For those ski and snowboard enthusiasts who wait out the summer months craving crisp mountain air and the thrill of being the first to cut across freshly groomed slopes, Aspen is at the top of the list. Even for those who prefer the lodge to the mountains, Aspen is still the place to be. And the place to be in Aspen, in our opinion, is The Little Nell. The Little Nell sets itself apart with its proximity to the slopes, attentive service, fresh design, and affiliation with Relais & Chateaux. We just can’t get enough of this incredible boutique hotel!
Steps from the Silver Queen Gondola, The Little Nell offers guests easy access to the slopes – a huge draw for seasoned skiers & snowboarders, and snow bunnies alike. The access is also a huge plus for families; in fact, The Little Nell is the only five-star property in Aspen offering ski-in ski-out access, giving it a huge leg up over the other luxury options in town. With this in mind, The Little Nell often offers ski packages, allowing for guests to bundle their hotel stay with lift tickets and rentals. This additional ease makes The Little Nell incredibly attractive for those who want to arrive with everything already taken care of.
Though the outside of The Little Nell represents a ski lodge as we imagine them and blends well with the exterior aesthetic of Aspen, you won’t find cheesy mountain-themed decor on the inside. The design is decidedly contemporary; with sumptuous upholstery in rich jewel tones and soft inviting neutrals, modern artwork intentionally selected to compliment the color palettes of the spaces and sleek furnishings. The rooms were given a refresh in 2017 and feature crisp white linens, opulent bathrooms and offer guests plenty of space with the smallest room coming in at a generous 600 square feet. The main public spaces, the lobby and living room, were renovated in 2020 with the goal of “creating a sense of place; a hospitality experience that evokes as a sense of elevated Aspen living”. The updates resulted in more areas for socializing and a more intimate feel for guests.
As a part of the Relais & Chateaux portfolio, The Little Nell puts a strong emphasis on the food and dining experience of the guest. Two restaurants on-site offer guests a choice of either fine dining at Element 47 or a more casual feel at Ajax Tavern. The patio of Ajax Tavern is steps away from the gondola, perfect for hungry skiers looking to dig into a well-deserved wagyu burger and truffle fries. Element 47 offers the elevated experience Aspen regulars have come to expect, with attentive service and creative cuisine worthy of its many awards. And though the experience at Element 47 is high touch, there is no need to dress for dinner – “Aspen casual” is completely appropriate. Element 47 also offers private dinners with wine tastings for those looking for something extra special.
While Aspen certainly gets a lot of attention in the winter months, that is certainly not the only time to visit The Little Nell. Summers in Aspen offer a wide range of outdoor activities and the galleries and boutiques in town are sure to keep visitors busy. The Silver Queen Gondola becomes pet-friendly in the summer months and The Little Nell welcomes four-legged guests with the same love and attention given to bipedal patrons. Take the gondola up and hike the trails with a picnic packed by Nourish by The Little Nell, complete with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. If hiking doesn’t sound appealing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the town of Aspen during the summer months, from Thursday night concerts open to the public to the farmers’ market Saturday mornings. All year round, Aspen has a little something for everyone.
As a proud partner of Virtuoso and Relais & Chateaux, Ourisman Travel clients are able to take advantage of great perks like free breakfast for two daily, early check-in and late check-out, potential upgrades, and more! To learn more about our great relationship with The Little Nell and how we can elevate your next trip to Aspen, please reach out to the team via email at [email protected] or submit a Travel Request Form.
