Here are downtown Aspen hotels that put you within easy walking distance of the restaurants, bars and clubs (Belly Up, the J-Bar/Jerome, Ajax/Ajax Patio, Hooch, etc.) so you can be in the nightlife scene without a car. I’ve listed a short note about location, vibe and why each is good for nightlife.

• The Little Nell — ski-in/ski-out luxury at the base of Aspen Mountain; literally at the Silver Queen Gondola and steps from downtown shops, bars and Belly Up. Best for upscale après-ski and being first on the mountain. (thelittlenell.com)

• Hotel Jerome (Auberge Resorts) — historic, right on East Main Street; classic town landmark with the lively J‑Bar onsite (easy access to downtown nightlife). Great if you want a central, historic base. (aubergeresorts.com)

• W Aspen — modern, design-forward hotel a block or two from the gondola and about two blocks from downtown; rooftop bar/pool and on‑site lounges make it a nightlife hub in its own right. (marriott.com)

• Limelight Hotel Aspen — positioned in the “epicenter” of downtown near Aspen Mountain and the pedestrian malls; lively après scene, pool/hot tubs and onsite bar/restaurant. Good mid‑priced option that’s a short walk to night spots. (aspensnowmass.com)

• St. Regis Aspen Resort / St. Regis Residence Club — luxury property at the base of Aspen Mountain and within easy walking distance of downtown dining and nightlife; upscale bars and spa onsite. (aspensnowmass.com)

• Aspen Square Hotel — condo‑hotel directly across from the base of Aspen Mountain and very close to the pedestrian shopping/dining streets; good if you want apartment-style rooms while staying in the heart of town. (aspensquarehotel.com)

• The Gant — upscale condo‑style property at the base of Aspen Mountain with short walking distance to downtown; roomy units and good for groups who want to be near nightlife but have more living space. (gantaspen.com)

• Inn at Aspen — actually at the base of Buttermilk Mountain (short shuttle or ~10-minute drive to downtown); if you want ski-in/ski-out at Buttermilk but still be close enough for Aspen nightlife, this is a value pick with an on‑site bar. (innataspen.com)

Quick tips

• For the closest walk-to-nightlife experience, prioritize Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, Limelight, W Aspen and St. Regis (all adjacent to Aspen Mountain and the downtown pedestrian malls). (thelittlenell.com)
• Check concert/event schedules at Belly Up and local bars — big events sell rooms fast. (Nightlife overview and venues). (readycolorado.com)
• If you want my help narrowing to a specific budget, dates, or number of guests I can pick the best match and check typical rates/availability.

Would you like options filtered by budget (luxury vs midrange), or for specific dates?