For more than three decades, The Little Nell hotel has brought warmth to the snowy peaks of Aspen, Colorado, as the destination’s only five-star, five-diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel.
Now, Aspen Hospitality, a division of Aspen One, has announced the launch of Nell Hotels, a new luxury hotel brand set to expand on the legacy of the beloved Little Nell, bringing personalized luxury hospitality to additional destinations.
The Nell New York
The launch includes the debut of The Nell New York, opening in fall 2027 as the only hotel within Rockefeller Center and New York City’s only Relais & Chateaux property.
Representing an investment of more than $350 million, the 134-room hotel in Midtown Manhattan will include amenities such as an all-day dining venue, a wine lounge that brings The Little Nell’s wine program to New York and a fine-dining restaurant on the 17th floor offering expansive views of Rockefeller Center below.
Guests will arrive at The Nell New York on the seventh floor at 10 Rockefeller Plaza.
2026 Rockwell Group
“We are honored to welcome The Nell New York to Rockefeller Center and to partner with a brand that shares our commitment to creating meaningful experiences through art, dining, culture and community,” said EB Kelly, head of Rockefeller Center and senior managing director at Tishman Speyer. “Together with Nell Hotels, we are excited to build on this legacy and create inspiring new experiences for the next generation of guests.”
The property provides clients unique proximity to the Rockefeller Center’s iconic high-end shopping and Michelin-star dining, as well as leading attractions such as The Rink, with ice skating from October to March, and Skylift, an open-air observation deck above 30 Rock's 70th-floor rooftop.
Renovation Plans at The Little Nell
In addition, The Little Nell in Aspen will undergo a comprehensive renovation meant to enhance guestrooms, public spaces and dining outlets. The Little Nell will temporarily close in April 2027 and reopen post-transformation in time for the 2027-28 ski season.
The Little Nell will temporarily close in April 2027 for updates.
2026 Shawn O'ConnorDuring the renovation, the property’s weddings program will continue operating, as will Residences at The Little Nell.The Residences are equipped with gourmet kitchens, living areas with stone fireplaces and a dedicated ski concierge service, providing clients a more permanent place to stay in the mountains.
According to the brand, clients can expect a guest experience guided by personalized hospitality and unique access to iconic locations across Nell Hotels’ properties.
“Nell Hotels builds on what The Little Nell has always been about — something personal, something you come back to that feels familiar every time,” said Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality. “Our intention is not to be everywhere but to be exactly where our guests are. This is not about scale for the sake of growth. It’s about bringing our approach to hospitality to destinations where it can truly resonate.”
Company executives say the brand is pursuing measured and intentional growth, with plans to add new properties and locations that match the Nell Hotel ethos over time.
