Venue Spotlight! Manor Vail Lodge

We’re back this week with a brand new Venue Spotlight for you all! Every venue has qualities that make it charming and unique, and Manor Vail Lodge is no different. During the tail end of this crazy and successful wedding season, we were able to catch up with Jessica DeStefano, Group Sales Manager for Manor Vail Lodge. Their multiple venues are picturesque, versatile and are located in a prime spot for exploring all that Vail has to offer.  Take a look at what Jessica has to say about the beautiful Manor Vail Lodge!

KKWE: How long as your venue been hosting weddings?

Jessica DeStefano: Manor Vail Lodge is one of Vail, Colorado’s original condominium hotel properties.  Built in 1965, Manor Vail Lodge has been hosting generation after generation.  Known for its mountain views, cozy accommodations and outdoor facilities, Manor Vail Lodge is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that is true to its place.

KKWE: How would you describe the success of your venue when it comes to weddings?

JD:  Manor Vail Lodge is well known for being one of the top 10 lodging accommodations in the Vail Valley. Many guests view Manor Vail Lodge as their home-away-from-home.  A place to getaway, relax and enjoy a true Rocky Mountain experience.
Much of our success when it comes to wedding is attributed to our friendly and experienced staff members, local and authentic menu, and unparalleled mountain venue and outdoor event space.
Manor Vail Lodge has also been recognized by several national publications including:

• “20 of America’s most beautiful hotels” by CNN
• “Hotels in Vail” by Travel + Leisure
• “Best Hotels for Fall Foliage” by Food & Wine

KKWE: What separates you from your competition? What can you offer that no one else can?

JD:  Location, location, location!  When you are visiting a world class destination like Vail, we understand that time can be limited.  We want you to experience the very best of Vail while you are here and what separates Manor Vail Lodge from all other hotels in the area is simply convenience.

Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak, Manor Vail Lodge is located along the Vail bike path and Gore Creek next to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Gerald Ford Amphitheater, Ford Park and steps from Vail Village, Vail ski school & nursery, Riva Bahn Express Life (#6) and Gopher Hill Lift (#12).

We are a full service condominium property that offers all the amenities of a full-service hotel.  We offer two year-round outdoor heated swimming pools, four year-round outdoor hot tubs, full-service spa, sauna, steam room, fitness center, 24-hour front desk, guest services, bell staff, ski valet service, shuttle service and complimentary chocolate chip cookies & cocoa during the winter months and trail mix bar during the summer months.  One of our most valuable perks that we offer our guests is complimentary breakfast served daily including fresh eggs, seasonal fruit, yogurt, pancakes, and waffles, assortment of breads, omelet station, fresh coffee, tea and juice.

Unlike your average hotel room, our studio, one-two and three bedroom condominiums offer fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, outdoor patio grill and picturesque views of either Vail Mountain or Gore Creek.

Many of the private events that take place at Manor Vail Lodge are held in the newly remodeled Fitz Bar & Restaurant.  Outfitted with bright green booths, dark wood tones and historic imagery that take you back to the original days of Vail, the Fitz also features industrial chic decor with modern fixtures such as glass-bottle chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows and original stone fireplace.  The Fitz Bar & Restaurant is perfect place for a couple looking for an authentic, true Colorado experience for their guests (up to 74 guests seated).

The property also offers one of the only outdoor grass venues in Vail, located in our Manor Vail Lodge gardens with breathtaking views of Vail Mountain.  Ceremonies and welcome parties typically take place on the grass, but for the right couple looking for a true Colorado mountain outdoor experience (up to 200 guests) the lawn can be tented in the warmer months.

KKWE: When you’re working on a wedding or event, how do you usually interact with the vendors? What is your experience working with wedding planners?
JD: Destination Hotels encourages its properties to source locally whenever possible.  We recommend vendors who are local and who have shown to be the best at what they do in the area.  We also work wedding planners who come from different cities and states.  When understand that planning the perfect wedding takes a lot of time and detail.  With that being said, our dedicated catering and sales team are always readily available to assist with any questions or concerns one might have.

KKWE: How do you describe the venue’s aesthetic/style to an inquiring couple?
JD: If you are looking for a true, local and authentic Colorado mountain experience, than Manor Vail Lodge is your destination.  It is important to note that though our condominiums differ in mountain style and decor, all units are held to strict standards and are ranked either platinum or gold by the Vail Valley Partnership quality assurance program.

KKWE: Who is the Manor Vail Lodge bride?
JD: The Manor Vail Lodge bride is the one looking for a venue that can provide a true, local and authentic mountain wedding all in one place.  Our bride is the one looking for a venue that is confident and can provide it all from the rehearsal dinner, lodging, room blocks, wedding ceremony, reception, and/or post-wedding brunch.

KKWE: How would you describe your planning process once you book a wedding?
JD: Our experienced sales and catering team members will be in contact with you and or your planner from the beginning to the end.  Whether it is questions about rooming lists, menu and or contract we have a dedicated person on staff to handle each and every one of those needs.
Meet our dedicated sales & event team: http://www.manorvail.com/meetings/vail-event-team

KKWE: How many event spaces do you have and how are they different?
JD: At Manor Vail Lodge, we offer 9 different event spaces that can accommodate a wedding of 10 up to a wedding event for 200.  We also invite offer many outdoor spaces which are great for ceremonies, receptions, dinners and recreation activities.
One of our most popular wedding spaces is the Manor Vail Lodge garden which offers a spacious grass area among Colorado wildflowers and unparalleled views of Vail Mountain.   Another one of our more popular spaces is the Fitz Restaurant deck which is outfitted with cozy outdoor couches, fire-pits, heat lamps, outdoor Edison lighting, Sonos surround sound and mountain views.
If you’re looking for the perfect wedding photo setting, the Manor Vail Lodge Bridge is a spectacular location to capture the Colorado mountain wedding.

KKWE: What do your couples and guests love about your venue?
JD: Our couples praise Manor Vail Lodge for being the ideal venue where there is something for everyone to enjoy.  They want their guests to get to know each other, and get to know Vail.  Guests love being able to walk into town to dine and shop, but then come “home” and relax by their fireplace or on their deck overlooking Gore Creek.  Our customer service is personalized and available.  Our sleeping rooms are gorgeous, and our location is unbeatable.

KKWE: What is your favorite thing about your job?
JD: I have been planning and coordinating weddings and events for more than 10 years and this is by far the best overall work experience I have had.  The staff is a true team, we have fun together and we really are able to offer personalized experiences for our guests.  Every couple is different and we want to be able to offer a comfortable and memorable event for everyone!

A big thanks to Jessica for taking the time to answer our questions! We encourage you to take a look at their website and reach out to Jessica for more information about celebrating your wedding or next event at Manor Vail Lodge!