Aspen hotels

Aspen Meadows Resort is an art and architecture lover’s dream. Designed by Herbert Bayer, who trained at the famed Bauhaus art school in Germany in the 1920s, the grounds are brimming with sculptures, installations, and grassy mounds called “earthworks.” Though it’s just a few blocks from downtown, this is one of the top boutique hotels in Aspen, and feels like a secluded wilderness escape – it’s set on 40 lush, wooded acres along the banks of the Roaring Fork River.
With massive, floor-to-ceiling windows and bold primary colors, the hotel’s 98 guest suites are sunny and spacious, with plenty of room for families or groups to get comfortable. I love dining at Plato’s, the on-site restaurant, and snagging a seat on the patio, where I’ve witnessed many spectacular orange and pink sunsets light up the sky.
Aspen Meadows also has a handy free shuttle, plus bike-share stations for pedaling around.

From your guest room or suite at the Little Nell, you can watch skiers and snowboarders ride to the top of Aspen Mountain aboard the red-and-black cars of the Silver Queen Gondola – or ski right out and join them. Founded in 1989, this slope-side property is one of the most desirable places to stay in Aspen, thanks to its prime location, high-end amenities, and top-tier ratings from travel companies like AAA (five diamonds) and Forbes Travel Guide (five stars).
The Nell is also known for its impressive wine cellar, which features more than 20,000 bottles – many of them rare. You can sip some yourself while dining at Element 47, the hotel’s elegant, full-service restaurant, or by booking a private wine tasting or dinner hosted by one of The Little Nell’s knowledgeable sommeliers.
The more casual Ajax Tavern, located on the property, is famous for its truffle fries and for apres-ski people-watching.

More than just a hotel, the Limelight is like Aspen’s living room. It has a cozy, main floor hangout called the Lounge, where locals and visitors alike flock for wood-fired pizza and live music (and, for guests, complimentary breakfast each morning).
Upstairs, its 126 recently renovated guest rooms and suites are decorated with bold pops of color and practical amenities. I love soaking in the Limelight’s heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, which have a view of Aspen Mountain. It’s also located in a quiet part of town, but still close enough to walk to Aspen’s restaurants and shops.
You don’t need a car, either – The hotel’s shuttle will pick you up at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, then take you anywhere you need to go around town. If you want to go car-free, borrow a cruiser or fat bike from the front desk.

I love the convenience of the W Aspen’s location, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the top-rated hotels in Aspen. It’s just a few steps from the world-famous ski runs of Aspen Mountain, and a quick walk to the art galleries, stores, and eateries of downtown. This posh hotel – a relative newcomer to the Aspen scene – is one of the best hotels to stay in Aspen because of its playful café, which includes bright colors and splashy patterns in a tasteful nod to the 1970s.
One of my favorite spots at W Aspen is the rooftop, also known as the Wet Deck, which has some of the best views in town. Travelers and residents alike meet here to mingle around the fire pits, take a dip in the pool, or soak in the hot tub.
The on-site restaurant, 39 Degrees, serves up hearty dishes – like short rib ragu – and lighter, shareable bites, such as a super nachos skillet and fried cauliflower.

The Gant has been an Aspen staple since 1973. With its 140 high-end condominiums, this hotel is ideal for anyone who prefers a little extra room to spread out during a trip to Aspen. Condos range from one to four bedrooms, but they’re all equipped with kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor space – either a balcony or patio.
Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood just east of downtown, the five-acre property has an array of hotel-style amenities, including a full-service front desk, dry cleaning, and daily housekeeping. If you’re planning to adventure in Aspen, be sure to take advantage of The Gant’s recreational offerings, which range from a complimentary ski valet to bike storage.
One of my favorite aspects of the Gant is Pepperjack’s, a cafe that’s great for grabbing a quick cup of coffee or bite to eat.

With its brown-and-white façade, quaint balconies, international flags, and colorful ski-themed murals, Mountain Chalet Aspen looks like a building straight out of Bavaria. Founded in 1954, this iconic hotel is one of the last traditional ski lodges standing in town, and continues to be one of the best hotels in Aspen.
It’s centrally located in downtown, just a few blocks from Aspen Mountain’s ski slopes. Stay here if you’re looking for a warm, welcoming, down-to-earth vibe, with thoughtful touches like an included family-style hot breakfast every morning and homemade cookies in the afternoon.
Mountain Chalet Aspen has a wide range of guest accommodations to choose from depending on your needs, from large apartments to simple but well-appointed economy rooms. I love the history of this charming hotel, which dates back to the first decade of skiing in Aspen.

For a quiet, relaxing stay in Aspen, book a room or condo at St. Moritz, a European-style lodge located a few blocks west of downtown in a tree-lined residential area. This hotel is bright and inviting, thanks to its cheery white-and-blue color scheme and lush landscaping – plus its picturesque courtyard, complete with a heated pool and hot tub.
The hotel is known for its hospitality – I’ve found staffers here regularly go above and beyond to make guests more comfortable. Whether you stay during summer or winter, you can mingle with other guests during the daily complimentary happy hour, which includes refreshing cold drinks in the summer and soul-warming hot drinks – like spiced cider – come winter.
I also love how close the hotel is to Midland Trail, a short but scenic gravel path that’s tucked among the aspen and evergreen trees of the lower section of Aspen Mountain.

The Inn at Aspen is located a few minutes west of downtown at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, which is known for its terrain park and for hosting international competitions. Though it’s a bit farther away from Aspen’s core, this hotel is ideally located for skiers and snowboarders who want to explore all four ski resorts in the area, not just Aspen Mountain.
To that same end, the hotel offers an array of handy amenities to guests who book one of its 122 guest rooms, such as ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes and ski and snowboard lockers. I love the view of the slopes from the outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, as well as the cozy fire pit that’s perfect for sipping an apres-ski drink as the sun sets. The on-site restaurant, Home Team BBQ, has some of the best southern barbecue in town.

For all the comforts of home with the convenience of a hotel, go with Aspen Square Condominium Hotel. Choose from studio, one-, two-, three-, or four-bedroom units located right downtown, just around the corner from the Aspen Art Museum and a short walk to the ski slopes of Aspen Mountain.
Each condo has a full kitchen and a cozy wood-burning fireplace, plus a spacious balcony that’s perfect for sipping your coffee and listening to the birds each morning. The spa-like courtyard – which was recently renovated – includes hot tubs, a heated outdoor pool, colorful patio furniture, and shady mature trees.
I love that each unit is decorated in a distinctive style – from sleek and contemporary to rustic mountain chic – which makes it fun to try out a different condo each time I return to Aspen.

With its red-brick façade and mature trees, The St. Regis Aspen Resort looks more like a stately mansion than one of the fancy hotels in Aspen. Originally built in 1992, the luxury property underwent a total refresh in 2012. Take your pick of 179 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as 25 spacious residences – all designed with elevated finishes and furniture.
Whenever I’m in town, I make a point of visiting the hotel’s spa for a soothing massage or facial. I also love relaxing in the heated outdoor pool and the three outdoor hot tubs. Another perk: The St. Regis organizes seasonal activities, ranging from serene, guided hikes in the summer to adventurous snowmobiling excursions in the winter.
The property also beckons travelers to its quiet corner of downtown with its flagship restaurant, Velvet Buck, and its bar and lounge, Mountain Social.