Hold onto your (cowboy) hats. After a dramatic renovation, Hotel Jerome is reopening on December 14, 2012. Now managed by Auberge Resorts, the hotel has been a landmark on the Aspen scene for 120 years, attracting famous patrons like Hunter S. Thompson (who set up his office there). Renovation highlights include the lobby and atrium, new restaurant (called Prospect), updated guest rooms, and a new Auberge Spa. Architect Sarah Broughton of the firm Rowland + Broughton spent more than 200 hours of archival research to ensure the renoated hotel stays true to its original structural integrity.
Interior designer Todd-Avery Lenahan sought to preserve the charm of the historic landmark; he added details to the 93 guest rooms actually making them more historically accurate. “The Living Room is now the heartbeat of the property,” he explains, “while the Atrium, which used to be the focal point, is more like a civilized salon.” His goal was to retain a sense of authentic Western mountain spirit throughout the hotel. For more information, visit hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com.