Decades before mammoth hotels swept into Aspen, there were quaint, affordable, Victorian-era accommodations with charm oozing from every door.
Those quaint lodges are still here, still charming and, best of all, still affordable.
They are the Gems of Aspen, 11 intimate, older inns and lodges reflecting the history, color and character of the legendary town. Each is family-owned, each has an intimate bed-and-breakfast “feel” and each must be at least 40 years old.
Most important, each Aspen Gem is affordable. Though the individual lodge’s rates vary slightly, you can find a lodging/lift package starting at $59 a day, for instance, including an extended Continental breakfast, at Aspen’s historic Snow Queen Lodge, a Victorian charmer from the 1880s. Next door, at the 1888 Little Red Ski Haus, Aspen’s first B&B, you can opt for bunk-bed accommodations for $60 a night (even in winter’s high season), including a full gourmet breakfast. Or, choose one of the Ski Haus’ impeccably appointed Victorian rooms, from $200 per couple per night with gourmet breakfast.
Generally, the rates of the Gems start at $60 a night in off-season, from $99 a night in low winter, and from $149 a night in regular winter. Check with the individual properties for current rates for each season.
Mountain Chalet manager Stan Hajenga says the Gems show visitors that Aspen is an affordable place to vacation and, in winter, ski. The Chalet, one of the larger Gems, has 44 rooms, plus some apartments.
Casandra Foister, manager of the European-inspired Innsbruck Inn, has quarterbacked the efforts of the Gems of Aspen. Working together, the lodges help each other fill the needs of guests. If one of the inns does not offer breakfast, arrangements can be made to enjoy a morning meal at another Gem that does. The same holds true with a guest’s desire to enjoy hot tubs and swimming pools.
Lodges that are Gems members have no more than 75 rooms and must reflect the architectural significance of the Aspen valley. They are classified as Victorian/bed & breakfast, European chalet or modern classic, and each is within walking distance of downtown Aspen. Some are pet friendly.
Here is a look at each of the Gems of Aspen:
The Victorians
Chalet Lisl Lodge – A collection of studio and one-bedroom apartments with outdoor hot tub and garden in a non-smoking environment. 877-925-3520; www.chaletlisl
.com.
Little Red Ski Haus – This 1888 B&B just completed a million dollar renovation and historic preservation. Enjoy hearty gourmet breakfasts, hot tub deck, fireplace lounges and full service bar. Some rooms have steam showers. Other amenities include Internet access, laundry facilities and boot lockers. 866-630-6119; www.littleredski
haus.net.
Snow Queen Victorian B&B Lodge – A charmingly restored 1886 lodge, close to the ski lifts. Its six rooms are named after silver mines; each has private bath, cable TV, phone. Enjoy a hot tub deck, parlor with fireplace, extended Continental breakfast, weekly wine party and resident kitty, Madeline. 970-925-8455; www.snowqueen
lodge.com.
The European chalets
Holland House – A ski-in/ski-out quiet chalet with hot tub, a mere 10 yards from the lift. Hearty breakfasts served daily; tea is offered in the living room; relaxation in the outdoor spa. 970-925-7361; www.holland
houseskilodge.com.
Innsbruck Inn – A charmer that appeals to international and American guests with its welcoming lobby and dining room where extended Continental breakfast is served. Daily aprs ski wine/cheese is available in winter. The rooms have a European feel, and each has a mini-refrigerator. There is a private outdoor pool and hot tub. 866-925-2980; www.preferredlodging.com.
Mountain Chalet – This chalet has a friendly, warm atmosphere and resident Labrador retriever, Ransom. There’s a large outdoor pool; world-class fitness center and extensive conference facilities. 970-925-7797; www.mtchaletaspen.com.
Skiers Chalet Lodge – A charming, cozy ski-in/ski-out chalet just 100 feet from Aspen’s lift 1A. 970-920-2037; www.aspenski
erschalet.com.
St. Moritz Lodge – A friendly, European-style lodge near the center of town. Choose from lodge rooms, or those with kitchenettes, one- and two-bedroom condos, or dorms with shared baths. 800-817-2069; www.stmoritzlodge.com.
Tyrolean Lodge – The most affordable of the Gems, the Tyrolean has a museum feel throughout its 15 rooms. Each room features two queen beds, a twin bed and complete kitchenette. Upper rooms have wood-burning fireplaces. 888-220-3809; www.tyroleanlodge.com.
The modern classics
Boomerang Lodge – Handsome rooms and fireplace apartments have a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture. All rooms have private balconies or garden terraces. Enjoy Continental breakfasts, afternoon tea, whirlpool and courtesy van. 800-922-8852; www.boomeranglodge.com.
Hearthstone House – Sophisticated lodging in the Frank Lloyd Wright tradition. All 16 rooms have mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, TV and VCR. You’ll enjoy extended Continental breakfast and afternoon wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres. Outdoors, there’s a hot tub; indoors, an herbal steam room. For an additional fee, Aspen Club and Spa membership can be enjoyed. 888-925-7632; www.hearthstonehouse.com.
Lillian Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Howard.
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If you go
Aspen is 200 miles west of Denver via Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs and Colorado 82 southeast into town. For more information on the Gems of Aspen, call 866-770-8358.
