Aspen has a reputation as a see-and-be-seen destination for snow sports, stunning scenery, and splurge-worthy price tags. While travelers have plenty of options for where to stay in Colorado’s chicest town, sybaritic skiers will tell you there’s really one singular address for slopeside luxury.
Perched at the base of Aspen Mountain, seconds from the Silver Queen Gondola, The Little Nell, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is the only five-star ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen, which makes it a brilliant base for high-altitude adventures. It’s also steps from all the designer shops downtown. Location aside, its aesthetics are a masterclass in elevated modern mountain style. It’s serene and sophisticated while still retaining a sense of place.
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Rather than bringing the textbook ruggedness of Rockies inside, the most recent renovation relies on soothing hues, sleek lines, original abstract works of art, and sumptuous fabrics to convey a more elevated, contemporary interpretation of peak-proximate perfection. Besides, it isn’t as though interiors need clunky wood beams and scratchy wool to get the alpine point across—especially when guests can simply turn an eye outward to see the snow falling in the winter or the yellow-hued aspen trees in the fall.
Rooms and suites are appointed with every conceivable comfort, from top-of-the-line mattresses and plush robes to espresso makers and humidifiers, plus complimentary mini-bar snacks. Gas fireplaces up the cozy factor. Bathrooms have showers and soaking tubs to soothe sore muscles after a day of barreling down the slopes.
Travelers who may have committed to a quad-torching hike or a few too many gladed runs the day before can trade physical rigor for pampering at The Little Nell. There’s a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sauna for some well-deserved self-care. The redesigned spa offers a menu of restorative treatments —including Dr. Barbara Sturm facials and a recovery-boosting Mountain Metamorphasis Ritual that combines a salt-infused infrared sauna session, a therapeutic deep tissue massage, and LED red light therapy.
The patio of Ajax Tavern is the hottest spot for aprés. It doesn’t get any better than unzipping your Fusalp jacket and sharing truffle fries and a bottle of bubbly or a round of spritzes with friends. Element 47, the Michelin-recommended fine dining restaurant, serves gourmet fare in an elegant setting. In the summer, the terrace is the place to be for al fresco gastronomy. When winter rolls in, the space transforms into The Nest with heaters, fire pits, comfy seating, and snuggly throw blankets. The Little Nell cellar boasts 20,000 bottles of wine. Enthusiasts and fledging sippers alike can book private tastings guided by an expert sommelier. Craving something sweet? Treat yourself to a decadent hot chocolate topped with whipped cream by the fire in the Living Room.
Another VIP perk? Guests have access to a ski concierge service. Needless to say, The Little Nell is one of the best hotels to book for a ski-centric winter getaway.
Top Takeaways
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Modern slopeside luxury.
Food + Drink: Part of the appeal of a stay at The Little Nell is the food, from gourmet dishes at Element 47 to the famous truffle fries at Ajax Tavern. The atmospheric bars mean you’re never more than a few steps from a craft cocktail or a great glass of wine.
Amenities: 2 restaurants; 3 bars; spa; fitness center; heated outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna; concierge; ski concierge; 24-hour in-room dining; daily housekeeping & turndown service; complimentary ground transfers to/from Aspen Airport and throughout downtown; complimentary ski shuttles to all four mountains of Aspen Snowmass; valet parking; private event venues.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: It boasts the best location in Aspen for ski-in/ski-out access.
5 Nearby Attractions: Aspen Mountain; Silver Queen Gondola; The John Denver Sanctuary; Rio Grande Trail; Aspen Art Museum
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? The tableside Caesar salad and bison burger at The Monarch are a must. Gobble up fondue and crêpes and sip wine at French Alpine Bistro. Snag seats at the upstairs bar at Matsuhisa Aspen to chow down on fan favorites like yellowtail jalapeno sashimi and miso black cod.
Rooms: 92 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $1,159/night
Closest Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
