Planning a vacation to the Colorado mountain playground of Aspen? Whether you’re embarking on a ski adventure in winter or want to enjoy blissful outdoor activities in summer, choosing where to stay in Aspen, CO, is critical to planning your vacation.
While most travelers beeline for lodgings tucked into the mountainside, Aspen offers plenty of interesting areas and neighborhoods with a variety of accommodations. Stick around Downtown Aspen (Central Core) to enjoy sampling delicious food, craft brews, and cocktails at its restaurants & bars. Dig into the town’s history around West Aspen. Or soak up the alpine vibes and natural beauty closer to the mountains in areas like Snowmass Village and East Aspen.
Ready to get your accommodation search started? Find the perfect lodgings with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Aspen, Colorado, including the most recommended areas, neighborhoods, and hotels.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Colorado Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Aspen, CO
Nestled in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, Aspen packs a punch all year-round. With a vibrant arts & culture scene, a booming outdoors culture, world-class skiing, and accommodations hosting over 1.5 million visitors annually, there’s plenty of choice in this Colorado mountain town.
Find all the conveniences by basing yourself in Downtown Aspen, and enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant local shops, restaurants, and bars. If you’re here for a ski adventure, settle down in West Aspen for quick access to the slopes and picturesque hotel room views of the Rocky Mountains.
Want to get up close to all the cold-weather action in Aspen? Choose a hotel in Snowmass Village, the town’s most popular starting point for winter activities on the slopes. The nearby markets and restaurants in this neighborhood also have everything you need to keep hitting the trails day after day.
To escape the crowds, set your sights on Basalt, located about 30 minutes northwest of Aspen. The small town is the perfect base for year-round outdoor adventure, with plenty of hiking trails and ski runs.
The best areas to stay in Aspen, CO, are:
Downtown Aspen (Central Core)
✓ The top area to stay in Aspen for arts & culture
Want to stay in a neighborhood of Aspen teeming with art and culture? Look no further than Downtown Aspen, the mountain town’s delightful city center.
Aspen’s adorable downtown core is smaller than most but stands with its museums, art galleries, and artisan shops. On its streets, popular Aspen tourist attractions like Baldwin Gallery and the Aspen Art Museum hold thousands of works done by local artists and international pieces.
History comes alive through the retelling of stories that helped shape this region at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum and the Smuggler Mine. Get up close to the rich history of Downtown Aspen before it became a Colorado skiing hot spot.
Vibrant Downtown Aspen is a hot spot for the town’s trendiest restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it the perfect location to have a night or two out on the town.
As Central Core is the heart of the touristy town, there’s a wide variety of accommodations, with everything from boutique hotels to vacation rentals. Expect to pay higher prices for lodgings here.
Limelight Hotel Aspen
This newly renovated hotel has a clean and crisp feeling, with trendy modern furniture adorning the lobby and suites. Amenities like a rooftop pool, hot tub, and terrace make the Limelight Hotel a prime location for travelers wanting the perfect vacation photo. Eat a delicious continental breakfast with sweeping views of the Rockies.
Aspen Square Condominium Hotel
A home away from home in Downtown Aspen, this beautiful condo-hotel is perfect for families looking to feel in their own element on their Aspen vacation. Each unit is beautifully decorated in a rustic modern style to match Aspen’s alpine vibes and make guests feel cozy. Curl up by the fireplace after a day of skiing or exploring, or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.
Mountain Chalet Aspen
Experience life in the mountains in this ski chalet hotel. The country-style rooms are cozy and clean as if plucked from a fairytale story. This pet-friendly hotel offers rooms and suites, great for families traveling together. After a day in Aspen, spend some quality time in the games room, fitness center, or lounging by the pool.
W Aspen
This modern luxurious hotel gives you 360-degree views of the towering Rocky Mountains. The hotel’s contemporary-style rooms feel clean and fresh while still offering all the comforts you’d expect in a luxury hotel. After a day of exploring the galleries in Downtown Aspen or hitting the slopes, have an Après ski afternoon cocktail at their very own Wet Bar. Watch the sun go down over the Rockies while keeping your hands warm by the fire.
St. Regis Aspen Resort
This sprawling resort offers a classic and historical feeling while maintaining its luxury status. Entering your room, you’ll notice the rustic, antique-style decor and picturesque views from your balcony window. Exploring the almost castle-like grounds, you can find a barrage of luxurious amenities like an outdoor pool, seating space, and natural features. The bar and restaurant create a ballroom atmosphere as you enjoy a decadent chocolate fondue.
West Aspen
✓ Top neighborhood to stay in Aspen for history and architecture
West Aspen is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood located just west of the downtown core. Well-preserved Victorian-style homes help the area maintain its historic allure, making it a favorite for Aspen locals to settle down.
In West Aspen, you can easily get off the beaten path without compromising access to amenities and, of course, the ski hills. Many contemporary restaurants and cafes have popped up around the historic neighborhood, giving you local breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
As it’s a tad removed from the downtown area, the accommodation selection in West Aspen is more limited. You’ll find just a handful of hotels here, with a small smattering of vacation rentals with more local vibes.
Tyrolean Lodge
The Tyrolean Lodge is an affordable and comfortable option for your Aspen vacation. This family-owned boutique hotel offers 16 rooms, uniquely decorated with antiques from days past. With the excellent location, you’ll want to book well in advance, especially during the high tourist season; the rooms here tend to fill up fast.
Aspen Mountain Lodge
Relish in rustic alpine luxury at the Aspen Mountain Lodge. The true American chalet style and rustic decor create a cozy and comforting atmosphere for your getaway. Relax by the lobby fireplace or test out the outdoor heated pool before heading out to the slopes, a quick jaunt away.
Aspen Meadows Resort
Looking for a clean and art-inspired aesthetic? This newly renovated resort was designed to include many Bauhaus German design elements giving it a sharp, edgy look. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows in every room to dazzle at some of the most beautiful views in Aspen.
St Moritz Lodge and Condominiums
For an affordable Aspen vacation, lay down your head and feel at home at this charming European chalet-style lodge at the base of Shadow Mountain. Grab a book from the lobby and enjoy a spiced cider during happy hour before walking down the main street to check out the latest restaurant.
East Aspen
✓ Recommended place to stay in Aspen for families and groups
Looking to elevate your Colorado group vacation? East Aspen offers astounding vacation rentals for families or groups of friends traveling together. The neighborhood was built with nature in mind, preserving lots of the natural spaces and elements. Feel the whisper through the trees as you arrive for a relaxing getaway in the mountains.
Spend a day skiing and enjoying the mountains before settling into your home away from home in East Aspen. The grocery store nearby makes organizing a get-together easy after a day on the hill.
Relax in comfort with picture-perfect views of the Rockies while staying steps away from Downtown Aspen and all the town’s amenities.
The Gant
Looking for luxurious digs for the whole family? The Gant offers upscale 1- to 4-bedroom condominiums that are perfect for families or couples. Cook yourself a nice homecooked meal with the condo’s modern luxury amenities, and curl up by the fire for a cozy night in.
Chateau Roaring Fork
Located steps away from the mountain, these units offer all the same conveniences as a hotel at a less stifling price tag. Choose one of the uniquely decorated condos, each offering beautiful views and a warm central fireplace. Each unit also offers access to a gym, outdoor pool, and hot tub to work out the knots before you hit the slopes.
The Little Nell
Enjoy a magical and luxurious vacation steps away from the mountain’s base. Little Nell is Aspen’s only 5-star stay—and for good reason! Each room offers heated marble flooring and comforting goose-down duvets and pillows to help you relax after an adventurous day on the hill. Lavish amenities, like a wine cellar, an Audi snowshoeing experience, and all the skiing perks, add to the allure.
Snowmass Village
✓ The most popular area in Aspen for outdoors enthusiasts
Snowmass Village is a small, welcoming mountain town just west of Aspen. This delightful ski village brings you up and close to the mountains and is the perfect choice for avid skiers and outdoors enthusiasts. Sleep amongst the giants and be the first person on the hill in the morning when staying in Snowmass Village.
Similar to Europe’s alpine villages, you’ll feel a tight-knit sense of community in Snowmass Village. Locals like to get out and enjoy nature as much as the visitors and appreciate a friendly chat.
Many accommodations options in the area are perfect for solo travelers, families, or couples, with everything from condo rentals to resort-style lodgings.
Timberline Condominium
Don’t miss a beat on your ski vacation by staying at the base of the hill in this homey high-ceiling condominium. You’ll feel as if you’re coming home after a day of carving the pistes in these charming and rustic-style condos. The unit’s fully equipped kitchen, ample living space, and adorable loft beds will give you plenty of freedom while still keeping you connected to your travel crew.
Villas at Snowmass Club, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
Experience panoramic mountain views at these spacious villas. Allow the natural light to wake you up before heading out for a round of golf or a swim in one of the four outdoor pools. Each villa has one to three bedrooms with plenty of space to unwind. The villas offer a calm and quiet stay in nature while still being a short drive from the Snowmass Village’s many activities.
The Crestwood Snowmass Village
Whether you choose a standard, deluxe, or premier condo, each unit at this complex is uniquely decorated to deliver a variety of vibes. Each of the cozy condos features all the space and amenities your group could need to prep you for your ski adventure. The high vaulted ceiling in the premier units offers sweeping natural views, while the rustic decor in the standard units adds a historic charm.
Limelight Hotel Snowmass
Get into the heart of the action at the Limelight Hotel, just steps away from Snowmass Village. No need to worry about leaving your furry friend at home here: These rooms are pet-friendly, so the whole family can join in the fun.
Enjoy the hotel’s unique amenities by making a splash in the outdoor pool, trying your hand at the 5-story climbing wall, or whirling around the ice skating rink.
The Enclave at Snowmass
Enjoy a night in one of The Enclave’s uniquely decorated units, perfect for group or family stays. Each unit offers beautiful, bright windows with natural views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large living space that’s perfect for an evening gathering. Some units offer a ski-in ski-out experience, bringing all the mountain fun right to your door.
Basalt
✓ The recommended spot for an off-the-beaten-path experience
Basalt is a small mountain town just a 28-minute drive northwest of Aspen. This nature lovers’ paradise is perfect for year-round fishing, hiking, BMX biking, and skiing. A favorite Aspen day trip, it’s the perfect haven for getting off the beaten path and escaping the typical Aspen tourist scene, allowing you to relax while remaining close to nature.
Try your hand at catching a fresh trout from The Frying Pan River or hiking at Basalt Mountain before exploring the local restaurants and shops in the quaint downtown.
There’s a limited selection of accommodations in Basalt, so be sure to book in advance if you’ve got your mind set on staying here, especially if you’re visiting during the Aspen tourism high season.
Aspenalt Lodge
The friendly service at Aspenalt Lodge will make you feel at home and keep you returning for years. Enjoy the comforts of downtown Basalt just steps from your door in this prime location. The lodge’s clean and comfortable rooms are the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the wild nature around Basalt.
Basalt Mountain Inn
This mountainside inn is the perfect home base for exploring Basalt or skiing in Aspen. Enjoy the serene quiet while staying close to nature with all the perks of a central location. After a day of fishing or skiing in Aspen, enjoy a comforting sleep in the newly renovated suites.
Element Basalt Aspen
This clean, comforting, pet-friendly hotel is excellent for families or couples planning a road trip getaway. Close to all the perks of downtown Basalt and just a 30-minute drive from Aspen, you can easily get away from it all while staying close to the action. Enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, and seating area, or get a workout at the gym after a day of touring Basalt.
