Aspen is located about 200 miles west of Denver in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. It's a lovely, tranquil haven during all four seasons, decorated with bright wildflowers in the summer and golden yellow aspen leaves in the fall.
There’s no doubt, though, that Aspen is the most wonderful during the winter, when new snow sparkles on the trees and the streets of downtown come alive with glittering strings of lights. Aspen is a major winter outdoor activity hub, with four alpine ski resorts offering more than 5,300 acres of terrain as well as over 60 miles of trails to explore on snowshoes or cross-country skis between Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt.
In order to get the most out of your Aspen vacation, the best place to stay is, hands-down, downtown. Aspen Mountain, shopping, live entertainment, and restaurants are all within walking distance of any downtown Aspen vacation rental. If you want to explore further than the downtown Aspen core, bus stations are conveniently located throughout the town, with 5-to-15-minute travel times to the other mountains and valley activities.
So, what can you do if you stay in downtown Aspen?
Enjoy the Town
When you fantasize about taking a holiday in a picturesque mountain town, you’re most certainly thinking about a place like Aspen. With just over 7,000 full-time residents, Aspen is located in one of the most beautiful portions of the Roaring Fork Valley, with breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains from nearly every vantage point. But if you stay in Aspen’s true "downtown" area, you’ll have a plethora of possibilities in almost every “vacation requirement” category. It's quick and easy to stroll from one side of town to the other, while exploring and enjoying everything in between.
Easy Access to All the Mountains
When it comes to mountain proximity, downtown Aspen wins, hands-down. Aspen Mountain is literally within walking distance. Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are both within three miles. Snowmass is just 8-10 miles from downtown. While the mileage between mountains may not seem significant during your vacation-planning phase, it may make all the difference at the end of a long skiing or mountain biking day, when a hot tub soak at your vacation rental is calling your name. We advise you stay as close to downtown as possible.
Ease and Abundance of Transportation
Aspen boasts one of the greatest public transit networks in the country. There are several free and economical choices for getting around Aspen without having to drive yourself, ranging from free bikeshare to ride sharing to free buses to the electric cars that are part of the Downtowner service.
Walk and Shop
When you choose a vacation rental in downtown Aspen, you can wander the streets of downtown at your leisure, discover a shop for nearly every designer favorite. You’ll also want to stop by some local favorites like Pitkin County Dry Goods, which has been a go-to for trendy clothing for almost 50 years. Kemo Sabe offers all of the fashionable cowboy hats and boots you could desire.
Immerse Yourself in History
Aspen was recognized as a mining town back in the 1800s, which is why it has such an “Old West” feel. Some old structures may still be seen in downtown Aspen. If you enjoy history and architecture, you’ll be in heaven in Aspen, which was founded as a resort in the 1880s and eventually became a well-known skiing and tourist destination. The Aspen Historical Society offers a number of free tours, which take place on nearly a daily basis.
Stroll to Supper
In Aspen, we take our meals seriously. Downtown Aspen offers it all, whether you want to dine at a high-end restaurant or grab a fast snack.
When you’re staying downtown, you’ll have access to a plethora of excellent restaurants within walking distance. Begin your day with breakfast at Poppycock’s, located just a block from the Silver Queen gondola on Aspen Mountain. Spring Café serves fresh, organic dishes such as acai bowls and superfood salads, as well as juices, smoothies, and coffee. The bright Grateful Deli, on Main Street or Big Wrap, are perfect for items to go.
Meat & Cheese is a terrific location to stop in for a drink and a delicious charcuterie or rotisserie board (though there are other great dishes on offer as well). Steakhouse 316 will allow you to taste oysters Rockefeller, a thick butcher's cut, and filling sides such as twice-baked potatoes. Best Escort Girls. Matsuhisa is an Aspen must-visit, with fantastic seafood such as toro tartar, caviar, and the legendary broiled black cod with miso. Visit the Hotel Jerome's J-Bar for one of the greatest burgers in town, and the Aspen Hickory House to sample some of the best ribs in Colorado.
Access to Nightlife
You'll find plenty of walkable entertainment after the sun goes down in downtown Aspen, whether you're looking for a culinary feast, a candlelit dinner, a club-hop with pals, or a rowdy late-night party. You won’t have to worry about finding a cab or driving a car once you’ve had your nightlife fill, because you’ll be just steps away from a comfortable vacation rental bed.
Downtown Aspen Condominium Hotel
The Aspen Square is conveniently located in downtown Aspen, just across the street from the Silver Queen Gondola. Explore our downtown condo rentals as you plan your next Aspen vacation — you won’t be sorry you found a place in town!