On the heels of a safe and successful summer in Aspen, The Little Nell has closed for off-season. This allows for a six-week window to put the finishing touches on a living room and lobby renovation. The hotel will reopen Monday, Nov. 23, in time for Aspen Mountain’s Opening Day for ski season on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26.
“This summer, we took a fresh perspective and tried several new concepts and practices,” said Little Nell General Manager Jonathan Fillman. “With our guests’ and employees’ health and wellbeing in mind, we introduced our Nurturing + Safety Program, which is outlined on our website and updated regularly. New Nell standards and offerings include contactless check-in; mobile room keys; pay-at-table options; QR code menus; electrostatic cleaning; mask enforcement officers; revisions to our complimentary mini bar, transportation, and restaurant operations; socially-distanced private events; Nourish By The Nell take-out service; a weekly movie night at Ajax Tavern and more.” Looking ahead towards winter with a focus on “The Importance of Time Together,” we are pleased to announce what’s new with further details to follow.
HOTEL HAPPENINGS
Renovations – This fall, The Little Nell living room and lobby renovation by acclaimed architect and interior design firm Luis Bustamante of Spain will be complete and unveiled upon the reopening of the hotel on November 23. The renovation work thus far includes a screen wall between the lobby and fireplace; a wood-paneled bookcase in the living room along with new chairs and ottomans; a mirrored ceiling set in the lobby level elevator corridor; as well as wallpaper in the stairwell leading to the lower level of the hotel. The finishing touches this fall to the living room include wall paneling from floor to ceiling and a new carpet, sofas, tables and chairs. Additional furniture, fixtures, and equipment include new sconces, artwork in the niches next to the fireplace, and a large round table in the middle of the entryway vestibule. A photo shoot is planned for early December.
“Work From Hotel” – Extended stays of 30 days or more at The Little Nell and Residences at The Little Nell are offered for a preferred rate of 20% off of the Best Available Rate. Stays for 30 days or longer also result in the waiver of Colorado State Sales tax (11.3%) savings. The hotel’s dedicated IT department manages all guest requests at both properties and ensures high speed WiFi is operational. The six luxury suites at the hotel each have a desk with a personal computer, monitor and printer and the concierge can accommodate printing requests for guests. Residences at The Little Nell’s 26 residences each have a desk, personal computer, monitor and printer. In-room dining is also available 24/7.
Winter Wall – Each summer, the hotel courtyard comes alive with lush gardens, which are accented by a colorful living wall above the pool. As a complement to the snowy scape in winter, a winter wall was introduced last ski season, visible from the mountainside hotel rooms and suites, living room, bar and Element 47. Several designers from around the U.S. were invited to submit their concepts for this year’s winter wall and one will be selected in November with an installation in early December. Among the selection criteria is the usage of color, creativity, sustainability, durability and being alluring both in daylight and at night.
WINE + DINE
The Wine Bar – This highly anticipated winter wine venue will open on Saturday, Dec. 12, in the space formerly known as Chair 9 après-ski bar. This chic space was renovated in 2019 by Champalimaud Design of New York and rebranded for this coming season. Overseen by Wine Director Chris Dunaway and his team of sommeliers, Wine Bar will be open daily from 3 – 7 p.m. with reservations taken for parties up to 10 people in private booth settings and private couch seating areas. Inspired by Wally’s of Beverly Hills, Corkbuzz in New York CIty and Willi’s Wine Bar in Paris, there will be knowledgeable wine- tenders serving approximately a wide variety of wines by the glass, 16 wine enomatics on tap, charcuterie and cheese boards for appetizers, as well as a full bar menu. With a lounge style ambiance, DJs will play daily, set up safely behind a plexiglass partition, spinning Hotel Costes-type downtempo tracks on vinyl/analog. From 7:30 – 10 p.m., the space is available for private, customized wine dinners, offered by reservation as a buyout for one group per night, accommodating up to 50.
Little Nell Wine Academy – The Little Nell Wine Academy has been recognized by many publications including Departures and Robb Report as “the ultimate wine education experience.” Back by popular demand, this program will take place from Sunday, April 11, to Wednesday, April 14, 2021. The theme is Old World Classics vs. American Rivals with an emphasis on wines from Europe slated up against wines from the West Coast of the U.S. Led by Master Sommeliers Jay Fletcher and Dustin Wilson; Little Nell Wine Director Chris Dunaway; Little Nell Food & Beverage Director Csaba Oveges; and Little Nell Sommeliers Jesse Libby, Jacob Johnson and Oscar Fernandez. Classes will take place in Vintage Wine Bar with special lunches, dinners and receptions at Element 47 and Ajax Tavern, Residences at The Little Nell and at the Sundeck’s private diningroom and outdoor deck. The cost is $3,700++ per person for Wine Academy registration. Hotel accommodations are additional, offered for $275++ per night for a standard townside guest room or 25% off premium rooms or suites.
A Virtual Taste of Nell Wine Academy – Take part in a virtual tasting this winter as a preview to Nell Wine Academy in the spring. Registration is open online for the one-hour course, which will be presented live with an opportunity to ask questions at the end. Participants will receive kits prior to the tasting, which will contain four bottles of wine, a tasting mat and pouring instructions. Participants simply need glassware, a ready palate and to log in online. For those participating in Wine Academy, the virtual tasting is included in the cost. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 from 1 – 2 p.m. MT/3 – 4 p.m. ET.
Ajax Tavern will offer its all-day menu from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the dining room and a newly installed tent on the patio. Building on the popular tradition started this summer, Dinner + A Movie will return for winter, presented in part by Moet-Hennessy, on Tuesday.
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