Known as America’s most glamorous ski town, Aspen has long been a winter destination for Hollywood A-listers, billionaires, and celebrities. But there’s a reason nature lovers and adrenaline junkies of all kinds flock to this quaint Colorado Rocky Mountain town year after year.
With its four world-class mountain resorts, Aspen is best known for its winter sports. But this dynamic destination offers plenty of things to do all year long. You can go stand-up paddleboarding or white water rafting in Roaring Fork River, go hiking in the Maroon Bells area in the White River National Forest, or shop till you drop in the high-end boutiques in downtown Aspen.
After a long day adventuring around town, you’ll definitely want to join one of Aspen’s famous après-ski social gatherings. With its upscale eateries and swanky bars, downtown is the place to be and be seen. Try Element 47 for a posh dinner, order a bourbon-infused milkshake at the upscale Prohibition-era saloon and Aspen institution J-Bar, or head to one of Aspen’s most popular après-ski spots and party the night away at Chair 9.
For those looking for a little more culture, you can enjoy live music at Belly Up, explore the historic Wheeler Opera House, or peruse contemporary artwork at the Aspen Art Museum. For a town of 7,000 people, there’s a lot going on in this tree-studded hamlet. There’s no wonder a visit to Aspen is on everyone’s Colorado bucket list!
As a 19th-century silver mining town turned glitzy ski destination, it’s no surprise that Aspen is home to plenty of beautiful centuries-old hotels, lavish condos, and trendy boutique hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Aspen to help you plan your perfect getaway!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Aspen, Colorado
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Where to Stay in Aspen
Most of the best hotels in Aspen are peppered around the historic downtown area – which also happens to be minutes from the base of Aspen Mountain. If you’re in town to do some serious skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking and rafting in the summer, this is the perfect place to base yourself.
Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars, and attractions. As an added bonus, Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola is just a few minutes’ walk or a short shuttle ride away from most downtown hotels.
Located a breezy 10-minute drive from downtown Aspen, Snowmass Village is also a great option. Not only is it located at the base of the popular Snowmass Mountain but there are tons of luxury mountainside resorts, ritzy boutiques, scenic hiking and biking trails, and outstanding eateries and nightlife venues scattered around the village.
Plus, there are plenty of secluded hotels nestled in the mountains just minutes away from downtown Aspen. So no matter where you decide to stay in Aspen, you’ll find plenty of incredible hotels to choose from!
The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Aspen
1. The Gant
The Gant is an excellent option for families or a group of friends looking for a luxurious home away from home in Aspen. There’s a good reason The Gant is considered to be the best condominium resort in town. Not only is this resort located on five acres of land at the base of Aspen Mountain but it has all sorts of awesome amenities!
Depending on the size of your group, you can choose from one- to four-bedroom condos. Each is outfitted with a cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a private balcony, and a fully outfitted kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. If you want to go all out, the Premier Aspen Condos are the most luxurious units of the bunch and come with all sorts of luxe extras.
When you’re not taking advantage of all the outdoor activities Aspen has to offer, you’ll have no problem finding ways to entertain yourself at the resort. You can swim in one of the two heated pools, take a soak in one of the three hot tubs, play tennis on the private court, or keep up with your workout routine in the gym.
The resort also offers a handy shuttle service that will take you to Aspen Mountain or into town!
2. Hotel Jerome
If historic hotels are your thing, Hotel Jerome is by far the best hotel in Aspen. This iconic landmark opened its doors way back in 1889 – at the height of the town’s silver boom – and despite all odds, it’s still going strong over 130 years later! Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the good old days of 19th-century Aspen.
Renovated in 2012, the entire hotel features the perfect mix of historical elements and luxurious amenities. Rooms all boast contemporary furniture, oversized beds and large flat-screens, and portraits of frontiersmen on the walls. The Luxury Suites are well worth the upgrade for their rustic-chic living rooms, 6-person dining rooms, and separate bedrooms and lavish baths.
The leather-clad J-Bar remains one of the town’s most popular watering holes to gather for a tipple or chow down on “Aspen’s best burger” after a day on the slopes. Don’t be surprised if you find Aspen’s elite sipping vintage-inspired cocktails and boozy milkshakes on the plush leather couches. Hunter S. Thompson frequented this upscale saloon back in the day, so you know it’s cool!
You can also get pampered at the on-site spa, go for a swim in the outdoor pool, or indulge in a Sunday brunch at the hotel’s acclaimed American bistro, Prospect. But the best part is that the Silver Queen Gondola is a mere 10-minute walk away!
3. Limelight Hotel Aspen
The Limelight got its start as “The Ski and Spur Bar,” which was frequented by a mix of skiers and outlaws in the 1900s. In 2005, it was rebuilt and opened as a trendy but unpretentious 126-room hotel. Conveniently located within walking distance of the mountain and downtown, this is one of the coolest hotels in Aspen if you want to be right in the heart of the action.
The hotel is the perfect reprieve after an adrenaline-filled day skiing or hiking the area’s mountains. You can soak your aching muscles in the heated pool or in one of the two hot tubs. The two rooftop terraces are great for socializing and taking in the beautiful mountain views. You can make s’mores and get cozy around the fire pits or host a barbeque dinner at the grill stations.
Guests and locals alike flock to The Lounge during happy hour (3-6 pm) for cheap drinks and some of the best home-cooked pizzas in Aspen. But be sure to try their signature drink the “Frosé” (basically a boozy rosé-infused slushy!).
You’ll love all of the rooms’ thoughtful extras including the Keurig coffee makers, fully stocked minibars, iPod docking stations, soft robes, and humidifiers. Be sure to fill up on the massive buffet breakfast before heading up the mountain each morning!
4. The Little Nell
If you’re looking for the “it” spot in town, The Little Nell is hands down the best hotel in Aspen. You’ll be treated like royalty by the ultra-attentive staff the second you step inside.
Expect over-the-top service from the full team of specialty concierges who will do everything from pampering your furry friends to organizing adventurous excursions for your group. The designated ski concierge will store your gear, warm your boots, and so much more!
One of the coolest things about Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel is that it’s located right at the base of Aspen Mountain. You can ski directly from the hotel to the Silver Queen Gondola!
This boutique hotel boasts 92 recently renovated rooms, most with gas log fireplaces, private balconies with mountain views, and luxe marble ensuites. You’ll love the thoughtful extras from the Bose Bluetooth speakers to the in-room Video on Demand systems to the complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks which are replenished daily.
If you want to splurge on a fancy meal, definitely head to the swanky Element 47 Restaurant, which serves up excellent New American dishes, which are paired with the wine cellar’s 20,000 bottles by the hotel’s master sommelier. If you’re looking to party after hours, Chair 9 hosts a DJ and dance parties on certain nights. And if après-ski hangouts are your thing, head over to the sun-drenched deck at the on-site Ajax Tavern for excellent burgers and cocktails.
Other amenities include a posh outdoor pool and hot tub, an onsite spa, and a cute boutique shop.
5. W Aspen
The W Aspen is yet another great option for those wanting a mountainside hotel with ski-to-door access. Plus, the entire hotel boasts decor that harkens back to Aspen’s storied history from the era of the Ute Native Americans to the 19th-century silver miners to the counterculture residents of the ’60s and ’70s. Given all of its party-centric amenities, W is the place to be if you want to have a good time!
Day or night, the rooftop WET Deck is open all year and features a chic bar, a heated pool and hot tub, a sun terrace, and plenty of fire pits. If you want to party the night away, head down to the subterranean cocktail bar where you can dance till the wee hours.
You can pregame in your room with the Mix Bar, which is outfitted with a cocktail shaker, a selection of spirits, and a minibar stocked with everything from Champagne and beer to juices and energy drinks. The snack drawer is filled with candy, protein bars, and much-needed hangover kits! You’ll love crashing out in the retro rooms with their plush beds, comfy robes and slippers, a luxurious baths.
6. St. Regis Aspen Resort
There’s a lot to love about the 5-star luxury St. Regis Aspen Resort. It’s possible to walk directly to the mountain or into town to peruse the chic boutiques and wine and dine at local restaurants. Plus, a fleet of Cadillac Escalades will shuttle you around for free if you don’t feel like walking!
You can choose from sophisticated rooms, suites, and residences. All boast traditional decor, desks and beds designed by Ralph Lauren, and marble ensuites. Suites and residences come with awesome amenities from fireplaces to kitchens to standalone soaking tubs.
When you’re not hiking or skiing on the mountains, splash around in the heated outdoor pool, work up a sweat in the fitness center, or enjoy a unique private dining experience in the on-site igloo!
The lobby’s Mountain Social Bar & Lounge is the perfect après-ski gathering place. Grab a cocktail and some light bites at the lobby bar and hang out with friends on the plush leather couches. Be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s signature Champagne Sabering tradition, live music events, Summer S’mores, and signature Bloody Mary cocktails!
If you want to dine at the hotel, Velvet Buck serves modern mountain cuisine and Trecento Quindici Decano presents fine Italian fare. You definitely won’t go hungry!
7. Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen
The Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen is yet another excellent option for families or larger groups who are looking for apartment-style accommodation as opposed to a traditional hotel room. You can choose from 50 units ranging from luxurious studios to 3-bedroom apartments.
Each unit boasts rustic wood, stone, and marble accents, plush beds, and gorgeous mountain or town views. The apartments are worth the splurge for their spacious living areas, kitchens with Viking appliances and wine refrigerators, and massive bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. The two- and three-bedroom units also boast private balconies and fireplaces – and some even have private outdoor hot tubs!
The residences are located right at the base of Aspen Mountain so everything is within walking distance. You can either prepare meals at home or head out on the town and dine at one of the many nearby restaurants. The impressive wine selection at the exclusive Element 47, the lavish charcuterie platters at Meat & Cheese, and the king crab topped steaks of Steak House No. 316 are all just a short stroll away!
Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning before heading out for an adventure-filled day. Other amenities include a large outdoor pool, a fully outfitted fitness center, and a complimentary shuttle to Aspen Mountain.
8. Annabelle Inn
If you prefer quaint bed and breakfasts over big-name hotel chains, Annabelle Inn might just be the perfect pick for you. The exceptionally friendly innkeepers will help you with anything – and we mean anything – you might need. They’ll also give you excellent recommendations on the best places to eat, drink, and visit in Aspen.
Located right in the heart of town, Annabelle Inn is within walking distance of the town’s best bars and restaurants. Plus, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service which takes you to the four nearby ski resorts.
You’ll love the additional freebies, which include parking, hot beverages, freshly baked cookies, ski lockers, and a wine and cheese hour. The rooms were recently renovated and boast picture-perfect vintage European ski resort decor, 42-inch plasma TVs, and ultra-comfy beds.
The innkeepers serve a complimentary breakfast each morning perfect for fueling up for an action-packed day. You can choose from homemade quiche, bagels with lox, fresh fruit, premium coffee, and much more.
After a day exploring everything Aspen has to offer, you can soak under the stars in one of the two outdoor hot tubs with mountain views, chat with friends over a glass of wine at the third-floor observation deck, or warm up around the fire pit in the courtyard.
9. Aspen Meadows Resort
No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit Aspen, the Aspen Meadows Resort is one of the best options in town. Set on 40 acres, just a 5-minute drive from downtown, this Bauhaus-style building is perfect for anyone who wants to relish the natural beauty of Aspen. Hiking and skiing options abound!
This boutique hotel is also a great pick for art and nature enthusiasts. The Aspen Meadows Resort is also home to the Aspen Institute and the Aspen Ideas Festival. So expect a creative atmosphere and plenty of art strewn across the lush grounds, including multimedia works by Bauhaus master Herbert Bayer, 1940s prints of “Ski in Aspen” posters, funky installations, and more!
In line with the style of the iconic Bauhaus German art school, each of the 98 suites is minimalist in style and boasts contemporary furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows with picture-perfect forest views, and spacious workstations. You’ll appreciate the extras from the sleeper sofas to the Keurig coffee makers to the luxe Institut Karité Paris bath amenities.
The on-site restaurant, Plato’s, specializes in creative dishes using seasonal ingredients from local and regional farmers as well as the hotel’s farm. You can order up dishes like hearty breakfast burritos or farm-fresh eggs and bacon for breakfast or heirloom tomato gazpacho and charcuterie and cheese boards all day long. You can either dine on the deck with a view or have meals delivered to your room morning, noon, and night!
10. Independence Square Lodge
Housed in a quaint redbrick building, the Independence Square Hotel is set right in the heart of town. The boutique hotel was fully renovated in 2017 so you can expect everything to be relatively new and top of the line. But rest assured the Independence Square Hotel still exudes the historic charm that has kept visitors coming back year after year.
One of the coolest things about this historic hotel is its rooftop hot tub. You won’t be able to resist popping open a bottle of rosé and gazing at the star-studded sky after a day on the slopes. In the summer months you’ll love soaking up the sun on the rooftop sundeck with a cocktail in hand. Plus, the views of Aspen Mountain and Independence Pass are unbeatable.
Each room and condominium is completely unique and features a variety of awesome décor and amenities from mid-century modern furniture to full kitchens with stainless steel appliances to heated bathroom floors. Freebies include passes to the nearby health club, ski lockers, a lavish continental breakfast, and an evening wine and cheese hour.
The hotel is right on the Cooper Avenue pedestrian mall and a mere block from the Silver Queen Gondola so the location can’t be beat!
11. Viceroy Snowmass
Located at the base of Snowmass Mountain – less than 10 miles from downtown Aspen – Viceroy Snowmass is a luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel. With so many amazing amenities, you might never want to leave this slice of paradise! Whether you’re visiting during the winter or the summer, there are plenty of skiing, hiking, and biking trails right outside your door.
You can opt for spacious suites outfitted with bespoke furnishings and kitchenettes or 1-bedroom units with living rooms with fireplaces, balconies, and kitchens. The designer Penthouses are well worth the splurge for their three luxurious bedrooms, open-plan kitchens and dining rooms, two balconies with mountain views, and more!
Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cider after a day in nature, soak in the heated saltwater pool and hot tub, work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, and get pampered at the Ute Native American-inspired 7,000-square-foot spa – the options are endless!
Get your morning jolt at the on-site Café V, which brews steaming cups of Italian coffee and espresso. The NEST offers alfresco lunch fare – including burgers, lobster rolls, and Cobb salads – for lunch, and TORO Kitchen & Lounge serves Pan-Latin dishes for dinner. Or if you’re feeling lazy you can always order room service and have a relaxing movie night!
12. Stonebridge Inn
Yet another gem in Snowmass Village, Stonebridge Inn is the perfect pick for any time of year. Not only are you steps from the lifts of Snowmass Mountain, but you can go biking in Roaring Fork Valley, hiking in the Lost Forest, and fly-fishing in the surrounding rivers.
If you want to explore the area, you can hop on one of the complimentary shuttles that will whisk you away to the heart of downtown Aspen where you can shop at boutiques, dine at excellent eateries, or ski at Aspen Mountain.
After a long day on the town, unwind in the heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and on-site spa. Don’t miss out on a meal at Artisan Restaurant, which specializes in locally sourced, globally-inspired contemporary cuisine. Think House Made Biscuit BLTs for breakfast, Colorado Elk Spring Rolls and High Mountain Bruschetta for a light lunch, or 5-course meals paired with local craft brews by Aspen Brewing Company for dinner!
The 93 spacious rooms and suites are the perfect reprieve after an action-packed day. You can opt for rustic-chic guestrooms or spacious suites with handcrafted log beds, cozy sitting areas, and stunning Alpine views!
That completes our list of the 12 best Aspen hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Aspen? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
If historic hotels are your thing, Hotel Jerome is by far the best hotel in Aspen. This iconic landmark opened its doors way back in 1889 – at the height of the town’s silver boom – and despite all odds, it’s still going strong over 130 years later! Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the good old days of 19th-century Aspen.
There’s a lot to love about the 5-star luxury St. Regis Aspen Resort. It’s possible to walk directly to the mountain or into town to peruse the chic boutiques and wine and dine at local restaurants. Plus, a fleet of Cadillac Escalades will shuttle you around for free if you don’t feel like walking!
The Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen is a great option for families or larger groups who are looking for apartment-style accommodation as opposed to a traditional hotel room. You can choose from 50 units ranging from luxurious studios to 3-bedroom apartments.
No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit Aspen, the Aspen Meadows Resort is one of the best options in town for art and nature enthusiasts. The Aspen Meadows Resort is home to the Aspen Institute and the Aspen Ideas Festival. So expect a creative atmosphere and plenty of art strewn across the lush grounds, including multimedia works by Bauhaus master Herbert Bayer, 1940s prints of “Ski in Aspen” posters, funky installations, and more!
Located at the base of Snowmass Mountain – less than 10 miles from downtown Aspen – Viceroy Snowmass is a luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel. With so many amazing amenities, you might never want to leave this slice of paradise! Whether you’re visiting during the winter or the summer, there are plenty of skiing, hiking, and biking trails right outside your door.
