Another door reopens: The Hotel Jerome, Aspen

On Friday, another iconic hotel emerged and showed its refreshed face to the outside world – The Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado. When I learned that the 123 year old hotel was nearing completion of its extensive makeover, I couldn’t help but smile as it brought back many memories of my stay there. Its been over 20 years since I first stepped into the lobby of the Jerome (then, as a “mystery shopper” for American Express Platinum Card) with my friend-in-crime, Karyn, tagging along.

We were carefree and single then – it was a weekend fog of lemon drop shots, visits to the emergency room, late nights at the Caribou Club and early morning returns to the hotel which raised a few eyebrows at the front desk (the demographics of the guests at Jerome being a tad bit older than our 20-something).

On Friday, another iconic hotel emerged and showed its refreshed face to the outside world – The Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado.

When I learned that the 123 year old hotel was nearing completion of its extensive makeover, I couldn’t help but smile as it brought back many memories of my stay there. Its been over 20 years since I first stepped into the lobby of the Jerome (then, as a “mystery shopper” for American Express Platinum Card) with my friend-in-crime, Karyn, tagging along. We were carefree and single then – it was a weekend fog of lemon drop shots, visits to the emergency room, late nights at the Caribou Club and early morning returns to the hotel which raised a few eyebrows at the front desk (the demographics of the guests at Jerome being a tad bit older than our 20-something).

At that time, Jerome was the big game in town. The Little Nell and the St Regis – two Aspen slope side hotels that are so popular with celebrities and families today – were still too new or just a concept. The J-Bar, the legendary bar that is attached to the hotel, was and still draws folks for their inventive cocktails.

Some arbitrary facts:

The original founder/owner of The Hotel Jerome is Jerome Wheeler who also co-owned and was the President of Macys. He built the hotel for $60k.

The Jerome was one of the first buildings west of the Mississippi to get full electric lighting in 1880 – then, a room could be had for $4 a night (now just add two to three zeros).

The ashes of the pastry chef are behind the clock in the lobby (I wonder if they are still there?).

Room 310 is reputed to be haunted by a 10 year old waterboy who drowned in the pool in 1930s. (hmm, I will avoid the 3rd floor)

Under the new auspices of Auberge Resorts, the 94-room Jerome has been restored back to its glory. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the renovation because I loved the Victorian meets Wild West vibe of the old hotel (when the hotel was built in the late 1800s, it was designed to evoke the style of the grand hotels of Europe, like George V in Paris). I am relieved to see its Western soul is still very much evident with a ‘stage-coach chic’ vibe throughout.

The key architecture of the 3-story hotel has been preserved while the design has been refreshed – the lobby, resembling a large comfortable living room, is sure to be the next new hot spot in town. And returning guests will be thrilled to see a new spa and yoga studio has been added. For the guest rooms (all which have been been completely renovated), expect all the luxurious touches one would expect from an Auberge Resort.