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Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
Luxe ski resorts, historic Gilded Age hotels, stylish boutique properties — the nicest Aspen hotels provide an escape for outdoorsy adventurers and luxury seekers alike.
We’re Fora, the modern travel agency. Below, we’ve outlined six luxury hotels in Aspen, Colorado, based on feedback we’ve collected from our Aspen-savvy travel advisors. Each choice explores a different side of Aspen travel; whether you’re looking for a bespoke homebase to explore downtown or a self-contained ski resort, you’re covered.
When you’re ready, plan and book your stay with a Fora Advisor. They’ll supply you with a detailed hotel report that factors in your travel preferences and budget. If you choose one of our partner properties, your advisor can also hook you up with VIP hotel perks, like property credits, early check-in, complimentary room upgrades (when available) and more.
Why stay in Aspen, Colorado?
Aspen — or more specifically, the Aspen Snowmass resort — isn’t just one of the best places to stay in Colorado, it’s home to one of the best ski resorts in the world.
As Fora Advisor Alli Widman — one of our top Aspen bookers — put it, “Aspen Snowmass has it all: four mountains within an 8.5-mile radius, a combined 5,300 acres of varied terrain, an outstanding dining scene, a happening après ski scene, accommodations fit for celebrities, world-class [ski] instruction and it's easy to get around.”
The city graces many skiers’ bucket lists, but it’s also an exciting place to visit in warmer months, when hiking trails and other nature-bound activities replace ski slopes as the main draw. And as Alli alluded to, downtown Aspen is filled with great shopping and upscale restaurants (see our Aspen restaurants article).
7 of the best hotels in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is home to many of the United States’ top ski resorts, as well as several properties downtown. We’ve highlighted seven luxury Aspen hotels, but there are more choices available. For a hotel report built with your travel preferences and budget in mind, connect with a Fora Advisor. They can match you to the right property and room while keeping, all while scoring you complimentary perks.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
Image courtesy of Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection
Located in downtown Aspen, Hotel Jerome first opened its doors to guests in 1889. While the property has undergone many renovations since, elements of its frontier aesthetic still shine — most notably in the hotel’s common spaces, where Gilded Age artifacts and art are on display. Hotel Jerome offers a blend of vintage and modern décor for a look that feels updated and fresh while still honoring the property’s history.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, we count Hotel Jerome among the most unique places to stay in Colorado, which won’t come as a shock if you’re familiar with Auberge Resorts. The brand has a stellar pedigree — Hotel Jerome is one of Aspen’s first hotels to earn a Michelin Key — and is well known in the travel industry for resorts that capture the character. Like all Auberge Resorts, Hotel Jerome — our third most-booked hotel in Aspen — is a Fora Reserve property, meaning your Fora Advisor can unlock special perks for you if you book your stay with them.
Pro tip: Fora Advisor Tracy Burpee recommends “grabbing a bite at the J-Bar and checking out the history throughout Hotel Jerome’s lobby and backroom.”
Fora Perks at Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
(If you’re wondering what to do while you’re in town, check out Fora Advisor Melanie Pink’s luxurious 5-day Aspen itinerary.)
The Little Nell
Image courtesy of The Little Nell
Another Michelin Key property (and our top-booked hotel in Aspen), The Little Nell is a world-class ski resort at the base of Mount Aspen. Expansive resort grounds, elite hospitality and only around 60 total rooms, suites and residences contribute to an exclusive atmosphere.
Fora X Advisor Alli Wildman praised The Little Nell “as the ultimate in ski-in/out luxury in Aspen. It is the only hotel to have direct access to the slopes, with a prime location adjacent to the Ajax gondola.”
This access allows you to bypass shuttles and/or lengthy walks in cold-weather gear (not fun), making it especially convenient for skiers and snowboarders. Other snow-bound adventures offered directly from the resort include snowcat tours — tours via tracked vehicles meant for traversing rugged, snowy terrain — and snowshoe hiking. In summer, you can enjoy fly fishing trips, complimentary test drives of Audi’s off-road-ready ESUV and more.
As for accommodations choices, Alli said, “the hotel has stunning, large family residences in addition to more traditional rooms… The service is also top notch.”
The family residences are indeed spacious, but so are its standard rooms and suites — all of which underwent extensive renovations in 2021. The best options feature private balconies, gas fireplaces and cozy, chic décor.
Plus, The Little Nell excels as a family-friendly resort. Children can look forward to fun, amenities like complimentary in-suite teepees, robes and slippers and games. Parents can even enlist on-site babysitters to enjoy some alone time.
Related article: The 12 Best Colorado Resorts for Families: Complete Guide
Fora Perks at The Little Nell:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, complimentary air & concierge services, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
(P.S. The Little Nell may be great for families, but it’s also the perfect setting for a luxe Colorado bachelorette party.)
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Image courtesy of The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The St. Regis in Aspen is an excellent choice for travelers seeking world-class amenities and convenient access to the ski slopes. The resort exudes elegance, offering high-end furnishings, personalized butler service and some of the best views in Aspen.
When guests aren’t exploring the mountain, they can indulge in the Remède Spa, which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments and a heated outdoor pool. The St. Regis’ culinary offerings are top-notch, too, with a mix of regional and international menus.
Fora Perks at The St. Regis Aspen Resort:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Limelight Hotel Aspen
Image courtesy of Limelight Hotel Aspen
Limelight Aspen’s design is bold and stylish. The hotel is almost 40 years old — but a commitment to relevance has kept Limelight Aspen’s design updated and fun.
Fora Advisor Melissa Elliott — another one of our top Aspen bookers — recently stayed at Limelight Aspen. In her trip report, she called the property “an excellent choice for travelers who love casual luxury. This hotel is reminiscent of a ski chalet and is a true representation of Aspen itself. The service is impeccable and friendly, making you feel like you're visiting an old friend.”
There are also Limelight hotel locations in Snowmass Village and Denver. (Also check out our guide to where to stay in Denver.)
The Gant
Image courtesy of The Gant
The Gant features over 100 individually designed, one- to four-bedroom condos, all at the base of Aspen Mountain. There are three tiers: Standard, Deluxe and Premier. The base tier includes full kitchens, separate dining and living areas, balconies or patios and more. The Deluxe and Premier tiers boast upgraded appliances, washers and dryers, fine art and other bespoke details. Most units offer convenient access to either Aspen’s ski slopes or downtown’s shopping and dining scene.
Aspen Meadows Resort
Image courtesy of Aspen Meadows Resort
Another one of our top-booked Aspen hotels, the all-suite Aspen Meadows Resort features a newly updated take on its original Bauhaus-inspired design. Art and nature are core themes of the resort, and each space features lots of natural lighting, a vivid color palette and sleek, contemporary décor. Art installations dot the resort grounds, which also host manicured gardens and views of the surrounding mountainscapes.
Aspen Meadows Resort doubles as the home of the Aspen Institute, so many of its suites are optimized for corporate and academic travelers. However, the resort is deeply ingrained in Aspen’s arts and culture scene, and the city’s slate of outdoor activities — from skiing to hiking and tennis to ice skating — are accessible right from the resort grounds.
W Aspen
W Aspen is another premier lodging option with a vibrant and modern design. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, it offers ski-in/ski-out access, along with chic, contemporary rooms — a more modern juxtaposition to some of the area’s rustic charm or European style.
The hotel’s lively rooftop WET Deck, complete with a heated pool, hot tub and panoramic views of the mountain, is the center of its happening social scene. Inside, the Living Room and 39 Degrees lounges provide a space for après-ski gatherings.
Fora Perks at W Aspen:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Upgrade your stay at the best Aspen Hotels when you book with Fora
When you’re ready to plan your Aspen vacation, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll help you find your best place to stay in Aspen, Colorado — whether it’s a ritzy ski resort, trendy boutique hotel or something else entirely.
Aspen hotel & general travel FAQs
Image courtesy of The Little Nell
Below, we’ve collected a few common questions our Fora Advisors receive about Aspen hotels and the city itself. Also feel free to send your questions to a Fora Advisor for a tailored response.
How many days do you need to enjoy Aspen?
As many as you’d like. You can probably enjoy Aspen’s highlights in three to four days (including a day or two of snow sports). But most Fora Advisors will tell you to plan a trip with the amount of time you’re willing to spend versus sticking to an arbitrary number of days.
When’s the best time to visit Aspen?
As Fora Advisor Tracy Burpee explained, “Aspen is always on the hot list for a reason: It's simply stunning and has all the things to make your getaway an adventure, no matter the season!”
Late fall to early spring tends to be the best time to visit Colorado for snow sports. Aspen’s ski resort is no different. However, there’s still plenty to do in Aspen outside of the colder months. The city and its surroundings provide an idyllic backdrop for outdoor activities during spring and fall.
Related guide: Top Things to Do in Colorado in the Summer
What’s the best area to stay in Aspen?
Image courtesy of The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The most luxurious hotels are concentrated in the Aspen Snowmass Resort area, which is also the best area if you’re interested in snow sports. Aspen Village is also a fun area to stay if you’re more interested in exploring the city’s urban side. That said, staying in one area doesn’t preclude you from enjoying both aspects of the city.
How much does it usually cost to stay at a luxury hotel in Aspen, Colorado?
Luxury hotels in Aspen start anywhere from $400 to $3,000 per night. However, you should expect to pay more at the top ski hotels during peak travel season.
Which is the better destination: Aspen or Vail?
There’s no right answer to this question. Aspen and Vail are both upscale ski towns with similar, but not identical offerings. Notably, Aspen has existed since the Silver Rush — it’s historic, but its longstanding popularity has kept its hotels and resorts fresh and updated. Vail is much newer, and was designed to emulate a European ski town.
Check out our guide on where to stay in Vail if you want to compare the two’s accommodation options. Or you can always reach out to a Fora Advisor to help you break down your options.
Related article: Fora’s Full Guide to Vail Ski Resort
Is Aspen walkable? What’s the best way to get around Aspen?
Aspen is indeed walkable, especially in downtown, where there are lots of shops and restaurants. The city also has a reputable bus system. It’s free to use if you’re traveling within set zones (e.g., the Aspen Snowmass Resort, Aspen Village). However, you will have to pay a modest fare to travel between zones. You can also rent a car if you prefer the freedom to travel outside of a set schedule.
Is Aspen expensive? Are there more affordable accommodations?
Trips to Aspen tend to be a little more expensive than other destinations in Colorado. Most Aspen hotels and resorts lean upscale, but there are a handful of more approachable options. A Fora Advisor can help you find the right room and property per your travel preferences.
More Midwest travel inspiration
Aspen isn’t the only great destination in America’s interior. Check out more USA travel guides:
