The Little Nell

The Little Nell sits at the absolute base of Aspen Mountain, beside the Silver Queen Gondola, which makes it the only hotel in town with true ski-in ski-out access — and the only one holding both Five-Star and Five-Diamond ratings. You step out of the lobby, click in, and you are on the hill.

The interiors have moved away from the heavy ski-lodge register towards something lighter and more contemporary — pale woods, stone, gas fireplaces in every room, and a sense of space unusual for a mountain-town hotel. Ski concierges handle boot fitting, storage and slope-side service; in summer the same team pivots to hiking, biking and fly fishing in the Elk Mountains.

Element 47 is the serious dining room, cooking American alpine food against one of the most decorated wine lists in the country — the cellar runs to tens of thousands of bottles. Ajax Tavern, on the terrace at the mountain's foot, is the definitive Aspen après spot and has been for years, which means the hotel is a social hub as much as a place to sleep.