We stayed a week and we would return. We did request to have to change rooms as we were right above the street and people were yelling outside in the middle of the night. They were very nice about it and moved us three days later, as a room became available. This hotel is great for it's location. Last time we stayed at the Sky Hotel and that was fantastic, but after four years the prices just went up way too much, so this one was just one block further and was just fine.
We booked this room at the last minute and weren't disappointed. The room was nicely appointed with sofa, 2 lounge chairs, a small table and chairs. There was a microwave and small refrig. It was nice to relax and look out the tall windows toward town and the mountains. Check in was fine but not terribly welcoming or friendly. Parking can be an issue as we hunted for a place to park on the street. There are no
designated spaces for guests to park. It is not a bed and breakfast atmosphere--it's more like a small hotel. It's
convenient to walk all over town and is just down from the
gondola if you are there during ski season. Breakfast was a typical continental breakfast--juice, yogurt, bagels, coffee. Book room 203 if you like lots of windows and light.
We stayed at Independence Square B&B over July 4th weekend because everywhere else was booked. There were some nice aspects -- our room was very clean and most things were in order. The jacuzzi on the roof
was kind of nice to watch the fireworks from. But while there were no
major problems, there were a litany of annoyances.
When we arrived, the air conditioner was off and our room was in the 80s and stifling. We left the air conditioner on high for several hours and returned to find it still hot; only the fan was working. Power cycling the air conditioner worked and it seemed to function ok after that but the next day the maids left all the windows shades open so our room was boiling when we got back anyways. The drain in the sink didn't work, the coffee at breakfast was so old as to be inedible (and I am not picky) and when we got up to the jacuzzi for the 4th, it was so hot we could barely get in, and had to spend 10 minutes mixing the water. The second day we got to breakfast there were no napkins and we had to wait 5-10 minutes for the desk clerk to get off the phone to ask for them. The yogurt they served at breakfast was past the sell-by date. This is not a "B&B" -- while there is a "common room" on each floor, they're not used and as another reviewer stated, breakfast is not exactly lovingly prepared.
Overall, for what you pay in Aspen, I'd hope for some more attention to detail. The location is good if you ski, but I can't recommend this place unless you get a stellar price.
Hello, and thanks for your review.
It has been some time since your stay at the Independence Square hotel in downtown Aspen, but our management team felt compelled to respond to give you an update.
The Independence Square is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Aspen, and was built in the late 19th century. It is one of the few places in Aspen that offer "lodge" (or traditional hotel-style) rooms. While not a large a the modern hotel room, the Indy offers convenience and variety (each unit is decorated differently) right on the Cooper Avenue Mall and only one block from the gondola.
Frias Properties of Aspen now manages the Independence Square. There's an entirely new management team in place and many of the units have been remodeled. Also, many of the units now feature air conditioning! We have also improved the quality of the daily complimentary continental breakfast.
If you ever decide to come back to Aspen, give the improved Independence Square a look, or call one of our vacation specialists directly at Frias Properties, Aspen's leader in vacation rental lodging.
Thanks again, and happy travels!
The location can't be beat. The rooftop jacuzzi is worth the entire cost of the stay. The rooms are simple but more than adequate. I find it funny someone from England would call the rooms small and the breakfast chilly coming from the land of tiny rooms and dreadful food.
My family stayed for a weekend in a deluxe room at the Independece Square over HBO Comedy Festival week. The accomodations couldn't have been better. The roof top Jacuzzi and the Aspen Athetic Club were our favorite places to relax. The location is centrally located in the midst of town activities, shops, and restaurants with excellent views. During the winter they provide a free cheese and wine hour! Who doesn't love that!
The baked danishes, fruit, and yogurt hit the spot every morning. We will stay with the Independence Square every year.
I stayed here for a week in Febuary 2005. Apart from the location which was good this hotel has very little else to offer. The rooms are very tired and smell. They are also of a small size and not well appointed. The included breakfast is not worth the trouble unless you like cold eggs and stale baggles. Some of the reception staff were quite rude and unhelpful also. Despite my poor lodgings I still loved Aspen and would recommend paying a little more to stay in a real hotel where they actually care.
My week previous at the Crestwood at Snowmass could not have been more of a contrast with great staff and great rooms
Hello, and thank you for your review.
It has been some time since your review, but our management team felt compelled to write and give you an update about the Independence Square hotel in downtown Aspen.
A lot has happened since your stay. Frias Properties of Aspen is now managing the building and the units. Frias is Aspen's leader in vacation rental lodging. Under the Frias flag, the Independence Square has flourished. We have a completely new staff, and many of the rooms have been remodeled. We have also improved the complimentary continental breakfast served daily.
The Independence Square is a historic building, built in the late 19th century. True, it does not offer the size that today's modern hotels offer, but it's location and significance cannot be matched. If you ever make it back to Aspen, we hope you'll give the improved Indy Square a chance.
Happy travels.
