Molly Gibson Lodge

For the most part, Molly Gibson Lodge is your standard Aspen-style hotel. The exterior showcases chalet-style architectural details (though it's more '70s-chic than Swiss-retreat). And the wood-paneled-wall lobby features a stone-clad, wood-burning fireplace surrounded by over-size leather seating. But some modern touches take the lodge beyond standard -- such as the contemporary outdoor lounge seating, spacious heated outdoor pool, and three Jacuzzis dotting the property, which are all hot spots for guests to unwind post slopes.

The Molly Gibson resides on West Main Street, also known as Highway 82, which runs directly through Aspen. It's across the street from city-block-wide Paepcke Park and just a block away from local breakfast favorite Main Street Cafe.Guests can walk to almost anywhere in Aspen from the lodge: the ski lift, The Belly Up live music venue, and numerous restaurants and bars. And what may be beyond walking is a just short drive. The most frequently photographed scene in Colorado, the Maroon Bells Scenic Wilderness Area, is just a 25-minute drive away. As for getting to Aspen, most travelers fly into Aspen Airport directly and forgo the four-hour drive from Denver, but flights are often delayed due to weather conditions.- 12-minute drive to Aspen Airport

• 4-hour drive to Denver International Airport
• 9-minute walk to City Market Grocery for food and supply
• 12-minute walk to the closest ski lift
• 17-minute drive to Snowmass Village
• 25-minute drive to Maroon Bells Scenic Wilderness Area

While not overly large or luxurious, the rooms at the Molly Gibson are well maintained, clean and modern -- at least in terms of their updated lodge-style decor and technology. With a variety of different room types and sizes, including standard double and king bed rooms along with Jacuzzi suites and fireplace suites, the Molly Gibson is a great choice for couples or small groups.Because the units are not individually owned, as at a lot of other Aspen area hotels, the decor is universal across all rooms, with warm paint colors, orange accent walls, antique Aspen area art, and clean, white bed linens.Bathrooms are the only area that need a little upgrading -- entering them is liking stepping back to the 1970s. Dusty brown floor-to-ceiling tile dominates many of the walls, and the cream-colored countertops could also use an overhaul. Thankfully the lodge has at least upgraded the shower heads to newer Kohler fixtures -- a small upgrade while they wait for a total remodel.- Free Wi-Fi

• Flat-screen TVs
• Coffeemaker with free coffee
• Humidifiers
• iPod docking stations
• Plush bathrobes and 300-thread-count linens

The highlight of the Molly Gibson Lodge is by far the modern, updated pool area. With a clean, kidney shaped pool, new patio furniture, and an upper deck that hosts one of the lodge’s three Jacuzzis, this area is popular year round.Another great perk is the free standard breakfast every morning. Guests can choose from hot or cold cereal, eggs, pastries, waffles, and fresh fruit, along with traditional breakfast drinks such as coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and juices. While the Molly Gibson has done a great job of modernizing its grounds, the lodge still lacks a fitness center and a restaurant. Luckily, with free breakfast and a host of restaurants in walking distance, food is not far away.- Free parking

• No business center, but there is a computer for guest use in the lobby
• No on-site spa or fitness center
• No restaurant on-site