There is nothing too little about The Little Nell hotel in Aspen, Colorado, unless you consider their ultimate attention to detail. No request, want or need is too tiny or too large for the pro staff to handle. There is something so special about a hotel that can figure out your needs before you even realize them! From the moment I booked my reservation, my visit was expertly handled.
Any and all questions can be handled by the spectacular Les Clefs d’Or-certified Concierge team. My vacation was booked for spring break, now all I needed to do was get there. I was super excited for some well-needed R&R at the Nell along with easy access to the slopes at this with ski in/ski out property….let’s not forget the food & wine too!
#NellDogs ~ Traveling with Pets
In pure #NellStyle my trip planning was seamless and with the help of the reservations and concierge staff, we covered all important details before I got there. One of my biggest inquiries were related to my Coonhounds Moose & Bo. I’ve been favorable to road trips lately and I take my boys as often as possible. As you guys may have figured out by now, I love to travel in style, so luxe hotels that can accommodate my pooches are a total bonus! Not only were they completely welcome, but The Nell had special pet amenities ready upon our arrival.
My boys were treated to homemade peanut butter treats, silver dog bowls, Little Nell leashes (of which we got to keep) and beds.
The staff was so considerate of them and me. They can even walk or petsit the furry ones should that need arise. Housekeeping was considerate to my “privacy” door tag and they were able to clean my room on a few moments notice when I took the boys out on a walk. The bell staff always gave them treats too, which made M&B fall in love with them. There is also an area outside at the bell desk where they can tie up the dogs while you settle in for check in. We couldn’t have felt more welcome!
My Room
The rooms at The Little Nell are very spacious and well-appointed. We tend to pack heavy when we road trip, especially for skiing. The rooms have so much awesome storage, take a look at my closet…
They also left me goodies that I dove into when I entered my room for the first time…their Brut Cote Champagne is delightful! As were the house made dark chocolate covered strawberries.
The bathroom is gorgeous and I took advantage of the large soaking tub…with plenty of bubbles of course! I really appreciated their First Tracks line of bath products too. They have no parabens, preservatives or synthetic dyes. The fragrance is 100% natural and super fresh smelling.
Dining: Element 47
Not only were Moose and Bo treated to the finest but so was their mom! The Little Nell has two restaurants, Element 47 and Ajax Tavern also In-Room Dining is always at the guests beck and call. There is no shortage of spectacular food and drink during your stay. These restaurants are open to the public, so be sure to make a reservation if you are heading to Aspen during the busier seasons.
I love the House Smoked Salmon on the breakfast menu!
We all know that the quality of the food in a restaurant is reliant on having the best Chefs. At The Nell, Executive Chef Matt Zubrod oversees all culinary operations from the hotel’s two restaurants and bar spaces. He also oversees the banquets and catering on and off the property – including the locations on the top of the mountain, the Sundeck and private Aspen Mountain Club.
Wagyu Hash
One thing I found so exciting was how Chef Zubrod sources his ingredients. He has a Wagyu Cattle program with Emma Farms in the mid-Roaring Fork Valley, this farmland is very close to Aspen. In case you have never tried Wagyu beef, it’s a Japanese breed that is widely considered the best-tasting beef. I absolutely love it and was quick to order the Wagyu Hash a breakfast dish with farm eggs, cholula aioli and potatoes. E47 serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so you can find Wagyu in at least one creative dish on each menu. Pastrami Sandwiches are on the lunch menu, Wagyu Tartare is a starter for dinner and Wagyu Steak is an entree.
The E47 Bar
If you are an Oenophile, or just a casual lover of wine you will be very impressed with the Nell’s wine list. It is carefully selected by Carlton McCoy who is the wine director and a Master Sommelier who oversees the wine program. He also created the Red Light Lounge, the cellar at The Nell. This seductive cellar can be accessed through e47, it is a speakeasy for guests to enjoy wine and light bites with the somms. Reservations are required for this experience.
The Nell has 20,000 bottles in the cellar and 3,000 are on the element 47 wine list with 50 sommeliers on staff ranging from Intro to Certified to Advanced to Master level. The Nell is a finalist in the James Beard Awards category of Outstanding Wine Program. They just wrapped the Nell Wine Academy which looked like a blast as I followed along on Instagram. If you are interested in events like this be sure to check out their events listings.
Dining & Aprés: Ajax Tavern
Ajax Tavern is located slope side and is the ultimate spot in Aspen for people watching and cocktailing. Located right next to the Silver Queen Gondola, this is THE place to be seen and to watch the scene. The Tavern opens for lunch and keeps on going into the evening. There is also comfy indoor seating for stormy days.
The menu is certainly the main event and I have enjoyed so many new favorites on it. It’s no wonder Ajax Tavern is always written up in the finest foodie magazines. A few stand out dishes you don’t want to miss is the Lamb Bolognese, Ajax double cheeseburger with truffle fries and I love starting with fresh oysters. I also fell in love with this super healthy, but hearty Farro & Spring Vegetable Salad….
Emma Farms Beef Carpaccio
Vegan Cauliflower Gratin
You can also apr̩s at the Chair 9 lounge in season from 3:30 pm Р7:30. Hang out with friends in style sipping bubbly and listening to the coolest DJs. The Little Nell has no shortage of haute spots!
The Boutique
Tucked inside The Little Nell, in the lobby is The Boutique. I always look forward to spending time in this little jewel box and I always walk out with a goodie or two…or three. On this visit I purchased a hat designed exclusively for The Nell by Susan Carrolan Millinary, also cute pom pom earrings. Whether shopping for yourself or for someone else, you are bound to find something to love on such as custom artwork, fine jewelry, pantry items from the e47 kitchen, pet items, women’s and men’s apparel, signature blankets, Aspen Monopoly etc.
They can also ship your favorite items anywhere in the world, so you don’t have to worry about fitting things in your suitcase.
Ski Time
The hotel is perfectly situated right next to Aspen Mountain, which means there is no excuse not to ski or play outdoors. (If you don’t ski you can watch all the fun from a Mountain Side room or the terrace at Ajax Tavern.) The Nell has a wonderful ski concierge that makes sure all your gear is ready to go when you are.
Town of Aspen
Also make sure you plan plenty of time to stroll & shop in Aspen. There are heaps of world class boutiques and restaurants that will keep you entertained for days! Aspen is very easy to get around on foot and the Nell can also help with transportation needs.
Please visit The Little Nell website for more information and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook for regular updates.
Also visit my post Weekend Getaway at The Little Nell…….
~ Marla Meridith
