The Little Nell Celebrates 30 Years of Forbes Five‑Star Excellence and Announces New NYC Location

The Little Nell Celebrates 30 Years of Five-Star Excellence and Announces New Expansion

Aspen, Colorado – February 11, 2026 – The Little Nell, Aspen’s renowned ski-in/ski-out hotel, is commemorating three decades of consistent Forbes Five-Star recognition. This milestone underscores the property’s unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary luxury,personalized service,and an unparalleled guest experience in the Rocky Mountains.

A Legacy of Luxury and Service

First achieving the coveted Five-Star status in 1995, The Little Nell has consistently set the standard for hospitality in Aspen. The hotel’s dedication to anticipating and exceeding guest expectations has fostered a loyal clientele from across the globe. The Little Nell is also a Five-Diamond property, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination. According to Forbes Travel Guide, only approximately 3% of the world’s hotels achieve a Five-Star rating.

Culinary Delights and Wine expertise

The Little Nell offers a variety of acclaimed dining experiences.Element 47, recommended by the Michelin guide, provides a sophisticated culinary journey, while Ajax Tavern is celebrated for its vibrant après-ski atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy an extensive wine selection at The Wine Bar, complemented by an intimate speakeasy.

The hotel’s wine program is particularly distinguished,having earned a Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 1997. This recognition, alongside consistent placement on Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America list, highlights the team’s expertise and dedication to providing an exceptional wine experience. moreover, the James Beard Foundation has repeatedly acknowledged the program’s excellence.

Experiences Beyond the Slopes

As a Relais & Châteaux resort, The Little Nell provides unique access to Aspen Mountain. The hotel’s Ski Concierge team curates exclusive winter adventures, including First tracks – offering early access to freshly groomed slopes – and guided Powder Tours on the mountain’s backcountry.

Beyond winter, The Little Nell transforms into a summer haven.Guests can indulge in bespoke experiences like mountaintop yoga, fly fishing, stargazing, and off-road excursions. The property also features lush gardens, a year-round pool, hot tub, and health center.

expansion on the Horizon: New York City Debut

Looking ahead, Aspen One – the parent company of The Little Nell – is expanding its footprint. In 2027, the brand will open its first location outside of Aspen at Rockefeller Center in New York City. This new hotel will bring The Little Nell’s signature level of sophistication and service to the heart of Manhattan.

A Snapshot of Excellence

Award	Year First Achieved	Description
Forbes Five-Star Hotel	1995	Recognizes exceptional luxury, service, and overall guest experience.
AAA Five-Diamond Hotel	1991	Similar to Forbes, denotes a pinnacle of luxury and refinement.
Wine Spectator Grand Award	1997	highest honor for wine programs, recognizing extensive selections and informed service.

“This milestone reflects the passion and dedication of our team and the enduring spirit of Aspen,” stated Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality. “We are honored to welcome guests with experiences that feel timeless yet contemporary, and we are committed to upholding the standards of excellence that define The Little Nell.”

What aspects of a luxury hotel experience are most crucial to you? Do you prefer a focus on culinary offerings, outdoor adventures, or personalized service?

For more information, please visit thelittlenell.com or follow @thelittlenell on Instagram and Facebook.

How will The Little nell maintain its five‑star standards in the new Manhattan location?

The Little Nell: 30 Years of Five-Star Luxury & A New Manhattan Chapter

For three decades, The Little Nell has stood as Aspen’s only Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel, synonymous with unparalleled ski-in/ski-out access and bespoke service. Now, this legacy of refined hospitality is expanding beyond the Rockies with the proclamation of a new location in the heart of New York City, slated to open in late 2027. This marks a meaningful milestone for the iconic hotel, bringing its distinctive brand of luxury to a new audience.

A Legacy Forged in Aspen

established in 1995, The Little Nell quickly redefined the luxury hotel experience in Aspen. Unlike many hotels of the era, it was conceived as a modern, intimate retreat, directly at the base of Aspen Mountain. This prime location, combined with a commitment to anticipating guest needs, propelled it to the forefront of the hospitality industry.

* Early Innovations: The Little Nell pioneered amenities like ski concierge services, ensuring guests could seamlessly transition from arrival to the slopes.

* Consistent Recognition: Maintaining a Forbes five-Star rating for 30 consecutive years is a testament to the hotel’s unwavering dedication to excellence.Fewer than 1% of hotels worldwide achieve this distinction.

* Personalized Service: The hotel’s staff-to-guest ratio is notably high, allowing for highly personalized service and attention to detail. This includes anticipating preferences, arranging bespoke experiences, and providing a truly memorable stay.

Expanding the Nell Experience: The NYC Venture

The decision to expand to New York City represents a strategic move to broaden The Little Nell’s reach and introduce its unique brand of luxury to a global audience. the new hotel will be located in midtown Manhattan, offering convenient access to iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and vibrant cultural attractions.

What to Expect in NYC:

* Boutique Atmosphere: The NYC location will mirror the intimate, boutique feel of the Aspen property, eschewing the scale of larger Manhattan hotels.

* Curated Design: Expect a elegant design aesthetic, blending modern elegance with alpine-inspired touches, paying homage to its Aspen roots.

* Signature Amenities: Guests can anticipate the same level of personalized service, including a dedicated concierge team, curated experiences, and exceptional dining options.

* residential-Style Suites: The hotel will feature a collection of spacious suites designed for both short and extended stays, catering to discerning travelers.

The Impact of Forbes Five-Star Recognition

The Forbes Five-Star rating isn’t merely a badge of honor; it’s a rigorous evaluation process that assesses every aspect of the guest experience. From the physical condition of the property to the quality of service and attention to detail, hotels must meet exacting standards to earn and maintain this prestigious recognition.

Key Criteria for Forbes Five-Star Hotels:

1. Exceptional Service: Proactive, personalized, and anticipating guest needs.
2. Luxurious Facilities: Impeccably maintained and offering state-of-the-art amenities.
3. Refined Dining: High-quality cuisine, attentive service, and an elegant ambiance.
4. Immaculate Condition: A pristine and well-maintained property.
5. Attention to Detail: A commitment to exceeding guest expectations in every aspect of the experience.

The Little Nell’s Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond luxury, The Little Nell has increasingly focused on lasting practices. This commitment extends to both the Aspen property and will be integral to the design and operation of the NYC location.

* Renewable Energy: The aspen hotel utilizes renewable energy sources to minimize its carbon footprint.

* Waste Reduction: Complete recycling and composting programs are in place to reduce waste.

* Local Sourcing: The hotel prioritizes sourcing local and organic ingredients for its restaurants.

* Water Conservation: Water-saving technologies and practices are implemented throughout the property.

A New Era for Luxury Hospitality

The Little Nell’s expansion to New York City signals a new era for the brand and for luxury hospitality as a whole. By bringing its signature blend of personalized service, refined elegance, and commitment to sustainability to a new market, The Little Nell is poised to redefine the luxury hotel experience in Manhattan. The anticipation is building for the late 2027 opening, promising a new haven for discerning travelers seeking an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication.