Awards

While we prefer not to blow our own horn, we are proud to say that the industry has been very kind in its praise.

MICHELIN GUIDE

Element 47 received the MICHELIN Guide Colorado's "Recommended Restaurant" distinction for 2023 and 2024. Little Nell Wine Director Chris Dunaway was named the MICHELIN Guide Colorado Sommelier Award winner for 2024.

The first MICHELIN Key hotels in the U.S. were announced in 2024 and The Little Nell was awarded One Key, indicating “a very special stay.” This inaugural program from The Michelin Guide recognizes hotels around the world that stand out for “a unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and very high level of service.”

Ski Magazine

The Little Nell was recognized in SKI Magazine’s 2025 Travel Awards as The Best Overall Winner in the category of 7 Best Hotels for Dedicated Skiers.

TRAVEL + LEISURE

The Little Nell has often been recognized by Travel + Leisure in their annual World's Best Awards, The Little Nell was ranked #8 for "Best Resort Hotels in the American West" in 2020 and named to the T+L 500 in 2021, 2023, 2024 ,and 2025, which recognizes the top 500 properties in the world. The Little Nell was also voted #3 on the list of 10 Favorite Resorts in Colorado of 2023 and #5 in 2024.

LA LISTE

The Little Nell was named among the Top 200 Best Hotels in the world by LA LISTE for their World’s Best Hotels and Special Awards Hotels 2023.

J AMES BEARD FOUNDATION

Element 47 has been nominated for "Most Outstanding Wine Program" multiple times. In 2000 (finalist), 2011 (finalist), 2014 (finalist), 2016 (semi-finalist), 2018 (finalist), 2019 (semi-finalist) 2020 (semi-finalist), 2022 (finalist). In 1997, George Mahaffey, executive chef at The Little Nell, was named Best Chef Southwest.

Forbes Travel Guide

Recipient of the prestigious Forbes Five-Star Award every year since 1996 and the coveted designation as "one of the best hotels in the world." The Little Nell was also rated Best Ski In/Ski Out Hotel in Aspen in 2023 by Forbes. Element 47 was named a Four-Star Restaurant in 2024.

The Little Nell has been recognized by Forbes with the Responsible Hospitality Verified rating, an industry-leading sustainability standard for luxury hospitality. Introduced in 2024, Forbes’ comprehensive assessment verifies the implementation of best practices to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and the community. Our sister property, Ojai Valley Inn, was the inaugural property to receive this recognition and The Nell is now the second.

AAA FIVE-DIAMOND

Recipient of the prestigious American Automobile Association's (AAA) Five Diamond Award since 1991, "for uncompromising standards of excellence in all aspects of the operation."

U.S. News & World Report

The Little Nell has been ranked among the top 50 "Best Hotels in the US" since 2014. In 2024 and 2025, The Little Nell earned a Gold badge for Best Hotels in the United States. Currently, it ranks # 1 in Aspen and Colorado and # 5 in the United States.

Wine Spectator

Recipient of the Grand Award for having an exceptional wine program since 1997, the highest distinction by this discerning publication.

WINE ENTHUSIAST

Recognized as one of "America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants" since 2011. Named to Wine Enthusiast's inaugural Hall of Fame list since 2018.

The World of Fine Wine

The recipient of the "Best Hotel Wine List in The World" for 2023 and 2024, and "Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine in North America" for 2024. Wine lists are judged according to a rigorous protocol by independent, international panels of leading professionals and celebrate the world’s very best wine lists. The Nell was also honored for having a Three-Star Wine List in 2023 and 2024.

Star Wine List

Element 47 was named a finalist in the 2025 Star Wine List of the Year International Open for three categories - Best Sparkling Wine, Best By The Glass Wine, and Best Long Wine List (600 or more selections) and earned recognition as a Silver Star List. Element 47 has also designated as a White Star Venue by Star Wine List.

Condé Nast Traveler

The Little Nell is regularly recognized by Condé Nast Traveler in their annual Readers' Choice Awards, having been rated a top property every year since 2017, most recently #10 for "Top 15 Hotels in Colorado" in 2024 and among "The World's Best New Hotel Spas" in 2024.

elle

For the first-ever editors’ list of the best spas in the world, Elle.com named The Spa at The Little Nell among “The Best Spas to Visit in 2024.” Each spa destination was carefully selected, tested, and awarded by an ELLE editor.

Luxury Travel Awards

The Little Nell was named Ski Resort of The Year for 2024 by The Luxury Travel Awards who recognize and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the luxury travel and tourism industry. LTA’s team of experts scour the globe and travel extensively in order to identify the very best hotels, airlines and tour operators through to highlighting the most reputable transfer service companies.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards

Element 47 Restaurant was named a winner of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024 in the category of Best Luxury Resort Restaurant in Aspen, Colorado. This global awards program evaluates over 5,000 brands across 400 categories from more than 100 countries to curate a top list of the very best of hospitality in the world each year.

DEPARTURES

The Little Nell was recognized in the 2021 Legends' Awards in the category of "8 Most Impressive Ski Resorts in the US."

Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association

In 2017, The Little Nell earned the Good Earthkeeping Award. In 2011, The Nell received the Hospitality Green Award for its work on sustainability, as well as being named the most environmentally responsible hotel in the state.

Trip Advisor

The Little Nell is a favorite of Trip Advisor, which has honored us with the prestigious Certificate of Excellence award since 2010. Named a Trip Advisor 2015 Silver Level GreenLeader for sustainable hotel practices.

Celebrated Living

The Little Nell was named "Top Sporting Hotel in the World" on the 2018 Platinum List and one of the "Best Boutique Hotels Worldwide" in 2016 on the Platinum List for Celebrated Living, American Airlines’ first and business-class in-flight magazine.