Highlights: The Little Nell

•The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado, combines a European style ski chalet with the charm of a country inn and the ambiance and amenities of a luxury hotel

•Exceptional staff members work hard to provide Five-Star service

•Guest rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly decorated with views of the town or mountains

•Inspired and outstanding dining in the Mobil Four-Star-rated Montagna Restaurant, overlooking the courtyard and Aspen Mountain

•The well-equipped fitness center offers a full range of cardio equipment and free weights

Amenities: The Little Nell

• 92 rooms, 4 story. Closed late April to mid-May. Pets accepted. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Three restaurants, two bars. Fitness room. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Little Nell

Located a short drive from Aspen Airport and about two hours from Denver International Airport, The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado is a mountain gem that is both secluded and accessible. This luxurious resort attracts ski and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as couples looking for a little romance in the Rocky Mountains. The Little Nell caters to active adults, and is not well-suited for families with small children. During the winter months, skiing is the primary activity at this mountain getaway, and the shopping and nightlife of Aspen are only moments away.

High quality service can be found throughout The Little Nell. Helpful concierge check on reservations well in advance, friendly staff members attend to you at every turn, and housekeeping services are flawless. Even turndowns offer a personal touch, accompanied by a note and biscotti.

The resort has a European chalet appearance but a casual feel. The public areas, while perhaps slightly outdated, are nevertheless comfortable and charming. There is a warm fireplace in the lobby, inviting chairs, and a great view of the mountains. The guest rooms are spacious and well-lit with lots of shelving for skis, backpacks, luggage, and coats. The bedding is luxurious, featuring fine Italian linens.

The Little Nell offers 92 tastefully designed rooms and suites. The standard room is laden with beautiful furnishings such as Belgian wool carpets, log fireplaces, down-filled sofas or lounge chairs, and oversized beds. Premium rooms are located on the fourth floor with slightly better views of the town or mountains. Suites have more room and additional features like double vanities and Jacuzzi tubs.

While not an ideal location for business travelers, the hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet services in the lobby and a fee-based hard wire connection in the guest rooms. Travelers will find many interesting sights and diversions in Aspen, from outdoor and cultural activities to a vast choice of dining options and nightlife.

(+) Picture perfect location, flawless service, and elegant rooms make this a wonderful romantic and getaway destination
(-) Limited amenities for family travelers with children

Guest Services: The Little Nell

The “Little” in “Little Nell” may reflect its relatively small size, but it is big on service. I was very impressed that the concierge called me two weeks prior to my arrival to ask if I needed ski or dinner reservations. My arrival was flawless, and the friendly staff was ready to help me in any way they could.

I have visited many hotels, and I can honestly say that the staff at The Little Nell seems to be the happiest and friendliest I have encountered. Even though my wake-up call was a tad early, the greeter not only gave me the current time, but also provided the temperature and forecast and asked if I needed another call in 15 minutes. The housekeeping staff was equally attentive, keeping my room spotless throughout my stay.

(+) Outstanding service with happy, helpful, and well-trained staff

Guest Rooms: The Little Nell

Guest rooms range in size from the Standard Town View (600 square feet) to the 2,500-square-foot Paepcke Suite, that features marble paneled walls, hardwood floors, and a large living area. Room service is offered 24 hours a day, and staff can accommodate most special dietary needs, as well as special occasion requests (strawberries and champagne are perennial favorites).

My guest room was sublime and spacious with an elegant, rustic look. There was a seating area in front of the fireplace, a nicely sized bathroom, and a balcony that was the perfect venue for the twilight hour. My bed was comfortable with a down comforter and pillows, as well as luxurious Fili Doro linens from Italy. Other in-room amenities included two-line telephones, high-speed Internet access, a built in bar/refrigerator, a TV with DVD player, and a humidifier. The bathroom could easily accommodate two people, and my sink was adorned with large bottles of Etro bath amenities from Milan. The turndown service was excellent with the room straightened up nicely, bathroom amenities replaced, and some special touches (cookie, personal note, and even a bedtime story) left near the bed.

(+) Guest room décor is thoughtful and attractive; bed and bath amenities were top of the line; turndown services were beyond compare

Facilities & Activities: The Little Nell

After indulging in all the delicious food, you can work off the calories in The Little Nell’s well-equipped fitness center. Treadmills, Stairmasters, and stationary bikes provide a good cardio workout, and the Nautilus equipment and free weights cater to those concentrating on weight-training. There are three televisions to keep you occupied while working out, and there is a steam room for men and women in the locker room. The staff offers personal training sessions, but you may need to inquire as this information is not readily visible. Massage therapy is available by reservation with the concierge. You can relax under the night sky in the heated outdoor pool that is maintained throughout the year.

Whether you are visiting Aspen in the summer or winter, recreational activities abound. Winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and sleigh rides are all available. Summertime fun includes hiking, biking, fly-fishing, and golf.

There are more than 100 retail shops between Aspen and nearby Snowmass. Travelers can find just about anything they desire, from jewelry to antiques to cosmetics, and upscale and specialty stores are all close to the hotel.

As day gives way to night, you can choose from almost every variety of food experience, including Italian, Chinese, and French. You can also enjoy locally brewed beers and nightly music at hot spots such as The Blue Door and The Lava Room.

(+) Well-equipped fitness center has everything you need to stay in shape. Nearby attractions and outdoor activities are easily accessible

Dining & Lounge: The Little Nell

Popular with locals, the Mobil Four-Star Montagna offers what the restaurant calls “Rocky Mountain Artisan” cuisine, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere is casually elegant with views overlooking the courtyard and looming Aspen Mountain. Under the direction of master sommelier Richard Betts, you can select the ideal wine to accompany your meal from the Montagna’s 15,000-bottle cellar.

For a more casual ambience, The Bar, with its warm fireplace and cozy chairs, features a menu of fresh seafood and fondue, and is busiest at night – a great place to unwind after a hard day of skiing. Breakfast was a wonderful experience, and I was kindly offered a newspaper because I was dining alone.

On another occasion, I stopped by The Living Room for a drink and snack. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the manager circulated around the room talking about skiing and making sure that guests were comfortable.

The Little Nell prides itself on service, and my in-room dining completed my delightful experience. The server was polite, professional, and prompt, making me feel special and pampered. The food was also excellent, and the kitchen was accommodating of my special requests.

(+) The food, service and ambiance are superb

Business Services: The Little Nell

The Little Nell caters to couples and individual leisure travelers, but the hotel does have an unstaffed business center. It is open 24 hours and offers two computers, two copy machines, a scanner, and complimentary Internet access. Internet access is also available in the lobby, where you can combine business and pleasure, checking e-mail or surfing the Internet in a cozy chair by the fireplace.

(+) Wireless Internet connections are available in the lobby and business center, which offers some basic services
(-) The business center is not staffed