Prima Residences at the Sonnenalp pairs high-end luxury with old-world service in ideal Vail location
Courtesy photo
East West Partners and the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail recently announced a partnership called the Prima Residences at the Sonnenalp that will redevelop the FirstBank building into four luxury homes atop the bank with full access to hotel amenities just across the street.
“In our minds, it’s a unique location that’s walkable to Vail Village, yet you’re not in the hubbub of Vail Village; you’re a step removed,” said Jim Telling, managing partner at East West Partners overseeing the Vail Valley. “I know FirstBank is excited about it too. We’ve been partners with the bank for a long, long time, and we’re excited to be able to redevelop the bank for them and offer this opportunity for four lucky families.”
The four, two-story residences — starting at $22.5 million — offer four or five bedrooms complete with spacious floorplans, large outdoor terraces, private underground parking and stunning finishes — now paired with the signature services and amenities of the Sonnenalp Hotel.
Those include a heated outdoor pool and whirlpools overlooking Gore Creek; house account privileges for seamless on-property purchases and dining; spa and spa gym access; concierge services; priority dining reservations and in-residence room service; ski valet services at the Gorsuch Ski Café for overflow family and guests, including a private ski locker; and access to the Sonnenalp Golf Club in Singletree, just down valley in Edwards.
But perhaps the greatest amenity is the Sonnenalp’s signature old-world service. Started as a small lodge in 1979, and since greatly expanded, the Sonnenalp is now a beloved Vail landmark with impeccable service and a family-run ethos rarely seen in modern hospitality. For five generations, the Faessler family from Germany has upheld that legacy of family service.
Support Local Journalism
“Johannes [Faessler] and the Sonnenalp, it’s a very unique hotel and operation,” Telling said in a phone interview. “So to have this relationship is very, very special, and we’re excited about our potential homeowners being able to enjoy that level of service and those amenities right across the street. This is not just a traditional brand that might be popping up in a number of locations. This is special and unique. And Johannes doesn’t do this with a number of others, so it just makes it unique that it’s not just another a branded residence.”
Sonnenalp Hotel owner Johannes Faessler said Prima residents will enjoy “the highest standards of hospitality and service our guests have enjoyed for over 45 years in Colorado.” Asked what those services will include, he responded via email:
“The Prima owners will experience Sonnenalp like our hotel guest,” Faessler wrote. “Prima Residences are only steps from the Sonnenalp. This proximity will make it easy to execute our services at the Prima Residences and it will make it easy for Prima owners to stroll across the street and be part of our hotel environment — lobbies, bars, restaurants, spa, pool areas — but also be part of our hospitality culture. That means growing a relationship with our family and our Sonnenalp team. We will know the Prima families and they will know many of our Sonnenalp team members. We will quickly learn individual owner preferences and special wishes, and be ready every time when our ‘Prima guests’ come to visit.”
Designed by 4240 Architecture and Andrea Georgopolis with ACG Interiors, Prima Residences at Sonnenalp will blend contemporary sophistication with the timeless elegance of Vail’s Bavarian roots, according to East West Partners, a Colorado-based developer “devoted to building, selling, managing and supporting high quality real estate and life experiences.”
East West has roots in the Eagle River Valley dating back to the founding of Vail, and the Sonnenalp dates back nearly as far in Vail but is rooted in generations of high-end service in Germany. In addition to its full suite of amenities, the Sonnenalp will provide HOA management, residence home care and the option for rental management for the owners of the Prima Residences at the Sonnenalp.
“No other partnership like this exists here,” Telling said. “For those who truly know Vail, there will be no greater privilege than calling Prima Residences at the Sonnenalp home.”
