RealFoodTraveler.com is based in Colorado, so we can tell you, first-hand, that summer in the Rocky Mountains is pure bliss. Summertime in Aspen, in particular, kicks things up a notch in all the best ways. Our Hospitality Editor, Ron Stern, had the opportunity to spend the night at the venerable The Little Nell in Aspen and shares his experiences. 

Save this article to Pinterest to help you plan your visit to The Little Nell in Aspen. Photos by Ron Stern. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Combining the chicness of a boutique cosmopolitan resort and the elegance and service of a world-class hotel, the Little Nell is the only ski-in/ski-out, Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel in Aspen. Featuring exceptional service, tastefully designed rooms, innovative cuisine, and an award-winning wine program, The Little Nell continues to set the standard for excellence in the hospitality industry.

The property is an easy three-and-a-half hour drive from Denver. Opening its doors in 1989, it was named after a mining claim located near the original site and enjoys a storied past. Its history includes being a hunting ground for the Ute Indian Tribe, a miner’s retreat, a railroad depot, and a skier’s bar. Having become famous in its own right, the hotel has since become a favorite of Fortune 500 executives, political leaders, and celebrities. Today, its elegant but casual ambiance attracts travelers worldwide to its welcoming mountainside splendor.

While winter draws skiers who can just walk out the back door to the slopes, my visit was in summer and the beauty of the hotel’s surroundings and colorful mountain backdrop was no less spectacular.

The Little Nell’s Hotel Decor

A great amount of thought and care has been spent conceiving the hotel’s interior spaces. Beautiful works of original abstract art are strategically placed throughout the property, created by internationally recognized painters, sculptors, and photographers. This isn’t surprising considering the hotel owner, Paula Crown is an accomplished artist and curates the revolving collection.

The living room, for instance, was recently renovated by the noted Spanish firm Luis Bustamante Interior Design. Geometric patterns, colorful paintings, and retro photos as well as comfortable seating and a wood-burning fireplace are integrated into the design with an emphasis on light, symmetry and harmonic proportions. Bustamante has created a warm, cozy place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or good conversation with friends.

A view of the exterior and expansive pool area at The Little Nell in Aspen. Photo courtesy The Little Nell.

Rooms and Suites

This boutique property has 92 rooms including six specialty suites designed by Holly Hunt of Chicago in an “Aspen Modern” aesthetic with a transitional blend of modern and classic styles and close attention to the textures by mixing fabrics, woods, stone, and metals. In 2017, Champalimaud Design refreshed the 52 guest rooms, 26 premium guest rooms, eight junior suites and all guest floor corridors, inspired by an “Authentic Aspen” motif.

Shades of blue, tan, and gray and plush textured fabrics in neutral colors were chosen along with stylish contemporary artwork to complete the hospitable visual experience.

In addition, every room comes with a gas log fireplace and is adorned with down-filled sofas or lounge chairs, high-speed internet access, LCD HD TVs and in-room Video on Demand. They also have a complimentary mini-bar refreshed once daily with your choice of beverages (alcohol is extra) as well as your choice of snacks. Made fresh in-house, I had a hard time deciding between nine packages of enticements like chocolate bark, honey sesame sticks, expresso beans, and sea salt chips. What the heck, you’re on vacation right so why not take a little nibble of each?

The beds are super comfy with Fili D’oro down comforters and white goose-down pillows. The bathroom has a large separate tub (big enough for my six-foot frame) and shower, two vanities, heated marble floors, and all-natural June Jacobs botanical spa amenities. You might be tempted, as I was, to just cocoon in your room and order room service. While that is certainly an option here, there is much more to explore.

Ordering room service lets you linger a little longer in your guest room at The Little Nell. Photo courtesy The Little Nell.

Hungry for more? Learn about another iconic place to stay in Colorado.

Amenities at The Little Nell in Aspen

During the winter, you only have to walk out the door to have access to the ski slopes. Since I am not a skier, I love visiting Aspen during the summer months. Hiking, biking, and shopping in town are all popular pastimes. Or you can just relax by their pool while enjoying a cool cocktail. You won’t be far from nature either as Aspen’s only colorful Living Wall borders the edge of the water. This vertical carpet of seasonally colorful flowers is one of the most gorgeous living art installations you are likely to find anywhere. You can learn about this as well as the other on-site foliage on their complimentary garden tours held each Friday at 4pm, led by resident gardener Arabella Beavers.

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the dramatic Living Wall by the pool.

Boutique Shopping

The Little Nell boutique carries many gift and souvenir items including clothing, handbags, and spa products. They also rent space to other retail outlets, among them are Casterline Goodman Gallery and Betteridge Aspen which carries Patek Philippe watches from Geneva.

Staying healthy while traveling is a concern for many today and the property offers a health and fitness center with 24-hour access. You can also book one of their many massage therapies such as deep tissue, sports, hot stone, and one that uses botanicals to soothe away muscle and joint pain.

Service

If there is one area that sets The Little Nell apart from others, it’s the service. Comments like “Exceeded all expectations,” “the diamond standard for hospitality”, and “over the top perfect,” are typical of the sentiments travelers have posted on social media.

This, in large part, is due to their superb concierge program. Identifiable by the golden keys on their lapels, the hotel’s Les Clefs d’Or concierges are trained to the highest level in the industry. Members can be found working in luxury properties in over 40 countries.

Communicating in advance of your visit is one of the hallmarks of the attention to detail here. A concierge will ask about your preferences and if you have any special requests. In my case, I had a delightful conversation with chief concierge Carol Hooper who said she could make dinner reservations, arrange lift tickets and excursions, and pretty much anything else I was interested in.

The on-site staff of six (two of which are currently Les Clefs d’Or qualified) are stationed near the entrance and seem genuinely eager to serve. I should also say that all of the concierges here are very well trained, not just the ones with the golden keys.

This reminded me of a movie that I loved called, The Grand Budapest Hotel. In this slightly humorous look at concierges from luxury hotels around the world, members of a secret society called “The Crossed Keys” immediately drop whatever they are doing to help a fellow member in need and end up saving the day.  Les Clefs d’ Or concierges believe that “Anything is possible” and will tailor every request to each guest’s unique needs.

Dining at The Little Nell in Aspen

From casual truffle fries and Wagyu Beef cheeseburgers to a fine dining, wine-paired dinner, you’ll have your choice of tasty options.

Element 47

Serving Colorado Contemporary cuisine, Element 47 has been called, “Aspen’s finest spot to wine, dine and unwind.” With a sleek design, glass wine wall, and modern artwork, this restaurant is a nod to the silver mining industry, with silver being number 47 on the periodic table.

For an evening meal start with any one of their award-winning wines or a cocktail. Seasonality drives the menu using locally-sourced ingredients such as Palisade Peaches and Wagyu Beef from Emma Farms Cattle Company, which recently moved to Durango, Colorado, and has an exclusive agreement with the Little Nell.

I started with their Buttermilk Panna Cotta prepared with creamy burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, figs, and arugula. I can always tell the difference that freshness makes and this dish was a flavor-intensive delight.

Panna Cotta from Element 47 was a great start to our meal.

They also brought out some perfectly shaped Parker House Rolls topped with Maldon Salt and softened butter. It was said that they originated from the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston. Clients have been coming to the Little Nell for years just to partake of these small, buttery, taste sensations.

Waygu Beef is always on the menu and is a perpetual crowd favorite. The Green Circle Chicken caught my eye, however, as these high-quality chickens come from small Amish and Mennonite Farms. They are lovingly cared for, are fed surplus vegetables, and are a preferred choice among discriminating chefs. Mine came with sweet corn grits (that any southerner would be proud of), mushrooms, asparagus, and confit garlic. Perfectly plated, the interplay between the grits, mushrooms, and chicken was just the right palate, pleasing combination.

Wagyu Beef paired with vegetables at Element 47.

Top off your meal with some sweet temptations (try anything made with Palisade Peaches) paired with a dessert wine and you will have yourself a meal worthy of bragging rights. The main objective, according to Culinary Director Matt Zubrod, is “continuing to establish The Little Nell as the culinary hub of Colorado.”

Ajax Tavern

This is a local lounging spot for the après-ski crowd and is situated right next to the Silver Queen Gondola with grand views of Aspen Mountain. They offer casual fine dining inside and on the patio in an open and comfortable environment. Inside, red leather booths with light oak accents and dark walls complete the look and feel of being in a tavern. Featuring Haute and American cuisine, their most popular dish is their tasty Ajax Wagyu Double Cheeseburger with truffle fries. This flavorful burger was hard to put down for a bite of anything else, so I didn’t.

The popular Wagyu Double Cheeseburger is served up with beautiful views of Aspen Mountain.

The Wine Bar

If you love wine, this is the place to be. With 20,000 bottles in its cellar, The Little Nell has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1997. They also have the distinction of having 11 Master Sommeliers who have worked in their restaurant which, according to the hotel, is more than any other establishment in North America.

Unfortunately, this is closed during the summer to be used as a banquet space but will be opening again in December 2022. Newly renovated with plush seating, mood lighting, a DJ completes the fun experience with an all-vinyl booth.

The Wine Cellar

This intimate space is ideal for individuals, couples or small groups, and reservations are required.

Access to this space is through the back of the house and down several flights of stairs. My sommelier, Rachael Liggett-Draper escorted me past some heavy doors to a dimly lit, red-hued cellar where we were surrounded by an unbelievable 20,000 bottles. The wine collection is centered around some of the most traditional wines such as French burgundies, bordeauxs, and cabernets.

“We very much enjoy having people down here to open some bottles and enjoy the space,” says Rachael. “Tastings can include one particular bottle or pulling anything you want off the walls.”

One-on-one private tastings with your dedicated sommelier can also be paired with food. In fact, you can pre-arrange everything from five-course dinners to chicken fingers and fries. So put this down as a must-do experience and you can see, smell, and sip your way to liquid nirvana. Be sure to sign the wall with their Sharpies before you leave.

The Wine Cellar at The Little Nell.

In-Room Dining

Who can resist ordering room service in a first-class hotel? Not me. Opening an in-room QR code provides access to the menu which includes breakfast, all-day dining, dinner and after hours, wine and cocktails, and the aforementioned mini bar.

I went with “The Bluebird” ensemble of freshly squeezed juice, a bevy of berries, eggs, hash browns, coffee, and toast. All this came nicely prepared on a cart within the 30-minute order time. Everything was delicately plated by their cheerful staff member.

Sitting by the fireplace (even in summer) with a finishing cup of coffee just seemed like this is all too perfect to be true. The hotel offers town or mountain views and looking out the window I had to pinch myself to know it is real. (See the image earlier in this article for a glimpse).

The Little Nell’s Famous Hot Chocolate

If there is one thing I love to do while traveling, it’s to discover a cup of really good hot chocolate. Fortunately, The Little Nell has a version that, from my first sip, confirmed it to be steamy, creamy out-of-this-world delicious!

Ideal for the colder months, they will also make this upon request in the summer at Element 47. Using the finest Valrhona rich dark chocolate, they blend it with half-and-half, add a house-made marshmallow, chocolate chips, and whipped cream.

Buzzfeed included The Little Nell as one of the Greatest Places in the World to Get Hot Chocolate. My suggestion is to have yours in their living room next to a cozy fire and someone special.

Even in summer, you should order The Little Nell’s famous Hot Chocolate.

Hungry for more? Until you can go to The Little Nell, make their hot chocolate at home.

ASPENX and Ladurée in Partnership with The Little Nell

If you’ve ever been to France, you will no doubt heard of or visited Ladurée. Known for its classic and seasonal macarons, which it has been making since 1862, this was always on our list when my wife and I would visit.

The good news, however, is that you don’t have to travel to Europe to try these. ASPENX, The Little Nell’s sister brand offering premium rentals, retail and experiences including an ASPENX Prada capsule collection, now offers Ladurée macarons along with a complete coffee bar. Located at Lower Gondola Plaza you can select these from the little cart out front or buy some gift boxes inside to take home.

You can choose from lemon, chocolate, raspberry, pistachio, caramel, rose, petal, and one called Marie Antoinette. What’s even better, you will now receive a delicious little box of these as a welcome gift upon check-in at The Little Nell.

Based on a secret family recipe passed down through generations, President of Ladurée, U.S., Elisabeth Holder says, “Macarons are the supermodels of the food industry.” My advice is to bring a cooler to bring some of these ‘supermodels’ back home!

Shop for, and delicately devour, the iconic Ladurée Macarons when staying at The Little Nell. Photo courtesy The Little Nell.

Activities

While snow skiing is the preferred wintertime activity of choice, summer in Aspen offers a host of activities for all to enjoy. Off-road adventures fly fishing, and stargazing are but a few of the diversions your hotel concierge can arrange. Beyond that, you can enjoy hiking, biking, music festivals, art galleries, retail shopping, microbreweries, and more than 80 restaurants and bars. Aspen is a pedestrian-friendly town and most of the interesting sites are an easy walk from the property. Free ground transportation is also available from the hotel for most locations in town.

You can also book, as I did, a ticket up to the top of Aspen Mountain via the Silver Queen Gondola. This slow-moving, bird’s-eye view of the area is visually stunning as you glide 11,000 feet up the mountainside. The deep blue sky and white clouds were a beautiful visual contrast to the various green hues of the mountainside gilded with Quaking Aspens, Blue Spruce, and Lodgepole Pine Trees. There were even some splashes of blue and yellow from some lingering wildflowers that refused to give up their spring glory.

At the top, you have a grand view of the Elk Mountains as well as some of Colorado’s highest mountain peaks. You can also enjoy some Al Fresco appetizers or a meal at The Sundeck Restaurant laid out perfectly for taking in the grandeur. Dining is also available inside where you are surrounded by warm wood tones, a 30-foot vaulted ceiling, and a huge rock fireplace.

The Little Nell has won so many accolades over the years it’s hard to keep count. Among these are the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (27 years) and Five Diamond awards for 29 consecutive years. It has been nominated 16 times for the James Beard Awards, having won in 1967 for Best Chef: Southwest and most recently a finalist for outstanding Wine Program in 2022, The Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1977, and many more.

The Little Nell continues to be one of the most popular hotel choices in the world. The things I look for in a luxury property such as this are long-term consistency, superior service, culinary excellence, and overall ambiance, and this property checks all of those boxes. Somehow they are able to effortlessly integrate elegance and charm along with a casual vibe. All seasons offer their perks but summertime is my favorite.

To learn more about The Little Nell in Aspen, visit their website, here.

–Story and images, except where noted, by Ron Stern, “The Global Gumshoe” and RFT’s Hospitality Editor

Please note: Ron was hosted for this visit however, as is Real Food Traveler’s policy, our opinions and impressions are always our own.