Aspen hotel boasts three decades as five-star

Aspen’s The Little Nell is celebrating 30 consecutive years as a Forbes Five-Star Hotel, a distinction reserved for properties delivering the highest levels of luxury, service, and excellence.

The Little Nell opened its doors in 1989 on the site of Aspen’s original silver-mining settlement. The lot that now houses the luxury hotel was once the summer hunting ground of the Ute Indians, a miners’ retreat, a railroad stop and depot, a grazing pasture for the Aspen Dairy, a ski lift, and a skiers’ watering hole, according to the hotel’s website.

“The hotel carries forward the spirit of discovery that shaped the town’s earliest days,” the website states. “The Little Nell remains a place where Aspen’s past and present come together — and where every stay becomes part of our continuing story.”

The Forbes Travel Guide first recognized The Little Nell in 1995, according to a press release. The luxury hotel remains Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond, ski-in/ski-out offering.

“This milestone reflects the passion and dedication of our team and the enduring spirit of Aspen,” said Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality, in the release. “For 30 years, we have been honored to welcome guests with curated experiences that feel both timeless and of the moment. As we celebrate this anniversary, we remain deeply committed to the standards of excellence that define The Little Nell.”

The Little Nell is Aspen One’s flagship property. The property is home to two acclaimed restaurants — Michelin Guide-recommended Element 47 and Ajax Tavern — along with The Wine Bar, an extensive wine cellar, an intimate speakeasy, and The Spa at The Little Nell. For their longstanding commitment to excellence, The Little Nell has earned a Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1997, regular placement on Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America, and repeated recognition from the James Beard Foundation for its wine program.

A Relais & Châteaux resort, The Little Nell also provides unmatched access to Aspen Mountain and a collection of exclusive winter experiences curated by its Ski Concierge team. This includes First Tracks on freshly groomed runs to Powder Tours on the backside of Aspen Mountain, and behind-the-scenes moments with Aspen Mountain’s Ski Patrol.

In the summer months, guests have access to gardens, mountaintop yoga, fly fishing, stargazing, and off-road excursions, along with year-round pool, hot tub, and health center access.

“Looking ahead, The Little Nell is poised for its next chapter,” the release states. “In 2027, the brand will debut its first hotel outside of Aspen at Rockefeller Center, bringing its signature sophistication, culinary excellence, and legendary service to the heart of New York City.”

For more information, visit thelittlenell.com or follow @thelittlenell on Instagram and Facebook.