At around 8000 feet above sea level, Aspen takes you to new heights. As the Rocky Mountain resort in Colorado is so high, it receives regular fresh snowfall perfect for skiing. It’s a regular haunt for celebrities – famous names to have holidayed here include Mariah Carrey, Rita Ora, Elton John, Kate Hudson, Jack Nicholson, Will Smith, the Obamas, Heidi Klum, Cindy Crawford, and the Clintons. Power couples Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, and Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell both have homes here. So whether you come to ski, swim, or spot A-listers, here are the places you should stay while doing it.
Viceroy Snowmass
Occupying a prime ski-in/ski-out location, the Viceroy offers upscale accommodations in Snowmass Village, just a little outside of Aspen’s centre. Ideal for families and those wanting to self-cater, rooms come with kitchenettes and there’s a daily programme of activities for younger guests. But there are also two eateries on-site – the fine dining Eight K Restaurant and a poolside Asian inspired cafe, Nest. After-dinner drinks can be taken alfresco, or indoors beside a roaring fire. The huge spa spans a total of 7,000-square-feet, incorporating plunge pools, a Vichy wet room, jacuzzis and a blissful relaxation suite. Outside, there‘s a heated saline pool with a fire pit and cabanas.
The St Regis Resort
This five-star establishment’s pool and outdoor hot tubs look out onto the hotel’s majestic neighbour, Aspen (also known as Ajax) Mountain. Rooms at St Regis come with opulent leather and marble furnishings, Bang & Olufsen sound systems, beds and desks custom designed by Ralph Lauren and 24-hour butler service at the touch of a button. Dine in Velvet Buck and sip on outstanding cocktails at the Mountain Social. Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and daughter North, Paris Hilton and Uma Thurman have all stayed here.
Hotel Jerome
An eco-friendly option, Hotel Jerome is set up with in-room recycling bins, filtered water in glass bottles, LED light bulbs, low-flow water systems and locally sourced edibles. 94 rooms come equipped with a yoga mat, Nespresso machine, a humidifier, complimentary minibar packed with decadent goodies and hand-blended Auberge toiletries in refillable containers. While this hotel is deeply chic with excellent apres, it’s also welcoming of families (there’s a games room and chargeable babysitting service) and dogs. Formal meals take place at Prospect restaurant or on the terrace (weather permitting), while the J-Bar serves bar food alongside tipples in a vintage styled setting.
W Aspen
If you’re looking for a party pad, this is it. W’s clubby Living Room has a silver-coloured DJ booth, in the basement, there’s a cocktail bar and the 39˚ nightclub, while the rooftop poolside WET Deck also features regular DJs after dark along with multiple fire pits. Bedrooms (ordered by the categories of Wonderful, Spectacular, Fabulous, Wow, and Extreme Wow) come with hangover kits, their own cocktail shakers to mix up the minibar and Bose speakers. The dining style at W is laid back but trendy – tuck into ‘trash bowls’, raclette, gourmet nachos, lobster and goat cheese ravioli and spiced cauliflower fritters with grilled peaches. The architecture of the W is a modern take on the traditional mountain chalet-style hotel.
The Little Nell
Arguably the hippest hotspot in town, this minimalist property is the only five-star, five-diamond hotel in Aspen. As part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, it has an incredible food and drink offer. Element 47 serves New American cuisine, with a choice of over 20,000 different wines to accompany the meal (guests can also tour the funky red-lit wine cellar). Lighter meals are offered in the firelit Living Room, at Chair 9 – the hotel’s late-night club venue – and Ajax Tavern. The rooms and suites have been styled by Champalimaud Design and all have cosy gas log fireplaces.