Text courtesy of The Little Nell
Image courtesy of Carol Hooper
What was your journey to becoming chef concierge at The Nell?
I originally worked in sales and marketing for high-end luxury health and spa clubs in the Boston area before being recruited to Aspen as a director of sales for the Aspen Club & Spa. Our mission was to roll out Aspen Clubs throughout the country, though on the heels of 9/11, this vision did not come to fruition. After spending a year or so in Aspen, I thought, how could I leave the most heavenly place in the world? So, I turned to hospitality. I was head concierge at Hotel Jerome for a year or so, then I became the second ever chef concierge at The Little Nell, a position I’ve held for going on 17 years. My predecessor, Joy, was chef concierge at The Nell for 16 years. Now that speaks of tenure and a love of the profession!
What are the top activities or experiences you recommend in ski season for guests of The Little Nell?
Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horse driven sleighs, dogsledding, and spa services. First Tracks is available daily for Nell guests, where you meet at 8 a.m. and are led by ski instructors down a groomed trail. The views and tranquility are truly special. Our sister brand ASPENX offers premium retail and rentals, plus the Beach Club atop Aspen Mountain. For groups and families, ASPENX can customize experiences such as Buckhorn Après, Powder Tours, Full Moon Ski Tours, Winter Stargazing, and much more.
Is there a particular story you’d like to share from your years as a concierge here?
My favorite memory is of a lovely married couple staying in a suite at The Little Nell for the wife’s 50th birthday. The husband asked for our assistance with a quick and unexpected getaway during their trip. To her surprise, our drivers took them to Aspen’s private airport, where we had arranged for a roundtrip flight to Las Vegas in a Hawker 700. With the assistance of a Les Clefs d’Or concierge friend, we reserved a hotel suite at The Bellagio for one night and dinner at Jean-Georges Steakhouse. We also purchased tickets to three separate shows, all with the best seats, and he asked her to choose her favorite. The next day, when they returned to Aspen, they checked back into their suite at The Nell to find Champagne and chocolate strawberries awaiting them. A perfect celebration!