Curator’s statement
Aspen is a luxurious mountain escape like no other - stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and a touch of nostalgic glamour. With so many incredible hotels, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. I'm here to guide you through the best Aspen has to offer!
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Where to stay in Aspen
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Things to do in Aspen
For skiers and non-skiers: Aspen Ajax and Aspen Highlands ski areas offer challenging high-alpine, backcountry, and freestyle skiing for the expert skier, as well as gentler slopes for intermediate skiers. Novice and first time skiers will thrive at Buttermilk and Snowmass. Fun fact, the X games are held at Buttermilk. Your ski pass grants you access to 4 mountains, and you’ll have access to world class ski instructors and guides for all of them. For non- skiers, Aspen is a dreamy, mountain town with upscale and designer shopping, art galleries, the Aspen Art Museum, spas, golf, an alpine coaster, incredible dining, entertainment and nightlife.
Aspen in the summer transforms into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, fly-fishers, and food and wine enthusiasts. The Aspen Food & Wine Festival is a huge draw to Aspen - hotels and tickets sell out. The 4th of July festivities, Aspen Jazz Fest, rodeos at Snowmass, and summer camps for kids are just some of the reasons people love going to Aspen year after year. Fall is also a great time for Aspen, with stunning autumn leaves and lower hotel rates. Mild temperatures and no mosquitos makes it a perfect mountain destination.
Places to eat & drink in Aspen
Hitting the slopes in Aspen is fantastic, but unwinding afterwards is an art form, and Aspen's après-ski scene is as legendary as the mountains themselves. For a touch of history, grab a handcrafted cocktail at the J Bar at Hotel Jerome. Ajax Tavern's lively, sprawling patio is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the summer sun. Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro is fantastic for its upscale and breathtaking views. If you are skiing Snowmass, then check out Aurum Base Village for inventive cocktails and swapping stories of your day on the slopes.
For lunch in Aspen Village, Clark's Oyster Bar has excellent, fresh seafood, and is well loved by the locals. The Aspen Museum of Art serves lunch on the rooftop with amazing views of the mountain and lifts. Catch Steak is a good option in Aspen, as well as Betula for it's relaxed-vibe, atmosphere and Casa Tua for authentic Italian cuisine (and club upstairs). For nightlife, check out Zane's Tavern, Sterling Club, Escobar, or Gala.
Need to know
Don’t miss: Kemo Sabe in Aspen Town for high-end custom hats and boot fittings to get geared up in Aspen style!
How to get there:
Fly into Aspen Airport (ASE) and the town is ten-minutes away; many hotels offer free transfers. Eagle Airport (EGE) near Vail is about a ninety-minute drive from Aspen; Denver (DEN) is a 4 hour drive.
Check out Aspen's Best Luxury Hotels:
Luxury at its Finest:
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Steeped in history and dripping with Victorian charm, Hotel Jerome is an Aspen icon. Imagine plush rooms, impeccable service, the swanky J bar, to unwind after a day on the slopes. Perfect for those seeking a touch of sophisticated grandeur.
The Little Nell: This ski-in/ski-out haven offering hotel rooms and suites up to 4 bedrooms and steps from the Silver Queen gondola, redefines luxury. Think ski valets, opulent rooms, and an unbeatable location, just steps from the mountain. It's ideal for serious skiers who appreciate the finer things. Don’t forget to enjoy a lunch at Ajax Tavern, where you’ll have amazing food and a prime view to watch skiers swooshing down Ajax.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort: Indulge in five-star pampering at the St. Regis. Lavish apartment-style rooms, an outdoor pool, and a renowned spa create an atmosphere of pure indulgence. Best for those who crave spacious accommodations and top-notch amenities.
Snowmass Base Village Hotels:
Perfect for families and multi-generation groups, these luxury properties are at the base of Snowmass Village, with access to an ice-skating rink, Treehouse Kids Adventure Center, indoor climbing wall, restaurants and shopping. Each property has a different feel - choose from the residences and spa at The Viceroy, comfortable mountain lodging at The Aspen Mountain Residences, Capitol Peak Lodge, Hayden Lodge, Sustainable Scandinavian design at Electric Pas Lodge, sophisticated grand residences at Lumin, or the sleek mid-century modern designs at One Snowmass. There’s also a Limelight Hotel located in Snowmass. You’ll have complimentary transportation to and from the Aspen Airport, and you’ll only be 8 miles away from Aspen.
Boutique Chic:
W Aspen: This contemporary, chic mountainside hotel has a rooftop pool with stunning views and is ideal for a stylish stay with a lively atmosphere.
Limelight Hotel Aspen: Nestled in the heart of downtown Aspen, the Limelight offers a vibrant yet sophisticated ambience with modern, comfy rooms and 2 outdoor jacuzzi’s. Breakfast is included and I love the lounge area where they serve the most scrumptious pizzas. The Limelight also offers complimentary transportation anywhere in Aspen.
The Mollie: Newly opened in 2024, The Mollie offers a great location, modern luxury, and a social atmosphere. Its beautifully designed guest rooms feature luxurious amenities, a restaurant, bar, café, a rooftop jacuzzi, and a speakeasy for soaking up the mountain views… and the house cars are Rivians!
Cozy Comfort:
The Gant: Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this condo-style resort offers up to 4 bedroom condos, perfect for families or groups. There are 2 heated pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Remember: When choosing your hotel, consider your priorities. Are you a die-hard skier seeking slope-side convenience? Perhaps you're a spa enthusiast yearning for relaxation, or a social butterfly who thrives on a lively scene. Aspen truly has something for everyone.
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Travel Advisor
Cindy Rhee
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Aspen. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Best Hotels, Restaurants & Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan.