Simon Chen Named GM of The Little Nell

Aspen’s only five-star resort, The Little Nell, recently announced Simon Chen as its new general manager. Chen comes to Aspen from the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. He had been there since 2011 and previously studied at the Hotel School at Intercontinental in Sydney. Working for Ritz Carlton locations brought him to mountain properties such as Bachelor Gulch, Telluride and Vail. But, it’s not his first stint at The Little Nell; Chen worked as front office manager and assistant guest services director during the ’90s.

“I am excited and honored to be rejoining the team at The Little Nell,” Chen said. “As a hotelier this is a dream come true to have the opportunity to oversee one of the world’s most iconic ski hotels.”

The Little Nell was recently honored with the prestigious Forbes Five-Star Award for 2013, which marks its eighteenth consecutive year to receive designation as “one of the best hotels in the world.” The Little Nell is one of 76 hotels worldwide and the only property in Aspen to receive this distinction. The guest rooms were remodeled in 2009, followed by a renovation of the “Living Room” in 2011. In 2012, renowned restaurant designers Bentel & Bentel reinvented the hotel’s signature restaurant, with Element 47 opening in December.