We'll be driving back East across Colorado the last week of September and have an extra Friday and Saturday before we get to Denver. Should we stay in Aspen or Vail? Will there still be lifts operating for hiking in the mountains? I have stayed in Vail several times, but only visited Aspen for lunch many years ago. I suspect it will really be rock bottom season and not much will be happening, but which might be more fun? And suggestions for upscale places to stay and eat?

It will NOT be "rock-bottom" season - that's mid-to-late October & November, until the resorts really get going.

September can be the absolute best time to visit in the mountains (warm, sunny days, with little chance of our afternoon rainstorms), and I would guess (but don't know for sure) that the lifts would still be open, at least on the weekends. The resorts should be able to tell you for sure. Of course, the weather will be a bit cooler then, but just bring an extra sweater or jacket.

Either Vail or Aspen is nice. There's probably better hiking in the immediate Aspen area, but there are lots of great hikes either place.

Check any of the guidebooks for upscale places to eat. In Vail, we like La Tour and the Left Bank for special dinners, and there's always Sweet Basil. I'm not familiar with the restaurants in Aspen.

Aspen is Beautiful in September! If you hit is right you can witness the beautiful event for which Aspen is named - The turning of the Aspen trees from green to Gold. While you can get some deals during this period - During the weekends that the Aspens Change colors - The area can be full of local tourists.

I would choose Aspen any day over Vail. Visit the Maroon Bells and Go to the Hot Springs in Glenwood. Have a great time. It is iffy whether or not any of the Ski lifts at Aspen or Snow Mass will be open (for hiking or Moutain biking) - But other hiking and biking trails are terrific that time of year!

Ok, I think we're leaning more and more towards Aspen. Hotels? I believe the Jerome and Little Nell are considered the best, but unless we can get a deal below $300 we'd like an alternative. We would like staying right in the town.

i much prefer aspen to vail _ despite all the development and tourism, downtown aspen still seems like a real town, quaint and friendly, whereas vail struck me as colder and more impersonal.
And those aspens are so beautiful! even if the lifts aren't operating you'll find places to hike.

The Little Nell and Jerome are gorgeous hotels, but an inn called the Sardy House, also within walking distance of everything, was my favorite place a few years ago. (and at least back then, it was a little more in my budget than the other two)

Yes, I agree with the above-Aspen. If you are looking for a less expensive accommodations, look into Snowmass. Another alternative is to spend the night at Glenwood Hot Springs hotels, enjoy the hot pool in the evening, and drive about an hour to Aspen.

Well, I called both Little Nell and the Jerome and although Little Nell wouldn't budge on their lowest price of $325 a night for their cheapest room, The Jerome offered me two Deluxe Junior Suites--650 Square feet each--that are supposed to be $495 per night for an AAA rate of $165. Is that too good to be true? I have booked them, and will call back to see about staying three nights instead of two and cutting our stay in Denver down to one night instead of two. They also said the lifts "should" be open since that will be a weekend.