The Little Nell
Aspen, a historical Silver Boom town turned skiers’ playground, already has a treat-yo’self vibe. Sweeten the pot with a five-star luxury stay at The Little Nell for a tucked-away mountain escape that’s right on the slopes.
The Little Nell’s lavish accommodations mix modern lines with what we’d call cozy-chic style. Here you can focus 100 percent on relaxation and comfort, self-nurturing, being with family (that includes your fur babies) and amusements outdoors — no matter the season.
Rooms, suites and condo residences — all decorated in a palette of soothing creams, blues and chocolates — feel light and airy, like a top-floor city apartment might. Except views from the windows won’t include skyscrapers of the human-made variety: A peep outside as you sip your steaming hot cocoa displays powdery peaks.
What makes it special?
This is Aspen’s only five-star luxury, slopeside accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access. Its service is excellent, whether you’re dining at one of its handful of delicious restaurants and drinkeries (including the celebrated Element 47), taking advantage of ski-concierge services or enjoying your Puppy Jet Lag Kit filled with goodies like peanut-butter treats and a branded dog leash.
The most “Colorado” thing about this place
There’s no doubt about it — it’s the thoroughly Colorado scenery, including views of Aspen Mountain, the Red Mountain range and downtown Aspen’s charming lanes.
Coolest amenity
Unwind in The Board Room, a speakeasy tucked behind the wall of a bookshelf that requires a password to enter.
Most unexpected amenity
It’s the so-tasty-we-might-try-them doggie meals, made fresh to order with ingredients like locally sourced ground beef, chicken breast or salmon mixed with carrots, brown rice and scrambled eggs.
Top sensory encounter you’ll experience
The Little Nell’s exclusive wine-cellar experiences are spectacular indeed. Book either a private tasting or paired dinner, and you’ll find yourself savoring nuanced sips of the resort’s best stuff, handpicked by their expert sommeliers.
Our favorite traveler review
“This is truly a five-star hotel in every aspect. Our room was incredible with a gorgeous fireplace and sitting area in front of it. It faced the mountain and had a balcony, too. The entire room was huge. They didn't miss a thing. Everything was immaculate with lots of storage. They had robes, which most five-stars do but they even had one for a child!! Snacks and drinks in the mini bar were included except for the alcohol, which is understandable. We have stayed at lots of five-star hotels, but I think The Little Nell exceeded those. I wish we could have stayed longer.” — lindawR301KA, Tripadvisor
Things to see & do nearby
A snow-lover’s dream in winter, Aspen boasts access to four world-class resorts — Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass. Make time for a stroll down Galena Street for top-echelon shopping like Prada and Gucci. See the Marooon Bells, too, which is among Colorado’s most photographed spots. We think, if Mother Nature were to pick a vacation destination, this gorgeous glacial valley surrounded by gargantuan peaks would be it.
Photos courtesy of The Little Nell
