This was my first skiing vacation in Aspen and I picked the Aspen Mountain Lodge because it was good value. The first day I was concerned: the walls are not the most soundproof and my neighbours were making an early and loud departure, so I was woken at 5am and stayed awake; also the good citizens of Aspen are not good at clearing their sidewalks (pavements) and the walk over to the bus stop in the morning and back in the evening was diffcult in places. I felt that a hotel a few blocks closer to the center of Aspen would have been a better idea.

By the end of the week I felt entirely different. My fellow residents were quiet at night and friendly by day; the temperature warmed up so the sidewalks cleared. My bed was comfortable, the breakfast was fine (though serving chunks of fruit unskinned was unusual) with a do-it-yourself waffle machine accompanied by pre-made waffle batter and maple syrup and as much juice, bagels and tea or coffee as you could want, together with free newspapers. The staff were friendly and helpful and I was happy. You perhaps wouldn't want to spend too much time in the hot tub across the car park, but the hotel is on the right side of town to catch the regular buses to all the ski areas and I was glad in the end that I had saved money and chosen to stay here.

Recommendations: stay on the 2nd floor or above. It costs extra but you get a better view and you don't walk out the door straight into the breakfast area. The nearest restaurant Hickory House Ribs serves enormous portions at a reasonable price (for Aspen). Other recommendations are Little Annie's Eating House (medium price); and Pinons (more expensive but worth it). In Aspen you can often eat cheaper in a restaurant if you sit at the bar and if you are on your own, as I was, the company is better.