LOS ANGELES—Laurus Corporation, a private real estate investment and development firm, has announced it has acquired Vail Cascade Resort and Spa, one of Vail’s only true ski-in/ski-out hotels. Beginning April 2016, the 292-room Vail Cascade Resort and Spa will undergo a $35 million transformation to be completed for the 2016/17 ski season as it joins The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s most exclusive luxury hospitality brands. Destination Hotels, the largest owner and operator of independent hotels, resorts and residences in the United States, will continue to manage and operate the property.
“This is a unique opportunity for our investors to acquire a resort that would be nearly impossible to replicate from a cost and location perspective, one of the only true ski-in/ski-out resorts in a top destination market,” said Andres Szita, chairman of Laurus Corporation. “During the past six years, market ADR increased 32.8 percent, yet despite this strong rate growth, market occupancy improved nearly 10 points. A tremendous opportunity exists for this asset to be repositioned to a higher tier market segment.”
The expansive renovation at Vail Cascade will include a complete redesign of the resort and its guest experience. Every aspect of the hotel will be delicately refurbished, positioning the facility as Vail’s only Five-Diamond resort. Amid an array of amenities, guests will enjoy a variety of culinary alternatives, including a new fine dining concept, a vibrant lounge featuring live music and overlooking the majestic Gore Creek and a gourmet market/café. The resort will elevate the slope-side experience with substantially upgraded ski valet and enhanced outfitting services to give guest skiers a one-of-a-kind experience. Inviting and sophisticated guestrooms offering comfort and relaxation, new luxury retail outlets, and a redesigned Spa at the hotel will afford guests the perfect Après-Ski environment. Additionally, the resort’s 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the largest in Vail, will receive a refined overhaul, proving the ideal atmosphere for corporate events, weddings and conferences. Furthermore, the 78,000-square-foot athletic club will be re-energized, with new equipment, additional training studios, and new guest services and amenities, operated by a premier fitness management company. Laurus Corporation is also exploring additional opportunities in the Vail Cascade area for future development.
