Ask any local how they feel about spring in Aspen, and they'll snicker over the insider's joke that spring is snow and mud season, and that's when we all leave town for greener hills. My birthday falls in May, a time of year when the scents of sweet flowers blooming fills the air, but that scent is quickly thwarted as the snow falls and freezes all the new blooms. For those of us who long to feel the sun on our skin, it's a mentally challenging time and I usually leave town to celebrate with strangers and one good friend, or my hubby.
On this particular year, I felt like riding the season out and staying put. After a busy winter, I was ready to slow it all down and watch the tumbleweed gently roll across the road. I was ready to turn up the energy and party like a rockstar with the locals and enjoy a staycation at the W Aspen, a Marriott Bonvoy®. I wanted to be where the small percentage who remained in town knew my name.
And so I packed my overnight bag with lingerie, sweatshirts, jeans and a bathing suit and checked in. Opening the door to my suite-like room I belly-flopped onto the bed and rested my chin in my hands taking in my surroundings: the snow flurrying outside my window, the chocolates and flourless chocolate cake and fruit plate waiting to be gobbled down, and the oversized creamy hoodie stating my favorite expression, "MORE POWDER DAYS." I didn't need to bring my own sweatshirt!
What also caught my eye were the notecards left by my bed, beckoning me to pick up a pen and start writing. I began with "Flip the Script," moved on to "Stroke of Genius," and ended with "Things to Remember Not to Forget," which reminded me to head down for lunch and a glass of champagne at 39 Degrees to begin the celebrations.
Great Location In Aspen
The location of W Aspen couldn't be better. With a path practically right outside the front door that leads directly to the gondola and a local's favorite, The Ute Trail, just a short walk up the street.
Described as "punishingly steep" by AllTrails.com, don't curse me out if you choose to hike the Ute Trail. Be prepared. Bring oxygen, water, and your raincoat. You can stop for the views at Ute Rock and hike down if you have good knees, or head to the top for lunch, a beer or bottle of vino and Bluegrass at The Sundeck. If you are one of those overly ambitious types, hike up early enough for the outside yoga; you'll need it! Don't worry; you can take the gondy down (check the music schedule, sign up for the yoga, and make sure the gondy is open first!)
W Aspen Interior Design
Designed by Rowland + Broughton, a local architecture firm, the "Chalet Architectural Design" of W Aspen incorporates the history of Aspen in a retro and funky manner. You'll see mining elements, including a large silver nugget DJ booth representing the largest silver nugget discovered and then stolen in a railroad heist. You'll also be taken back to the red light district of the 1870's & 1880's. If you think Aspen is wild now imagine it when it was rougher and rowdier with miners and prospectors getting restless. Imagine brothels, saloons, and gambling dens.
"W Hotel’s first mountain escape in North America and the first new luxury Aspen hotel in 25 years, 126,000 square foot W Aspen and the Sky Residences at W Aspen builds on Aspen’s rich history and skiing heritage. Inspired by the infusion of a significant number of iconic ski chalets in the area in the 1940s-60s, R+B sought to design a modern interpretation of a traditional chalet. In addition to serving as architect in designing the modern chalet, our team played an essential role in the entitlements process and community outreach." ~ Rowland + Broughton website
W Aspen is a great example of how the true spirit of a property can be maintained while elevating the experiences of the next generation of travelers and residents. The iconic chalet style was first introduced to Aspen in the 1940s and, over time, the style has been slowly eroded. The new design as a modern-day translation and renaissance of the chalet architectural style, with its sloping roofs, natural high-quality materials, many articulations and public-accessed rooftop, weaves into the fabric of Aspen and contributes to the base of the mountain. The variety of amenities and thoughtfully designed public spaces at W Aspen will provide a venue and place to stay that encourages youth and fun. We are proud to be a part of such an amazing project. ~ John Rowland, AIA, Principal
W Aspen Extreme Wow + Wow Suites
W Aspen has four WOW suites and one Extreme WOW, paying homage to Ute Native Americans who originally inhabited the valley and can be seen in the prints and patterns displayed throughout the room. Had we gotten this room, we would only have gotten into trouble, so perhaps it's a good thing we didn't.
WET® Deck
I've thrown many an Aspen Business Connect party up on the WET® Deck, and some of my favorite moments were when the weather was lousy. Getting into the elements makes for better connecting when there are fire pits to keep you warm.
It's also fun to work on the WET® Deck. Talk about an office with a view! Even on vacation, staying connected to work can be necessary, especially when you do what I do. Lounge poolside and dip into the heated pool and hot tub for distraction rather than checking your Instagram feed.
W Aspen 39 Degrees
We also enjoyed the most delicious dinner at 39 Degrees, W Aspen’s signature restaurant. Chef Alexis Torris from Dubai offers a menu of retro-inspired dishes with a modern twist. The indoor and outdoor dining spaces provide the perfect setting to enjoy $8 cocktails and sliders, making it a must-visit during your stay. I will be dreaming about those fish tacos for months to come. Fernanda took such good care of us, and I liked that she shook things up by serving my birthday dessert before the entrees arrived. Instagram Post.
My stay at W Aspen was nothing short of extraordinary. The hotel's perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and impeccable service made it a standout destination in Aspen. Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, W Aspen offers an unforgettable experience that caters to every type of traveler. I should explore all of the Marriott Bonvoy® hotels around the world. What do you think?
BMW X7 + X5 Airport Shuttle
From taking a spin in a BMW X7 + X5, storing your skis overnight, to ordering in-room dining at midnight, you will live like an Aspen local and create unforgettable moments.
Sky Residences
Be careful, you may enjoy your stay so much at the W, that you may buy into The Sky Residences at W Aspen which includes access to exclusive experiences on the WET® Deck.
The Sky Residences at W Aspen offers 11 W-branded hotel rooms and includes modern interpretations of Ute patterns, inspired by Aspen's decadent “pleasure palaces” of the 70s. Each one is cozy, warm, designed after Swiss chalets and playfully marked with room plates evoking pop culture icon Bob Ross. ~ marriott.com
Thank you, W Aspen, for welcoming me and my 25 friends with open arms. We had such a good time on the WET® Deck and swimming in the heated pool and hot tub as Ryan from the bar fed us and served cocktails that we promptly spilled. Thank you for staying charming, Ryan!
- W Aspen hosted this media stay. All opinions and experiences shared are my own. Thank you to the W Aspen team for making this stay genuinely remarkable.
