Located 22 miles from Aspen, the Element Basalt – Aspen Colorado hotel brings affordability and amenities to the Roaring Fork Valley. Its location gives location gives access to some of Colorado’s best outdoor activities, including skiing, mountain biking, and fishing.
Getting to Basalt, Colorado
We pointed our small SUV west on I-70 for the first Rocky Mountain road trip of 2016 for a stay at the new Element Basalt – Aspen hotel, about 3 1/2 – 4 hour drive from Denver. Although it’s an interstate drive, the views are spectacular passing many ski resorts: Loveland Ski Area, Copper Mountain, and Vail. After driving through the Glenwood Canyon, take the 116 – SH 82 exit at Glenwood Springs for another 30 minutes to Basalt. Drive southeast past Carbondale to arrive at this new Colorado hotel is in the Willits Town Center, conveniently located near the ski resorts of Snowmass / Aspen.
We had trouble locking in our Ford Escape’s Navigation as this is a new address, so we clicked through from their website on our phones as we got closer.
A word of caution, we drove at night and it was snowy and slick. If you’re not familiar with winter mountain driving, avoid the roads at night. At any time in the winter, Colorado roads can be treacherous, especially over Vail Pass, but at least in daylight, your visibility can be better.
Arrival
The newest contemporary mid-range hotel, Element Basalt-Aspen is located within a new shopping center, Willits Town Center. Pass by a lot of construction and arrive on the southeast side of the center. Drive up to the front entrance to check in. When we arrived, we weren’t offered valet assistance, but there are funky, easily-maneuverable, airport-like luggage carts available to stack your suitcases to take to the room. Free parking makes this hotel even more economical. The staff were very efficient, even though this was the first week of their opening, and we were checked in with room key in hand in under 5 minutes.
Lobby
The lobby is open with multiple windows inviting the outdoors in. To the right of the entrance is the casual dining area with multiple tables to enjoy the complimentary breakfast. Straight ahead is more windows with casual seating including a fireplace. The doors lead to an outdoor patio. The reception desk is just to the left when entering the froot door.
Accommodations
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
The 113 room Element Basalt – Aspen hotel is all about the rooms. Lots of windows, kitchenettes, living area, desk and comfortable Westin beds! The bathrooms are spacious and spa-like. Wi-Fi is complimentary, but was a little sketchy (they are working on it).
Dining Options
Although this Colorado hotel doesn’t offer a “formal” restaurant, complimentary breakfast bar is served in the mornings. A local coffee roaster, Bonfire Coffee, is located just off the lobby, and located behind the reception desk is a gourmet pantry with snacks, beverages, and ready-to-go meals. A complimentary guest apres/wine hour is hosted in the late afternoon, although I apparently missed the window of time when I stayed.
Amenities
On-site indoor saltwater pool, outdoor hot tub, and fitness center are all complimentary for guests. Patio grills and lounge board games are avfailable upon request, as well.
Things to do in Basalt – Aspen
Although the hotel doesn’t offer dining or bar options (aside from the complimentary breakfast), the Willits Town Center’s mixed-use shoping center is within walking distance, and includes a liquor store, and a Whole Foods to stock your hotel kitchen cupboards. Plenty of boutique shops available also.
If you want to get out for a meal, several restaurants are also within walking distance and include Smoke Modern BBQ, El Korita Mexican
For those wanting to enjoy the activites in the Roaring Fork Valley, the hotel is also close
to the Rio Grande Trail, a 42-mile continuous multi-use trail ideal for winter activities including
cross-country skiing. A wide range of mountain activities surround the hotel, from skiing to fly fishing, hiking to mountain biking. Also within walking distance is RFTA public transportation system and bus stop 50 yards from hotel with service to Aspen, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs every 30 minutes
Summary
The newly opened Element Basalt – Aspen provides a mid-range, affordable hotel option near the ski slopes of Aspen and Snowmass. Families and extended stay guests will love the kitchens and the larger guest rooms.
Element Basalt – Aspen room rates start at $169. Compare rates at Hotels.com.
Element Basalt – Aspen provided photos accommodations for my review, but opinions expressed are my own.
