Angela Berardino, RockResorts Communications Manager, aberardino@vailresorts.com

Skier Alert: An Avalanche of Savings as RockResorts Rates Drop This Winter Ski Packages** Winter 2004/2005

THE LODGE AT VAIL HONORED AS PREFERRED’S “HOTEL OF THE YEAR”

VAIL, Colo.,--2004. The award-winning Lodge at Vail, the only luxury ski-in\ski-out lodging property in Vail and a member of the RockResort hotel family,  was recently honored by Preferred Hotels® & Resorts Worldwide as “Hotel of the Year”. Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, a prestigious brand of more than 116 luxury hotels and resorts, announced the winners of its ninth annual Marketing Awards of Excellence (MAX Awards). These awards recognize the most creative marketing, branding and sales programs among the organization’s member hotels.

 “This year’s participants have a proven track record offering the best amenities, value and service to their guests,” said Rob Cornell, Managing Director of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Renowned for its relaxed luxury and impeccable personal service, the Lodge at Vail combines the elegance of an Old World inn with the warmth of Western hospitality. Its location just steps away from the Vista Bahn Chair, in the heart of Vail Village also sets it apart from other luxury properties in Vail. Recently, the Lodge at Vail has seen $2.4 million dollars in renovations and enhancements with upgrades to 55 hotel rooms to provide guests with a more open, comfortable feel in each room. Changes also were made in the pool area with the addition of four new hot tubs, a new deck and landscaping.

““The Lodge at Vail has once again set the standard for luxury accommodations in Vail,” said Wolfgang Triebnig, Lodge at Vail general manager. “We are very proud to be among the small group of elite properties that is awarded Preferred’s “Hotel of the Year” honor.” 

In addition to the fine lodging, the Lodge at Vail also offers award-winning dining. The Wildflower, the Lodge at Vail’s premier restaurant, also has been awarded the Mobil Four-Star Mobile rating by the Mobil Travel Guide. The Wildflower's menu is an eclectic array of creative American cuisine prepared with the freshest and finest in produce, seafood and meat. Changing the menu at least once a quarter, Chef de Cuisine Thomas Newstead uses seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs in his dishes. The Wildflower's gourmet delicacies are prepared with such creativity that each year the restaurant earns the DIRoNA award (Distinguished Restaurants of North America).