A Staycation at W Aspen on a Snowy Spring Day - Aspen Real Life

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A Staycation at W Aspen on a Snowy Spring Day

I had a staycation at W Aspen during the off-season. It was the perfect hotel to relax and spend time with my husband and friends over my birthday.

Ask any local how they feel about spring in Aspen, and they’ll snicker over the insider’s joke that spring is mud season, and that’s when we all leave town for greener hills. My birthday falls in May, a beautiful time of year, everywhere but Aspen.

This year, I wanted to stay put. After a busy winter, I was ready to enjoy the empty streets with tumbleweeds tumbling across the road. Also, I wasn’t in the mood to party with strangers. I wanted to be where the small percentage who remained in town knew my name. 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®.

Birthday Gifts from the W

After checking in, I belly-flopped onto the bed. Resting my chin in my hands, I paused for reflection. I took 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.”

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.

Best Aspen Hotel Locations

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, think brothels, saloons, and gambling dens.

Topo map carpets and the Silver Nugget DJ Booth

“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 XTREME 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.

W Aspen WET® Deck

W Aspen 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

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?

Informative Staff

WEEKLY PROGRAMMING AND ACTIVATED SPACES

Locals and visitors alike can enjoy weekly programming, including wellness and sound sessions. The Sunday Pool Party runs from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., providing a full day of fun and relaxation.

Below are a few activations this summer at W beginning with their summer Kick-Off Weekend June 7-9. These are open to locals/ visitors and almost all are complimentary. Visit their website to learn more.

Locals Happy Hour
May 1-June 5
2-6 PM, The Rooftop
9-10 PM, 39 Degrees

Townie by Aperol: starting June 7th. Daily from 11 am to 6:00 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). The W Aspen Trailer park is in front of the hotel for light and refreshing drinks (Miraval Rose wine, Champagne Lallier, Aperol Spritz…)

Sun Chasers – Rooftop by Patron Starting June 8th: Daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Cocktails, light bites, and unmatched views. DJ every Sunday

After-Dark by Casamigos at Grotto starting June 8th (once a month: June 8th, July 13th, August 17th) from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am. DJ + Live performance and Late-night taco cart. Grotto is the resort Lounge/night club

Magic Mic by Grotto: every Saturday starting June 28th. Show your vocal skills at Karaoke. 9:00 pm onward

39 Degrees Live: Live Jazz, blues, Spanish guitar every Friday starting June 28th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Open Mic Night by 39 Degrees. Starting June 12th, every Wednesday. First come first sing. 9:00 pm to 12:00 am

Rooftop Yoga
Every Saturday (starting June 8), 10-11 AM
The Rooftop

Full Moon Yoga
Friday, June 21, 8-11 PM
The Rooftop

Floating Sound Bath
Saturday, June 22, 7-8 PM
The Rooftop

BMW X7 + X5 Airport Shuttle

W Aspen BMW

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!

SOMETHING FUN TO DO IN ASPEN

Townie Trailor: For a refreshing break, visit the walk-up Aperol Spritzer station at the Townie Trailer outside W Aspen.

  • 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.

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