How to Find Cheap Hotels in Vail, Colorado

Located in Gore Creek Valley, about 100 miles west of Denver, Vail, Colorado, was developed when World War II ski troopers decided to create the perfect ski town. Today the town's population of 4,000 swells to nearly 40,000 every winter as snow enthusiasts flock to its slopes. Here's how to find inexpensive lodgings when you join them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Valid credit card

Locate Cheap Accommodations

1. Book your accommodations online through the Vail Valley Chamber and Tourism Bureau Web site (see Resources below). You can also call [phone] to book. Expect accommodations to be moderate to expensive in price.

2. Consider visiting Vail during the spring or summer, when rates drop as much as 50 to 75 percent.

3. Find online package deals on activities and accommodations, such as ski or rafting packages, for deep discounts on both the activity and your stay.

4. Choose East Vail for the best cheap accommodations in the town. East Vail is serviced by the free Vail shuttle system. Rates are lowest between March and early December.

Find Vail

5. Get to Vail by plane at the Vail/Eagle County Airport, serviced regularly by six major commercial carriers.

6. Shuttle into Vail from the Vail/Eagle County Airport or Denver Airport on a chartered bus or free shuttles offered by lodging operators.

7. Travel around Vail on one of the free Vail Shuttle Bus system's six routes through town.

8. Ride around the town on a bicycle during the summer months to take in the beautiful national forests that surround you.

9. Wander through town on foot while shopping, or hike out of town through the mountain trails.

Explore Vail

10. Treat yourself to a visit to Vail in the off-season for cheap rates on accommodations and activities like mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and hiking.

11. Enjoy a variety of international foods at Vail's 80 restaurants.

12. Head out of Vail to nearby destinations such as Edwards, Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch for hot nightlife and cheap accommodations.

Tips & Warnings

• Booking online gives you greater access to seasonal and combination discounts.
• Many accommodations in and around Vail require a two- to three-night minimum stay.
• Vail is immensely popular in winter, so be prepared to book accommodations and tickets several months in advance.