Expert guide to Aspen
Aspen is glamorous and fashionable, so the idea of finding budget accommodation here is slightly quaint. But of course even here some places are cheaper than others, particularly at Snowmass because while the ski area has its own base village it’s furthest from happening Aspen town and the other three ski areas.
If ski-in/ski-out convenience is a priority, Snowmass is best, but if it’s lively and varied accommodation in the heart of the action, downtown Aspen is better. Free ski shuttle buses efficiently serve the four ski resorts so proximity to a bus stop is handy.
Unless stated otherwise, prices are per person, based on two sharing a double or twin room, half-board, for seven nights, including flights and transfers.
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Molly Gibson Lodge
In the centre of Aspen, on Main Street, Molly Gibson Lodge is a short walk to all the resort’s shops, bars and restaurants. Exposed stone and wooden interior gives it an authentic lodge feel, with all the modern facilities you’d expect. There’s an outdoor heated pool and hot tub. The local ski bus stops directly outside the hotel. From £1,279, b&b, with Ski Independence.
Hotel Aspen
An affordable option in the centre of town. Hotel Aspen is full of character and has good views of the surrounding mountains. A newly renovated pool area includes a hot tub, loungers and a fire pit for relaxing in the evenings. Complimentary après drinks and nibbles are served each evening for guests. From £1,305 B&B, with SNO.
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Viceroy Hotel
In the heart of Snowmass Village, the four-star Viceroy Hotel is ski-in/ski-out and has a spa. The buffet breakfast is one of the finest in the Rockies. £1,366 based on four sharing a one-bedroom den, with Ski Independence.
Limelight Hotel Snowmass
Sister to the popular Limelight in Aspen itself, which successfully blends luxury with a welcoming relaxed atmosphere, this new hotel for 2018/19 in the heart of Snowmass offers two spa pools and a kids’ playroom, and it also has its own five-storey climbing wall. £1,055 b&b for 10 nights, with Ski Safari.
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The Little Nell
Decades ago, The Little Nell at the foot of Aspen Mountain was a rustic breakfast eatery. Now it’s celebrating its 30th birthday in 2019/20 and has morphed into one of the smartest hotels in town, with four bars, two restaurants and a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. It also offers complimentary shuttle services to and from the local airport, as well as around town and to all four ski areas, plus free use of fat-tyre snow bikes. From £5,300, with Scott Dunn.
Hotel Jerome
Aspen’s longest-standing hotel, the Jerome opened 1889 when miners started celebrating silver strikes in the hotel’s bar. Its 93 guest rooms were recently renovated and it also boasts a spa, gastro restaurant and saloon-style bar. From From £2,190, b&b, with Ski Solutions.
W Aspen
New for the 2019/20 season, the 88-room W Aspen hotel, along with its smart, self-catering Sky Residences, is opening in Aspen. The brand is known for its lively, stylish hotels, and the W Aspen will be no different. It’s ski-in/ski-out, and has a rooftop bar and spa pool overlooking Ajax Mountain. From £2,525 with Ski Safari.