Historic Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort, Reemerges As Aspen's Social Hub With Dramatic New Look

MILL VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Auberge Resorts has unveiled a comprehensive, four-and-a-half-month revitalization of the newest hotel in its portfolio, Aspen's iconic Hotel Jerome. The first ski resort in the Auberge collection of distinctive properties, the Jerome has reopened in time for the winter holiday and ski season with a new restaurant, a new Living Room lobby lounge concept, and an Auberge Spa, in addition to completely revamped guest rooms.

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"The re-envisioned Hotel Jerome is a perfect balance of preservation and luxury; while its beloved character and rich architectural details are intact, the interiors are now richer than they ever were," said Tony DiLucia, General Manager of Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort. "We're thrilled to be back in action – and we know that those who loved the Jerome before will be pleased with what we've done here."

Interior designer Todd-Avery Lenahan of TAL-Studio, in Las Vegas, along with Aspen-based architects Rowland + Broughton, oversaw the project and preserved many of the original finishes, including the Indian rug-patterned encaustic tilework floor, balustrades and iconic pieces such as the legendary Chippendale chinoiserie bar in the famed J-Bar. Punctuating the historic furnishings is a mix of pieces from different eras and contemporary artwork.

"The new Jerome honors the past but is squarely living in the present," said Todd –Avery Lenahan of TAL-Studio. "We've added a lot of paragraphs to the story that is Hotel Jerome. Guests will enjoy a rich, layered experience."

The centerpiece for Hotel Jerome's expansive renovation is Prospect, an upscale American bistro. The newest introduction to Aspen's renowned culinary scene, Prospect joins Auberge Resorts' roster of award-winning culinary destinations such as Auberge du Soleil and Solbar, both in Napa Valley. A nod to the town's rich mining history, the 65-seat Prospect will offer hearty and diverse American dishes that are meant to be shared. Executive Chef Rob Zack will include on his menu several classic Jerome dishes using contemporary techniques; Zack's own family recipes also will have a place on the menu. Complementing the cuisine will be a rich and varied wine program, a tribute to Auberge Resorts' Napa Valley heritage.

New for Hotel Jerome is the lobby's Living Room concept, a space designed for après ski, serving American tapas and small desserts, courtesy of Pastry Chef Aleece Gallagher, a local favorite. J-Bar, the rustic-casual restaurant and bar adjacent to the hotel lobby, received a light treatment in both menu and design as the local Aspen community reveres it as an institution. Zack brings back the menu favorites, such as the Jerome Burger and truffled gravy fries.

"Hotel Jerome has always been a social hub for Aspen, as well as a distinctive American icon. We kept that in mind throughout the renovation process, careful to capture the historic essence all the while ensuring that its identity as 'the heart of Aspen' is accurate for another 100 years," said Eric Calderon, Chief Operating Officer, Auberge Resorts.

Hotel Jerome's 93 guest rooms boast rich upgrades, from multi-stepped moldings, enhanced lighting and cashmere curtains to redressing the bathrooms. Clever touches, like a minibar designed as a leather campaign chest and the burnished-leather bed frames, are the standard in every room. Custom wall coverings and bespoke furniture, such as leather writing tables, will enhance the grandeur of the hotel's already spacious guest rooms which offer views of Ajax Mountain.

The newest addition to Auberge Resorts' collection of award-winning spas is the Auberge Spa at Hotel Jerome. Celebrating its Rocky Mountain setting, the spa's four-part menu inspires clearing of the mind and renewal of the spirit. Skin and bodycare partners include Intraceuticals, Tara Spa Therapy, 04M, and Marie Veronique Organics' new Pacific line, which is offered exclusively at the Auberge Spa at Hotel Jerome. The hotel also has an exclusive partnership with the Aspen Club, a 77,000-square-foot club with highly advanced fitness programming and internationally recognized Sports Medicine Institute.

Strategically located in the heart of downtown Aspen, Hotel Jerome continues its legacy as a legendary meetings and events venue, having hosted many of Aspen's most prestigious and memorable events for over 120 years. More than 10,000 square feet of renovated indoor and outdoor space is available for groups from 20 to 600. Hotel Jerome's Grand Ballroom is the only above-ground ballroom in Aspen, offering sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding Elk Mountain Range and Red Mountain.

About Hotel Jerome

A landmark in Aspen, Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort, began a new chapter in its storied history when it unveiled an extensive renovation in December 2012. Aspen's favorite gathering place welcomed guests back with Prospect, an American bistro; a relaxed new Living Room bar and lounge; a new Auberge Spa; and the legendary J-Bar, which is lauded as an Aspen institution. The hotel pioneered new levels of innovation and luxury when it opened in 1889 at the height of Aspen's boomtown silver-mining era and is often described as Aspen's "crown jewel." Hotel Jerome's 93 rooms and suites offer stunning mountain views. Hotel Jerome was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. For more information on Hotel Jerome, please visit http://hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com/. Follow Hotel Jerome on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hoteljeromeaspen, on Twitter @HotelJerome or on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/hoteljerome/.

About Auberge Resorts

SOURCE Auberge Resorts