Limelight Hotel - Aspen

A newly revamped 126-room hideaway with a buzzing restaurant and bar, al fresco pool and hot tub, two terraces and sumptuous spread at the inclusive breakfast.

Lacking wheels. Guests can take two-hour test drives with their fleet of Audi Q7 and e-tron SUVs, and even get shuttle service from the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Rather see town the old fashioned way? Hope on one of their loaner cruiser or fat bikes.

It’s hard to get the (ahem) limelight in this storied town, but The Limelight Hotel Aspen delivers. Guest rooms begin at a cozy 315-square-feet, and are fitted with things not often found in starter room categories—including wet bars, SMEG fridges, humidifiers (helpful in the persistently dry Rocky Mountains), high-def flatscreen TVs, air conditioning—rare at this elevation—and more. We love the Superior Rooms for their 526-square-foot floor plans, flickering fireplace, en-suite kitchenette, plus the fact that they include another half-bath. Terrace rooms are fitted with (you guessed it) their own private terraces set overlooking the slopes. The resort fee (just 8%) is worth every penny—it’s inclusive of airport transfers from Aspen airport, ski storage, the breakfast buffet, gym and zippy wi-fi.

Fabulous gratis breakfasts are too rare in the states, and you’re glad to see the Limelight has adopted the Old World custom. From 7 to 10 a.m. daily, you can pile your plate high with everything from chorizo and scrambled eggs to steel cut oatmeal and pancakes.

You’re tapping your toes to the beat of the local band playing in the Lounge, but it’s the dish before you that really sets your pulse racing: a wagyu cheeseburger on brioche with truffle fries, citrus aioli and parmesan ‘snow.’ Bliss.

The Lounge - all-day, gourmet comfort food