An Elevated Escape: A Detailed Experience at Aspen’s Little Nell
- Andrew
- Dec 11, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 15, 2024

Nestled in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, The Little Nell epitomizes luxury, blending high-end amenities with a warm, intimate atmosphere. As a guest in this esteemed five-star hotel, my experience was nothing short of exceptional, with each moment steeped in the unique beauty and culture of Aspen's most prestigious accommodations. My stay in a mountain-view room on the top floor proved to be the perfect vantage point for appreciating the striking scenery and unparalleled service that The Nell is renowned for.
The Mountain-View Room: A Sanctuary Above the Clouds
Perched on the top floor of the hotel, my room offered breathtaking views of Aspen's majestic mountains, particularly striking at dawn and dusk when the sunlight danced across the peaks. The porch, spacious and inviting, became a private retreat for soaking in the mountain air, allowing me to unwind with panoramic vistas that felt as though they stretched to the horizon.
The room’s interior was an impeccable blend of modern luxury and timeless comfort. The well-appointed furniture provided a touch of contemporary style without sacrificing comfort - plush seating, elegant wood tones, and bespoke touches curated to offer an ideal balance of form and function. The marble bathroom exuded opulence, with its deep soaking tub, glass-enclosed rain shower, and heated floors. Every detail spoke of indulgence and relaxation, elevating the room into a personal spa-like sanctuary after a day spent exploring the Aspen wilderness.
A Dog-Friendly Destination
Traveling with a dog can often complicate luxury stays, but The Little Nell embraces four-legged companions with an open-heartedness rarely seen in the world of five-star hotels. My dog was welcomed with gourmet treats, a plush dog bed, and even personalized dog tags bearing The Nell’s emblem. A tailored menu for pets, as well as thoughtful amenities like dog-walking and pet-sitting services, made the stay a joy for both me and my furry friend. The hotel's dog-friendly atmosphere extended into public areas, where leashed pets could accompany their owners, making The Little Nell feel as welcoming to dogs as it is to its human guests.
Valet and Concierge Services: A Symphony of Convenience
The Little Nell's valet service added another layer of ease and sophistication to the experience. From the moment I arrived, my vehicle was whisked away and stored securely, with a team of professionals ensuring quick, seamless retrieval whenever needed. The valet attendants handled every request with an expert touch, reflecting the commitment to impeccable service that permeates the hotel.
The concierge staff, equally impressive, offered insights and assistance that made the stay truly memorable. Whether it was securing last-minute reservations at sought-after Aspen restaurants or coordinating outdoor adventures like skiing and hiking, the team was always one step ahead. Their vast knowledge of Aspen’s cultural and recreational landscape ensured that each day was filled with the perfect mix of activity and relaxation.
Celebrities and Notable Guests: The Nell's A-List Appeal
As one of Aspen's most prestigious establishments, The Little Nell has hosted a long list of celebrities and notable individuals. From Hollywood stars to tech moguls, its discreet yet attentive service makes it a favored retreat for high-profile guests seeking privacy and luxury. Rumor has it that during peak ski season, the hotel’s bar and restaurants become a gathering spot for celebrities, making it a place where everyday visitors might rub elbows with their favorite stars. The air of exclusivity surrounding The Nell is palpable yet inviting - everyone is treated like a VIP, whether you are an A-lister or simply someone seeking an unforgettable getaway.
Fine Dining and Room Service: Culinary Excellence at Every Turn
The culinary experience at The Little Nell is another standout feature. The on-site restaurants, including the famous Element 47, offer world-class dining with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative, seasonally inspired dishes. With a wine cellar boasting over 20,000 bottles, curated by expert sommeliers, every meal felt like an intimate journey into the heart of gourmet cuisine.
Room service at The Nell was an equally refined experience, offering a wide selection of freshly prepared dishes delivered directly to the room. Whether I opted for a lavish breakfast spread on the porch or a late-night dessert by the fireplace, each order was crafted with the same attention to detail as a meal served in the restaurant, creating a dining experience that was as luxurious as it was convenient.
The Dior x The Nell Spa Collaboration: A Timely Extension of Elegance
A highlight of my stay was the unexpected, yet perfectly timed, collaboration between The Nell’s spa and the iconic fashion house Dior. Initially scheduled to end the week of my visit, the collaboration had been extended through the end of the summer season due to popular demand. This exclusive partnership brought Dior’s world of luxury and beauty into the serene setting of The Nell’s spa, offering treatments inspired by the couture brand’s beauty line. From rejuvenating facials to signature massages, every service was tailored to deliver the utmost in relaxation and elegance.
What made this experience even more remarkable was the exclusivity of it - guests had access to treatments that blended the high fashion world of Dior with the tranquil ambiance of the Aspen mountains. The combination of nature’s beauty and couture sophistication made for a spa experience unlike any other. The extension of this collaboration through the summer was a testament to its popularity, ensuring that more guests could immerse themselves in this one-of-a-kind wellness journey before The Nell’s annual thirty-day closure for maintenance and refreshment.

The Nell: An Annual Retreat
The annual closure of The Little Nell, during which the hotel takes around thirty days to refresh and revitalize its facilities, serves as a reminder of its dedication to excellence. This period allows the hotel to maintain its pristine condition and impeccable service standards, ensuring that each guest’s experience is as remarkable as the next. The closure also offers a unique window for the staff to introduce new, innovative amenities and services that enhance the guest experience year after year.
Conclusion: A Stay to Remember
My stay at The Little Nell was a masterclass in luxury, comfort, and personal service. From the stunning mountain-view room to the dog-friendly accommodations, and from the valet service to the concierge’s thoughtful recommendations, every aspect of the experience was designed to delight. The collaboration with Dior added an extra layer of sophistication to the visit, making it a memorable highlight in a sea of extraordinary moments.
For anyone seeking an Aspen retreat that combines world-class amenities with intimate, personalized service, The Little Nell stands as an unrivaled choice. Whether for its celebrity appeal, gourmet dining, or simply as a tranquil escape into the Colorado mountains, this iconic hotel offers an experience that lingers long after the stay has ended.