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Denverites right at home at the Jerome

Eben HarrellAspen Times Staff Writer

A Denver-area couple celebrated their 100th stay at the Hotel Jerome this week.They are the first to reach the centenary mark in the hotels history, according to Jerome officials.Danny Keefe, who owns a lighting business in Denver, first came to Aspen in 1991, hoping to sell his light bulbs to businesses, hotels and restaurants.As his company became increasingly successful, he began to stay at the Jerome. Keefe continues to return in the capacity of traveling salesman. He still goes store to store, selling his bulbs.Keefe estimates that he has visited Aspen approximately eight to 10 times a year for the past 12 years. He comes with his wife, Liesl, who also does business in Aspen. She sells olive oil imported from Tuscany to upscale Aspen restaurants.I have such an emotional attachment to Aspen, Danny Keefe said. I love that its a small town. I love that I can walk down the street and say hi to 16 people that I know.Keefe has become a familiar face at the Hotel Jerome. When he arrives with wife and two dogs he is greeted like family returning home. They are recognized as soon as they walk in, said Hotel Jerome spokesman Steven Holt. When they arrive there are people from all departments who come down to greet them.Keefe said that most of his time is spent outside the hotel. What time off he has from business he occupies by skiing and hiking with Liesl. The couple reckons theyve stayed in every room in the hotel. Keefe, clearly a man of habit, said he looks forward now to his 200th stay at the Jerome.Aspen is so amazing, he said. Its like a cross between the mountains of Colorado and New York City. I wouldnt change anything.Eben Harrells e-mail address is eharrell@aspentimes.com

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