Laurelwood Studios

It's just a block from the mall in Snowmass, but Laurelwood Studios is tucked away from the main drag. The drive to the condos is up a winding mountain road, which in the winter can be a difficult trip, although it's kept plowed. Laurelwood's grounds feel more remote and secluded than most Aspen-area properties. The condo-hotel also has a more upscale feel compared to some similar properties, offering secluded hot tubs surrounded by nice landscaping. Right behind the hotel are ski-in/ski-out slopes. All 52 units are individually owned (and decorated) condos, but each has a balcony or patio equipped with a barbecue grill. The units all have a lodge-like style, with wood and timber accents throughout. Open hallways feature internal courtyards surrounded by aspen and pine. Laurelwood is short on common space, however: the lobby is not much bigger than the front desk and a couch, and there is no on-site restaurant. 

Laurelwood Studios sits a little above the restaurants, bars, and entertainment of Village Mall -- the happening spot in Snowmass Village, a small mall town about nine miles outside Aspen. Laurelwood is one of the closest hotels to the mall, being only a three-minute walk away. From the hotel, it's a four-minute walk to the closest ski lift in Snowmass Village. Snowmass has its own ski area with the most vertical feet of skiing in America, a large seasonal shopping mall with coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, and a shuttle system that runs back and forth to Aspen until late. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Aspen Airport, and a four-hour drive from Denver International Airport.

The 52 condo units at Laurelwood are individually owned, meaning that they're subject to owners' decorative taste, good or bad. Deluxe units are more affordable than their Premier counterparts, but in the case of these studios, you do get what you pay for. Generally speaking, Premier units are fresher than Deluxe ones, which are more apt to show some wear. Premier units are worth the extra money, even in the holiday season, for newer mattresses, bed linens, kitchen appliances, countertops, and more.

All the units at the Laurelwood are studio condos, and have the same basic layout -- around 540 square feet. Kitchens are fully equipped and spacious, with plenty of room to cook and eat. The living rooms have couches with a pull-out sofas, allowing four to sleep comfortably. The living space and bedroom are essentially one-in-the-same, although most units have a room divider to separate the two for increased privacy. Bathrooms can be accessed from either the living area or the bedroom, allowing for further privacy. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor space with barbecue grills. There is a shower/tub combo in all of the bathrooms.

The price of the units at the Laurelwood definitely reflects the number of features offered. The main highlights are Laurelwood's outdoor hot tubs that are open year round. (The larger of the two can accommodate up to 24 people.) There's little else, besides coin-operated laundry facilities and a free airport shuttle in the winter for guests staying at least five nights. Wi-Fi is free throughout.