The Little Nell might be one of the most “well-known best kept secrets” in the country. This hotel, located at the base of Aspen mountain, has been the favorite amongst Fortune 500 CEOs, celebrities, and dignitaries alike for over 30 years. The Little Nell, or “The Nell” as it’s called by the locals, is Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond property and the only ski-in ski out property in the city. A part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group — this hotel provides the ultimate in luxury. The Little Nell happens to be one of my favorite hotels in the country, one which I visit annually. Every time that I meant to leave, I always end up extending my trip, because the hotel makes it very, very hard to say goodbye.
The five-star service begins before you even set foot on the property; you are emailed a detailed itinerary from the hotel’s concierge, whom you will get to know intimately while on property. The concierge asks questions to ensure that your trip is planned exactly to your liking, and that no detail is spared.
The hotel gathers your arrival information in order to pick you up at the airport. The car and driver is waiting outside the airport, where you are transported on a quick 15-minute drive to the hotel. The drive is always pleasant, thanks to the friendly drivers who are super knowledgeable about the town and happy to answer any and all questions you may have. Once you pull into the drive, you are greeted by a bunch of friendly, smiling faces who are eager to help get you settled in.
The Little Nell’s lobby is understatedly and tastefully decorated and the staff is warm and personable. They make you feel like family the moment you step foot into the hotel, and continue to do so your entire stay. One thing that stands out to me, is the fact that the hotel staff takes time to remember your name, and address you by it whenever you walk by. It’s always the little things like that that stand out to me. Every time I would pass by the concierge desk or the valet, I would be greeted with a “Hi Ms. Chase!’ that inevitably makes me smile.
The quaint lobby has a cozy living room with a dual sided fire place, a boutique filled to the brim with carefully curated designer goods (which are now fully stoppable on their e-commerce site for those not in Aspen. If you visit that site, you may see a familiar face on the homepage), their fine dining restaurant Element 47, and a few other designer stores attached to the front of the hotel.
The Little Nell has 92 guest rooms, including nine suites and six specialty suites. Some rooms have town views, while others and overlook Aspen Mountain. We stayed in a room which overlooked the pool area and mountain.
The 1,450-square-foot Little Nell Suite has one bedroom with two large sitting areas, each with its own television, separate dining area, large wet bar. The bedroom and one living area each have gas log fireplaces. The suite also has one and a half baths, one with a large soaking Jacuzzi tub, and two private decks that overlook the mountains.
The 2,500-square-foot Paepcke Suite comprises a large living area with a dining room, an office, a separate area for watching television, and a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a fireplace, and a sitting area. The master bathroom has a Jacuzzi tub and a heated floor.
The 2,000-square-foot Pfeifer Suite has two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. It includes a large living and entertaining area with a full wet bar and a dining room. Each room has its own fireplace. Its two large decks both face Aspen Mountain.
All the rooms are super spacious, with separate sitting areas, a balcony behind wooden blinds, a gas log fireplace, a well-stocked complimentary mini-bar, complimentary wi-fi, and a large flat screen TV, and video on demand system which is perfect for cozy nights in. The bathrooms are large and beautiful, with granite counters, two vanities, a tub and a spacious shower.
Now for the food and drinks…
Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, Ajax Tavern’s sundrenched, mountainside patio is an idyllic hotspot for casual fine dining in an unbeatable atmosphere. The Tavern comes to life at lunch with skiers enjoying fuel before their next run, and sizzles into the night year-round. Inspired by Colorado’s sustainably raised meats and seasonal produce, Ajax Tavern’s signature dishes include crusted tuna bay salmon, an Ajax cuban sandwich and my personal favorite the beloved Ajax Double Cheeseburger with Truffle Fries. Après ski features Pristine Raw Bar selections, including fresh oysters, shrimp and crab, as well as an abundance of fine wines, signature martinis, microbrews, and even a Veuve Clicquot vending machine.
Speaking of Veuve Clicquot, The Little Nell can arrange a Veuve Clicquot picnic at the top of the mountain for you! They put together a backpack with Veuve Clicquot champagne, charcuterie, cheese, and serving utensils, everything you need for a picnic. This is a must-do activity, as the view at the top of the mountain is unbelievable and it’s so much fun to sit and enjoy it with a glass of champagne.
The Little Nell’s Forbes Five Star fine-dining restaurant (there are only two five-star restaurants in Colorado and this is one of them) is Element 47. Grab a cozy booth for locally sourced farm-to-table, seasonal produce and innovative modern American cuisine (pea soup with buttermilk, mint and pumpernickel; rack of Colorado lamb; dry aged duck breast). I like both breakfast and dinner here!
It would be a shame to overlook the outstanding wine cellar, which houses more than 22,000 bottles. You can arrange a private wine tasting in the downstairs cellar with The Little Nell’s wine director and leave your mark by signing your name on the wall! We saw and tried some incredible wines while down there, including a rare international vintage blend. If you check it out, be sure to find my name on the wall and DM me a photo of it!
One of the two newest additions to the hotel is The Wine Bar. The newly renovated apres-ski bar, formerly Chair 9, is the perfect place for intimate gatherings with its lounge-style ambiance providing plush couches and seating areas for parties up to 8 people. The Wine Bar is incredibly chic and cozy, and has the best music playing thanks to the DJs spinning vinyl records.
The other new addition is The Little Nell’s new speakeasy! The Board Room is a hidden gem in the hotel, discretely set behind a bookshelf with a password required to enter. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable den complete with an 88″ flat screen TV, couches, a bar area and pool table. Dedicated service is provided by your personal sommelier with access to The Little Nell’s award-winning wine list, full bar and chef’s menu. This is a great place to host a private group or throw a party!
Beyond the luxurious suites, fine dining, unbeatable wine selection, and other luxury amenities like a complimentary Audi Test Drive program, there is yet another point to call out. Art lovers, take note: The Nell is also home to a legendary collection of contemporary art, which occupies all of the hotel’s hallways, restaurants, and guest rooms. Awe in works by Scott Reeder, Angel Otero, Philip Vanderhyden, among many others.
Next door to The Little Nell Hotel, are the Little Nell Residences. Residences at The Little Nell are exquisite private mountainside Residences and guest rooms also set at the base of Aspen Mountain. Owners and rental guests can enjoy extraordinary personal services managed by The Little Nell. Owners and rental guests can enjoy more privacy and larger spaces here, with guest rooms ranging from 450 to 850 square feet, and Residences ranging from 1,700 to 4,000 square feet. Residences at The Little Nell offers guests in 26 units access to an unbelievably stunning rooftop pool & water garden (a view you should not miss), a gym, yoga studio, and a personalized service team.
If you are now eager to visit, I would plan accordingly and quickly, because rightfully so, the hotel books up pretty fast (many regulars like to make their next trip reservation before they leave!) Maybe I will see you there, as I cannot wait to return again (and I only just got back!) Click here to book your reservation now for the trip of a lifetime.