Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Unbelievable (Maybe?) Luxury Awaits: My Rambling Rant About The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Arrabelle at Vail Square, and honestly, my brain is still trying to process the sheer… everything. Marketing materials promised "unbelievable luxury," and let's just say, my bank balance is a little more "unbelievable" now than it was before.
First, the Basics (or, Trying to Sound Professional Before I Start My Ramble)
Let's get the SEO stuff out of the way. This review covers: Accessibility, On-Site Restaurants & Lounges, Wheelchair Accessibility, Internet Access, Wi-Fi, Things to Do, Relaxation, Spa, Cleanliness & Safety, Dining, Services & Conveniences, For the Kids, Access/Security, Getting Around, and Available Room Amenities. (Phew! Okay, now I can breathe…)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Right off the bat, kudos to the Arrabelle for trying. They have facilities for disabled guests. Elevators are, well, essential, and they’ve got ‘em. But let’s just say navigating Vail Village on wheels? Not exactly a smooth ride. The cobblestone streets are… charming, until you’re trying to, you know, wheel through them. I didn’t personally test it, but from what I saw, it's a struggle, and that is an accessibility issue in its own right. I'd rate this a solid… "could-be-better."
On-Site Grub: From "Meh" to "Mind-Blowing" (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk food. This is where things got interesting.
Restaurants: They have several, which is great. Restaurants and a bar, naturally. And some of the restaurants offer Asian Cuisine, International Cuisine, and Western Cuisine. Okay, that sounds nice.
Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was…fine. Standard hotel fare. The Asian breakfast was kind of an afterthought, but the Western breakfast options (eggs, pancakes, the usual suspects) were okay. The Breakfast service was efficient, which is always a plus.
The Poolside Bar: Yeah, I spent a lot of time here. Picture this: sun blazing, snow-capped mountains in the background, a frosty margarita in my hand. Pure bliss. They had a poolside bar with delicious (and potent) drinks and some decent snacks. I may or may not have developed a deep affection for their nachos. The Poolside bar became my home.
Room Service: The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver, especially after a long day on the slopes (or, you know, nursing a slight margarita-induced headache). The menu was extensive, and the food was surprisingly good. Now, here's the real tea: I ordered the truffle mac and cheese at 2 AM one night. It was divine. Seriously. I might still be dreaming about that mac and cheese. That's an experience that is worth it, because, damn, it was good.
Other Eats: They also had a coffee shop. I mean, essential. And a snack bar. Plus some desserts in restaurants, which were, I have to admit, a highlight.
Sanitation in dining: The Safe dining setup was reassuring. There were Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and, of course, a Cashless payment service was available to save a few steps.
Relaxation Station: Spa Dreams & Steam Room Realities
Oh, the spa. This is where the "unbelievable luxury" kinda delivered. The Spa itself was beautiful. The Sauna, the Steamroom, the Pool with view… all the things you'd expect. I booked a massage (obviously), and it was… fantastic. Hands down, one of the best massages I've ever had. The masseuse was a magician, she somehow worked out all my knots from, you know, life. The Body scrub and Body wrap options are there too. The whole experience was pure, unadulterated bliss. I think I actually floated out of there.
Cleanliness & Safety: Masks and Sanitize, Oh My!
Okay, let's be real: traveling during a pandemic is… stressful. The Arrabelle took things seriously, which I really appreciated. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol all gave me peace of mind. They even had Individually-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, which felt like a relief. The staff all seemed genuinely concerned about safety. It was nice to see.
Internet: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The Internet was super fast and reliable (crucial for, you know, Instagramming the heck out of my vacation, and the Internet [LAN] option was available if you really needed it. Wi-Fi in public areas also worked great.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Valet
- The Good: Concierge service was excellent, arranged everything! They have Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Daily housekeeping, 24-hour Front desk and Luggage storage. The Cash withdrawal service was handy too.
- The Bad: Okay, here's a minor gripe: the Car park [on-site] will cost you. And Valet parking too. Car power charging station is available too.
- The Quirky: They had a Shrine. I’m not sure what it was for, but there it was, adding an air of… something.
For the Kids: Babysitters and Kid-Friendly Fare
I don't have kids myself, but I noticed the Arrabelle is definitely geared towards families. They offer a babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal options. It's worth noting that they're Family/child friendly.
Access/Security: You're Safe, Probably
The CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour] and Smoke alarms are all there. Fire extinguishers are good too.
Getting Around: Mountains and Transportation
They offer Airport transfer, which I highly recommend (Vail is not exactly easy to get to). They also have a Taxi service.
Available Room Amenities: Basically, Everything
Let's talk about the rooms. My room, a Non-smoking one, was… impressive. Air conditioning was essential. Blackout curtains? Check. Comfy bed? Double-check. Free Wi-Fi? Again, a huge plus. You've got everything from an Alarm clock to a Hair dryer, Minibar and Refrigerator. The Bathrobes and Slippers were a nice touch, and the Complimentary tea was appreciated. They also have Separate shower/bathtub. They really do have Available in all rooms everything.
My Verdict: A Bit Much, But Worth It (Maybe)?
The Arrabelle is… a lot. It’s expensive, it’s luxurious, and it’s definitely not for the budget traveler. But if you're looking for a truly pampered experience, with a focus on relaxation and top-notch service, you won't be disappointed. The spa alone is worth the price of admission. That said, I do think that, at times, it felt like a luxury treadmill. They have to offer everything and, they do, they just have to be a bit better at delivering on all of it. I'm not sure I'd go back every year, but I'm already dreaming of that truffle mac and cheese. Now, where's that credit card…?
Final Thoughts:
- Emotional Reaction: I left feeling… relaxed, slightly broke, and strangely addicted to truffle mac and cheese.
- Quirky Observation: The shrine. Still a mystery.
- Recommendation: If you can swing it, and you want to be pampered, go for it. Just be prepared to open your wallet. If you want a more authentic experience, you might be better off elsewhere.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (minus one for the accessibility).
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Because getting to The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort, is not just a vacation; it's a whole damn PERFORMANCE. Here's my meticulously (and occasionally disastrously) planned assault on Vail, brought to you by yours truly: a person who thrives on chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Aggravation (and a Whole Lotta Hopes)
- Morning (Maybe around noon-ish, because who needs to arrive on time?): Land at Eagle County Airport. Okay, so I WISH I’d breezed in gracefully. Nope. Delayed flight, of course. And my luggage? Still somewhere between Dallas and… well, who knows. This is where the "perfect" starts to crumble, folks. Already a little hangry.
- Quirky Observation: The Rockies are stunning, even through the haze of airport anxiety. Also, WHY are airport shuttle buses always painted in the most nauseating shades of green?
- Afternoon (Whenever the shuttle finally arrives): Shuttle to The Arrabelle. My first reaction? "Wow. Just… wow." The building screams luxury. It's like walking into a snow globe filled with money and good taste.
- Anecdote: Check-in was a blur of polite smiles and the promise of hot cocoa at all hours. They knew I was already a mess. Bless 'em.
- Internal Monologue: Am I worthy? Am I fancy enough to breathe the same air as these well-groomed people? Is my fleece jacket ruining the vibe?
- Early Afternoon: Unpack… eventually. Okay, so my main luggage still isn't here. Fine. I'll just live in my carry-on. Which, it turns out, contained ALL my thermal underwear. Winning!
- Imperfection: Altitude sickness is a REAL bitch. I felt like I'd swallowed a balloon full of air. Headache, nausea, the whole shebang. This is not the glamorous start I imagined. Ugh.
- Late Afternoon: Attempt to wander Vail Village. The sheer beauty is breathtaking, but the sheer amount of people is…well, let's just say my introvert soul was screaming. Managed to snag a coffee at a cute little place (can't remember the name, brain fried), mostly to just stand outside and enjoy the view, and not have to talk to other people.
- Emotional Reaction/Opinionated Language: My breath caught in my throat as I saw the mountains. Majestic. Unreal. This trip? Already worth it.
- Evening (Dinner Disaster - and Deliverance!) Okay, so I had a reservation at a fancy restaurant, the kind where everything is art. I spent the entire time feeling like I was going to accidentally spill something on the pristine white tablecloth. And the food was… expensive. And underwhelming.
- Rambling: I mean, I get it, it's supposed to be an EXPERIENCE but I just wanted a decent burger and fries. I'm a simple human being, with simple desires.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Leaving that restaurant? Pure FREEDOM.
- Deliverance: Found a pizza place. BEST. DECISION. EVER. Pizza is always a good choice.
Day 2: Skiing (Or Attempting To)
- Morning: Gear up! Renting skis. So much stuff. So much… fear. This is the part I'm least confident in. I've skied before, but I'm… not good. Like, really not good.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, the ski boots feel like medieval torture devices that somehow also cause serious foot sweat.
- Mid-Morning (or: “The Slopes of Doom”): I made it. I actually put on skis and (technically) slid down a hill. The first run? A slow, graceless descent ending in a faceplant.
- Anecdote: I saw a little kid speed past me, practically skiing backward. Mortifying, but also inspiring.
- Mid-Day (Lunch and the Lesson of the Mountain): Took a lunch break. Ate nachos. I watched other people ski, and it looked so easy. I was so jealous of the effortless grace. Decided to take a lesson, "level 1 beginner class".
- Quirky Observation: The instructors are all impossibly tan and impossibly patient. Seriously, I felt like I was their worst student ever.
- Afternoon (Or: "The Redemption Run"): The second run: was a slight improvement. Still slow and clunky, but I managed to stay upright (mostly). I even started to enjoy it a little bit.
- Emotional Reaction/Stronger Feeling: The wind in my face, the sun on my skin, the sheer absurdity of it all. Bliss.
- Messy Structure After a few more runs, I’m pretty sure I pulled a muscle somewhere. Time to go.
- Late Afternoon (or: "The Apres-Ski Apothosis"): After a stressful day, a Hot chocolate or some other warm liquid would have been a better choice. But instead, I went back to the hotel and went straight down to the hotel's spa.
- Double down on a single experience: I don't usually indulge like this, but the massage was divine. I mean, I almost fell asleep on the table. The masseuse was gentle, and I think they even made me feel more human.
- Evening: Dinner back at Arrabelle. Still recovering from Altitude sickness, and a little bit of a skiing slump. Ordering room service and relaxing.
Day 3: Exploring & Farewell Feels (or the inevitable end)
- Morning: Had a bit of an accident with the hot cocoa. So much for being an impressive guest. At least breakfast was good.
- Mid-Morning: Some light shopping at the stores. The stores are ridiculously expensive, but at least the window shopping is free.
- Afternoon: A final walk through the village. The air is crisp, the sun is shining. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to understand the appeal of this place.
- Opinionated Language: This place? It got under my skin. It’s beautiful, it’s frustrating, it’s expensive, and it's absolutely worth it.
- Late Afternoon: Head back to the airport. Delayed flight. Luggage still missing. I knew.
- Rambling: I will be back. Maybe when I can actually ski. Maybe when I can afford to live here. Maybe when I can figure out how to gracefully navigate a mountain.
- Evening: Back to reality. But the memories? They're priceless. Until next time, Vail. You beautiful, frustrating, perfect mess.
- Final, Emotional Reaction: This trip was a reminder to embrace the chaos, to laugh at the faceplants, and to find the joy in the unexpected. I’m going to miss that Arrabelle hot cocoa.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Arrabelle at Vail Square - Let's Get Real (and a Little Messy)
Okay, so we're talking The Arrabelle. Vail. Luxury. It's enough to make your bank account weep. But is it *really* all that? I spent a week there (somebody had to do it!), and let me tell you, it was a ride. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're ditching the brochure-speak and getting *real*.
Alright, the Big One. The price. It's like, you see the number and your credit card starts twitching. Look, yes, it's expensive. Mind-blowingly so. But... (and this is a big 'but') ... it *does* deliver on what it promises. That is, if you're into that kind of thing. Think of it like this: would you pay for a perfectly crafted Stradivarius violin when a beginner's model will still, technically, make a sound? It's the *experience*, man. The *vibe*. The fact that your room is fancier than my apartment? That’s the vibe. So, worth it? Depends if you’re the kind of person who enjoys the finer things, or if you're perfectly happy with instant ramen and a Netflix binge. Me? I'm a sucker for a heated toilet seat, and the Arrabelle has that in spades. And a lot more than just that...
Okay, the location. Vail Square. Picture postcard perfect. Seriously. You step outside and BAM! Mountains, shops, restaurants that probably cost more than my car... It's a dream. The ski lift is literally steps away. No shuffling through slush in your boots for half an hour. You're *right there*. However, and this is a small thing, it's also, you know, right in the *middle* of everything. Sometimes, at the end of a long day of champagne and skiing (a common affliction, let me tell you), I just wanted some *silence*. Some quiet. But, hey, that's Vail for ya. You pay for convenience and the constant hum of activity. And the people-watching is *epic*. Seriously entertained.
Oh, the rooms. Yes, the rooms. They *are* glamorous. Think gigantic beds with enough pillows to build a fort. Fireplaces that are actually functional (not just for show!). And the *bathrooms*. Oh, the bathrooms. Marble. So much marble. Heated floors that make you want to stay in the shower *forever*. And those *robes*! I swear, I almost walked out wearing one. (Don't judge me.) But, and here's a tiny, tiny snag, my view was... well, it wasn't mountain-facing. It was more like "adjacent building-facing." Still, who am I to complain? I was *at The Arrabelle*. I'd take a view of a fire escape over my usual view of my laundry pile any day.
Okay, service. Generally, it's impeccable. Like, beyond. They anticipate your needs before *you* even realize you have them. Need extra towels? Boom. Need a private car to your, say, *yacht*? (Just kidding… mostly.) Boom. They're friendly, attentive, and genuinely seem to want you to have a great time. I'm talking about the concierge, the doormen, the waitstaff...everyone. However, and this is *very* nitpicky, I once asked for a specific type of olive in my martini (don't ask). And it wasn't quite right. But, really... minor, right? Because overall? Outstanding. They even remembered my name after the first day, which is impressive considering the stream of rich folk they probably see.
Dining. Okay, let's be honest, the food at The Arrabelle is, well, exquisite. The gourmet creations are truly delectable. The presentation is a work of art. The breakfast buffet… oh, that breakfast buffet… But, I will say, there’s a certain *price* for that level of culinary artistry. Prepare to wince when the bill arrives. I'm talking, "sell a kidney" kind of prices. Is it worth it? For a special occasion, absolutely. For a week of meals? My wallet would have stage fright. You'll want to explore Vail village for cheaper eats, or even indulge in some après-ski snacks!
The pool and spa at The Arrabelle? Worth. Every. Penny. The pool is heated, with stunning views. The spa? Heaven. Massages that make you melt into a puddle of pure bliss. I spent an afternoon in the hot tub, staring at the mountains, and I swear, I went into a meditative state. They have a great steam room and sauna too. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours, just unwinding. One small warning: it's popular, so consider booking in advance. Especially if you require a specific time for your massage (like, you know, right *now*).
The ski concierge. Oh, the ski concierge! This is where the Arrabelle really shines. They'll get your skis ready for you, bring them right to the lift, even warm your boots! It's a total game-changer. You become one of *those* people. The ones who glide effortlessly onto the slopes, looking all sophisticated and smug. Is it overkill? Maybe. But is it amazing? Abso-freaking-lutely. It's the ultimate "treat yourself" indulgence. After a long day of skiing, that hot chocolate waiting for you in the lounge is pure magic.
Okay, secrets time. First, the hot chocolate at theBest Rest Finder
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