.

Matshuhisa has some great Japanese food, and is a relatively high-end place. Sushi Oka is nearby and has a more casual atmosphere for sushi, hibachi, and other Asian dishes.

For some great and more upscale dining options, check out Flame, Vintage, or Leonora.

Food & Dining Tips

When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

Pack a picnic to save cash and enjoy the views. Find a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

Skiing and snowboarding at Vail are the main attractions here, and that should come as no surprise to anyone who's even heard the name Vail. The popularity of winter sports in this town, and the surrounding region of the Rockies, stretches far and wide. With dozens of slopes on the mountains surrounding the town, the Vail ski resort complex is large indeed. The resort holds ski classes for kids and adults, as well as a number of other events and activities.

Several wildlife and wilderness areas can be found in and around the resort and are open most of the year. The Holy Cross Wilderness Area and the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area are both worth visiting if you want to get out in nature, especially in summer for a hike.

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a nice spot full of local and exotic flowers with beautiful landscaping. It's worth a visit if you go in the warmer months when everything is in bloom.

Other than the previously mentioned winter sports, Vail offers a number of other activities both in the town and resort area and in the surrounding mountains.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities, and a large number of trails can be found throughout the region. The Vail resort opens some of the chairlifts in the warmer months for hikers and other visitors who wish to head up to the top of the mountain.

Mountain Biking is also very popular, and like many ski resorts, the downhill ski slopes are full of criss-crossing downhill bike paths catering to those interested in this two-wheeled sport.

The resort has a popular spa. Visitors can pamper themselves and relax with a massage and other amenities year round.

Rafting, kayaking, and other river sports are popular in the region during the summer. It's easy to find an outfitter in town if you want to take a day trip to a nearby spot to shoot the rapids. Fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes is also popular.

The Forest Flyer mountain coaster is a fun activity for kids (and adults, too). It's like a roller coaster that zooms down the hill. Admire the views as you take the sharp turns at high speeds.

Horseback riding is another popular activity in warmer months, too.

Sightseeing Tips

Skiing:
Vail is well-known for its incredible skiing and snowboarding experiences. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Hiking:
The hiking around Vail offers breathtaking views. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Vail. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Inflatable Kayak Adventure Colorado River: Half Day Guided Tour for $109 details
• Bike Tour or Mountain Bike down Vail Mountain for $120 details
• Save the Mountain Escape Room Adventure for $40 details

Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.