What: Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Little Nell is the pinnacle of ski lodges. The luxury boutique hotel is the only one in Aspen to sport ski-in/ski-out access, and its Ajax Tavern is the epicenter of this ski town’s après scene. Beyond The Little Nell’s superior location, the benefits of a stay here include spacious rooms outfitted with cathedral ceilings and gas fireplaces. The décor is modern yet retains its distinct Aspen flavor, thanks to a 2009 renovation led by interior designer Holly Hunt. No matter which of the 92 rooms you settle in to you’ll know you’re in a unique space—no two rooms are exactly the same, from the color schemes to the coffee table books.
Where: It’s tough to beat the location of The Little Nell regardless of your plans in Aspen. The hotel is next door to the Silver Queen Gondola, so you won’t have to walk far to start your day of skiing. After a day of runs on the groomed, powdery slopes, walk just a few blocks to the base to explore designer boutiques such as Burberry, James Perse, Gucci and Prada.
When: The Little Nell opened in 1989, gained its first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award in 1996 and has long been a favorite of the well heeled who come to this ritzy ski town. In December 2012, the hotel’s new restaurant, Element 47, debuted with a menu that focuses on ingredients from Colorado. The Little Nell is ideal for year-round stays in Aspen, but we love the spring ski season. Of course, if you’d rather hike or fly-fish, book a room in June—it’s also when the famous Food & Wine Classic is in town.
Why: Whether you’re an Olympic skier or hit the slopes once a year, you’ll want to make time for the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel’s latest offering, The Oasis 2.0. The second rendition of this slopeside pop-up Veuve Clicquot Champagne bar kicks off Feb. 16 and moves to a new location each weekend through ski season. But there’s a catch: You have to follow The Little Nell on Twitter or Facebook for clues about the next location. If you don’t make it to the bar on the slopes but still want some bubbly, head to Element 47 and sample a glass of the restaurant’s private label champagne, Marc Hébrart “Selection” Brut N.V.
Photos Courtesy of The Little Nell
