Best Places to Stay in Aspen, Colorado (Top Areas & Hotels)
Snow-dusted peaks, world-class skiing, and a town that feels straight out of a postcard—Aspen is the kind of destination that makes every traveler’s bucket list.
This guide to the best places to stay in Aspen, Colorado, shows you the top spots that mix mountain charm with just the right amount of luxury.
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Downtown Aspen
Best For: Those who want luxury shopping, top-notch dining, nightlife, and easy ski access, all without needing to drive.
Top Hotel Pick: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection is a downtown icon, famous for its cashmere curtains and lively lobby scene since 1889.
Downtown Aspen puts you smack in the middle of Colorado’s most glamorous mountain town.
Surrounded by world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and art galleries, everything’s just a short stroll away.
The historic downtown area offers the best hotels in Aspen just minutes from Aspen Mountain’s base. You can ski all day and walk to dinner—no car needed.
Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate browsing high-end stores along Cooper Avenue and Galena Street. From luxury fashion to local artwork, downtown’s shopping scene holds its own against bigger cities.
The nightlife scene here pulses year-round. Cozy wine bars, upscale cocktail lounges, and the occasional celebrity sighting keep things interesting.
Dining options go from casual cafes to Michelin-worthy restaurants. Plenty of spots have outdoor patios perfect for people-watching under that famous Colorado sun.
The area keeps its Old West charm alive with Victorian-era buildings housing modern amenities. You get a sense of Aspen’s mining roots even as you indulge in contemporary comforts.
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Snowmass Village
Best For: Families and skiers who want quick slope access and a laid-back mountain village vibe.
Top Hotel Pick: The Limelight Snowmass is known for Colorado’s largest indoor climbing wall (54 feet!) and true ski-in/ski-out access via the Elk Camp Gondola.
Snowmass Village sits right at the base of one of Colorado’s largest ski mountains. Here, you can practically roll out of bed and onto the slopes—ski-in/ski-out is the norm, not the exception.
The area is a magnet for families (gentle learning slopes make things easy), but also keeps advanced skiers happy with challenging terrain.
Winter highlights include direct access to 3,300+ acres of skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing trails, village shopping, and dining.
In summer, the mountain stays lively thanks to hiking trails and scenic gondola rides. You can go mountain biking down groomed trails or explore alpine lakes.
The Snowmass Base Village area keeps you close to restaurants and shops. It’s less crowded than downtown Aspen, but the free shuttle keeps you connected if you want to pop over.
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Buttermilk Mountain
Best For: Families with kids and anyone just starting out on skis or a snowboard.
Top Hotel Pick: The Inn at Aspen is right at Buttermilk’s base with true ski-to-door access. Super convenient when you’ve got gear and tired kids in tow.
Buttermilk Mountain is the ultimate learning ground for new skiers and snowboarders. Wide, gentle slopes make it easy to build confidence—no intimidation from steep runs here.
There’s beginner-friendly terrain that makes it easier to keep track of kids, since the mountain’s smaller size means less chance of getting separated.
The mountain also hosts the Winter X Games, so you might catch some world-class freestyle skiing and snowboarding action.
The area offers a quieter option compared to Aspen Mountain and Snowmass Village. You get the Aspen ski experience without the big crowds.
Locals love Buttermilk for its relaxed energy and great learning conditions. There are plenty of blue runs once you’re ready to move up from the bunny slope.
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Aspen Highlands
Best For: Those who want truly challenging runs and a break from the usual Aspen crowds.
Top Hotel Pick: The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands offers ski-in, ski-out luxury with panoramic mountain views and exclusive amenities.
Some of Colorado’s most daring terrain hides out at Aspen Highlands, where thrill-seekers tackle legendary runs like Highland Bowl.
If your group’s got a mix of skill levels, it works out. Beginners can explore other mountains while the more daring hit Highland’s steeps.
Just outside downtown Aspen, the mountain serves up jaw-dropping views of the Maroon Bells. It’s notably quieter than Aspen Mountain.
Advanced skiers gravitate here for the steep moguls and deep powder bowls. The terrain doesn’t mess around, with a hefty vertical drop and a ton of skiable ground that’ll keep you on your toes.
