Should We Spend One Night in Aspen?
 

My husband and I are traveling to Vail, Colorado in July for five nights. Our current plan is to spend all five nights in Vail. We've been to Vail once before and loved it. However, I think we would like Aspen, as well, and am wondering if it's worth it to spend one night. We just want to explore the town and have a nice dinner.

I got a pretty good rate at the St. Regis. Looks VERY nice. In Vail, we are staying at the Sonnenalp.

I would love to explore more of Colorado, but that will have to wait until we are retired. I don't want to drive every day and check in and out of hotels.

Any thoughts?

I've been to Vail and Aspen--last August I spent a week in Aspen for this first time not knowing what to expect, I loved it and am going back for a week this August. So, yes, I think Aspen is worth at least one night! I like Vail, too! But I love the town of Aspen. I stayed across the street from the St. Regis last year--it is VERY nice! :-)

hi mikesmom, yes do go to aspen for a night. it is a much different town than vail. loads of victorian style historic buildings. really cool shopping. great restaurants.
as it is will be in july i would suggest that rather than head west on I70 to glenwood and then over to aspen you instead drive south to leadville on hwy 24 over battle mountain pass. then just south of leadville take hwy 82 over independence pass into aspen. this is one of the most spectacular rides in the state. then you could return to vail throught glenwood the next day.

Thanks for the replies. I think we will go to Aspen for a night.

I'm afraid of Independence Pass!!!!
Isn't it scary???

i

Oops hit the wrong button! There is one section of Independence Pass that is a shelf road- maybe a few miles in length- that is quite narrow, but if I remember correctly if you are going west from Leadville area to Aspen, you are in the inside lane (next to the rock wall not next to the drop off.) (Other Fodorites, check me on this.) The scenery is spectacular! And if you didn't want to tackle the Pass returning to Vail, you could go back through Glenwood Springs and also get to see Glenwood Canyon. Aspen is worth a vist.

Thanks everyone. I just made a reservation at the St. Regis for one night.

Looking forward to it.

I personally prefer Aspen over Vail, so I'd give it the entire visit, or at least more than just one night. If you've already been to Vail, why not just choose Aspen this time? There's so much to do there. And it's prettier, I think, because it doesn't sit right on an interstate highway, like Vail does.

I also much prefer Aspen over Vail. Plan to see the Maroon Bells, which have visiting hour restrictions.

Independence Pass is fantastic. You'll feel like you're in another world. I don't find it a difficult drive.

I would also stay the whole time in Aspen, if your rate is comparable. It's far more interesting than Vail and there are so many more things to see and do.

Thanks everyone. I'll have to talk to my husband about staying two nights in Aspen. We do have to stay in Vail the last evening of our trip, as we have tickets to a concert at the Ford Amphitheater.

Hotel costs are a little higher in Aspen. Parking is $26 per night and our room rate does not include breakfast. Neither of these hotel choices is cheap - LOL

I think Aspen is again offering a $50 gas deal for visitors who drive there this summer. You can probably go to Aspen Central Reservations and find details.
Check out Aspen Square, also, for a nice condo/hotel in the center of town. The St. Regis is beautiful, but very expensive.
Be aware that Independence Pass is not a good idea if you're driving a wide vehicle. There are parts so narrow only two small cars can pass easily.

I'll look into Aspen Square Hotel. The St. Regis is expensive. I'm worried that the whole place might be a little too upscale for us. I do enjoy nice hotels and resorts, but we're just regular folks and I don't want to feel totally out of place. This is a splurge for us. Let's put it this way, our rental car won't be a Cadillac or a Lexus.

I just checked the availability of the Aspen Square. We can stay in a studio condo for about $100 less than the St. Regis and the parking is free, I think. That would be savings of $126! I checked tripadvisor and it seems that most people are quite satisfied with Aspen Square.

Thanks!

Take a look at www.aspenmountainlodge.com It's got free parking and is walking distance to downtown. There is a free bus system in Aspen so you can take that anywhere you want to go.

Don't worry about feeling out of place. Actually, Aspen is more low key and comfortable than Vail, in my opinion. Especially in Summer when it's a base for all kinds of outdoor activities. It's a very casual environment. Check to see what music events might be happening while you're there. There are often free venues around town.

Mikesmom, you must visit Aspen, if only to dispel the notion that it's only for the Rich and Famous. Aspen still has roots back in the 60s, still has its rebellious attitude underneath it all. Remember Hunter Thompson lived there? It has old Victorian homes, and its nice to walk that neighborhood near downtown Aspen. Of course, they are multi-million dollar little homes...
There's great music festivals in Aspen in the summertime. We've seen Boz Scaggs there, and India Arie (sp?), plus classical, etc. Lots of good outdoor music venues in the evenings.
Anyway, don't feel you'll be out of place there. Believe me, we're from the Midwest and abhor fake glitz. Aspen feels more like an original Colorado town, still at heart.
We have stayed at Aspen Square and can highly recommend it. It's right in town, good service like a hotel, yet they are nice condos, especially if you view Aspen ski mountain. Call them directly, of course, for the best rate. We called and were given a discount for a 2 bdrm., 2 bath for later this month. It's $323/night.

hi, as martym says you will be traveling west and thus on the inside lane. maybe you'll like it so much you'll choose to return to vail that way instead of through glenwood. and everyone goes quite slowly because of the scenery. also there are lots of places to pull off for gawking or letting faster drivers go by. this is one of the most beautiful drives i know of and well worth it! GO!! i promise you'll be glad.

I thing Glenwood Canyon is worth driving through. While Independence Pass is not to be missed, it will take you a bit longer than the other direction, and driving it (I do the circle in one day sometimes) can be tiring.

I vote for two nights in Aspen as well. It is absolutely gorgeous in the summer. 3 nights in Vail and 2 nights in Aspen would be great (though if it were me, I might do 3 nights in Aspen, 2 nights in Vail . . . .)

Thank you all so much for your kind and informative replies. You have given us much to think about. I have a few days before I have to make a final decision. I'm going to talk to my husband.

Thanks again!

Well, you've talked us into it! My husband and I have decided to stay two nights in Aspen. It sounds beautiful and right up our alley!

Now, I just have to decide if I want to bite the bullet and keep our reservations at the St. Regis (which looks VERY nice), or try to find something a little less $$$

I could also use some restaurant recommendations for Aspen. I may start a new thread.

Thanks again.

When you get to Aspen you will find magazines that have many of the restaurants in town with their menus included. It's really helpful for getting an idea of what you want to eat and where. Don't worry about what to do; you'll find info around with more ideas than you can find time for!

We liked the more home-spun restaurants in Aspen best. Johnny McGuires serves up a mean breakfast sandwich - just the thing to keep you hiking all morning long. And the burgers at Ajax Tavern were great. As were the burgers at Little Annie's. Also, we had a good meal at Blue Maize.

We did not like the scene at Jimmy's, but it seemed to be a local favorite.

The historic Hotel Jerome in 'downtown' Aspen has a nice upscale restaurant, and its bar is infamous. The Jerome is an interesting place to see, at least. The service there is impeccable. The building itself and its furnishings give you a peek into the past.

If you get over to Glenwood, Florinda's Italian restaurant & Juicy Lucy's Steak House are my favorites. Also, I love to take the gondola up to the Glenwood Caverns and have lunch at the Exclamation Point restaurant> the food isn't exceptionally good but with that view, who cares!!! I love the cave tour and also try the bike path through the canyon (when you rent the bike, they take you to the trailhead & you ride back to glenwood along the river> easy & spectacular!!)
I am a Vail local so somewhat partial!!You'll love the amphitheater concert! IMO Best Vail restaurants are Sweet Basil, Kelly Liken, Larkspur. For a great casual dinner, walk across the street from the Sonnenalp to La Botega for great pasta!
Most locals hit restaurants in Edwards (about 15 miles west> fun restaurants & shopping) Fiesta's for Mexican can't be beat.
Enjoy your stay!

Thank you for your suggestions.

We are looking forward to our trip.