A Snowy Ski Weekend at The Hythe Resort in Vail, Colorado, Straight-Up Cured My Winter Blues
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I hate to break it to you, but New York City winters are not as idyllic as they appear in the movies. Most of the time, it’s cold, windy, and cloudy, with a touch of occasional rain. My skin is perpetually dry and my tan flies south to hibernate until like, June. So when Lexus (yes, the luxe car brand) invited me to Vail, Colorado, for a weekend getaway at The Hythe—plus a chance to test drive the new 2024 Lexus GX—I immediately said yes. I was happy to trade New York’s brown street slush for fresh powder, mountain views, and of course, the après-ski scene. Plus, who wouldn't want to pretend like they owned a Lexus for a little while?
Spoiler alert: my trip was wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I feel the need to share it with you, so you can book a stay of your own at The Hythe. Read on for everything you need to know about the resort, aka my new home snow palace away from home.
THE QUICK HITS: THE HYTHE, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, VAIL EDITION
Location: Vail, Colorado
Cost Per Night: Starting at $599 per night
Best For: A snuggly ski trip
While You’re Here, Visit: Vail Mountain Resort to ski and snowboard, and Booth Falls Trail to hike
One-Word Vibe Check: Cozy
Most Iconic Photo Spot: In front of the massive fireplace in the lobby
Don’t Leave Without: Getting free après-ski s'mores
THE DRIVE UP
My boyfriend and I were greeted at the Denver airport by our Lexus angel, aka the person who handed us the keys to the all-new GX 550 Overtrail 4WD. I’m a card-holding member of the Lexus fan club after spending eight days navigating a Lexus LX off-road with only a map and compass last year (yeah...you can read about that here), so I was very excited to get behind the wheel. Believe me when I say the 2024 GX serves straight luxury—she looks good and drives smoothly with plenty of power to boot. And while we did not take the GX off-road, it's built for it—think: an SUV with a ton of ground clearance (for any obstacles!) and big ol' tires (the largest ever fitted to a Lexus!).
In the driver’s seat, I felt like the pilot of a little spaceship with my 14-inch central touchscreen and Heads-Up Display in the windshield. Our music also played from 21(!) speakers positioned throughout the car, making our two-hour drive from the airport to The Hythe a blissed-out road trip.
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
After a long day of travel, it was a treat to be greeted with such kindness at the check-in desk at The Hythe. The staff immediately helped with our bags and arranged for my boyfriend's snowboard to get waxed before the end of the night so he could be ready to hit the slopes in the morning. The fire crackling in the lobby also made me feel at ease—finally, we could unwind and breathe!!! Our bags made it up to the room before we did, so all we had to do once we made it upstairs was kick off our shoes and get horizontal.
THE ROOMS
From the moment I walked into our suite (complete with the king bed of my dreams), I felt like I was being enveloped in a knitted sweater. The wood accents, the plaid pillows, and the moody lighting left your girl snug as a bug in a rug. I had the most stunning view of white mountains and snow-dusted pine trees, but the swankiest part? All the lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners in the bathroom were Byredo 😏. Color me spoiled. Another perk that felt like it was designed specifically for me? The giant seltzer machine in the hallway that you could use WHENEVER.
THE AMENITIES
Whether you’re skiing all day or just looking to unwind, The Hythe's spa is the place to be, trust. Guests get access to their recovery room (Normatecs, anyone?), the Himalayan salt therapy room, the steam room, the indoor pool, and the fitness center. Spa treatments, like massages and facials, are also available to book, and I highly recommend. Outside the spa, you'll find a year-round pool and a hot tub, both of which boast picturesque views, and the Après Deck, where you can enjoy daily complimentary s’mores, live music, and more. The hotel is also dog-friendly, so prepare to see pups rolling around in the snow (aw!).
THE FOOD AND BEV
A great day in the snow begins with a delicious meal, right? Right. Luckily, The Hythe has plenty of on-property bars and restaurants. On our ski day, I had the perfect sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich from the Mountain Ration Grab & Go, which opens early so you can fuel up and grab the first chair to the summit. On our slow, ski-free morning, I enjoyed a bountiful breakfast from Margie’s Haas, which included eggs, thick cuts of bacon, sourdough toast, and a cappuccino that went down so easily.
For a little après, you'll want to go to Revel Lounge, where they serve specialty cocktails and Colorado-inspired dishes. I recommend the Gaperberry drink, if you’re a fan of dirty martinis, and the Hythe Smash Burger to soak up the alcohol. Oh, and if you’re a whiskey fan, 10th Mountain is stocked with local libations as well as appetizers. There's something here for everyone, as you can see!
As for my little snowman friend, in the photo above? You can meet him off-property, at a restaurant called Sweet Basil. He's the cutest dessert I've ever eaten, made of dark-chocolate mousse, chocolate raspberry ganache, and raspberry cassis sorbet.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Take it from me: The Hythe is where you want to be if you’re looking for a Vail resort packed with amenities and within walking distance of a massive mountain. The accommodations are lovely, the staff is so helpful, and you couldn't be in a better location.
This resort is also part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection, so you can put your hard-earned Bonvoy points to work by booking a stay. Although the ski season is coming to an end, I’ll still be dreaming about our next visit to Vail (preferably in a Lexus GX) with more après-ski s’mores and dog-watching, please!
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