The Skier’s Chalet in Aspen was by far the best place I have stayed in my seven years of the Motherlode. Tiny place, but nicely decorated like a Swiss chalet in the Alps. The rooms have 2 double beds or 1 king and all but two rooms are non-smoking. They do allow dogs, but only with advance notice. The baths have these luxurious showerheads with tiny multiple heads around one large one. Looks like a strange metal flower. Absolute heaven. The rooms also have cable TV, a small refrigerator and lots of storage, more than we needed.
The hotel is located in a prime location at the base of the A1 ski lift so it is ski in/ski out. If you don’t ski, who cares, the place is fantastic. The front balcony of the building has wonderful views of town. There’s a small pool in the back. No whirlpool, which would be nice, however, the pool's temperature is a 85 degrees, so it’s like a hot tub without the bubbles. The hotel is only a few blocks from downtown; however, the way back is straight uphill. Coming back and walking those last two blocks up to the hotel are a workout.
The owners of Skier’s Chalet are Don and Christine. Along with their five children, they take care of all guests. If you’re worried about having five kids underfoot, don't. The only evidence of five kids was all the bicycles parked out front.
The Skier’s Chalet offers complementary continental breakfast everyday, but if you think it’s a box of doughnuts and Folger’s coffee you are way off. They provide fresh baked breads, muffins from a local bakery and the coffee is gourmet plus all the extras like fresh cream, Coffeemate and sugar. They provide several kinds of boxed cold cereals and packets of Quaker oatmeal. There are bowls of fresh fruit and packets Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Mix. In a small refrigerator are rows of small juice bottles, milk, yogurt, and cream. Breakfast is also a chance to socialize. Don and Christine are always in the lobby and want to know everything about you. They will share with you where all the restaurants are and where they buy their fresh bread. For special occasions and events, Don and Christine host happy hours in the lobby with complementary wine, beer and crackers. When my partner and I soaked in the warm pool, Christine brought us glass after glass of red wine. We didn’t even need to get out of the pool. Talk about warm and fuzzy.
Rates for summer 2003 were $98 for 2 double beds. I’m sure winter ski season rates are higher, but still not as high as other hotels in Aspen. If you’re looking for quiet, cozy place to enjoy the high life of Aspen, stay here.