New Aspen hotel brings exclusive art, BMWs, and landscape luxury

Aspen’s local moose, mountain lions, and bears can step aside — there’s a White Elephant coming to town.

While Aspen has no shortage of hotels, White Elephant is taking the mountain aesthetic to a whole new level by blending it with the brand’s iconic modern design that infuses landscape into luxury. Slated to open in late fall at 110 West Main St., this will be the third White Elephant hotel in the country and the first one established out West; the other two are located in Nantucket and Palm Beach. 

“We are excited for the addition of 54 new guest rooms to Aspen’s lodging inventory with the opening of White Elephant Aspen,” said Eliza Voss, vice president of Destination Marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “Managing Director Justin Todd is an ACRA Board member and no stranger to the Aspen hotel scene. We wish them a swift opening and look forward to checking it out once they are ready for us.”

White Elephant Aspen is creating a new signature style for those looking to experience both Aspen’s outdoor playground and unique affluence, according to Todd. 

“This expansion allows us to bring White Elephant’s signature blend of service, design, and hospitality to a new landscape,” he said. “One that aligns beautifully with our brand DNA.”

Michael Brown, co-founder of HayMax Capital (owner of MOLLIE Aspen) and an Aspen local, is also excited for MOLLIE’s new neighbor. 

“At MOLLIE, we’re looking forward to our guests experiencing the new restaurant across the street — and likewise, we hope to welcome their guests to MOLLIE,” Brown said. “The White Elephant team are first-class people, and we’re excited about the collaborative potential for larger group stays and other potential shared experiences.”

White Elephant Aspen will welcome guests with personalized service and intentional design that includes an environment-inspired art collection with more than 125 original works. The hotel has also managed to lock in a special, first-time collaboration with Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Todd confirmed it will be the only hotel in town to showcase Anderson Ranch artists, with over 50 pieces on display. 

Elizabeth Ferrill, artistic director of Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking at Anderson Ranch, expressed her excitement that Roaring Fork Valley artists, and artists from all over the country who worked in the Ranch’s Patton Print Shop, will be represented in the acquisition. 

“We are thrilled that White Elephant Hotel in Aspen is showcasing the work of many artists who have worked with the Anderson Ranch Arts Center Editions program over the years,” Ferrill said. “Hotel guests will enjoy the colorful and experimental prints of artists who embody the Anderson Ranch tradition of innovative and cutting-edge printmaking.”

White Elephant Aspen will also be partnering with BMW to offer five complimentary vehicles to guests, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This service is aimed at giving guests the opportunity to explore anywhere in town on their own time, according to Todd. The BMWs will also be used by the guest services team to transport guests to and from the Aspen Airport, the ski mountains, and local restaurants. 

While he also verified the property will be pet-friendly, specific details on amenities are not yet available. 

“Main Street Aspen continues to evolve in exciting ways,” Brown said. “We’re thrilled to see thoughtful additions like the White Elephant and Sant Ambroeus helping shape its westward energy.”