Mountain Chalet Aspen

This cozy, family-run chalet that opened in 1954 is a throwback to the Aspen of yesteryear and one of the few remaining traditional ski lodges in this increasingly glitzy town. Its exterior resembles a Swiss chalet, with wood slats around the white exterior. Interiors are casual, with a homey, lived-in feel, and feature pine paneling and a brick fireplace framed by rustic furniture. Free coffee and tea are served all day in the lobby, inviting guests to linger and perhaps pick up a book from the library. But elsewhere, the property's retro look can feel less charming and just simply dated, such as the games room with its loud '70s carpeting. Guest rooms open up into a central courtyard overlooking the outdoor pool that can be seen from the street. Maps of the area’s famous ski trails are mounted on walls in the modest lobby, and alpine and ski-theme murals are painted on some walls outside.    

The Mountain Chalet is located in a quiet neighborhood in downtown Aspen, right across the street from the luxurious St. Regis Aspen Resort. The bus station across the street connects guest to free rides to Buttermilk, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Basalt, and Carbondale. The hotel is at the base of Aspen Mountain, which is accessible on foot in about five minutes. The gondola is a few minutes’ walk away, and Aspen’s main drag (Main Street) is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is a 10-minute drive, while Denver Airport is approximately four hours away.

Rooms at the Mountain Chalet are individually decorated and come in a range of room types, from snug Economy Rooms clear up to two-bedroom apartments with two bathrooms and full kitchens. Rooms generally have similarly spartan, dated decor, with solid bedspreads, brick or white walls, and simple brown patterned carpet. Many rooms have small balconies with spectacular mountain views. Bathrooms are average in size and have white or beige tiling, shower/tub combos, and small vanities in either acrylic or granite. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, and all but the Standard and Economy Rooms have microwaves, safes, and coffeemakers. Note that Economy Rooms lack air-conditioning, but all other room types have it. Rooms are generally quiet, but some Economy Rooms on the ground floor facing the street can be noisy at times, especially when windows are opened in the warmer months.

This traditional ski lodge has several attractive amenities, including a free hot breakfast buffet that features made-to-order omelets. The hotel also holds a free Gluhwein (mulled wine) reception once a week with drinks and appetizers during ski season, and drinks are served in the fifth-floor lounge over the weekend starting on Thursdays. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day, and fresh-baked cookies are free each afternoon, but there's no full restaurant for other meals.The Altitude Body Performance Center is the hotel's excellent fitness center and comes equipped with a wide range of cardio and weight-training equipment. Personal trainers and private fitness classes can be arranged, as can massages, including couples massage. There's also a steam room, a sauna, and a huge indoor whirlpool on the property. The outdoor pool is heated and stays open all year, and there's a game room with a billiards table. A couple of PCs and a printer in the lobby serve as the business center, and meeting space is available for up to 200 people. Free parking is provided in an underground garage, but it fills up and spots aren't guaranteed. However, the hotel does provide street parking permits to guests who can’t find a garage space. Other features include guest laundry facilities and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome.