Aspen hotels

Aspen Meadows Resort is an art and architecture lover’s dream. Designed by Herbert Bayer, who trained at the famed Bauhaus art school in Germany in the 1920s, the grounds are brimming with sculptures, installations, and grassy mounds called “earthworks.” Though it’s just a few blocks from downtown, this is one of the top boutique hotels in Aspen, and feels like a secluded wilderness escape – it’s set on 40 lush, wooded acres along the banks of the Roaring Fork River.
With massive, floor-to-ceiling windows and bold primary colors, the hotel’s 98 guest suites are sunny and spacious, with plenty of room for families or groups to get comfortable. I love dining at Plato’s, the on-site restaurant, and snagging a seat on the patio, where I’ve witnessed many spectacular orange and pink sunsets light up the sky.
Aspen Meadows also has a handy free shuttle, plus bike-share stations for pedaling around.

From your guest room or suite at the Little Nell, you can watch skiers and snowboarders ride to the top of Aspen Mountain aboard the red-and-black cars of the Silver Queen Gondola – or ski right out and join them. Founded in 1989, this slope-side property is one of the most desirable places to stay in Aspen, thanks to its prime location, high-end amenities, and top-tier ratings from travel companies like AAA (five diamonds) and Forbes Travel Guide (five stars).
The Nell is also known for its impressive wine cellar, which features more than 20,000 bottles – many of them rare. You can sip some yourself while dining at Element 47, the hotel’s elegant, full-service restaurant, or by booking a private wine tasting or dinner hosted by one of The Little Nell’s knowledgeable sommeliers.
The more casual Ajax Tavern, located on the property, is famous for its truffle fries and for apres-ski people-watching.

More than just a hotel, the Limelight is like Aspen’s living room. It has a cozy, main floor hangout called the Lounge, where locals and visitors alike flock for wood-fired pizza and live music (and, for guests, complimentary breakfast each morning).
Upstairs, its 126 recently renovated guest rooms and suites are decorated with bold pops of color and practical amenities. I love soaking in the Limelight’s heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, which have a view of Aspen Mountain. It’s also located in a quiet part of town, but still close enough to walk to Aspen’s restaurants and shops.
You don’t need a car, either – The hotel’s shuttle will pick you up at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, then take you anywhere you need to go around town. If you want to go car-free, borrow a cruiser or fat bike from the front desk.

I love the convenience of the W Aspen’s location, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the top-rated hotels in Aspen. It’s just a few steps from the world-famous ski runs of Aspen Mountain, and a quick walk to the art galleries, stores, and eateries of downtown. This posh hotel – a relative newcomer to the Aspen scene – is one of the best hotels to stay in Aspen because of its playful café, which includes bright colors and splashy patterns in a tasteful nod to the 1970s.
One of my favorite spots at W Aspen is the rooftop, also known as the Wet Deck, which has some of the best views in town. Travelers and residents alike meet here to mingle around the fire pits, take a dip in the pool, or soak in the hot tub.
The on-site restaurant, 39 Degrees, serves up hearty dishes – like short rib ragu – and lighter, shareable bites, such as a super nachos skillet and fried cauliflower.

The Gant has been an Aspen staple since 1973. With its 140 high-end condominiums, this hotel is ideal for anyone who prefers a little extra room to spread out during a trip to Aspen. Condos range from one to four bedrooms, but they’re all equipped with kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor space – either a balcony or patio.
Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood just east of downtown, the five-acre property has an array of hotel-style amenities, including a full-service front desk, dry cleaning, and daily housekeeping. If you’re planning to adventure in Aspen, be sure to take advantage of The Gant’s recreational offerings, which range from a complimentary ski valet to bike storage.
One of my favorite aspects of the Gant is Pepperjack’s, a cafe that’s great for grabbing a quick cup of coffee or bite to eat.

With its brown-and-white façade, quaint balconies, international flags, and colorful ski-themed murals, Mountain Chalet Aspen looks like a building straight out of Bavaria. Founded in 1954, this iconic hotel is one of the last traditional ski lodges standing in town, and continues to be one of the best hotels in Aspen.
It’s centrally located in downtown, just a few blocks from Aspen Mountain’s ski slopes. Stay here if you’re looking for a warm, welcoming, down-to-earth vibe, with thoughtful touches like an included family-style hot breakfast every morning and homemade cookies in the afternoon.
Mountain Chalet Aspen has a wide range of guest accommodations to choose from depending on your needs, from large apartments to simple but well-appointed economy rooms. I love the history of this charming hotel, which dates back to the first decade of skiing in Aspen.