The jury may still be out on pricing, but now at least all the evidence has been presented.  Here is a breakdown of Vail’s New Construction Projects: Solaris, Four Seasons and The Ritz Carlton in terms of size, amenities, proximity to the slopes, finish level and pricing.

SOLARIS

• Comprised of 79 whole ownership units (19 have closed).
• Indoor Pool & Hot Tub, Fitness Room, Private Lockers and Ski Storage, Spa Treatment Rooms, Bowling Alley, Movie Theatre, Ice Rink, Shops and 3 Restaurants (Bol, CineBistro, and Nobu – opening June 2011)
• Solaris is the closest of the three to the ski slopes; a relatively easy walk up Bridge Street or take the shuttle to the private lockers at the Vista Bahn Building.
• Modern Design and superior finish level.
• Without a hotel component or fractional opportunities it seems unlikely Solaris will have the necessary staffing to compete with a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton in terms of service.
• Average Price per Square Foot - $2,400/sq.ft.

FOUR SEASONS

• 16 private residences (none closed), 19 fractional units and 121 hotel rooms
• Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub, Fitness Room, Full Service Beauty Salon and Spa with 13 Treatment Rooms, Private Lockers and Ski Storage, Lounge, Library, Teen Game Room, Nursery and On-site Restaurant (Flame)
• Four Seasons is further from the slopes but still a reasonable walking distance to the slopes; the locker facility complete with Gorsuch Ski Shop is spectacular.
• Mountain Traditional Design with contemporary elements & superior finish level.
• Superior service.
• Average Price per Square Foot - $1,800/sq.ft.

 

RITZ CARLTON                                                                     

• 71 whole ownership, 15 of which have sold, and 45 fractional units
• Outdoor Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Room, Social Membership at The Arrabelle Club (including spa access, ski valet, locker & social events), Ski Storage, Library, Bar, Teen Room, Spa Treatment Rooms
• The property furthest from the ski slopes. Best access is by shuttle (every 15 min) to Arrabelle Club at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
• Mountain Traditional Design and good finish level.
• Superior service.
• Average Price per Square Foot - $1,400/sq.ft.

CONCLUSIONS

 
Awards go to Solaris for best location and best unit…the third floor south-facing units feature generous outdoor stone balconies overlooking the ice rink with spectacular views of Vail Mountain.  There are 3 of these 7 units left.  Unit #3A West is a must see 3 bedroom at $6,800,000.  Negatives are high pricing, an uninspiring indoor pool, sub-par ski facility at the base of the mountain and some architectural problems in terms of wasted space and rooflines impeding view corridors.
 
Fours Seasons tops the list in terms of amenities and finish level.  The outdoor pool, full service spa, fitness room and beauty salon exceed all expectations.  The hotel component makes it the most vibrant of the three properties and the finish level of the units (especially the spa-like bathrooms) is second to none. The model unit #7201 is a generously sized 4 bedroom overlooking the pool with views to Vail Mountain and a must see at $8,850,000.  On the downside the property is further from the slopes and so far none of the units have sold.
 
The Ritz Carlton Residences represent the best value of the bunch at an average of $1,400/sq.ft.  The penthouse unit #405 offered at $8,980,000 is a gorgeous split-level 5 bedroom with vaulted ceilings and panoramic views of Vail Mountain and the Gore Range. However the lack of on-site amenities, such as a Spa or Restaurant leaves something to be desired.  The finish level is good but ultimately suffers by comparison. The Ritz is located in Lionshead as opposed to Vail Village and is the property furthest away from the slopes.  But hey, at half the price who’s complaining?