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Throughout history, many ski resorts have indeed been geared towards higher-end amenities. This trend can be traced back to the origins of ski tourism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early ski resorts, particularly those in the Swiss Alps such as St. Moritz and Davos, were developed as exclusive winter retreats for affluent Europeans seeking leisure and health benefits from the crisp mountain air. These resorts often featured luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and other upscale services to cater to their wealthy clientele.
The Michelin Guide is best known for ranking restaurants for the best food and service throughout the world. The Michelin Guide also provides a list of hotels that it ranks with being the most outstanding and remarkable places to stay. Those establishments come from Michelin’s collection of 5,000 hotels and only the most outstanding places will make the Michelin Key distinction. Out of all the hotels on this year’s list, five of them were located at two ski resorts in Colorado: Vail and Aspen.
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It is not easy to make the list of hotels on the Michelin Guide and these hotels have five universal criteria they must meet. Those are excellence in architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the neighborhood or setting. The rankings are by Keys with one Key being a very special stay, two Keys being an exceptional stay, and three Keys being an extraordinary stay.
Vail and Aspen are renowned for providing some of the best terrain and amenities in the United States. Both resorts offer a combination of exceptional skiing and luxury experiences that attract visitors from around the world. Vail boasts over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the world. The resort is famous for its vast and varied terrain, including the legendary Back Bowls, which offer expansive, open skiing and are a favorite among advanced skiers. There are also numerous groomed runs, tree skiing areas, and terrain parks suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Vail is also synonymous with luxury, offering high-end accommodations, gourmet dining, and upscale shopping. The village has a European feel, with heated streets and a variety of boutiques and art galleries. Additionally, Vail’s après-ski scene is vibrant, featuring a range of bars and lounges. The resort also provides top-notch services such as ski valets, private lessons, and concierge services.
Aspen is a combination of four mountains: Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Together, they offer diverse terrain catering to all skill levels. Aspen Mountain is known for its challenging runs and moguls, while Snowmass provides a vast area with a variety of runs suitable for families and intermediates. Aspen Highlands is famous for its expert terrain, including the Highland Bowl, and Buttermilk is a favorite for beginners and home to the X Games terrain park.
Aspen has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and its town exudes charm and sophistication. The resort offers luxurious accommodations, ranging from high-end hotels to exclusive private rentals. Aspen’s dining scene is exceptional, with numerous award-winning restaurants and a focus on gourmet cuisine. The town is also known for its high-end boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife, making it a complete destination for both skiing and non-skiing activities.
Both Vail and Aspen provide not just outstanding skiing opportunities but also a comprehensive luxury experience, making them top choices for those seeking a high-end winter vacation. Their reputation for combining excellent terrain with premium amenities ensures they remain among the most prestigious ski resorts in the United States. Those reasons are why these places made it on the prestigious Michelin Key Hotel list. The Michelin Key Hotel list recognizes top-tier hotels for their exceptional service, luxury accommodations, and unique offerings. Among the esteemed hotels from Aspen and Vail that received a Michelin One Key rating are:
Aspen: Hotel Jerome
Hotel Jerome was built in 1889 by Jerome B. Wheeler, a prominent entrepreneur and co-owner of Macy’s, and stands as Aspen’s original luxury hotel. The hotel’s history reflects the economic fluctuations of the region, surviving the 1893 silver crash that devastated Aspen’s economy by transitioning into a boardinghouse. Post-World War II, as Aspen transformed into a premier resort destination, the Hotel Jerome regained its status as a luxury hotel, hosting movie stars and celebrities.
The Hotel Jerome combines its rich historical legacy with modern luxury and offers guests an unparalleled experience. The hotel’s architecture and decor reflect its storied past, providing a unique charm and authenticity. Despite its historical roots, the hotel offers contemporary amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay. There are a total of 99 hotel rooms which includes 16 double rooms and two luxurious penthouses at the Hotel Jerome. Rooms range from $833 to $3,645 per night, catering to various levels of luxury and exclusivity.
Throughout its history, the Hotel Jerome has been more than just a place to stay; it has been a cultural and social hub in Aspen, frequently hosting events, gatherings, and high-profile guests. The Hotel Jerome remains a cornerstone of Aspen’s hospitality scene, blending historic elegance with modern luxury to provide an unforgettable experience for its guests.
Aspen: The Little Nell
The Little Nell is a prestigious luxury hotel in Aspen, Colorado, and first opened its doors in 1989. The hotel was built on the site of a beloved ski-bum bar, also named The Little Nell, which had been established in 1947. This bar, located at the foot of Aspen Mountain, was named after a local mine shaft that took its name from a local legend, “that lady of the night.”
The hotel occupies a historically significant location where the original mine shaft was dug. It is also the only hotel in Aspen that offers ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain which provides guests with the ultimate convenience for skiing. Since its opening, The Little Nell has been synonymous with luxury. It earned the Five Diamond award from the American Automobile Association in 1991 and the Five Star award from Forbes Travel Guide in 1996, retaining these prestigious awards every year since.
The Little Nell features 92 rooms, each designed to offer comfort and luxury. Guests also have access to a private ski concierge service which enhances their skiing experience with personalized attention and convenience. Beyond the winter season, The Little Nell provides access to a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and sightseeing, making it a year-round destination. Standard hotel rooms at start at around $800 to $1,500 per night, depending on the time of year.
The Little Nell stands out not only for its luxurious offerings and prime location but also for its deep connection to Aspen’s storied past, making it a quintessential choice for visitors seeking both comfort and a touch of history.
Aspen: Mollie Aspen
MOLLIE Aspen is a new boutique hotel that opened in December 2023, located on Paepcke Park in downtown Aspen. The hotel’s name honors the historic Mollie Gibson mine, a notable mine from the late 1800s that produced lead, silver, and zinc. The design of MOLLIE Aspen incorporates Japanese and Scandinavian influences, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere. The decor features gentle earth tones, wood accents, warm paper lanterns, and leather elements, blending simplicity and elegance.
MOLLIE Aspen offers 68 rooms which are designed to provide comfort and style, reflecting the hotel’s overall aesthetic of understated luxury. It is located in downtown Aspen, and guests have easy access to the town’s attractions, dining, and shopping, while also enjoying the tranquility of Paepcke Park. Rates at MOLLIE Aspen start at $500 per night, positioning it as a premium yet accessible option within Aspen’s hospitality landscape.
MOLLIE Aspen distinguishes itself with its blend of historical homage and contemporary design, offering guests a unique and refined lodging experience in the heart of Aspen.
Vail: Four Seasons Vail
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail is widely recognized as the crown jewel of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Known for its luxury accommodations and unparalleled service, the resort provides an oasis of relaxation after a day of skiing, hiking, or exploring the great outdoors. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail features a total of 34 rooms, ensuring an intimate and personalized stay for all guests.
Each accommodation is thoughtfully designed to provide the utmost comfort and luxury, featuring high-end furnishings and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The resort offers convenient ski-in/ski-out access from the guest-only lounge located in the heart of Vail Village. This ensures guests can easily hit the slopes and return to the comfort of the resort. The lounge is surrounded by world-class restaurants and shopping, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The resort’s dining options include the renowned Flame Restaurant and The Elk Room which is an extension of Flame and offers an intimate private dining space for groups of up to 24 people. This setting is ideal for special occasions and gatherings, providing an exceptional dining experience. Rooms start at $676 per night before taxes, reflecting the luxurious experience and high-end amenities provided by the resort.
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail not only offers world-class accommodations and amenities but also creates memorable culinary experiences. The Haute Chocolate is perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes.
Vail: Sonnenalp Hotel
The Sonnenalp is a renowned hotel and resort in Vail, Colorado which has a rich history rooted in European hospitality. The journey of the Sonnenalp began in the early 20th century with a small bed and breakfast in Germany. As the humble inn evolved into a celebrated hotel, its founders aspired to extend their tradition of superior guest service and European charm to the United States. The 1960s saw the burgeoning village at the base of the Vail Ski Resort as the perfect location to realize this vision.
The Sonnenalp has a total of 127 rooms including 112 luxury suites and 15 hotel rooms with views of f either Gore Creek or Vail Village. Rooms at the Sonnenalp start at $509 per night before taxes, offering luxury accommodations and exceptional service at a competitive rate within the Vail area.
The Sonnenalp combines its rich European heritage with the stunning natural beauty of Vail, offering guests a unique and memorable stay. Whether you’re enjoying the serene views from your room or exploring the vibrant village, the Sonnenalp promises an experience steeped in tradition and luxury.
Becoming a Michelin Key hotel is a significant achievement. When a hotel is awarded a Michelin Key, it signifies that the establishment has achieved a standard of excellence in hospitality that aligns with Michelin’s rigorous criteria. Securing a Michelin star helps ski resorts stand out in a competitive market by enhancing their prestige, attracting a high-end clientele, boosting revenue, and providing a comprehensive luxury experience that goes beyond skiing alone.
