The Little Nell

As dawn paints the peaks of Aspen Mountain in soft hues of rose gold, a guest at The Little Nell steps onto their private balcony wrapped in a cashmere robe. The scent of alpine pine and crisp mountain air greets them, while a discreet ski concierge arrives with freshly waxed skis, having remembered their desire for “first tracks” during yesterday’s après-ski fireside chat. Moments later, a personal butler delivers a bespoke blend of locally roasted coffee, crafted precisely to the guest’s preference, without exchanging words. This harmonious choreography of tailored service and elite mountain access encapsulates the luxury that defines a stay at The Little Nell.

This year, The Little Nell is honored with the 2025 Global Recognition Award, an accolade bestowed upon only a few hospitality icons worldwide. As Aspen’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel for 29 consecutive years, The Little Nell has cultivated a legacy of elegance, discretion, and authenticity that resonates deeply with discerning travelers. Nestled at the foot of Aspen Mountain, it remains the town’s only actual ski-in/ski-out hotel, merging cosmopolitan refinement with alpine immersion like no other property does.

Artful Design & Elevated Aesthetics

A hallmark of The Little Nell is its ability to seamlessly blend the grandeur of Aspen’s natural landscapes with curated luxury interiors. Following its transformative 2019 redesign by Luis Bustamante Interior Design, the hotel’s visual identity reflects a refined European sensibility layered with Rocky Mountain warmth. Sophisticated geometric patterns, custom-made furnishings, and a carefully curated art collection—featuring original works by established and emerging talents—create an understated and opulent ambiance. From the lobby’s intimate scale to the symmetrical serenity of guest spaces, every element is calibrated to evoke peace, privacy, and a sense of belonging.

Signature Experiences and Mountain Access

The Little Nell is not simply located at the base of Aspen Mountain—it is integrally connected to it. Guests are not tourists here; they are insiders and are offered privileged entry to Aspen’s most coveted alpine experiences. The hotel’s legendary ski concierge program, overseen by veterans like Jerry Scheinbaum (an Aspen icon since 1975), delivers meticulous service: warming boots overnight, tailoring equipment with state-of-the-art tuning machines, and providing seamless access to Aspen’s slopes. Through the First Tracks program, guests glide down untouched powder as the sun rises, an experience few skiers ever encounter.

In warmer months, The Little Nell redefines luxury adventure. Guests may explore private trails via custom off-road tours, cast a line in secluded trout-rich ponds at T-Lazy-7 Ranch, or join bespoke hikes into wildflower-laden meadows—all expertly curated by adventure specialists who anticipate desires before they’re voiced. Each journey is shaped by a guest’s history with the property, ensuring a personal narrative is woven into every visit.

Environmental responsibility is intrinsic to The Little Nell’s ethos. As part of the Aspen Skiing Company, the hotel is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, participating in a methane-to-energy project that neutralizes emissions on an industrial scale. On-site solar panels, composting systems, and close collaboration with conservation organizations ensure that the property enhances, rather than depletes, the stunning environment it calls home.

Accommodations and Refined Design

Guest rooms at The Little Nell are sanctuaries of understated elegance. Each space is a masterclass in modern alpine luxury: think Italian marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, radiant heated floors, and steam showers. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame cinematic vistas of the Rockies or downtown Aspen, while fireplaces, mohair throws, and custom-designed furniture create an atmosphere of cocooning warmth.

Beds are dressed in 507-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, the highest thread count available in any standard hotel room globally—a detail that speaks to the property’s uncompromising pursuit of comfort. In-room amenities cater to the connoisseur: Nespresso machines, stocked minibars with premium snacks, Dyson humidifiers, and intelligent controls for lighting and climate.

For more extended stays or families, Residences at The Little Nell offer multi-bedroom private sanctuaries with fully equipped kitchens, curated libraries, and rooftop infinity pools that gaze out over the snow-capped landscape. Guests of the residences enjoy all hotel amenities alongside exclusive privileges, including dedicated concierge teams and in-residence private chef options.

Four-legged companions are welcomed with warmth and sophistication. Canine guests are treated to Little Nell-branded leashes, artisanal treats, gourmet pet menus, and dog-walking and pet-sitting services. It’s not pet-friendly—pet-pampering, elevated to a luxury standard.

Culinary Excellence and Social Spaces

The Little Nell’s culinary offerings rival the best fine-dining experiences in the world. At Element 47, a Forbes Five-Star and Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning restaurant, Executive Chef Matt Zubrod presents a seasonal menu celebrating Colorado’s bounty. Locally sourced wagyu from Emma Farms, heirloom produce from nearby growers, and sustainably raised game reflect the chef’s devotion to clean, flavorful mountain cuisine.

The wine program—curated by an elite team of 37 sommeliers, including several Master Sommeliers—offers over 20,000 bottles spanning rare vintages, natural wines, and emerging labels. Intimate sommelier-led tastings and cellar tours are available by request, often led by Chris Dunaway, recent recipient of the Michelin Guide Sommelier Award.

Ajax Tavern, perched slopeside at the base of the Silver Queen Gondola, remains Aspen’s quintessential après-ski haunt. Guests sip Veuve Clicquot or craft cocktails as live music fills the air and golden-hour light sweeps across the patio. From decadent truffle fries to wagyu cheeseburgers, the menu marries indulgence with precision, while the vibrant atmosphere ensures it’s the place to see and be seen.

In contrast, the hotel’s Living Room offers an elegant, fireside refuge—perfect for evening cocktails, quiet conversation, or a chess game beside hand-carved stone hearths. With its leather club chairs, curated book collections, and rich textures, the space evokes a private alpine club—inviting yet discreet, luxurious yet lived-in.

Location Advantage and Future Vision

Situated just steps from the Silver Queen Gondola and Aspen’s cultural heart, The Little Nell offers rare dual access to nature’s grandeur and the vibrancy of a world-class town. Whether arranging a private gallery tour, securing front-row seats at the Aspen Music Festival, or facilitating a private helicopter transfer to Maroon Bells, the concierge team handles each request with precision and polish.

Dedicated transportation services, including chauffeured SUVs and electric vehicle charging, ensure effortless mobility. Guests can even summon the hotel’s house car for an impromptu boutique visit or a late-night excursion to a tucked-away wine bar.

As The Little Nell looks ahead, its commitment to excellence deepens. Upcoming enhancements include expanding its in-room wellness program, integrating AI-driven guest personalization platforms, and offering new immersive wine and culinary programming. Sustainability will continue to guide its vision, ensuring that future generations of travelers can experience the same majestic beauty with the same reverent care.

The 2025 Global Recognition celebrates The Little Nell’s extraordinary past and affirms its standing as one of the world’s great luxury destinations. Here, amidst Aspen’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy, guests discover more than five-star comfort—they find belonging, legacy, and an enduring connection to place.