Aspen Meadows Resort
Aspen, Colorado
ClassicTravel.com searches for the best hotels in Aspen and Aspen Meadows is one we like for all seasons. Aspen Meadows is located on 40 acres beside the Roaring Fork River and somewhat isolated from the rest of Aspen. The hotel is part of the Aspen Institute and most think of it as a meeting place where scholars and the think tank types meet to discuss world economic issues. However, this relatively unknown gem of a hotel, Aspen Meadows is a deluxe property that is the perfect resort for those that don’t want to be in the middle of the action. The hotel provides shuttle service to the slopes and the center of Aspen, a mere 5 minutes way. However, it is the summer months that the hotel can claim high season rates. The Aspen Music Fesitival is walking distance. Every year at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic the 10 Best New Chef's Dinner takes place here. Be sure to check out ClassicTravel.com’s destination guide for Aspen
A motor entrance circles around to the Bauhaus-style reception building. Colorful posters of the institute's past line the walls. On the lower level are a fireside lounge, Plato’s restaurant that serves dinner with spectacular views. The Continental breakfast is more than standard fare, with Belgian waffles, hard-boiled eggs and an assortment of seasonal fruits.
For those interested in a physical workout, the health club offers a gymnasium, a fitness center with cardio and weight machines, a year-round outdoor whirlpool and lap pool, and a tennis facility with four cushioned hard courts and two Har-Tru courts. A pro shop and instruction (in season) are also on-site, as are massage services and a steam room. Miles of trails offer jogging and walking opportunities.
The recently expanded meeting space is modern, well-equipped and blessed with natural light. The newest venue has expanded conference capacity to 300, though larger groups can be accommodated outdoors. Wireless Internet access is now available for a fee. Parking is free, and the shuttle makes the trip into town every half-hour.
The contemporary accommodations are located in six Bauhaus-style structures across from the reception building, they offer a distinct detour from the mountain lodge styling found throughout town. They have been updated with new soft goods, tile and flat-screen TVs. The studios are almost as large as suites, with even the smallest ones measure 600 sq ft and offer daybeds with trundles instead of sofas. The modern, minimalist furnishings and decor are well-matched to the rectilinear architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows.
All units come with a fine array of amenities, such as TVs with VCRs, dual-line phones with data ports, wireless Internet access, coffeemakers, wet bars with refrigerators and microwaves, ample storage and patios or balconies. The one bedroom suites were our favorites and do request 200 (down) or 220 (up). These are end units in the last building. Here the views are even more breathtaking as you have an unobstructed view of the meadow and the mountains.
