The Hotel Jerome has been a mainstay in Aspen for over 100 years. By the 1890s, thanks to the invention of the Pullman Sleeping Car, Aspen had developed into a burgeoning destination for touring socialites, stage performers and politicians. Founded in 1889, the Hotel Jerome was one of the first hotels in this booming silver mining town and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Founded by Jerome B. Wheeler, a Civil War hero and president of Macy’s department store at the time (after the war he married Harriet Macy Valentine, whose uncle founded Macy’s), when it was built the hotel rivaled the most luxurious hotels in Europe. London’s Savoy opened that same year. With its impressive view of Aspen Mountain, Hotel Jerome was emblematic of the ‘Mine-Camp Victorian’ decorative style – floral, geometric patterns and Oriental references. Three stories tall it had 90 rooms and 15 baths, indoor plumbing with hot and cold running water, steam heat and one of the first elevators in the West.
Today, after a series of restorations, the Hotel Jerome maintains its original style, sophistication and elegant ambience. In contrast to the posh designer stores (both Prada and Gucci have outposts in Aspen) and art galleries (a few of which sell Picassos) it is, however, an appropriate domicile in the chic skier’s enclave of Aspen, Colorado.
Stepping into the hotel’s J-Bar is truly taking a step back in time. Aspen’s favorite watering hole, in its original heyday, only allowed men and women, only when escorted by a man. Daintily dressed women would congregate in the adjacent hall where keen gentlemen would eye them through the transparent glass wall, select the lady that suited their taste and invite them into the bar. There was even a ‘Ladies’ Ordinary’ which was the first place where proper women could appear in public without an escort to order a cup of tea or a cocktail. Today, the bar still proudly sports its original 111 year-old maple bar decorated with old newspaper cuttings from the Daily Democrat.
The menu offers traditional ‘pub-food’ but it is a far cry from your run of the mill English fish and chips. Comfort food is the mantra here with small bites such as Venison Chili, Braised Short Rib Tacos, and Kennebec French Fries with parmesan cheese and truffle aioli, hearty entrees including Slow Roasted Top Sirloin Dip and the Famous J-Bar Burger made from house ground Angus chuck and brisket. For an authentic experience, guests at J-Bar can try the ‘Aspen Crud’, a milkshake infused with bourbon which was preferred by the Tenth Armor Division training in the area during World War II. This spirited concoction goes down so easily, it is no surprise it is still a local favorite today.
Hotel Jerome does not stray far from its roots. It is a distinguished member of the Historic Hotels of America and still an important social meeting place in town, not to mention a ‘jolly good’ time.
Hotel Jerome, J Bar
330 East Main Street
Aspen, CO 81611
(800) 331-7213
www.hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com