HotelChatter

Okay, we get that it's modeled after the European Sonnenalp property, so we're going to refrain from commenting on the outfits of the staff (think Sound of Music). Plus, we had a really nice staffer take us around the hotel and she totally knew her stuff.

The renovations of the hotel wrapped up this year, and the biggest change was the addition of 90 new rooms to the property. The resort is mostly suites, with only 12 of its 127 rooms considered standard "hotel rooms." Check out the virtual tour of a suite-- and make sure you have the sound turned on to get the full authentic German effect. Note the abundant use of antlers as decor.

Also new to the Sonnenalp is the expansion of the restaurant, Ludwigs, to a terrace area which serves as both outdoor dining space and function space. The terrace has glass walls that can enclose the area when the weather is cold or rainy, but when we saw it the whole thing was open and absolutely stunning.

Unfortunately, we knew we wouldn't enjoy eating our delicious buffet breakfast (included in the rates) there because the outdoor pool was only steps away with screaming children abound. However, they did redo the whole pool area and added a waterfall.

The indoor pool (super popular in the winter) is still right next to the giant fire pit in the spa part of the building. The spa just added a yoga room and frequent yoga classes; the gym was expanded this year as well. The spa has 10 or so treatment rooms-- seriously, if you've got $215.00 to blow, try the hot stone massage. Heavenly, but yeah-- insane price.

The Sonnenalp actually owns their own golf course in Edwards (about 15 minutes away) that guests can use when the weather's nice.

And when the weather's nice, the rates are nice too: a summer (June 10 - September 22) suite starts at $350 per night, while each of the 12 hotel rooms will run you $240. In the Fall and Spring, rates for hotel rooms start at $165 and suites at $220.

Okay but how about the winter season? You're not gonna like this: suites start at $720, hotel rooms start at $520. During the Holiday season, you're looking at $800 for the cheapest suite available. Wow.

So try to get to the Sonnenalp in the summer, ok? The golf course will be open, the new outdoor pool will be there for you, and you won't be dipping into the kids' college funds to pay for it.