DiamondRock Hospitality Open The Hythe in Vail, Colorado Under Marriott’s Luxury Collection Brand
Main Photo: The lobby at the new Hythe hotel
Date: November 2021
Name: The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
Location: Vail, Colorado, USA
Number of Keys: 344, including 22 suites and 16 residences
Seller: The hotel was The Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, acquired by DiamondRock for $62m in 2005 from Vail Resorts Inc, who continued to manage the hotel until the re-opening
Buyer/Owner: DiamondRock Hospitality, a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a portfolio of geographically diversified hotels in gateway markets and destination resort locations. They own 31 top-end hotels with over 10,000 rooms, which they operate under global brands such as Hilton, IHG and Marriott as well as boutique hotels.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail. Owned by DiamondRock Hospitality Company, the brand-new luxury resort concept in the heart of the Rocky Mountains debuts after undergoing a $40 million transformation, including an entirely revamped arrival and lobby experience, reinvigorated outdoor spaces and four brand-new culinary concepts. The resort marks Marriott International’s only Luxury Collection alpine resort in North America.
“With over 5,200 acres of world-renowned terrain, Vail, Colorado has become one of the most popular mountain resort communities in North America,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Luxury Collection. “The addition of The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vail to this legendary destination is an extension of the unique experiences available in the region. We are proud to announce the opening of the resort as the only Luxury Collection alpine resort in this iconic destination.”
Boasting 344 rooms, inclusive of 22 suites and 16 spacious residences, guests are situated just steps from the base of Vail Mountain where they can explore a plethora of outdoor experiences designed for every season or take in the charming and bustling cobblestone streets of Lionshead Village, which offers countless shops and art galleries. The Hythe serves as a gateway to Vail’s most exciting and desirable experiences, whether guests are looking to partake in exclusive alpine excursions or rejuvenate at the on-site recovery-focused spa. Inspired by the legendary founders of Vail Ski Resort, Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton, The Hythe reimagines the revelry, camaraderie, and hospitality of après ski, infusing the “good-time-was-had-by-all” spirit into all aspects of the guest experience, no matter the time of day or season.
Helmed by Wilson Ishihara Design, the interiors of The Hythe are inspired by the origins of Vail, those who built it in the 1960s, and the beautiful surrounding nature that drove people to the destination. A pioneering spirit, hospitality, and a mutual love of skiing can be felt in each elevated design element. Adorned with elegant custom furniture and art pieces, entering the lobby brings guests into a majestic and serene Rocky Mountain design scheme. Punctuated with glamorous 60’s touches and historic ski references, the space brings guests a sense of unparalleled authenticity. Visitors will be pulled in by thoughtful, clean design details such as local Colorado calacatta marble quarried from the Rocky Mountain, carved wood feature art inspired by the local shepherding tradition of Arborglyphs, marble flooring textured to evoke snow fall on the landscape, carved black stone walls, and Douglas fir siding wood panels inspired by an alpine chalet.
The Hythe’s namesake, “haven,” is fully realized in the resort’s 344 guest rooms, which offer elegant and opulent spaces, creating a true respite. With a focus on design elements that invite relaxation and recovery from a day spent on-mountain, picture windows boast the same views of Vail Mountain that inspired the passion of Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton many years ago. Wood, stone, leather, and faux fur bring a welcoming sanctuary to lay one’s head or simply spend the whole day.
Offering a series of unforgettable epicurean moments, The Hythe is home to four brand-new culinary spaces, all inspired by the Après All Day spirit and infusing an air of celebration into every meal. With a convivial atmosphere, the dining concepts at The Hythe are set to serve as the must-visit destination in Vail – for both hotel guests and visitors alike. The Hythe are grounded in a deep appreciation for the local land, its nourishing properties and the passion shared over a meal.
Most notably, The Hythe’s farm-to-table dinner concept, Margie’s Haas, is a tribute to the World War II local home cook, Margie Haas. Celebrating her flair for hosting, the restaurant is inspired by troopers from the 10th Mountain Division often driving through the valley on their way to Denver and stopping at the Haas’ home for one of Margie’s home-cooked meals after World War II began. The restaurant offers contemporary alpine cuisine with a fresh approach to classic recipes and ingredients. Lit by modern chandeliers accompanied by long farmhouse tables, wood, earth tones with pops of metallic bronze, the cozy homemade feeling in an atmosphere of effortless sophistication will serve couples, families, friends and business groups alike. Helmed by Executive Chef Patrick Dahms, the menu brings a modernized concept of his 35 years of experience in Alpine cuisine, inspired by his upbringing in Germany and his travels in South Tyrol in Italy and the Austrian Alps.
The Hythe’s lobby bar, 10th Mountain, is in the resort’s opulently transformed entrance welcoming in windswept guests. Partnering with local 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company, the bar is a place for guests to gather for an après cocktail around the custom lobby fireplace after days well-spent immersing themselves in Vail excursions. As guests imbibe, they have the opportunity to learn about the 10th Mountain Division in tandem with the history and importance of whiskey in the region. Guests looking to fuel up for a day on the slopes can visit Mountain Ration – the property’s grab & go concept inspired by the 1942 10th Mountain Division M-ration during winter combat or alpine training. And serving as the hub for gathering and celebration, Revel Lounge is The Hythe’s lounge bar slated to evoke a convivial atmosphere that will have guests wanting to linger longer. Revel infuses unique cocktails and exciting programming that will inspire guests to unwind during their stay.
With memorable expeditions that can only be found in Vail, guests of The Hythe will find that every activity uncovers their passion for the destination. Whether guests are looking for beginner ski lessons or extreme off-roading with professionals, The Hythe is the perfect destination for every kind of alpine traveler. For those that wish to experience Vail in a completely immersive way, “Personal Adventure Stewards” will be available to help plan the ultimate itinerary, connecting guests in rare and exclusive ways to Vail’s unique topography. Most notably, Personal Adventure Stewards will schedule once-in-a-lifetime excursions through the resort’s partnership with Adventure IO. Hosted by pro athletes, local experts and global brand ambassadors, guests can partake in unforgettable expeditions paired to their interest and skill level. For those looking to make the most of Vail’s extreme sports: heli-skiing, fly fishing, mountain biking and outdoor climbing experiences await. And for those looking for extreme adventures of the culinary variety, mushroom foraging and tours of local 10th Mountain Whiskey distillery are available. Not to be missed – the property touts a lively all-seasons pool and hot tub for guests to enjoy a well-earned soak after a day spent battling the elements.
If coming to The Hythe for a meeting-of-the-minds or celebration, the resort’s 29,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space comprises more than 20 sophisticated venues with alpine-modern style. Highly personalized service, unique arrival and departure gifts and distinctive offerings are shared with guests to honor the same passion that Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton felt upon summiting the peak. Event guests have access to The Hythe’s “Inspired Stewards,” providing masterful execution, innovation, and service to all attendees. For couples seeking an unparalleled venue to say “I do,” The Hythe offers rare experiences and truly one-of-a-kind wedding packages. All coupes will be paired with a “Romance Steward,” to meet all aspects of their wedding needs, from selecting a venue and booking a musical act, to arranging unforgettable moments for their guests while they’re on property.
Guests of The Hythe have access to world-class spa and recovery-focused wellness offerings from the signature Well & Being Spa. The spa is home to a curated Recovery Lounge designed to prime and recuperate mountain explorers using indigenous ingredients, such as pin cherry and pine. It also offers innovative treatments such as an altitude-combatting oxygen bar, Vail’s only Himalayan salt lounge to provide anxiety relief, improved circulation, bone health and other benefits, as well as recovery treatments, to name a few. With a sleek and calming design scheme, the Well & Being Spa is tonal, textured and infused with scents of alpine flora, changing seasonally to match the scents of the forest outside.
Vail Resorts, Inc., the original owner of the property, is the leading global mountain resort operator. Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries operate 37 destination mountain resorts and regional ski areas, including five in Vail, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada; three in Australia; three in Vermont; Hunter Mountain in New York and several others! Vail Resorts owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand.
THPT Comment: Wow, this promises to be the ski resort revamp of all time…Fab facilities….
First Seen: Marriott press release
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