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The Inn at Aspen

From $175/night • Score: 4.4★ (2150 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

Introduction: The Unpretentious Portal to Aspen's Slopes

In a destination synonymous with stratospheric luxury, architectural posturing, and velvet-rope exclusivity, The Inn at Aspen occupies a wonderfully refreshing niche. Nestled squarely at the base of Buttermilk Mountain—globally renowned as the adrenaline-fueled home of the ESPN Winter X Games—this property offers something remarkably rare in the Roaring Fork Valley: genuine, unpretentious ski-in/ski-out access at a price point that defies local convention. Priced at a modest $175 per night, it represents an anomaly in the high-altitude hospitality landscape, blending alpine accessibility with a laid-back, nature-secluded sanctuary vibe.

As you wind your way up toward the property, leaving the glitz of downtown Aspen behind, the atmosphere shifts palpably. The dense pine forests and crisp mountain air take center stage, framing the iconic contours of Buttermilk. This is not a monolith of glass and hyper-modern steel; rather, it is a classic mountain lodge that respects its geography. It whispers rather than shouts, inviting travelers to strip away the pretense of traditional luxury and focus instead on the pure, unadulterated joy of the mountains. For the discerning traveler who values location, authenticity, and historical connection to ski culture above marble-drenched lobbies, The Inn at Aspen presents an intriguing proposition that demands a closer look.

First Impressions & Architecture

Approaching The Inn at Aspen, visitors are greeted by a classic alpine-vernacular exterior that immediately communicates warmth and shelter against the high-altitude elements. The architecture marries natural timber, stacked stone, and pitched roofs designed to shed heavy Colorado snowfalls gracefully. Far from the sterile anonymity of chain hotels or the intimidating austerity of ultra-exclusive downtown boutiques, the exterior feels grounded in the rugged topography of the Rockies.

Stepping through the main entrance, the lobby acts as a welcoming embrace after a day spent in the crisp mountain air. The interior design leans into traditional mountain-lodge aesthetics without tipping into cliché. Heavy timber beams crisscross the ceilings, while a massive stone hearth anchors the central seating area, practically begging guests to gather around with a steaming mug of hot cider or a neat pour of local bourbon. Large, double-paned windows pull the majestic natural setting indoors, framing panoramic views of the slopes, snow-dusted pine trees, and the legendary Buttermilk halfpipe.

The circulation throughout the property is refreshingly intuitive. Public spaces are designed with the active traveler in mind. Mudrooms, ski storage facilities, and transition zones are strategically placed to ensure that the friction of getting on and off the mountain is minimized. The staff at the front desk—embodying that signature Colorado warmth—greet arrivals not with rigid corporate scripts, but with genuine local hospitality, offering insider tips on snow conditions, shuttle schedules, and the best hidden powder stashes on the mountain.

What strikes you most during those initial moments in the lobby is the sheer sense of place. You are not just visiting Aspen; you are living directly on the canvas where snowboarding history is written every single year. The architectural layout ensures that whether you are checking in, warming your hands by the fire, or gazing out toward the slopes, you remain intimately connected to the surrounding wilderness.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at The Inn at Aspen are designed with comfort, functionality, and relaxation at the forefront. While they may not feature the hyper-luxurious, gold-plated finishings of properties charging quadruple the nightly rate, the rooms offer a cozy, well-appointed retreat that feels like a private alpine cabin. Entering the room, guests are met with a soothing palette of earthy tones—warm browns, forest greens, and muted grays—that echo the natural landscape just beyond the window.

The bedding is a standout feature, featuring plush mattresses, high-thread-count crisp linens, and heavy, down-filled duvets that guarantee a deep, restorative sleep after a grueling day of carving turns down Buttermilk’s legendary cruisers. Headboards carved from weathered wood add a touch of rustic elegance, while bedside reading lamps provide the perfect warm glow for unwinding with a good book.

Storage is thoughtfully considered, recognizing that mountain travelers often arrive laden with bulky gear, heavy coats, and layers of technical apparel. Ample closet space, luggage racks, and strategically placed hooks ensure that wet gear can be stowed and dried efficiently without cluttering the living space. For those opting for rooms with slope-facing views, the visual reward each morning is immeasurable. Pulling back the curtains to reveal the pristine, untouched corduroy of Buttermilk Mountain glistening in the early morning sun is a daily ritual that never loses its magic.

The bathrooms, while compact, are impeccably clean and efficiently designed. Outfitted with combination shower-tubs, sleek fixtures, and a generous assortment of locally sourced, botanically infused bath amenities, they provide a rejuvenating space to soak weary muscles. Modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated: flat-screen televisions, high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi, and well-placed charging stations ensure that guests remain as connected—or disconnected—as they desire.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

The true beating heart of The Inn at Aspen lies in its exceptional suite of outdoor and wellness amenities, which punch well above the property’s modest price point. Chief among these is the heated outdoor swimming pool, a glorious oasis that remains inviting even when the ambient air temperature dips well below freezing. Swimming laps while surrounded by falling snowflakes is a quintessential Colorado experience that few properties deliver with such direct slope-side proximity.

Adjacent to the pool is the oversized, steaming hot tub. Positioned strategically to offer a direct, unobstructed view of the famous Buttermilk halfpipe, it serves as the ultimate social hub of the hotel each afternoon. Gathering here after the lifts close, sharing stories of epic wipeouts and powder triumphs with fellow travelers from around the globe, encapsulates the camaraderie of ski culture.

For those looking to maintain their fitness regimen away from the slopes, the property’s fitness studio is well-equipped with modern cardio machines, free weights, and stretching areas. Large windows ensure that even indoor workouts are accompanied by inspiring views of the natural surroundings.

Perhaps one of the most underrated yet valuable amenities is the property’s comprehensive complimentary shuttle service. Aspen can be notoriously tricky to navigate, especially during peak ski season when parking is scarce and expensive. The Inn at Aspen eliminates this logistical headache entirely, offering prompt, courteous shuttle transportation directly into downtown Aspen as well as to and from the local airport. This seamless connectivity means guests can enjoy the seclusion and tranquility of Buttermilk's base while remaining just minutes away from the world-class dining, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife of downtown Aspen.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary offerings at a ski hotel can often be an afterthought, but The Inn at Aspen completely shatters that expectation by housing one of the most beloved dining institutions in the valley right on-site: Home Team BBQ.

Stepping out of your bindings and walking straight off the snow into the vibrant, smoky embrace of Home Team BBQ is nothing short of a post-ski revelation. The restaurant brings its legendary Charleston-meets-Colorado smoked meats to the base of the mountain, filling the crisp alpine air with the irresistible aromas of slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and dry-rubbed ribs. The interior is lively, rustic, and unpretentious, packed with skiers, locals, and visitors sharing long communal tables and swapping tales of the mountain.

The beverage program is equally compelling, featuring an extensive, expertly curated bourbon selection that forms the backbone of a stellar craft cocktail menu. Sipping a smoked old fashioned while seated on the expansive outdoor slopeside patio—watching the last skiers descend as the alpenglow paints the peaks in shades of violet and rose—is an absolute highlight of any stay.

When guests wish to venture beyond the property, the aforementioned complimentary shuttle whisks them into downtown Aspen in mere minutes. Here, an embarrassment of culinary riches awaits, from Michelin-starred fine dining establishments serving avant-garde cuisine to historic watering holes where celebrities and locals mingle effortlessly. Yet, knowing that a phenomenal plate of barbecue and a warm bourbon await your return right at the base of your mountain provides an undeniable sense of comfort and convenience.

Who This Stay Is For

Practical Travel Notes

To ensure a flawless stay at The Inn at Aspen, keep the following practical logistics in mind: