Vacation Rentals in Downtown Aspen Colorado
Condominiums are the most common type of vacation rental in Aspen. Condos in Aspen come in all shapes and sizes, and for most budgets. There are smaller, more affordable condos and there are uber-exclusive luxury condos to rent for a dream vacation. Some condos are independently owned, while some are part of a larger complex or resort. Sifting through the abundance of options can be overwhelming, but we’ll try to help explain it all.
Keep in mind that Aspen is a small town, but it is divided up into different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. Some are more exclusive, while others – like downtown – are part of the heart and soul of the community where there’s lots of excitement right outside your door. When picking where to stay on your vacation, it’s important to consider what you’ll be doing. Since most come to enjoy Aspen Mountain in the summer or winter months – and they want to be near the downtown core where all the action is – this blog post will focus primarily on that (but we’ll touch on all the wonderful parts of Aspen).
Where to Stay in Aspen
Aspen Mountain is located in downtown Aspen, and many of the condominiums available for a vacation rental are near Gondola Plaza on Durant Avenue. Durant Avenue runs east and west along the base of the mountain, and there are several condominiums within a few blocks of the gondola. At gondola plaza, you can catch a ride to the top of Aspen Mountain.
But Gondola Plaza isn’t the only way to access Aspen Mountain. There is a traditional chair lift, known as Shadow Mountain or (Lift 1A as the locals call it) just a few blocks west of Gondola Plaza on Aspen Street. A little further up the mountain, the lift is near where the original ski lift to Aspen Mountain (called Ski Lift No. 1) was located. By taking Lift 1A up the mountain, you can ski across to other trails and make your way down to the gondola to upload to the top. It’s all connected!
Lift 1A currently transports skiers up the mountain, but plans have already been approved to replace the aging ski lift with a new express lift that will be further down the mountain and closer to Durant Avenue. The new Lift One Corridor Plan (not to be confused with Lift One Condominiums) was OK’d by resident voters in March 2019.
It’s a matter of personal preference as to which way you access the mountain. Some choose to head directly to Gondola Plaza to catch a quick ride to the Sundeck at the top of Aspen Mountain. Others prefer to start at Lift 1A and “warm-up” with a few turns before making their way to the gondola. The biggest allure of Lift 1A is that there is rarely a wait to get on the lift. It’s immediate walk-up access all day.
There are a few vacation rentals that are close to both. Lift One Condominiums sits on the corner of Durant Avenue and Aspen Street. Gondola Plaza is just a few blocks to the east on Durant Avenue while Lift 1A is only a couple of blocks up the mountain on Aspen Street. If the line is getting backed up at the gondola on a big powder day, make your way to Lift 1A and get on the mountain quicker. If it’s a normal winter day with no wait, hit the gondola and head to the top for fresh tracks.
Types of Vacation Rentals in Aspen
If you’re looking for a traditional hotel room in Aspen, they are few and far between. There is no Hilton, Holiday Inn or Motel 6. Aspen was a silver mining town years before it became a world-class ski destination, so many of the properties available to rent are either older residences that have been converted to vacation rentals, older ski lodges, or newer developments.
Most of the vacation rentals in Aspen are going to be two or three bedrooms. There are a few one-bedroom units around town, but they can be hard to find. This is because, typically, a one-bedroom condo only sleeps two people. There are larger condos with four or more bedrooms as well, but typically, larger residences are either townhomes or single-family private homes.
Lift One Condominiums has one of the nicer groupings of one-bedroom residences in town. They are truly a home away from home. One-bedroom units at Lift One come with a full kitchen, a master bedroom and a full bathroom. Each condo is different, but units have well-appointed carpet or beautiful hardwood floors, and can have marble or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a deck or patio with views, and flatscreen TVs.
Larger condos with two or three bedrooms have the same amenities as a one-bedroom unit, just with more bedrooms and added space to stretch out. Bigger condos are ideal for families or couples on a ski vacation together. A three-bedroom condo at Lift One provides enough space for three couples to share for a ski vacation. Each couple can have their own bedroom and bathroom, and there’s a dedicated dining space with plenty of room to cook, eat, drink, play games and have a good time! A laundry room is also available for guests, so you can pack less –quickly wash and dry your socks, long underwear, or other ski necessities.
Choosing the Best Condo for an Aspen Vacation
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time on Aspen Mountain while you’re in town, you’ll want to pick your accommodations close to the downtown core. That way, you won’t have to walk far in your ski boots. From Lift One Condominiums, it’s about three-and-a-half blocks to Gondola Plaza and two-and-a-half blocks to the current Lift 1A. The local bus stop, which provides free access to the area’s three other ski resorts (Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass) is less than two blocks from Lift One Condominiums and drops you off at Lift One!
Another perk of being close to the downtown core is all the wonderful shopping and restaurants that you can walk to. During the day, grab a coffee, cold brew or scone and browse Aspen’s boutique shops that carry labels from Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Gucci and Prada. Aspen is also well-known for its amazing restaurants that serve up succulent cuisine from all over the world. Along with awesome dinner choices, Aspen has some chic nightlife spots where you can bust loose until the wee hours. Pretty much anything you could want, or need, isn’t far from downtown.
If you fly into Aspen’s local airport, there is no need to rent a car. Fly to town, catch a cab, ride-share, or jump on the local bus to Lift One Condominiums (it’s right on the line), and walk around town your entire stay. The bus even makes short trips around Aspen, so you can explore every corner of town for free!
When it’s time to plan your first (or next!) Aspen getaway, start by browsing our available properties for your dates on our website. You can read a full description about each unit and see several photos of the rooms, their décor, and the surroundings. It should give you a pretty good idea of what we’re all about! If you have any other questions, you can email us or give us a call toll-free at 800-543-8001.
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