Vail is internationally renowned for its haute cuisine and lively mountain activities, but here’s something you may not know: Vail’s year-round après-ski and nightlife scene abounds in hotel bars, from the Frost Bar at The Sebastian to Pepi’s Bar in the Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer. Here are nine cool hotel bars in Vail featuring live music, mountain views, social vibes and tantalizing craft drinks.
1. The Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Resort and Residences
Meander into this romantically lit lounge decorated with sleek dark furniture and catch sunset views over the mountains from tall patio windows. Cozy up with some friends by the blazing indoor hearth or take your drink outside and sit by an elevated outdoor fire pit while appreciating Vail’s majesty — perfected by twinkling constellations.
Try: The Fauxpresso — Americano and espresso liqueur, rum, hints of coconut and all the cold-brew coffee you need to jazz your night up.
2. Slope Room at Gravity Haus
Take a seat on a blue-cushioned barstool, rest your elbows on the dark-oak countertop and soak in the elaborate lighting fixtures and embellishments above. The wooden furniture and ornate metal-plated ceilings exude extravagant Old West character in this contemporary bistro.
Try: The elote old fashioned — whiskey, subtly sweet corn liqueur and a charred chunk of kernels on the cob.
3. The Gambit Bar at The Sebastian Vail
At The Gambit Bar, your invited to experience timeless refinement and sophistication, merging the allure of warm aesthetics and comfortable spaces. With an unwavering commitment to providing not just a place to eat and drink, but an unforgettable experience that marries the classic with the contemporary. At the newest lounge in Vail, you will enjoy The Gambit Bar’s inspired cocktail list, savory bites, and live entertainment from Vail Valley’s best artists.
Try: The La Mamba old fashioned; it’s the perfect marriage of tequila, honey, Mexican whiskey and orange bitters.
4. The Speakeasy (Moon Rabbit) at Chasing Rabbits at the Solaris Residences
Though this luxe rental property is not a traditional hotel, the bar in the retail space below is so cool, we couldn’t not mention it. Themed after Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, this velvet-draped speakeasy will make you feel like the Cheshire Cat is right around the corner. Grab a colorful drink and keep the party going by exploring the bar’s variety of different rooms, like the book-filled Library or the neon-lit arcade game room, the Rabbit Hole.
Try: The Cosmonaut cocktail made with vodka, tart yuzu liqueur and a squeeze of lime juice, served on a tray resembling a little bunny astronaut.
5. Revel Lounge at The Hythe Vail
This high-end lounge’s polished and elegant interior — complete with wooden furniture and faux-taxidermy wall art — will impress any visitor. Take someone special and enjoy the romantic ambiance while savoring appetizers or sip a beverage solo before planning your next stop.
Try: The hot buttered rum, a deliciously warming cocktail with Appleton Reserve rum, butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, black pepper, nutmeg and orange zest.
6. Pepi’s Bar at Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer
Indulge in this Bavarian-inspired gem where you’ll also be walking through history. Check out the wall full of framed photos showcasing notable past bar patrons or take a gander at the vast collection of medals and trophies celebrating the ski days of Austrian Super Ski Team’s Pepi Gramshammer, the hotel’s namesake. The welcoming, ski-village energy of this idyllic bar, along with nightly live music, ensures your visit is never dull.
Try: A refreshing pint of Austrian beer for a little taste of Europe.
7. Gessner Bar & Lounge at Grand Hyatt Vail
Opulent, chandelier-adorned ceilings welcome you into this classy lounge with close-up views of tall pine trees. Grab a seat at the intimate marble bar and let the smooth sounds of local musicians enhance your good spirits as you sip something delicious.
Try: A classic, steaming hot toddy made with whiskey, lemon and local honey to toast you up.
8. The George Vail at Mountain Haus
Calling all night-owls. This artsy pub is open late (until 2am), so you can end your evening here or stop by when your adventures are just getting started. Either way, you’ll have plenty of drink options as you admire the dim bar’s subtle neon lights and quirky art.
Try: The Nutty Irish — Irish cream, Frangelico, bold coffee and whipped cream for a calorific and caffeinated pick-me-up.
9. The Fitz at Manor Vail Lodge
This Vail bar is only open in the winter, so if you’re craving an energetic vibe after a day of snow-filled activities, stop by for some hometown hospitality. The tall ceilings, railroad-track decorations and indoor stone fireplace welcome you with open arms. For an up-close view of the mountains, head to a patio bathed in the warm glow of fairy lights and slurp your drink by the outdoor fire pit.
Try: The Winter Rita — a salt-rimmed marg with lime, triple sec, tropical coconut and house-made tequila infused with smoky jalapeño.
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