As an inspector for Mobil Travel Guide, the creator of the country’s oldest and most respected star rating system, I am frequently asked about great holiday destinations. When I think of the holidays, I usually think of snow, and when I think snow, I always think skiing!
Aspen!
How does a Mobil Five-Star inspector spend a day?
Here’s an inside peek at the wining, dining and
hard work that goes into inspecting a luxury resort.
As an inspector for Mobil Travel Guide, the creator of the country’s oldest and most respected star rating system, I am frequently asked about great holiday destinations. When I think of the holidays, I usually think of snow, and when I think snow, I always think skiing! Though skiing is never part of the job description, I
am always asked to recommend a great ski destination for the holidays. With its
Rocky Mountain vistas, unique shopping, dining and incredible skiing, Aspen would be my suggestion for a memorable five-star holiday getaway.
Aspen is a town that is known for its style as much as it is for its skiing and there is one resort that will keep you in the center of all the action. Strategically positioned at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Mobil Five-Star resort, is the perfect place to call home for the holidays-or any time of the year for that matter. Combining the charm and hospitality of a country inn with the ambience of a European ski chalet and the personalized service and luxurious amenities of a luxury hotel, the Little Nell will not disappoint.
This Mobil Five-Star resort is located in the heart of Aspen and is just steps away from the town’s best shopping, dining and nightlife. With only 92 guest rooms and suites, advanced planning for your stay at this intimate resort is a must. Accommodations at The Little Nell are the ultimate in luxury and comfort, offering elegantly appointed rooms with a vast array of amenities. Rooms are divided into two categories, standard rooms or premium rooms, with each offering a view of either the mountains or the town. The standard room is appointed with beautiful furnishings such as Belgian wool carpets, gas log fireplaces, down-filled sofas or lounge chairs, and plush oversized beds. Premium rooms are more spacious, located on the higher floors and typically featuring vaulted ceilings and balconies. Those looking for a little more luxury and decadence can reserve the Pfeifer, Paepcke or Little Nell Suite.
Whether you’re planning a holiday ski vacation or a romantic getaway, the resort’s concierge can help you with a little preplanning prior to your trip. With six concierges on staff year round and an additional six brought in for the winter season, your every need will be taken care of and no detail will be forgotten. I was very impressed when the concierge took the time to call me a few weeks prior to my ski and dinner
reservations. Once I was at the resort, I was even more impressed with the high level of personalized service from the ski concierge. After a long afternoon of skiing, the ski concierge staff will take your gloves and ski gear and send them up to your room so that you can either enjoy a hot chocolate and a brownie, or head out for après ski.
The Little Nell offers one of the best après ski locations in Aspen, a town where the après ski is sometimes more important than skiing itself. The Tavern, which is open daily for lunch and après ski, offers guests an intimate setting with breathtaking views of the mountains. Toast your accomplishments on the slopes with such drinks as the Ski Patrol or the Red Mountain Cosmo and satisfy your hunger with the Tavern’s famous truffle fries or the cheese fondue. You won’t have to travel far to experience some of Aspen’s best dining options. Head down to the lobby and you will find Montagna restaurant. Popular with locals, and a hot spot for A-list celebrities, this Mobil Four-Star restaurant offers what the resort and Chef Randy Hardy call “Rocky Mountain Artisan” cuisine. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The atmosphere is casually elegant, with views overlooking the courtyard and 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.
If you are looking for a little nightlife, Aspen offers a wide range of choices and it is always helpful to inquire with concierge for the inside tip of the latest hot spot. My suggestion on the best way to experience Aspen is simply walking around and taking in the sights. Red Onion is Aspen’s oldest tavern and is always
popular and loud, offering occasional live entertainment. After an evening in town, head back to the resort and rest up for another day of skiing. The resort offers nightly turndown service, which always provides guests with a little something special to look forward to before a wonderful night’s rest.
After skiing on the slopes of Aspen Mountain, enjoying an amazing après ski and dinner, a little nightlife and a luxurious stay, it’s time to pack up and say goodbye to the Mobil Five-Star The Little Nell. To read more inspector reviews or to help plan your own getaway to Aspen, visit www.mobiltravelguide.com for more information. Thinking about that perfect destination to help fight those winter blues? Think warm Pacific breezes, think palm trees and luaus, think Maui. Look for next mo Mobil Five-Star inspector’s insider’s guide to Hawaiian luxury!