The Little Nell Aspen: Big on Bliss

Courtesy of The Little Nell

With as many prismatic sparkles as freshly fallen snow or sunlight glinting off the flowing Roaring Fork River, The Little Nell Aspen is a AAA Five-Diamond property known the world over. Located at the base of the mountain, The Little Nell personifies all things luxury: from the amenities to service, fine dining to ski-in-ski-out location for a perfect Colorado destination vacation. My first time staying at the hotel, I was not only impressed by the property and offerings, but felt right at home with the approachable mountain attitude and friendliness of everyone on property.

Upon entering the lobby, a calming energy is immediately felt throughout the space. The sunken living room and pool beyond off the lobby are bathed in a soft golden light and comfortable lounge areas with gold accented tables and deep royal blue couches beg that to be snuggled into. A retail shop adjacent to the front desk boasts brands such as Prada and gives a little taste of the high-end shopping to be had steps from the property.

Element 47, named for the element of silver which is the precious metal that put the town of Aspen on the map, is a fine dining experience that must be enjoyed while on property. Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks, small touches make the meal even more memorable—at breakfast the gluten-free nut muffins with homemade jam and butter as an amuse-bouche before my meal of fresh-pressed “green machine” juice and lemon soufflé pancakes topped with raspberry syrup. At lunch we enjoyed buttery rolls and whipped butter before my tortilla soup and local Wagyu beef tacos. Caviar service at dinner is available in a decadent flight of Golden Kaluga, Golden Osetra, Platinum Osetra and Grandeur Osetra which can be washed down with a bottle of Dom Perignon before enjoying entrees such as the Rosen Farms Lamb, sea bass, or dry-aged duck (menus are seasonal and reflect the best offerings of locally sourced ingredients). The atmosphere is sophisticated and polished, with attentive service that is skilled without being stuffy. The cocktail program is delightfully playful and inventive, new additions charming guests and locals alike.

Known for their award-winning wine list, the secret wine cellar is another offering at the hotel that is extremely special. Available for private events, the staggering 20,000+ bottles found in the cellar are just a part of what enables The Little Nell to continue to be named to the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1997. The other half of the equation being the distinguished and talented sommeliers. For those who live in or visit Aspen often, a Wine Club is just the ticket. With a $8,000 annual fee, club members use that payment towards stocking their own on-site collection and receive special perks and events on property. Private tastings and dinners are also available to guests in the cellar for particularly special occasions.

Another hidden gem of the hotel is the speakeasy found behind a well-camouflaged bookcase. Once inside, the central pool table, adjacent bar and lounging areas are a wonderful alcove of hidden enjoyment. Named The Board Room, rich red velvet curtains are lit by Edison bulbs in a throwback era space that you won’t soon forget.

One of the most important aspects of any hotel stay: the room. Upon entering ours, I’m delighted. Light, bright and perfectly at home in the mountains, the room is everything I want in a mountain stay. Attention to detail is everything: the soothing silver hues throughout even extend to the back of the closet, where a metallic wallpaper accent finishes off even the most “unseen” of spaces. Freshly cut flowers are in the bathroom, alongside “First Tracks” bath product that continued to drive home the mountain escape theme. A balcony off the living room space was a perfect way to let in some fresh Rocky Mountain air while enjoying the in-room fireplace. Whether snuggled up in the crisp white linens or getting some work done at the desk overlooking the Colorado landscape out the window, the room is a destination in and of itself.

When you finally tear yourself away from the accommodations found at The Little Nell, walkable Aspen just out the front door. Shopping outlets such as Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren are all nearby. Fine art galleries like Raven Gallery, known for its glass artisans, and the Casterline|Goodman Gallery with contemporary artworks are where collectors can find their next great piece. Additional Aspen dining at outlets such as Betula Aspen and Cache Cache are on-par with the elevated experience found at Element 47 and whether skiing or taking a hike in the mountains no matter the time of year there is plenty to do in Aspen.

From an ideal location to luxury accommodations, fine dining and service with a smile, The Little Nell is a special stay in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Well-deserved of their Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for twenty-seven years in a row, a stay at this hotel is truly experiential and extraordinary. For rates and reservations, with www.thelittlenell.com.