Aspen/Snowmass Lodging and Dining Picks for this Summer

The Viceroy Pool at Snowmass: You’d Think It’s Saint-Tropez

I often feel that Vail has tons of hotels to choose from whereas Aspen’s selection seems more limited. That’s just my opinion. Aspen is smaller than Vail in any event. And in Aspen—especially at Snowmass—I think a lot of people like to rent big, luxury homes.

Kissing Kiddies at the Viceroy

There’s still more than enough lodging options to choose from though, particularly since some terrific properties have opened up in Aspen and Snowmass within the past few years. The Viceroy wins hands down as my favorite lodging option in Snowmass. I reported on it a year ago in my story, Sleek and Sustainable:  Two Stellar Colorado Properties. I returned there at the end of this ski season and found it to be even more enjoyable second time around. Clearly, they’re off and running and word has spread that the Viceroy rates high as the most fashionable place to stay in Snowmass.

With all its swanky allure, the Viceroy also seems to be a most inviting property for families. This last time I lolled outside in one of their cabanas, sipping an après ski cocktail in ski boots and a down puffy with my hunny, while two families with kids romped about in the heated pool. Nearby a bunch of guys hung out at the hot tub, sipping beers and offering up celebratory toasts to whatever occasion brought them together. As the snow fell softly down around me, I couldn’t help but wonder how fantastic it would be to experience this pool scene beneath a blazing summer sun. The photos that accompany this story give us a clue.

The Viceroy Snowmass: A Great Summer Dining Spot

During another spring sojourn, I revisited Limelight Lodge, an Aspen favorite that I wrote up in my story Aspen Highlights, shortly after its opening. The Aspen Sking Company took it over since I first reported on this sleek new hotel, so naturally I anticipated a few changes. I was thrilled to discover that the expansive lobby and bar have been transformed into one of the most happening places in Aspen—at least on nights when there’s entertainment and that seems to be the case a lot.

Defiance String Band at Limelight Lodge

John Sommers and the Defiance Stringband captivated the crowd with bluegrass and folk favorites the evening I came by, inspiring many to stomp and swing to the music, just like at some of our best known music festivals here in the mountains. Some chose to sing and dance to these heart-strumming tunes whereas others—like me—just sat back and reveled in music of the finest quality. John actually wrote many songs for John Denver, Aspen’s beloved son. Fortunately it didn’t take much coaxing to have him sing, Thank God I’m a Country Boy, the immensely uplifting song for which both of these Johns are well known.

Fabulous Pizza at Limelight Lodge

View from Atop the Limelight (in Case the Music Gets Too Hot for You)

The wood paneled ceiling and other architectural features at the Limelight seem to have been designed with concerts and good acoustics in mind. That’s a good thing since there aren’t many live music venues in town. Black leather couches and large wooden tables provide all the comfort one needs for soaking up this scene while sipping fine wines and beers and munching on delicious thin-crust house made pizzas and salads. As of this summer, homemade pastas and sausages are slated to become part of the Limelight’s light Italian fare as well. To me, Aspen Sking Company stands out for its dedication to food and fun, a distinction they perpetuate here at the Limelight as well.

Comme Chez Vous: A Kitchen at The Innsbruck

Some folks prefer checking into a place that offers all the comforts of home, including full kitchens and large living areas. Like the Limelight, The Innsbruck is another long-standing establishment that has only retained its name and reputation for fine hospitality in Aspen. If you’ve been away from Aspen for a while, you’ll return to find an entirely different property filled with luxury, condo-type units, outfitted in the finest materials such as alder wood doors, granite counters and slate floors. Wrapped in warm tones and rich materials, guests at The Innsbruck might find it hard to break away from their roomy interiors to explore all that Aspen has to offer. Do though since Aspen’s a great town year round.

But if you really don’t feel like venturing far, you can throw together your own pasta dinner downstairs at The Innsbruck in the Owners’ Private Dining Room. Kids will love that, too, since it’s just down the hall from the game room which is outfitted with a widescreen TV, XBox and DVD and even a PacMan. Those are just some of the touches that make this fractional ownership property feel like a homey, first-class hotel. I especially appreciated the delivery of papers daily and the pastry spread from Louis’ Swiss Pastry—an Aspen institution—on weekends.

Who said there wasn’t much going on lodging-wise in Aspen/Snowmass?

Summer Twilight at The Innsbruck

Note that the Defiance Stringband will be playing at the Limelight every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. through August 26th.

Louis’ Swiss Pastry Aspen is located between Aspen and Snowmass at the Aspen Business Center; tel.:  970-925-8592. Their breads, bagels and pastries are also sold in town at the Aspen City Market and at other fine establishments such as The Viceroy.

This just in:  Aspen Skiing Company will open the top of Aspen Mountain for skiing and riding on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30; get the lowdown here. You may have heard—we’ve been having a heck of a spring out here in the Rockies with record snowfalls and chilly temperatures. The snowsports fun should be great!