Aspen, Colorado
The Little Nell
Attentive luxury on the slopes
What it is
The hotel people think of when they think of Aspen: laid-back and luxe.
What it isn't
Cookie-cutter or an imitation. This one's the real deal.
What we think
The only real ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen, the Little Nell is in the heart of downtown, just 15 boot-clad steps to the Silver Queen Gondola. Expensive boots, most likely: This a home-away-from-home for wealthy New Yorkers and Angelenos, which means the staff is extremely well-trained, courteous and able to anticipate needs and meet demands. The latest renovations, led by designer Holly Hunt (who has a home in the area), rounded out the edges of the rugged, rustic decor, making it more suitable for the contemporary jetsetter. The 92 rooms have a blue and cream color scheme, leather furniture, modern art and fireplaces; nearly all have vaulted ceilings and balconies with views of the mountain or picturesque downtown Aspen. Element 47 offers comforting, farm-to-table fare, while a Master Sommelier tends to the 20,000-bottle wine cellar. The adjoining bar, Chair 9, and Ajax Tavern’s sun-drenched mountainside patio are the hotspots for après-ski.
Note: The property is closed mid-April to mid-May.
You're here because
You want quick access to the slopes—and expect your skis waxed, your boots warmed and your martini ice-cold.
The Moment
Exhausted from the day on the slopes, you lean back on a patio chair, the sun warming your tired bones. A waiter drops off your truffle fries and asks if you were able to find the trail he'd clued you into that morning.
Restaurants & Bars
Element 47 - Colorado contemporary cuisine emphasizing local wagyu beef, house-made pastas and seasonal produce
Ajax Tavern - apres-ski restaurant open for lunch, dinner and cocktails offering classic bistro fare
The Wine Bar - lounge-style ambiance with an award-winning wine program
The Living Room - intimate setting offering wine and a sampling from Element 47's bar menu
Location
Downtown Aspen is outside the front door, Aspen Mountain out back. It’s a 15-minute drive to the Aspen county airport (ASE) or an hour and a half to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).