The Hotel Jerome, Aspen

Hotel Jerome has been central to Aspen history since Jerome Wheeler — who sold his share of Macy’s department store and invested in a railroad, silver mines and real estate during the 1879– 1893 silver boom — built the Hotel Jerome in 1889. The luxurious four-story, red brick and limestone structure with imposing arched windows was designed to emulate the genteel, gentleman’s club ambiance of the Hotel Claridge in London. International socialites who arrived on Pullman sleeping cars found “modern” conveniences: electricity, indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, steam heat and an elevator. The classic lobby still showcases its locally crafted floor tiles, columns, a fireplace and a rose-and-green-colored glass ceiling.

In the 1940s, Chicago philanthropist Elizabeth Paepcke and her industrialist husband, Walter, influenced a cultural renaissance. They established an overlay of culture to a ski town and called it the Athens of the West and even founded the Aspen Institute in the 1960s. In the 70s, the JBar — where kids still savor a burger — lured liberals, hippies and musicians, including Jimmy Buffet, The Eagles and Colorado’s own John Denver.

Hotel Jerome

In 2012, Todd Avery Lenehan, of TAL Studios, refurbished the hotel and brought a joyful spirit to the décor with checks, plaids, animal prints, lots of studded and tufted leather, mahogany-framed mirrors and even cashmere drapes, which added sophistication and style to the East Lake furnishings, grandfather clocks and marble-topped buffets topped with wood-framed mirrors. Throughout, there are decorative Alpine-like items, including wooden deer heads, tree-stump lamps, cowhide chairs, distinctive period pieces and historic artifacts. My favorite is the striking, hand-stitched, 38-star American flag which dates from 1876, when Colorado became the 38^th state.

The gracious grande dame still welcomes families with generously sized rooms, 525–1,265 square feet, and fabulous views. The lower level houses a boutique and organic spa, while the ground level offers a recently opened outdoor pool, garden and patio between the former Aspen Times building, which houses event space. Behind it, new three-bedroom residences are perfect for families in every season. Advise reservations about your boy or girl children (or ask for a rollaway bed) and you will find princess or pirate sheets and cookies and milk amenities; mention a birthday for a special occasion cake.

Hotel Jerome

Aspen is a summertime destination with a wide variety of entertaining activities at the Aspen Recreational Center. Or, see the Maroon Bells, hike the Rio Grande Trail, ride the Silver Queen gondola, fish in the Roaring Ford River, take a jeep tour, a horseback ride, paraglide or go ballooning. The concierge can arrange for Treasure Quest scavenger hunt to learn more about Hotel Jerome and Aspen’s iconic past, recreational activities in town, which might include a camp in the Rocky Mountains for 5–14 year olds, or a two-hour private exploration at the Aspen Center for Environment Studies (they also offer daily and weekly experiences).