Hotel Jerome rated best in Aspen by Travel + Leisure

The 1800s are still pulling their weight in modern day Aspen. 

Hotel Jerome, established in the 1889 silver mining days as the first “luxury hotel,” topped Aspen’s hospitality rankings this year, according to the World’s Best Awards 2025, released in early July. The awards are selected by the magazine’s readers. 

“To me, it’s the anchor,” Hotel Jerome General Manager Stephane Lacroix said. “It’s the social hub of Aspen.”

Lacroix attributed this year’s success to the hard work of the hotel’s staff and to the Friedkin family, who own the Jerome. The Friedkin family invested $4.5 million to “refresh” the hotel during a five-week closure through the off-season. The owners invested in new carpet, wallpaper, lighting fixtures, and art work in the rooms of the hotel — still remaining true to the hotels’ historic roots, he said. 

“The intent from ownership was, if we have the reputation to be one of the best hotels in the world, well, let’s ensure that it’s not just the reputation,” he added of the room-refresh.

He said this spring the hotel also repositioned the “garden room,” an intimate venue on the north side of the building where guests can mingle, open a computer, or read their books. 

The Aspen Chamber Resort Association said the award is significant.

“From ACRA’s perspective, it’s always wonderful to be recognized in those reader’s choice awards,” said Eliza Voss, Aspen Chamber Resort Association vice president of Destination Marketing. “And of course, the readers of Travel + Leisure do reference those lists when making their travel plans.”

Hotel Jerome draws much of its stylistic success by combining bits of the American West, including historic Aspen and Jerome artifacts, with a global style, according to Mandi Meng, area director of Marketing and Communications for the Jerome’s parent company Auberge Resorts. 

“It’s more about a feeling, and a vibe, and keeping that alive — the history of the property — but making it feel fresh,” Meng said. 

Lacroix said the hotel has seen higher occupancy numbers this summer amid the town’s slew of high-season events. The Jerome is currently hosting the The Aspen Art Fair, part of Aspen Art Week. 

Since he moved to the U.S. from France 31-years ago to begin working in the American hotel industry, he said the Jerome has always stood out. 

“I’ve been hearing about the Jerome since I’ve been in the U.S.,” he said, “and once you’re in Aspen, once you’re at the Jerome, you understand why.”

The magazine also rated Telluride’s Madeline Hotel and Residences — Jerome’s sister property — the best hotel in Colorado.

Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.