The Best Places to Stay at Aspen Food & Wine 2014

The 2014 Aspen Food & Wine Classic is quickly approaching and we're counting down the days until we head out for the delicious annual fathering of winemakers, celebrity chefs, and culinary luminaries. And though the promise of innovative dishes and delicious cocktails may be foremost on your mind, at the end of the day, everyone needs a place to rest their weary head. Here, our top five favorite hotels in Aspen.

Though we love exploring new spots, we have three longtime favorites that never disappoint: The Little Nell, Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond property; the luxe St. Regis, a hotel inspired by the grand lifestyle of the gilded age; and the Hotel Jerome with the blissful Auberge Spa. 

If those are all booked up (plan ahead!), here are three properties heating up Aspen. Whether you’re interested in communing with nature, taking in breathtaking views, or luxuriating in chic accommodations, we got you covered.

The Gant Hotel 

The Gant Hotel, only four blocks away from the base of 12,351- foot Aspen Mountain known as Ajax, is the prime location for anyone looking for non-stop activities. With access to the Silver Circle Ice Rink, five tennis courts, two outdoor pools, and complementary access to Aspen Spa and Club, any free hours not spent at the festival, will be spent on the property. After your afternoon by the pool make sure to take advantage of your room's wood burning fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and wireless internet access (found in all 120 condos). For excellent food, try Ajax Tavern located at the base of Ajax Mountain, their Parmesan flecked truffle fries are not to be missed.

Aspen Meadows

Inspired by classic Bauhaus design, Aspen Meadows (above) boasts spacious suites with separate living, working, and sleeping areas as well as floor to ceiling windows making guests feel right at home. After a day of indulgence at the festival, unwind with a dip in the pool and hot tub or schedule a relaxing massage at Aspen Meadows Health Club. For those with a more adventurous spirit, bike rentals are available so you can explore 40 acres surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and the Roaring Fork River in the valley below. Aspen Meadows also offers three onsite dining venues including Plato’s, Meadows restaurant, and Hefner Lounge, which all offer stunning views and regional cuisine.

The Grand Hyatt

For an unmatched level of service and luxury, look no further than the Grand Hyatt. A direct reflection of Aspen's stunning beauty and legendary charm, this hotel has luxurious amenities including multiple fireplaces, private balconies, grand kitchens, spa tubs, and steam showers. Just half a block away from the gondola, this particular hotel provides unparalleled access to Ajax Mountain. After a rejuvenating nights rest in your elegant studio, treat yourself to the Grand Hyatt’s complementary continental breakfast. To work off some of yesterdays indulgences and keep active, take advantage of the complimentary fitness center or do some laps in their junior Olympic-size outdoor pool, open dawn to dusk, year-round.