Worth the Upgrade: The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Aspen Mountain now offers 20 percent more terrain for expert skiers with a new area called Hero’s that launched last year with 153 additional acres of chutes, glades and vast views of Independence Pass (accessible via high-speed quad). This marked the mountain’s first major addition since 1985, with new improvements debuting this season—and at the base of Aspen Mountain, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is one of our favorite places to stay in America’s most glamorous ski town. Says Trip Designer Caroline Hansen, who recently visited, “A highlight is meeting the hotel’s beloved mascot, Kitty, a massive Bernese mountain dog who greets guests and makes them feel right at home. Also, don’t miss the daily Champagne sabering ritual; it’s a fun way to learn a bit about the hotel’s history, meet other guests and enjoy some bubbly!” We also love the 14,000-square-foot RAKxa spa—with an oxygen lounge, BallancerPro lymphatic drainage compression suits, and water and steam circuits—and The Snow Lodge, the on-site supper club and DJ lounge from the same team behind Montauk’s Surf Lodge, which reopens for the season on December 6.

The resort unveiled a full transformation last December, including renovated rooms and public spaces. Read on to find out why the suites at this special property are worth the upgrade—plus, get local tips from our Aspen-based Indagare Ambassadors below.

Located at the base of Aspen Mountain between the Silver Queen Gondola and Lift 1-A, this five-floor, 179-room property provides all the luxe amenities and services expected from St. Regis Hotels & Resorts around the globe. With three restaurants (Velvet Buck, Mountain Social Bar & Lounge and Chefs Club), an outdoor heated pool and a full spa, the hotel serves as a well-located retreat just a short walk away from the buzzy Aspen scene. The property is decorated in a fine Western alpine style, with fur throws draped across beds by Ralph Lauren and a river-rock fireplace in the lobby.

The best views are from the mountain-facing Grand Deluxe rooms on the second floor (ask for one with a balcony) and many of the 25 suites, each of which comes with bespoke furnishings by Rottet Studio (including 400-thread-count Frette linens and marble bathrooms), complimentary butler service, sofa beds and connecting configurations to create space for families. The king-bedroom Aspen Mountain Suite looks over its namesake peak—and the resort’s pool—from a fourth-floor corner location. High ceilings and custom furnishings—like brown leather club chairs and leather trunks—create an elevated yet homey environment, while a state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen sound system, fully-functional kitchenette with a wine chiller and a dining room built for eight guests invites festive gatherings. The marble bathroom is also a highlight, with a deep-soaking bathtub, a separate shower and powder room, double vanities and Remède Spa bath amenities. On the top floor, the Presidential Suite is inspired by a 19th-century mountain manor and also presents Aspen Mountain vistas (which are best observed from the private balcony), with luxe accents like a marble fireplace and a baby grand piano. The bedroom-bathroom-dining layout is the same as in the Aspen Mountain Suite, with an additional full bathroom and walk-in closet. The hotel’s east wing is given over to twenty-five two- and three-bedroom residences, which are individually sold but rentable, subject to availability. They have their own private entrance, elevator and concierge service.

For high-altitude remedies, we love the 14,000-square-foot RAKxa spa and its oxygen lounge. A treatment here is a must, with options targeting tension, poor sleep, the seven chakras, lymphatic drainage and more—and those brave enough will want to take a dip in the cold plunge. Plus, don't miss the hotel's adorable, fluffy and very friendly Bernese mountain dog, Kitty, who lives on-property, as well as the signature St. Regis daily Champagne sabering ritual for all guests.

For great service and comfortable, cozy accommodations—slightly removed from the Aspen bustle—The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a wonderful choice.

This article was created in partnership with Marriott International, Inc.