Mollie Aspen—named after the town’s most successful silver mine in the late 19th century, Mollie Gibson—seamlessly blends the town’s rich heritage with a fresh, modern aesthetic. Designed by the award-winning studio, Post Company, the hotel draws inspiration from the early history of Aspen, particularly the Bauhaus influence brought to the town in 1945 by Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke while adding unexpected touches of Scandinavian and Japanese design. “The Paepckes envisioned Aspen as a unique community organized around art and culture, and the Bauhaus movement played a pivotal role in shaping that vision,” explains Michael Brown, cofounder of HayMax Capital, the real estate investment company behind Mollie.
Blending Scandinavian principles of hygge, Japanese zen, and a Western drive for sustainability, the interior exudes quiet confidence and a commitment to reducing excess, incorporating materials from Aspen and the Western United States. Natural woods, earthen ceramics, and hand-dyed textiles echo the rugged beauty of the nearby mountains, while large windows provide an abundance of natural light and frame breathtaking views of the landscape. The lobby’s large fireplace and spacious vintage Mario Bellini leather sofas set the scene for an inviting and relaxing stay.
Mollie’s location on Paepcke Park provides a sense of respite in the vibrant and bustling mountain town. “Nestled in a quieter corner at the intersection of Main Street and Garmisch Street, the hotel offers guests a tranquil retreat just steps away from the energy of downtown,” says Austin Luckett, general manager. Getting some shut-eye in the peaceful rooms is no problem, outfitted with L:A Bruket bath products, Parachute Egyptian cotton sheets, Coyuchi organic robes, and spa-like Waterworks fixtures with a rainfall shower. Customizable mood lighting enhances relaxation while in your room, and the hotel offers rare basement rooms, called Cozy and Snug Rooms, for guests looking for total darkness when they sleep. Windowless rooms are no problem when you can head to the hotel’s rooftop and find the spa pool, lounge seating, and soon-to-open bar with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In just over a year of being open, the hotel has won an astounding number of awards, including the 2024 Inaugural Michelin Key Hotels, the 2024 Travel + Leisure It List, the 2024 Hospitality Design Awards (four categories including Best in Show), the 2024 Esquire Best New Hotels List, the 2024 Modern Luxury Peak Magazine Colorado Travel Awards, and the 2024 Sunset Travel Awards. With its seamless blend of heritage, design, and modern luxury, it’s no wonder Mollie Aspen has already earned a spot among the world’s best.
Eat & Drink
The Restaurant and Bar is a comfortable space serving creative cocktails and natural wines alongside breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cozy up to the bar for après-ski hour complete with a menu of hot toddies and post-slope sippers. For dinner, begin with starters like the wurst, featuring smoked beef kielbasa and rotating seasonal house-made kraut, or the zucca fritta, a tempura squash dish with sage whipped ricotta. For mains, embrace exquisite alpine fare like steak frites or broiled salmon. The lobby Café features craft Sightglass coffee, fresh juices, and pastries for casual options. Opening this year, the Roof Terrace Bar will offer light bites and refreshing drinks against a backdrop of striking mountain views.
Explore
Mollie’s partnership with Rivian means guests can explore the rugged surroundings in electric vehicles. A few of the most popular explorations include: Ashcroft Ghost Town for a glimpse into the area’s silver mining past, The Grottos Ice Cave to see cascading waterfalls and ice caves, and The Beach at North Star Preserve for exploring wetlands, wildlife habitats, and a peaceful “beach.” The hotel also offers on-site programming such as flower-arranging classes, wreath-making workshops, cookie decorating parties, and Saturday morning yoga flows. Lastly, visit the Naturopathica spa for botanical treatments that offer the perfect remedy to a day spent adventuring.
