In a carefully-planned addition to their au-courant family of boutique hotels that trades harbour views for high country charm, White Elephant hotels is celebrating the opening of its latest outpost.
From socialite Elizabeth Ludwig’s 1920’s East Coast passion project which locals predicted would be a “white elephant,” the group has graciously expanded from its Nantucket origins with sister properties in Palm Beach and Aspen.
Saddle leather and cowboy hats
While many are familiar with the Wild-West stories and legendary four peaks that make up today’s Aspen Snowmass, Homefront’s stay with the new kid in town serendipitously introduced us to the destination’s four-season charm.
Located in the West end, at Main and Garmisch, the White Elephant Aspen is true to brand and a perfect home base. It’s an oasis of calm and quiet sophistication, just steps from the happening American West scene. There’s even a brass elephant head that protrudes from the face of the lobby desk and playful white elephant knockers adorn guest room doors.
Rocky Mountain high
The hotel’s intimate vibe and contemporary interiors blend deep charcoal and saddle tones with tasselled leather furnishings, moody lighting , blonde wood floors and textured stone surfaces.
Our suites are spacious combinations of bedrooms, with stay-here-forever White Elephant beds, and light-filled sitting- rooms. Many of the 30–plus rooms have private outdoor terraces or balconies for taking in the snowy peaks and fresh mountain air.
A one-of-a-kind perch
The hotel’s 1,560 square-foot, three-bedroom Ajax Penthouse comes complete with a crackling fireplace, full-size chef’s kitchen, generous dining and living areas, and a grand mountain-view terrace outfitted with plush seating and a clubby outdoor fire pit.
Artfully done
Fans of other White Elephant locations will acknowledge that one of the brand’s highlights is the owner’s focus on commissioned and curated art that dialogues with each region’s past and present.
With more than 125 original works of art in the Aspen common areas and rooms, guests are encouraged to take a self-guided journey through the collection.
The ideal backdrop
Aspen has it all—just ask the concierge. Borrow a house BMW and head to the slopes. Enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, an afternoon of shopping, gallery hopping or getting fitted for your very own cowboy hat at Kemo Sabe. If you’re so inclined you’ll be impressed with the art studios at Anderson Ranch. And, if the timing is right as it was for us, take in a classical concert at the world-famous Aspen Institute or a hike along the Maroon Lake scenic trail.
Follow the magic
When day is done, take a dip in the pool, hang in the patio bar, or simply lounge in your robe as we did after a scrumptious dinner at Lola41.
And, when your curiosity gets the better of you, hunt for a secret spot on lower level hidden by a display of vintage skis and poles. Then make friends with the White Elephant
Aspen’s very approachable Managing Director, Justin Todd. If you’re lucky he’ll pop open a hidden door and invite you to discover Below 41, his secret speakeasy.
Anderson Ranch
A former sheep farm, Anderson Ranch is an emerging artist’s paradise—a summer camp and year-round campus for adults of all ages interested in nurturing their creative vices with photography, ceramics, painting and digital media.
Photos: White Elephant Aspen
