The Little Nell

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of fancy ski hotels, but The Little Nell is honestly in a league of its own. You walk into this place on Durant Avenue and immediately get why it has that 9.3 rating – it’s not trying too hard to impress you, it just does. The lobby has this understated elegance that feels more like a sophisticated friend’s mountain house than some flashy resort, and the staff actually remembers your name after one conversation (which, let’s be real, doesn’t happen everywhere).

What really sets this place apart is the location – I mean, you’re literally at the base of Aspen Mountain. Not “a short walk” or “conveniently located near” the slopes, but actually right there. You can ski down to the hotel’s back door, which sounds gimmicky until you’re doing it at the end of a long day and realize you don’t have to deal with shuttle buses or dragging your gear through town. The rooms have this perfect balance of mountain charm and modern luxury – think heated bathroom floors (trust me, you’ll appreciate this at 7 AM in January) and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mountain views without making you feel like you’re in a fishbowl. The beds are ridiculously comfortable, and they’ve got blackout shades that actually work, which is crucial when you’re trying to sleep in during those bright Colorado mornings.

Honestly, what impressed me most was how they handle the details that other places mess up. The concierge team knows their stuff – not just the obvious restaurant recommendations, but things like which hiking trails are actually worth your time and where to grab good coffee that isn’t tourist-trap pricing. Element 47, their restaurant, is genuinely excellent (though you’ll want reservations, especially during peak season), and the bar has this cozy après-ski vibe without being too scene-y. Parking is valet only, which some people grumble about, but it’s actually a relief not to deal with finding a spot during the winter chaos. The spa is small but thoughtful – after a day on the mountain, their deep tissue massage will sort you right out. You know what really sold me though? It’s how quiet the place stays despite being right in the middle of everything. The soundproofing is excellent, and even when Aspen gets rowdy during holidays or events, you can actually get a good night’s sleep. If you’re considering this place, just book it – yes, it’s expensive, but it’s the kind of hotel that makes you understand why people become loyal to certain properties.