At a Glance
One of Vail’s newest private residences is also its most modern, most upscale and, despite being at the center of the action, most private.
Indagare Loves
- Looking down into Matsuhisa at night from the open balcony
- Touchscreen control panels in each entry hall that control lights, etc. and even show live shots of the slopes, not to mention traffic conditions on I-70
- Massive condos with space for extended family and friends
Review
It’s hard to know where to start in describing the virtues of Solaris, that towering edifice that finally replaced the dilapidated Crossroads shopping complex. From the outside, it’s massive, but there’s not a wood cutout or flower-filled window box to be seen—a hint of what’s in store inside. Solaris has the feel, and services, of a modern urban luxury hotel where the rooms just happen to be enormous private residences—averaging roughly about 1,000 square feet per bedroom. Of the 79 condominiums, some 33 are in the rental pool, ranging from a 1,000 square-foot studio to a 6,500 square-foot penthouse. (If it’s booked, don’t hesitate to try the adjacent unit, a sleek six-bedroom, 6,000 square-footer on two levels.) Since they are individually owned, furniture can range from clean-lined modern (most of them) to sort-of-frumpy (at least one I saw), so discuss your preferences carefully with the helpful staff. Also note that no matter how beautifully decorated, those units facing north overlook nearby I-70, while south-facing ones have beautiful views of the ski mountain. The in-house restaurant is Matsuhisa, though room service comes from Bol, the hipster bowling alley that’s also part of the ground floor retail area. There’s a small grotto-like indoor pool, plus a gym, but most guests either have massage treatments in their rooms, or head over to the nearby Vail Athletic Club.
Who Should Stay
Anyone looking for a contemporary-styled alternative to a private home, with full hotel services
Written by Indagare