The Nell New York.

Courtesy of Rockwell Group

The Little Nell is a landmark hotel in Aspen, a slopeside property that opened in 1989 and very quickly became the chicest ski hotel in the US, if not the world. From the get-go, it has been a magnet for Hollywood A-Listers and wealthy guests who stay at the storied resort in the Colorado Rockies, checking into rooms that now start at about $2,300 a night.

The Debut of Nell Hotels

Now the owners of this independent luxury hotel have announced that they’re building a new brand around it, though they’re remaining highly selective about growth. This new luxury hotel brand, Nell Hotels, is rooted in the spirit, legacy and style of The Little Nell, which has one of the most devoted fan bases of any hotel in the world.

“Nell Hotels builds on what The Little Nell has always been about – something personal, something you come back to that feels familiar every time.” 

Their first new-build hotel will be The Nell New York, at a cost of more than $350 million. It is scheduled to debut in fall 2027 as the first and only hotel within Rockefeller Center and New York City’s only Relais & Châteaux hotel. The announcement came from Aspen Hospitality, a division of Aspen One. Aspen One’s owner is the Chicago-based Crown family, which co-owns Rockefeller Center with Tishman Speyer, the New York-based real estate developer.

The Nell New York

Nell Hotels is launching as a collection of three distinct properties: The Little Nell, Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel and the brand’s founding property; the Residences at The Little Nell, which are private, fully appointed residences in the heart of Aspen; and now The Nell New York, an independently owned boutique hotel in the heart of midtown Manhattan.

“Nell Hotels builds on what The Little Nell has always been about – something personal, something you come back to that feels familiar every time,” Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality, said in a press statement. “As we grow, that doesn’t change. Our intention is not to be everywhere but to be exactly where our guests are.”

“Just as The Little Nell is known for unparalleled access to Aspen and its mountains, The Nell New York will unlock access to the studios, galleries, private dining rooms, cultural institutions and in-the-know experiences that shape New York City.”

The Nell New York is but the first property in the brand’s expansion. The company is pursuing intentional growth, with plans to add new properties and locations that match the spirit of The Little Nell Hotel.

Nell Hotels is aiming to recreate the exclusivity and distinctive services of The Little Nell in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, The Nell New York will be the only hotel within Rockefeller Center and will be the only Relais & Châteaux property in New York City. The 134-room hotel will occupy a singular position above Rockefeller Center, transforming former office space into an intimate guest retreat. Check-in will be on the seventh floor, above the noisy, frantic streetscape of Midtown, with the idea of creating a rare sense of privacy and calm.

“Distinctive access will define the guest experience at The Nell New York,” Toscano said. “Just as The Little Nell is known for unparalleled access to Aspen and its mountains, The Nell New York will unlock access to the studios, galleries, private dining rooms, cultural institutions and in-the-know experiences that shape New York City. It’s inherently insider without requiring membership.”

The hotel’s amenities will include an all-day dining venue, a lobby bar, a spa, and a wine lounge that brings The Little Nell’s renowned wine program to New York. A signature fine-dining restaurant will open on the 17th floor above the hotel, featuring views of Rockefeller Center and beyond.

The Art Deco grandeur and architectural ambition of Rockefeller Center will inspire the hotel’s design, which is being led by the Rockwell Group. The property will feature an art collection showcasing both emerging and internationally recognized artists from New York and around the world.

“We are honored to welcome The Nell New York to Rockefeller Center and to partner with a brand that shares our commitment to creating meaningful experiences through art, dining, culture, and community,” EB Kelly, Head of Rockefeller Center and Senior Managing Director, Tishman Speyer, said in a press statement. “Built nearly a century ago as a city within a city, Rockefeller Center has long offered a singular destination experience.”

While The Neell New York is under construction, The Little Nell in Aspen will temporarily close in April 2027 to undergo a comprehensive renovation and reopen in time for the 2027-2028 winter season.

Visit Nell Hotels for more information.