Sonnenalp Hotel Named No. 1 Resort in Colorado in the
Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards
Vail’s Renowned Family-Owned Luxury Hotel Celebrates Swiss Chalet’s Inclusion on OpenTable's 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America
Vail, Colorado (July 21, 2026): Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail is pleased to announce that it has been named the No. 1 Resort in Colorado in the Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards, one of the travel industry’s most respected honors recognizing the world’s leading hotels, resorts and destinations. Adding to this recognition, the resort’s beloved restaurant, Swiss Chalet, was also named to OpenTable’s 2026 list of the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, as one of only six dining establishments in Colorado.
The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards reflect the experiences of over 661,000 readers who voted in this year’s awards, sharing their favorite travel experiences and recognizing the properties that consistently deliver exceptional service, memorable stays and outstanding hospitality.
"We are honored to receive this recognition from our guests and readers of Travel + Leisure," shares Sebastian Faessler, fifth generation owner of The Sonnenalp. "This award serves as a tribute to the dedication of our entire staff, who are committed to crafting unforgettable stays and building genuine connections with each guest every day. Whether joining us for a winter ski holiday, a summer golf trip or a fall getaway, we love welcoming our guests back year after year to their home away from home."
Owned and operated by the Faessler family, Sonnenalp Hotel meaning “Sun on the Mountains” is a luxury, Bavarian-style resort in the heart of Vail village, just a short walk from the ski lifts. After a day on the slopes, guests can unwind by the fire in the library, recharge at the full-service spa or enjoy the heated indoor-outdoor pool. Summertime amenities include golf at the resort’s private 18-hole course, hiking, pickleball and a selection of daily yoga and pilates classes.
These recognitions highlight a growing trend among discerning travelers seeking exceptional service and top culinary experiences on property. According to OpenTable’s 2026 consumer research and dining data, hotel restaurants are playing an increasingly larger role in how Americans choose their destinations, from where to stay and where to eat. The inclusion of Swiss Chalets on OpenTable’s Top 100 list cements Sonnenalp as not only Colorado’s No. 1 resort, but as a must-visit culinary destination worth adding to the itinerary. To explore the full list, visit OpenTable.com/c/top-restaurants/top-100-hotel/.
Fall 2026 rates begin at $310. For more information visit www.sonnenalp.com
About Sonnenalp:
Sonnenalp Hotel provides an exceptional experience for travelers year round in the heart of Vail Village, Colorado. Five generations after the family’s humble beginnings in Bavaria, the Sonnenalp in Vail, which opened in 1979, offers guests a unique blend of European charm and Rocky Mountain hospitality from its 112 elegant suites and 15 hotel rooms to its world-class dining and extensive amenities, including its own Golf Club located in Edwards. The hotel is the first LECS Certified Hotel in Colorado. Sonnenalp Hotel received One MICHELIN Key in 2024 and 2025 and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
