The Little Nell | Aspen, CO: Review
Aspen was the first stop on our Colorado ski trip before heading to Four Seasons Vail for the second half. We are searching for our go-to North American ski resort, and of course, Aspen had to be on the list. I had been hesitant to visit over the past few years after seeing every acquaintance, friend, influencer and celebrity flock there, wondering if it had become too touristy and overdone. I know, I know. Aspen is a real mining town with deep history, long before it became a hotspot for travelers. And of course, there’s the locals and regulars who have strong feelings about the surge of visitors since Covid. But when looking for a luxury, pampered ski destination, Aspen was a must-try, especially with its lineup of renowned fine dining restaurants and high-end designer boutiques.
What makes the perfect ski trip for us? A great hotel with impeccable service, excellent dining both on and off property, perfect skiing, some shopping, and a lively yet still refined atmosphere. We like a destination and hotel with energy without sacrificing top-tier service and quality.
After some research, we chose The Little Nell as our hotel for a few key reasons. First, it is considered Aspen’s only true five-star, five-diamond property...for now. Second, it is the only ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen, directly connected to the mountain. Third, it’s known for being the most luxurious option in town, offering the best service. Naturally, we had to see if it lived up to the reputation. Other high-end options include St. Regis Aspen and Hotel Jerome by Auberge, though neither is technically five-star. The St. Regis is popular, especially with the influencer and party crowd, offering frequent DJ events and branded partnerships. The lobby bar is beautiful and great for people-watching, but the vibe is constantly busy and buzzing. Hotel Jerome is more low-key except for its popular restaurant and speakeasy bar, which brings in a lively crowd. I have heard great things about their service, and the location is a bit closer to the main restaurants in town, though a few blocks from the mountain. I’ll have to stay there on my next trip—stay tuned for my Hotel Jerome review!
After booking our room, The Little Nell immediately reached out to start planning our trip. Their concierge went above and beyond, especially compared to the second half of our trip at Four Seasons Vail, where the pre-arrival service fell short. They were detailed and proactive, sending all necessary forms for ski-related bookings and handling everything from lift tickets and instructors to fittings and shuttles. Any time I asked about a restaurant I had heard of or needed a recommendation, they provided thorough and informative responses. They also took note of our dining preferences and secured reservations at the most sought-after restaurants before our arrival.
We flew into Aspen Airport, which is only about a ten-minute drive into town. If you can, try to find a limited direct route or fly private into Aspen for an easy and seamless arrival. The airport is small, so baggage claim is quick and you can be off in minutes. The Little Nell team was waiting outside with an SUV and ready to take us to the hotel. When we arrived, check-in was smooth, with our organized itinerary ready and baked treats waiting for our pup.
Room:
We stayed in a mountainside guest room on the second floor, choosing this level so we could easily take our pup outside. Next time, now that we know we love the hotel, we would definitely prefer to stay in one of their mountainside suites. Our room was just a few doors down from an exit leading directly to the base of the mountain and Ajax Tavern, which made dog bathroom breaks effortless on his first snow trip.
The room itself was spacious, warm, and inviting, especially with the cozy fireplace. The bathroom’s matcha soap was indulgent, and the bath salts were a perfect touch for a post-ski soak—if you are not someone who refuses to use a hotel tub. I’ll save some to take home though, ha! One of our favorite perks was the complimentary daily stocked mini bar with snacks and drinks. Sometimes at luxury hotels, it can be inconvenient when you just want a quick snack but only have fine dining or a small gift shop as options. This made it easy to grab a quick bite while getting ready or relaxing in the room. The selection included caramelized almonds, rosemary crackers, cheese crackers, chocolate stones, chili cashews, and energy nut mix, along with soft drinks, juices, and sparkling waters. When you’re already paying peak season rates, plus resort fees and taxes, it is nice not to be nickel-and-dimed for simple things like this. The stocked mini bar is a way for the hotel to elevate the experience and keep guests happy in their rooms.
Activities:
The Little Nell makes skiing effortless by pre-booking lift tickets, gear, and instructors across Aspen’s four mountains so you can arrive with everything ready to go. Aspen Mountain, directly attached to the hotel, is perfect for ski-in/ski-out access if you’re intermediate or advanced. Beginners or those skiing with beginners will head to Buttermilk or Snowmass. The Little Nell offers complimentary shuttles to these mountains, arranging your fittings in advance and packing your gear before driving you there. Concierge booked our lift tickets and an instructor in Snowmass, which has terrain for all levels along with its own village for dining and après. They can also arrange various winter and summer activities, including coaster and tubing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. A unique perk is access to “First Tracks” on Aspen Mountain at 8:00 AM, allowing guests to ski before the slopes open to the public.
For a more exclusive experience, they offer Aspen Powder Tours for $950 per person, taking you on The Little Nell Powder Cat to the backside of Aspen Mountain for 10-12 untracked runs, followed by lunch at a wood stove heated cabin in the Elk Mountains, paired with wines selected by The Little Nell’s sommeliers. Other adventure offerings include “Groom the Mountain,” where you can ride in a snowcat at the end of the day, or “Last Tracks” with Ski Patrol, where you help sweep the mountain and get a behind-the-scenes look at how they close the slopes each night. In the summer, they offer off-road tours to the top of Aspen Mountain, complete with snacks and pastries for $600-$700, sport clay shooting on a private ranch with a rustic on-site lunch for $1,800 per group, and private pond or fly fishing experiences with provided equipment, chairs, and meals, ranging from $700-$900 for half or full-day excursions.
Snowmass:
Aspen Mountain (Must be intermediate or advanced skier):
The Little Nell is located right at the base of Aspen Mountain and overlooks the Silver Queen Gondolas. This of course makes it incredibly easy to get on the mountain at anytime of the day. In fact, our room was right on this level so you could literally walk out the door and onto the gondola in less than two minutes, maybe one. You’ll have access to their Ski Concierge just steps away from the mountain as well where you’ll be able to get boot-warming, ski and snowboard tune-ups, lessons, and storage lockers.
Wine Program & On-site wine cellar:
The Little Nell takes wine seriously, with an award-winning subterranean wine cellar and a carefully curated wine program across the property. Chris Dunaway, their Wine Director, leads a team of sommeliers ranging from introductory to advanced, ensuring top-tier expertise. The property has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 1997, along with numerous other accolades, reflecting its deep appreciation for fine wine. The cellar holds over 20,000 bottles, featuring rare vintages and renowned labels from around the world. Guests can book private tastings or dinners inside, guided by one of their master sommeliers. A private tasting starts at $500 per person and is fully customized to your preferences, allowing you to explore wines you love or discover something new. They also offer personalized wine pairings for private dinners. On property, I loved that the wine menus featured excellent French and Italian selections spanning different vintages. They also had an impressive selection of high-end half bottles, including older vintages, which is something you don’t always see.
Their wine list opens with this quote:
"People who don’t understand wine open a great bottle and hoard it for themselves. Real wine lovers open a great bottle and look around for people to share it with."
—Mike Tilch
I have to agree. Sharing wine and laughter over a great meal, especially after a long chilly day, is the perfect way to end it!
Restaurants on Property:
Element 47:
Element 47 is the hotel’s signature restaurant, attracting guests from all over for breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner service Wednesday through Sunday. As a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, it is known for its high-quality ingredients, house-made pastas, and freshly baked goods. This is where we had breakfast each morning, and every meal was excellent. We didn’t get the chance to try dinner but will definitely make it a priority on our next visit.
Each morning, they start breakfast with a small amuse-bouche, like pistachio muffins with apple butter, similar to the breakfast service at La Hiki in my Four Seasons Oahu review. We ordered a seasonal pop tart and croissant daily, both made in-house and incredibly fresh. The potato cakes were crispy, perfectly formed hash browns, the avocado toast was served on house-made sourdough and the juices fresh-squeezed. The bar at Element 47 is great for lunch and dinner, offering indulgent bites like truffled grilled cheese and Wagyu burgers. It is also home to a large wine wall with an excellent selection of wines by the glass or bottle, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
Ajax Tavern:
The truffle fries are a must. Located right at the base of the mountain, this restaurant attracts plenty of non-hotel guests looking to enjoy après ski. You can sit on the mountainside patio or head indoors to cozy booths and bar seating. It is a great spot for people-watching while enjoying flavorful dishes like their famous truffle fries, rich cauliflower gratin with crispy cauliflower and cashew cheese, the wagyu double cheeseburger, or the wagyu bolognese. We also ordered the tomato soup and grilled cheese for a quick bite before dinner.
If you book a slopeside room like we did, Ajax Tavern is conveniently located just down the hall, making it effortless to grab a meal or step right onto the mountain.
The Living Room:
This is the hotel’s main lobby restaurant, located just off the lobby and serving as an extension of Element 47. Guests can enjoy the Element 47 Bar menu here in a warm, inviting setting. We tried the crudité with butternut squash hummus, which was good but on the smaller side, and wished there were more lavash crackers. My partner enjoyed the wagyu sliders with raclette and bacon jam.
One of the best parts is that dogs are welcome in this lounge area, making it a great spot to relax and have a quick lunch without leaving your pup behind. The menu is more limited, but the cozy atmosphere with fireplaces and couches makes it perfect whether you are grabbing a hot chocolate, working on your laptop, or sitting down for a casual meal.
The Wine Bar:
The Wine Bar is a cozy après ski spot open in the winter, set in an intimate and stylish space overlooking the pool. Some nights feature a DJ, making it a lively stop before dinner or the perfect place for a nightcap. Guests can enjoy small bites alongside cocktails or a glass or bottle of wine. A fun highlight is their wine porróns, traditional glass pitchers from Spain that make for a unique and interactive way to drink wine with friends. It is easy to get in as a hotel guest, and walk-ins are welcome for non-hotel guests as well.
Spa:
The spa is beautiful and inviting, newly renovated by Luis Bustamante Interior Designs. Since the hotel itself is compact, the spa is also more intimate, but they have made excellent use of the space with private treatment suites that include a personal changing room, steam shower, resting area, and hybrid infrared halo therapy saunas. I loved the variety of therapies and ritual treatments on the spa menu, all designed to be completely tailored to each guest.
Pools: The heated pool and jacuzzi are centrally located within the hotel, surrounded by an outdoor heated sauna, guest rooms, Aspen Mountain, and Element 47. The pool is open from 7 AM to 10 PM, while the hot tub is available 24/7 for a relaxing soak anytime.
Gym:
The newly renovated gym, located downstairs next to the spa, is modern, clean, and well-equipped with everything you need. It is stocked with house-made granola mixes and power bars, along with a fridge filled with refreshing drinks and water.
Things We Liked at The Little Nell:
Element 47 was excellent every morning.
The hotel feels cozy and intimate while still being lively, fun, and luxurious.
Complimentary airport transfers made arrival and departure effortless, with a car ready as soon as we landed.
Daily in-room snacks were a great touch.
Walking out of the room and directly onto the mountain for skiing or stepping off the slopes for lunch at Aspen’s top après spot.
Service was seamless and efficient.
Despite The Little Nell being a popular spot for non-hotel guests, we never had to wait for a table, and the atmosphere never felt overcrowded—something we appreciated, especially after experiencing the busier vibe at Four Seasons Vail.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About The Little Nell:
While the hotel is ski-in/ski-out, Aspen Mountain is best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, with mostly black and double black runs. If you are looking for a five-star ski-in/ski-out hotel with beginner-friendly terrain, this isn’t it. However, their complimentary shuttle makes it easy to spend the day at Buttermilk or Snowmass if you prefer and/or need beginner and intermediate terrain.
Although the service was excellent and they were willing to handle anything we needed, the staff focuses on efficiency over personality to stay on top of everything. Some people have commented that this can make the service feel a bit stiff, overly formal, or even sterile. You will get everything done quickly and professionally, but don’t expect a lot of warmth or personal connection.
A couple of times, we ordered items from the front desk over the phone, and they were forgotten altogether. While service was excellent overall, small oversights like this happened occasionally.
The hotel has a quieter, more adult-oriented atmosphere and is not particularly kid-friendly, as it is a smaller, more refined space with mostly adults.
Tips:
Get the truffle fries at Ajax Tavern. They are a must-try and practically famous at this point. Nothing beats a big basket of hot, crispy parmesan truffle fries after a day in the cold.
Take advantage of the 24/7 hot tub, especially after a night at Belly Up. Perfect for unwinding after a fun night out.
When you are tired or feeling dehydrated after skiing Snowmass, JUS, a juice café at the base of the mountain, is a great stop. It was perfect while I waited for The Little Nell shuttle back to the hotel after a long and painful day of skiing. I ordered the Drogan, a blend of banana, strawberry, pitaya, Greek yogurt, local wildflower honey, and almond milk—so good!
Use the concierge—they truly make life easier. Need food picked up from town after a long day of skiing? They will handle it. Dog struggling to be alone in the room while you head to dinner? They will come get him and keep him company. There may be a small charge at checkout, but their flexibility and no-questions-asked attitude make it worth it.
Intermediate and advanced skiers can take advantage of “First Tracks” at 8:00 AM. Enjoy fresh powder on Aspen Mountain before the runs open to the public each morning.
Try their award-winning hot chocolate made with pure cocoa and Valrhona chocolate. For an extra treat, add a splash of liqueur to make it a cozy, spiked drink.
I recommend booking a flight directly into Aspen instead of Denver. Many travelers choose Denver because of the greater number of flight options, but if the weather is bad, flights often get diverted there anyway, turning your trip into a much longer journey. The drive from Denver to Aspen is about four hours and can be difficult in a storm, especially since I-70 is known for closures and delays. If Aspen Airport isn’t an option, Eagle County Airport is a better alternative, just two hours away. Aspen’s airport is small, so once you land, you’ll get your bags quickly and be on your way.
Complimentary Services:
Airport transportation to and from Aspen Airport
Transportation service around town
Shuttles to Buttermilk and Snowmass for skiing if not on Aspen Mountain
Complimentary mini-bar snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, refreshed daily
Lavazza Blue espresso maker & Fellow Corvo EKG electric tea kettle with Rishi tea
Daily housekeeping and turndown service
Pursuit Postscript:
We loved Aspen and part of me wishes we had spent the full two weeks at The Little Nell instead of splitting time with Four Seasons Vail. But then again, how would we know what we liked for future trips if we hadn’t experienced both? The dining was great, the service was efficient, the ski-in/ski-out access was convenient, and the town had plenty of charm. Aspen gave us glimpses of New York energy but with mountain views instead of skyscrapers. We love destinations where you can easily walk from the hotel to grab a coffee and explore, and Aspen is perfect for that. The Little Nell’s location puts you within walking distance of the town’s best restaurants, luxury shopping, and charming historic homes.
Who will love The Little Nell? If you appreciate great wine, five-star service, outstanding food, and effortless access to world-class skiing and dining, this is your kind of place. We’ll definitely be returning for a part two review.
