History of the Limelight
Like the town of Aspen, the Limelight Hotel has evolved from an endearing history.
Originally the “the Ski and Spur Bar,” the property served outlaws and skiers alike in the spirit of the Wild West. New ownership took over in the 1950s, renaming the bar “the Limelite.” The Limelite quickly gained popularity as a lively nightclub and dinner theatre.
Folk singer Glen Yarborough loved performing at the Limelite so much that he bought the bar. Glen graced the Limelite stage regularly as part of the Limeliters trio, amid a steady stream of star entertainers including Judy Collins and the Smothers Brothers.
As happens with committed musicians, Glen found his rising popularity made it difficult to manage the bar. Facing bankruptcy in 1962, he sold to Nina Paas and her son, Leroy.
The Paas family operated the Limelite bar for several decades. Over time, they expanded the bar into the Limelite Lodge, which included the Ski-Vu and Deep Powder Lodges, as well as the Snowflake Inn. The Limelite Lodge was the first in Aspen to install televisions, telephones, air conditioning and refrigerators in guestrooms. It was also the town’s first pet-friendly hotel, and the first property in Aspen to offer a handicapped-accessible room. For half a century, the corner of Monarch Street and Cooper Avenue served as a beloved hub for skiers and vacationers.
In 2005, the family razed the Limelite Lodge and rebuilt a brand new, 126-room hotel in its place. The property reopened in 2008 as the Limelight Lodge. Two years later, Aspen Skiing Company bought the property from the Paas family and renamed it The Limelight Hotel in 2012.
Today, The Limelight Hotel continues to serve the same adventurous, music-loving clientele as the original Limelite Lodge and Ski and Spur bar before it. Contemporary and inviting, the Limelight continues to offer a vibrant après ski scene with free live entertainment, and welcome pets like its previous owners. The property’s original heart and soul continues to shine brightly at the Limelight Hotel.
Protecting a Beautiful Future
The Limelight Hotel is home to powder hounds and environmental aficionados alike. To protect the long-term sustainability of the Roaring Fork Valley, the Limelight imbues state-of-the-art, mountain lodging with environmental consciousness. Each decision, from housekeeping policies and cleaning products, to the organic coffee and homemade granola we serve at breakfast, is carefully calculated to preserve the long-term environmental sustainability of the Roaring Fork Valley.
In striving to lighten up its impact on the planet, the Limelight offers guests the best of modern conveniences guaranteed to make each stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Inviting gathering spaces are wired for high-speed Internet connection, while outdoor pool and spas, underground parking, ski lockers and ski valet await guests beyond the check-in at the front desk.
As we honor our past and look forward to the future, the Limelight Hotel is poised to welcome vacationers to Aspen for decades to come, with old-school hospitality and modern-day environmental awareness.
To book your reservation at The Limelight Hotel, please call 800-433-0832.
