Now here is a real “world class” European Resort, right here in the good old USA. Johannes Fessler the proprietor came to the United States from Bavaria to attend college at the University of Denver. Upon graduation and following in the family tradition he purchased a small hotel here in 1979. The rest as they say is history. Over the years the Sonnenalp has expanded, remolded and grown into one of the finest mountain resorts in North America.
From the moment you approach the resort property you can easily see it stands out from all the other building close by. 17 years ago when my son was 4, as we drove by the Sonnenalp he said “daddy, can we live there?” Although the Vail area has an abundance of European architecture, the Sonnenalp is as authentic as you can get and still be in the US. If anyone should know how to build a resort hotel like this it should be Johannes, as his family has owned a resort in Bavaria for 4 generations. The name Sonnenalp in German is “Sun on the Mountain”. The name very much reflects the Vail Mountain as Vail and Colorado gets more sunshine each year then Florida, the “Sunshine State”.
The Sonnenalp staff is like a large family. Many of them come to Vail from many different parts of the world. They each bring with them a work ethic and attention to detail seldom found with our typical American hotel staff. As you expect at a FIVE STAR resort this hotel is spotless in every area. The wood is polished and walls washed almost daily. The fragrance of an extra clean property is noticed the moment you walk through the front door. The dining is exceptional; Ludwigs offers contemporary American cuisine with a classic influence. The Bully Ranch offers a more casual, western –style atmosphere. Balata Restaurant offers panoramic views of the mountains and golf course with True American cooking.
The spa is not just beautiful but again staffed with the best therapist hand picked by Rosanna Fessler. The guest suites feature Bavarian furniture, fireplaces, large bathrooms with heated floors and a cozy living area. The resort has 115 luxury suites and 12 hotel rooms. Then there is the library with it’s roaring fire in the cozy fireplace to relax with a book or a game of chess, close by is the sophisticated atmosphere of the King’s Club with live music and a menu ranging from burgers to caviar.
Pictured here is the new Terrace dining room. This room is totally glass enclosed to give you fabulous views of the snow in the winter. The ceiling opens in the summer to let you breathe the clean mountain air and enjoy a closer look at the stars at night.
This past year my wife and I spent New Years Eve for a gala civilized celebration at Ludwig’s. I never have spent a New Year’s evening that was as memorable, the food, the service, the entire experience was outstanding.
Yes, the Sonnenalp resort in Vail is our number one choice summer and winter for our entire family. The Sonnenalp gets our highest Mr. Five Star rating for the Vail area.
