Annabelle Inn

Overshadowed by trees, the Annabelle Inn can be hard to spot on the first drive-by. But the rustic lodge stays true to its unflashy roots with nicely updated mountain-lodge-style decor in the lobby, including tons of old, unfinished barn wood (even the ceilings), comfy leather couches, and a stone fireplace. This area also has a huge flat-screen TV, and two computers with free Wi-Fi.The Annabelle has a four-story, courtyard-style layout exposing all the stairways and walkways to the elements. (The Inn does have an elevator in case the outdoor staircases get overwhelmed by snow, which can be a common occurrence in Aspen winters.) The central focus of the inn, the courtyard, is a serene area with a wonderfully landscaped water and stone feature, and pretty flower pots. On the fourth floor overlooking the courtyard, a ski-lift swing (Aspen's take on a porch swing) is a great spot to take in the beautiful mountain views. The two outdoor hot tubs also offer mountain views (though just a peek), and serve as prime spots for post-slope relaxation.

When driving into Aspen, it’s easy to miss the Annabelle Inn, which is nicely located on West Main Street but hidden by large trees, at the intersection of Main and 2nd streets. Guests can walk to almost anywhere in Aspen from the hotel -- the ski lift (the closest one is a 14-minute walk away), the Belly Up live music venue, and numerous restaurants and bars. And what may be beyond walking is a just short drive. The Maroon Bells Scenic Wilderness Area -- one of the most frequently photographed spots in Colorado -- is just a 25-minute drive from the Annabelle Inn. The hotel is a 17-minute drive to Snowmass Village and a 12-minute drive from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.

Guests have three room options: Premium, Deluxe, and Standard. Premium rooms, lining the top floor of the Annabelle, offer great views of Aspen mountain, and a few have fireplaces or balconies. Deluxe rooms have less of a mountain view than Premium rooms, but offer the same standard amenities. The only difference (besides the price) of the Standard rooms is the proximity to Main Street, and the resulting street noise that can be heard from these rooms. Luckily street noise dies down fairly early. But if you're a light sleeper, an upgrade to a Deluxe or Premium room wouldn't hurt.Thanks to the fact that they're individually decorated in classic mountain-lodge style, rooms feel more like they belong in a cozy cabin than an Aspen hotel, with unique layouts, handmade quilts, and antique furniture. Rooms aren't large, but they are comfy, and the bathrooms are nice with updated fixtures and and pretty tile work (unique from room to room).All rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers with free coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are done up in granite and tile, and feature toe-kick heaters to keep the floor warm. There are shower/tub combos in some rooms, and walk-in showers in others.

The Annabelle Inn offers two outdoor hot tubs with mountain views; at night, ski videos are shown next to the upper Jacuzzi on a large projection screen. Open year round, the hot tubs are located in a well-maintained, beautiful courtyard that has a rock-waterfall feature. The Inn offers a free continental breakfast buffet with cold and hot cereals and breakfast pastries. Ski lockers are available for equipment storage and a conference center can seat up to 100 people. The Annabelle doesn't offer valet, but it does have free parking, as well as free Wi-Fi.