Where to Stay in Aspen (Best Places & Areas)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Aspen | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

Though I live in Denver, most of my weekends are spent in the mountains — and few destinations have my heart like Aspen.

If you want the most glamorous getaway of your life, I recommend staying in downtown Aspen. Be among high society while shopping at luxury retailers, dining at upscale restaurants, and skiing Ajax slopes. Mollie Aspen, one of the first-ever Michelin key hotels, is my top recommended stay. 

Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of other areas in Aspen. But first, scroll down for a list of my favorite hotels near each of the area’s four ski resorts.

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Best Places to Stay in Aspen

Here’s a quick listing of my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Mollie Aspen
• 📍 Best Location – Limelight Hotel Aspen
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – The Little Nell 
• 👪 Best for Families – Aspen Meadows Resort
• 💻 Best for Business – St Moritz Lodge and Condominiums
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Mollie Aspen
• 🎿 Best Near Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort – Limelight Hotel Snowmass
• 🏔️ Best Near Aspen Mountain Ski Resort – W Aspen
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Pokolodi Lodge

Click here to see all top Aspen hotels or here for apartments.

Looking for more insights? Scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Aspen: 

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Aspen

Aspen is a famed destination in the central Rocky Mountains. It’s roughly 3.5 hours from Denver via the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. 

Heading west along Independence Pass (open seasonally), you’ll first come across downtown Aspen. In my opinion, it’s the best area to stay if you’re a first-time visitor. Aspen Mountain Ski Resort and many top attractions are within walking distance from luxurious hotels.  

You’ll also find ski-in, ski-out lodging in Snowmass Village, home to Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. By far, it’s the largest of the region’s four ski areas. However, each has its benefits.

Families should consider hotels near the beginner-friendly Buttermilk Ski Resort. Meanwhile, skilled skiers will love the less-crowded runs and slopeside condos near Aspen Highlands. 

Downtown Aspen

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Downtown Aspen Hotels: Mollie Aspen • Limelight Hotel Aspen • The Little Nell • W Aspen

If you’re a first-time visitor who wants the full Aspen experience, stay in its glamorous downtown. Here, you’ll find luxury retailers, award-winning restaurants, and stunning accommodations.

These include Mollie Aspen, a Michelin key hotel featuring stylish rooms, fantastic on-site dining, and a sparkling rooftop hot tub with slopeside views. Enjoy complimentary perks like e-bikes in the summer and private shuttles to the snowy ski resorts. I absolutely loved my stay at this chic boutique hotel, where all of town’s top attractions are within walking distance. 

Alternatively, book a stay at The Little Nell, a 5-star resort set at the base of the Silver Queen Gondola. It offers ski-to-door access, in-room fireplaces, and other luxe amenities. Be sure to make reservations to its signature Michelin-recommended restaurant, Element 47.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Aspen:

• Near dozens of dining options, luxury shops, and key attractions  
• Close to Aspen Mountain, one of the top ski resorts in Colorado 
• Very walkable 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Aspen:

• From hotels to restaurants, everything is expensive 
• Further from the larger Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort

Snowmass Village

👉 Best Area For All Skiing Abilities | ✨ Best Snowmass Village Hotels: Viceroy Snowmass • Limelight Hotel Snowmass • Pokolodi Lodge

Among the four Aspen ski resorts, Aspen Snowmass is larger than the three others combined. It caters to every skill level and preference, making Snowmass Village a popular area to stay. Slopeside lodging is plentiful here but don’t be overwhelmed — I’ve done the research and found some solid options. 

Limelight Hotel Snowmass is an absolute winner when it comes to location. This highly recommended stay is in the heart of Snowmass Village and just steps from the Elk Camp Gondola, providing easy access to the slopes. Rent your ski gear and snag lift tickets on-site, and enjoy the hot tub, fitness center, and hotel restaurant during your visit. 

While this region is known for its luxurious (and expensive) accommodations, there are ways to save. If you’re on a budget, look to the more modest but still highly-rated Pokolodi Lodge.

Pros of Staying in Snowmass Village:

• Easy access to Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort 
• Great hotels and restaurants at varying price points 
• Highly walkable 

Cons of Staying in Snowmass Village:

• 20-minute drive to downtown Aspen attractions 

Buttermilk Ski Resort

👉 Best Area For New Skiers | ✨ Best Buttermilk Hotels: The Inn at Aspen • Maroon Greens Townhome • Aspen Meadows Resort

Buttermilk is more popular among locals but if you’re new to skiing, this small resort is your best pick. It’s also ideal for keeping track of kids, as less terrain means fewer chances of anyone getting lost! Along with a ski and ride school, it has plenty of wide, easy groomers and several blue runs for building up your skills.  

The Inn at Aspen is the only hotel at the base of Buttermilk. While more isolated, rates are generally more affordable than in nearby areas. Yet, this hotel offers ski-to-door access, on-site dining, and family rooms that sleep up to four guests. 

Larger groups will also appreciate this area. If you’re planning a reunion or retreat, private rentals like the Maroon Greens Townhome can accommodate. It caters to up to ten guests, while other estates in the region can sleep 20+. No matter what you book, expect it to be Aspen-level extravagant. 

Pros of Staying near Buttermilk Ski Resort:

• Ski-in, ski-out access to beginner-friendly terrain  
• Near incredible eateries in the Aspen Airport Business Center (hidden gems!) 
• Less crowded than other areas 

Cons of Staying near Buttermilk Ski Resort:

• Can be noisy due to the nearby airport 
• 10-minute drive to downtown Aspen and Snowmass Village  
• Fewer lodging options 

Aspen Highlands Ski Resort

👉 Best Area For Skilled Skiers | ✨ Best Aspen Highlands Hotels: Ritz-Carlton Club Condo • Mountain View Townhome • Mega Mansion

Aspen Highlands is another locals’ mountain that’s loved for its expert terrain. Skilled skiers must make the trek up to Highlands Bowl, which offers deep powder and incredible views of the iconic Maroon Bells. This collection of peaks is one of my favorite places to visit in Colorado and is accessible via a paved road just past Aspen Highlands. 

Private rentals offer easy access to these and other nearby attractions. Many options on sites like VRBO are set within the slopeside Ritz-Carlton Club, including this three-bedroom condo that sleeps eight. Of course, feel free to shop around — but based on my research, this owner is offering one of the best deals in the building. 

Pros of Staying near Aspen Highlands Ski Resort:

• Near Aspen Highlands Ski Resort, Maroon Bells, and other key attractions 
• Access to the best après-ski spot in Aspen: Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro
• Not as crowded as other areas  

Cons of Staying near Aspen Highlands Ski Resort:

• Fewer accommodation options 
• The ski resort isn’t suitable for beginners 
• 15-minute drive to downtown Aspen and Snowmass Village  

Tips for Staying in Aspen

Be Prepared for High Prices  

Aspen ranks as the country’s most expensive vacation destination and one of the top places to visit in Colorado.

Most hotels are at least $500 a night, and often more during summer and peak ski season. Lift tickets at Aspen resorts are some of the most expensive in the state, and the majority of restaurants serve meals starting at $30 a pop. 

Point being, it’s not easy to experience Aspen on a budget. 

Note the Free Activities 

Though not a cheap destination, there are some great free activities in Aspen. These include the John Denver Sanctuary, Aspen Art Museum, and nearby hikes. Independence and Ashcroft, two of Colorado’s ghost towns, are also very affordable to visit at just $5 per person.  

Watch for Wildlife  

Since moving to Colorado eight years ago, I’ve explored all over the state and nowhere else have I seen more wildlife than Aspen. Moose, marmots, porcupines, elk, deer, and more reside in town and throughout the surrounding forests. 

When recreating outdoors, be aware of black bears and mountain lions — and always have your camera at the ready. 

Visit During Leaf Peeping Season

I highly recommend visiting Aspen in the autumn. During late September, the region’s abundant aspen trees turn gold and the scenery is truly stunning — especially at Maroon Bells and along Independence Pass, one of my favorite Colorado road trips. 

Book Restaurant Reservations

Colorado appeared on the Michelin guide just recently and Aspen was one of its award-winning destinations. Fine dining concept Bosq earned a star, while two hotel signatures were recommended: Prospect at Hotel Jerome and Element 47 at The Little Nell. 

On my most recent visit, I dined at another Michelin-recommended restaurant: Mawa’s Kitchen. Tucked away in the Aspen Airport Business Center, you’d never guess this gem exists — nor that it can so beautifully blend African, Mediterranean, and French flavors. Take a seat on its shaded patio and order literally anything. 

Michelin aside, there are so many other great restaurants in Aspen. Scroll back up to each area’s mini guides for my top picks.  

FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Aspen for first-timers?

The best area for first-timers is downtown Aspen. From there, it’s easy to access many of the area’s top attractions. Several are within walking distance including Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, where you’ll find slopeside lodging at Mollie Aspen, W Aspen and other hotels. 

What are safe areas to stay in Aspen?

In general, all areas in Aspen are safe for visitors. However, downtown Aspen sees more pedestrian traffic than other regions. Like anywhere, be sure to carry your valuables or store them out of sight if left in your vehicle. 

What are the best parts of Aspen to stay on a budget? 

Aspen is known as an expensive destination, but Snowmass Village is a good place to stay on a budget. Pokolodi Lodge is comparatively affordable, especially.

What are the best parts of Aspen to stay with kids? 

If you plan to take your kids skiing, consider accommodations near Buttermilk Ski Resort. This smaller ski area offers lots of beginner-friendly terrain. 

However, if snow sports aren’t on your family’s agenda, I’d recommend Snowmass Village. There, you’ll find a range of hotel options and more casual dining in comparison to downtown Aspen. Kids will also love The Collective Snowmass, which features an ice skating rink in the winter and outdoor movies in the summer. 

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Thanks for reading! Have a great trip to Aspen and if you have any questions, leave us a comment. For more, check out our guide on things to do in Aspen.