From ski-in, ski-out access to a great value on points: 9 of the best places to stay in Aspen
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Aspen Snowmass has long attracted powder hounds. With more than 5,500 shreddable acres spread across four mountains and two towns, it's possible to ski all weekend and never repeat a run. After you've put in your turns on the world-class slopes, you can hit up dynamic restaurants, noodle around high-fashion boutiques, try inventive cocktails or locally crafted beers, and visit museums and galleries.
This season is particularly special, as it's Aspen Snowmass' 75th anniversary, meaning there will be additional activities and events to enjoy all winter long. (Just be aware that the area does have some COVID-19 policies in place, including requirements to show proof of vaccination at select locations and to wear masks indoors and on gondolas.)
With so much to do, you're going to need a good base camp — preferably with an après-ski scene or, at the very least, a hot tub to soothe your sore muscles. There are myriad accommodations in the area, ranging from simple hostels and Airbnbs to some of the swankiest resorts west of the Mississippi River. Today, we'll focus on the latter.
Read on for some of the most luxurious resorts where you can spend your hard-earned hotel points to partly or completely cover a stay.
W Aspen
One of the newer hotels in the area (it opened in 2019), the W Aspen has a total of 88 guest rooms and 11 residences near the base of legendary Aspen Mountain (or Ajax, as locals often call it). The rooms are admittedly a little quirky — some have queen-size bunk beds, while others offer beds on tiered platforms — but the exterior is reminiscent of a Swiss ski chalet.
Additionally, there are plenty of communal spaces, like the WET Deck rooftop pool and bar (where you can get a 360-degree view of the town), where you can meet up with other travelers. Bonus: You don't have to worry about renting a car here. The hotel has BMWs on hand to shuttle guests around town, so you won't have to stress about finding one of the area's limited (and costly) parking spots.
The W Aspen is currently a top-tier Category 8 Marriott Bonvoy property, so for stays before March 2022, you can expect to cash in between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night, depending on if your dates are off-peak, standard or peak times. Starting March 2022, Marriott will get rid of its award charts, meaning award prices will change night by night. Keep in mind that it's not possible to directly redeem points for the property's Sky Residences.
The St. Regis Aspen
Located just minutes from some of the most coveted ski slopes in the country, this luxe property is a worthwhile way to spend your Marriott Bonvoy points. The St. Regis Aspen's guest rooms boast mountain-inspired decor, extra-large tubs and daily turndown service.
Facilities include a year-round heated pool and three outdoor hot tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, an indulgent spa and two top-notch restaurants. Don't miss the daily Champagne sabering, a St. Regis Aspen tradition that takes place at 4:45 p.m. in winter and 5:15 p.m. in summer.
This is another top-tier Category 8 Marriott Bonvoy property, so a free night will run you between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night, depending on which days you stay. But remember, from March 2022 on, Marriott will no longer offer award charts, which will make it harder to predict redemption rates.
Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen
It's not a ski-in/ski-out property, but considering it's only two blocks from the gondola, it might as well be. The Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen is one of the few properties in Aspen that offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations, making it an appealing option for families who need more space.
You'll find in-room amenities like steam showers, spa-style tubs and, in some cases, private balconies. The property also boasts a junior Olympic-size heated pool, two hot tubs, an outdoor fire pit and a ski valet.
This Category 7 World of Hyatt property runs between 25,000 and 35,000 points per night, depending on whether the stay occurs during the off-peak, standard or peak season. Note that award rates for stays before March 2022, when Hyatt's new dynamic pricing system takes effect, may vary.
Aspen Meadows Resort, a Dolce by Wyndham
If you're an art aficionado, Aspen Meadows Resort is for you. The Wyndham-affiliated resort boasts multiple galleries, including the Resnick Art Gallery (which focuses on the work of Herbert Bayer, who designed the resort in the 1950s) and the Paepcke Art Gallery (which carries a rotating collection), as well as numerous outdoor sculptures. There's also a curator on staff to walk guests through the pieces.
Besides the resort's art amenities, you'll find 98 suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, modern furnishings and plenty of space (between 550 and 1,200 square feet, depending on the suite). Other highlights include the locally inspired dishes served at Plato's restaurant, a heated outdoor lap pool and snowshoe rentals.
You can book this property from 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.
Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort
The three-story, red-brick Hotel Jerome is arguably the most famous hotel in Aspen. Originally opened in 1889, the property was the first in Aspen to have an elevator and one of the first places west of the Mississippi River to have electric lighting. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The property was also the campaign headquarters for Hunter S. Thompson during his infamous run to become sheriff of Aspen in 1970.
Today, the vibe might be described as "eccentric hunting lodge" thanks to features like taxidermy on the walls and furniture covered in leather and animal prints. Each room has a deep soaking tub and is individually decorated with different antiques and artwork. Be sure to sip a cocktail at the fabulous J Bar — the whiskey collection is extensive, and the drinks are inventive.
Hotel Jerome is privately held, but you can use your points from credit cards as statement credits or to book stays. You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points via the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal — the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card currently offers a 60,000-points bonus offer spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Alternatively, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card allows cardholders to use miles to cover a stay through the Capital One Travel portal. The number of miles/points required will vary depending on the dates of your stay.
This hotel is affiliated with the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts collection, meaning you'll get special perks when you book a stay with The Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Little Nell
The only ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen, The Little Nell is always busy. Owned by Aspen Skiing Company, which operates Aspen Snowmass, The Little Nell features rooms with fireplaces, balconies that overlook the mountain or town, luxe linens and bathroom products made specifically for the hotel. The Little Nell also has incredibly generous in-room minibars stocked with free nonalcoholic beverages (think: San Pellegrino, juices and sodas) and snacks (like beef jerky, chocolate and stroopwafels) daily, so it's easy to grab something to take on the slopes.
The Little Nell, like Hotel Jerome, is privately held, so if you want to use points or miles, you'll have to redeem them through a credit card travel portal or cash them in for a statement credit. Be prepared to spend a large chunk of points or miles for a weekend stay in winter. Like Hotel Jerome, this hotel is also affiliated with Amex's Fine Hotels + Resorts collection, so you'll get extra benefits when booking with an Amex card.
Woodrun Place, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
If you're traveling with the whole family, consider staying at this Hyatt property. Accommodations range from studios with lofts to four-bedroom luxury townhomes, so it shouldn't be too hard to find something that will suit your needs. The property also offers ski-in/ski-out access and is right by the base of Snowmass Mountain, the largest of the area's four mountains and arguably the most family-friendly in terms of varied terrain. Plus, the property boasts an outdoor pool and a sauna, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
This Category 7 World of Hyatt property in Snowmass Village costs 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, depending on the time of year. Remember, for stays starting March 2022 or later, Hyatt's new dynamic award pricing will apply.
Villas at Snowmass Club, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
Perhaps one of the better options for couples or groups that have some non-skiers in their midst, the Villas at Snowmass Club offers plenty of things to do without donning ski boots. Guests of this Hyatt property have exclusive access to the 19,000-square-foot Snowmass Club, which features an athletic center, a full-service spa, four pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and various restaurants. Villas offer one to three bedrooms, as well as fully-equipped kitchens and, in many cases, cozy fireplaces to warm up next to after a long day on the mountain.
The Villas at Snowmass Club is a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, so a free night will cost 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, depending on the dates you book. Hyatt's new dynamic award pricing applies for stays from March 2022 on.
Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection
Another ski-in/ski-out resort in Snowmass Village, the Viewline (formerly The Westin Snowmass Resort) has always been a fabulous value right in the middle of the action of the Snowmass Mall. When it reopens in December 2021 after completing an extensive renovation to modernize all the guest rooms (the property originally opened in the 1960s), it will be even more worthy of your points. Guest-approved amenities include a kids club, a heated pool, multiple hot tubs, a spa and a ski valet.
The Viewline Resort Snowmass is a Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy property, so you can expect to need at least 50,000 points for a free night here. Once Marriott removes its award charts in March 2022, award pricing will vary depending on the date.
Bottom line
Aspen Snowmass has long had a reputation for opulence — it's often where the wealthiest among us choose to go for luxurious winter vacations. However, you don't need to be a celebrity or a tech mogul to have an equally lavish experience. If you have hotel points to burn, the above properties are excellent options for a winter getaway.