Cool It In Colorado
02.27.08
Lion Square Lodge, Vail, Colorado
RUB SKI POLES WITH THE RICH AND FAMOUS IN THIS CONVENIENT, KID-FRIENDLY AND REFRESHINGLY UNPRETENTIOUS VALI SKI SPOT.
Vail may be known as one of the playgrounds of the celebs, but it’s also a great place for those of us that don’t have to worry about the paparazzi. Plus, it’s got a gorgeous hotel, Lion Square Lodge, right near the slopes that’s totally set up for families, but not at the expense of style.
Visitors of Lions Square rave about the friendly staff, the 24-hour front desk person, and the family-friendly condos all with fully-set up kitchens and comfy sleeping. All at the foot of the slopes. There’s a daily shuttle to the local grocery store, ski clubs for kids and a babysitting center for the little ones who are too young or just not interested in the snow. Or, hey, maybe they want a break from the slopes and just wanna to hang out and drink some cocoa around the fireplace. I can certainly relate. Make mine a Mexican Coffee.
the lodge at night
the pools
condo interior
LOCATION
Lion Square Lodge, Vail Colorado
PLAYING
• The hotel is located right at the bottom of the ski gondola so it couldn’t be more convenient for skiing.
• For ages 3 & up there’s ski and snowboarding lessons (and in summer tons to do with lots of outdoor parks, the ‘Kidstruction Zone’, horseback and pony rides, etc.,.).
• Daycare!!! Yes. For kiddos from 2 months to 6 years for about $100/day (8:30-4:30) at Small World Playschool Nursery. The ratio for babies is one care giver per every three infants, higher than some state standards. Meals are included in the cost for toddlers and up.
WWW.LIONSQUARE.COM/WINTER/WINTER.VAILSKI.NONSKI.ASP
• Kids nights Tuesday & Wednesdays, ask the concierge for more info.
• The lodge also features an outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tubs.
• Hot chocolate and cookies offered in the lobby every night.
EATING
• A daily shuttle bus runs between the hotel and the grocery store. (Genius!) There’s also an on-site restaurant at the hotel, but probably best only for dining in a pinch.
SLEEPING
• Even the hotel rooms come with enough space to not drive each other crazy and are also equipped with a microwave, coffemaker and small refrigerator (and not just a mini fridge which is really just a glorified cooler), so if you’re not inclined to cook you’ll be fine.
• For larger parties or those who do like a refrigerator, the condos each come with full kitchens. And gas fireplaces. And balconies with grills.
TIPS
• The lodge also boasts some eco-friendly bonuses..(eco friendly coffee cups and organic coffee, recycling programs, low flow showerheads and toilets, etc).
• Fly into the Denver International Airport (about 2 hours away) or the Vail/Eagle County Airport.
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photo credits: images taken from lionsquare.com.