Outstanding location surrounded by views of the Rocky Mountains and nearby rivers
Large rooms outfitted with designer furniture by Herman Miller and Harry Bertoia
In-room kitchenettes with Keurig coffeemakers, refrigerators, and microwaves
On-site facilities include lap pool, whirlpool, and tennis courts
Gym with cardio equipment, free-weights, steam rooms, and weight machines
On-site dining including restaurants and a bar
22,000 feet of meeting space outfitted with audio-visual capabilities
24-hour business center
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Downtown Aspen is a mile and a half away
Guests report the food is uninspired
Bauhaus buidling design can seem a little cold
Surrounded by trees, brush, and the Rocky Mountains, the 98-room Aspen Meadows Resort is best known as the setting for Aspen Institute seminars -- think tanks about leadership and public policy. Built in 1949, the streamlined, Bauhaus-inspired upscale resort lets nature have the spotlight with huge glass windows that showcase postcard-ready scenery. Aspen Meadows' spacious rooms are filled with tasteful, understated furniture and patios that offer a chance to reflect in the lush expanse. By comparison, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is homier and closer to downtown Aspen, but can also cost twice the price.
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Scene
A mid-century conference resort with a Rocky Mountain view
The Aspen Meadows Resort was envisioned as a place where leaders, artists, philosophers, and musicians could come together and contemplate big questions of life, creativity, and government. Herbert Bayer, a member of the Bauhaus movement, created minimalist design that places focus on the natural landscape with floor to ceiling windows. As a result of that steel and glass-accentuated architecture, Aspen Meadows looks more like a conference center than a luxury resort. The lobby decor harkens back to 1949 when Aspen Meadows opened, with angular couches and chairs by Le Corbusier and Herman Miller. Architecture and design students will be impressed by the thought process behind the development. But families may find the layout and furnishings less than homey.
Location
Outside of Downtown Aspen, in the beautiful green hills of Colorado
Located on 40 acres of sculpted nature, the Aspen Meadows Resort is close enough to civilization to be easily accessible and sheltered enough from the hubbub to offer plenty of tranquility. Guests can get to the resort by taking a six-minute drive from downtown or an eight-minute drive from the airport. Herbert Bayer, the architecture for the Aspen Meadows Resort, also designed the adjacent Anderson Park, which has a marble garden and "earth sculpture," which add a modernist texture to the greenery. Several skiing facilities are also less than 10 minutes away by car. The Glen-Aspen Airport is a 42-minute drive away.
Rooms
Classic, minimalist decor with plenty of comfortable perks
Fans of Bauhaus-era decor will be thrilled by Aspen Meadows room furnishings, which feature Bertoia Diamond chairs and wall units inspired by the clean lines of Scandinavian design. But those who don't care about geometric sheet patterns may feel like they're sleeping in an IKEA or Design Within Reach catalog. Still, there's plenty to appreciate about these spacious accommodations beyond the aesthetics. Beds come with hypoallergenic comforters and pillows. The kitchenettes have a microwave, refrigerator, and Keurig coffee machine. And Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs are standard. Floor-to-ceiling windows add plenty of natural light. The bathroom finishes have sharp corners and polished silver. Some guests may be disappointed by the lack of a bathtub, but the walk-in showers with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries offer a pleasant alternative.
Features
Lots of meeting space and ways to enjoy nature
The Aspen Meadows Resort was founded as a center of discussion, which is one reason there's over 22,000 square feet of meeting space divided among 14 locations, all of which are wired for audio-visual presentations. The business center is open 24 hours. For a break from all that business, the heated lap pool is open year round, and the gym was the onetime home of the U.S. ski team. In the wintertime, you can borrow snowshoes or sled in the nearby park. In the warmer months, bikes are available to borrow, yoga classes are taught outdoors, and there are several tennis courts that can be utilized. The three on-site restaurants serve all-American fare, although many guests find the food unmemorable.
