Hotel Jerome

Above where a black-cowboy-hatted staffer greets guests, the hotel's low-slung, brick exterior is interrupted with teal-and-green trim -- a signal that, while elegant and rustic, some details are charmingly funky. Hotel Jerome is an icon that dates back to 1889, and it's done a great job of keeping its historic aspects and original decor alive and updated. Inside, the museum-like lobby goes all out for the woodsy theme, though black columns topped with gilded Corinthian details, blue porcelain lamps, zebra-upholstered sofas, and dramatic curtains seem a bit like you're in an eccentric rancher's mansion (in a good, quirky way). On upper floors, decor alternates between whitewashed brick and damask wallpaper in deep forest greens. 

Guests appreciate the personalized attention of the staff, the tonic offered at reception meant to help guests cope with the altitude, and fun touches like room-service happy hours, where a bar cart stops by guest rooms with lemonade and boozy mixers. Skiers take note: racks are readily available outside so you can store your skis while having a warming cocktail inside. Well-heeled business and leisure travelers can be found hanging in the lobby, chatting, drinking coffee, and working on laptops.

Located on a corner of downtown Aspen right on the main road, the Hotel Jerome is well-positioned for accessing the plethora of dining options nearby -- from upscale sushi to a deli and craft cocktail place. However, it's not the most central for skiers, as Aspen's ski resort is a nine-minute walk across town (or three-minute drive for those geared up). Those traveling in the off-season might check out the John Denver Sanctuary (four minutes by foot) and the art museum (seven minutes by foot). The airport is nine minutes outside of town. One major plus is the chauffeur service that takes guests anywhere within Aspen's city limits, as well as the airport. 

Rooms are elegant yet cozy, outfitted in a masculine design that consists of leather, browns, and greens dominating the color scheme. Some of the furniture is on the contemporary side -- the slatted head- and footboards, green settees, Mission-style brown carpet -- while the taupe-striped wallpaper, brass accents, and leather desks and minibars hint at the property's history. Ample artwork, cowhide chairs, and gray crown molding add pleasant accents. Excellent modern amenities include Nespresso machines with capsules restocked daily, flat-screen TVs, iPads to order room service, electronic safes, ironing facilities, humidifiers, and minibars. Bathrooms are sleek, with black marble-topped counters, charming tile floors, and separate tubs and showers. The mirror-hanging-on-a-mirror above the double sinks is a quirky touch. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, scales, high-end toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers are also provided. Note that rooms overlooking Main Street may experience noise.

There's no shortage of places to drink or dine at Hotel Jerome -- each offering a different vibe. The hotel's iconic J Bar is all about that masculine, Old West feel, thanks to rich leather seating, plethora of wood, and a green floor bordered by a gold Greek-key design. The tin ceiling and bottle chandelier are gorgeous touches, and the carved-wood, mirrored bar in a separate room is stunning. The now-famous Aspen Crud is a drink that originated during Prohibition to look innocent enough -- a vanilla milkshake with a twist (three ounces of Bourbon) -- found only at the J-Bar. This famous Aspen institution also offers light dining options, like sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers.

The Living Room, which carries an Americana theme in accent colors and the massive framed flag on the wall, is more of a lounge-style bar area, It's more elegant, with black-wood paneling and columns, a cozy fireplace, and more intimate lighting. Finally, there's Prospect, a fine-dining American bistro done in warm tones of saddle-colored leather, ivory paneling, and amber light fixtures. 

There's a ski rental shop, an on-site spa that's small but good, and a gym that was renovated during summer 2017. An outdoor pool and hot tub are also available, as is a kids' club with games and TVs. A daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi, which is fast and reliable.