History of Limelight Hotels
Not surprisingly, our history is pretty colorful. Originally a rough-and-tumble bar in the middle of a rapidly-expanding paradise, the property has had several owners and numerous incarnations before becoming the Limelight of today. Follow along below to learn all about our lively past.
1. the early days
The original structure on the Limelight property is called “The Ski and Spur Bar,” which serves both outlaws and skiers in the spirit of the Wild West. In the 1950s, new owners re-name it “The Limelite” and turn it into a popular dinner theater and lively nightclub.
Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society.
1. the early days
The original structure on the Limelight property is called “The Ski and Spur Bar,” which serves both outlaws and skiers in the spirit of the Wild West. In the 1950s, new owners re-name it “The Limelite” and turn it into a popular dinner theater and lively nightclub.
Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society.
2. a folk implosion
The Limeliters, led by the bar’s new owner, folk singer Glenn Yarbrough, draw in large crowds, as do a stream of other entertainers, from Judy Collins to the Smothers Brothers. However, by 1962 Glenn’s rising popularity makes running the bar impossible, so he sells it to the Paas family.Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society.
2. a folk implosion
The Limeliters, led by the bar’s new owner, folk singer Glenn Yarbrough, draw in large crowds, as do a stream of other entertainers, from Judy Collins to the Smothers Brothers. However, by 1962 Glenn’s rising popularity makes running the bar impossible, so he sells it to the Paas family.Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society.
3. decades of growth
Under the Paas family, The Limelite thrives for decades before they expand it to the Limelite Lodge, which is the first in Aspen to install televisions, telephones, air conditioning and fridges, as well as the first to allow pets. For half a century, skiers and vacationers flock to the Limelite.Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society.
3. decades of growth
Under the Paas family, The Limelite thrives for decades before they expand it to the Limelite Lodge, which is the first in Aspen to install televisions, telephones, air conditioning and fridges, as well as the first to allow pets. For half a century, skiers and vacationers flock to the Limelite.Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society.
4. from the ground up
In 2005, the Paas family razes the Limelite Lodge and rebuilds it as a 126-room hotel, which opens in 2008 as the Limelight Lodge. Two years later, Aspen Skiing Company buys the property from the Paas family, and in 2012 renames it the Limelight Hotel.
4. from the ground up
In 2005, the Paas family razes the Limelite Lodge and rebuilds it as a 126-room hotel, which opens in 2008 as the Limelight Lodge. Two years later, Aspen Skiing Company buys the property from the Paas family, and in 2012 renames it the Limelight Hotel.
5. it’s in our blood
Today, the Limelight continues to serve the same adventurous clientele as the original Limelite Lodge and Ski and Spur Bar before it. The property’s underlying heart and soul still shines brightly on the well-worn corner of Aspen’s Monarch Street and Cooper Avenue.
5. it’s in our blood
Today, the Limelight continues to serve the same adventurous clientele as the original Limelite Lodge and Ski and Spur Bar before it. The property’s underlying heart and soul still shines brightly on the well-worn corner of Aspen’s Monarch Street and Cooper Avenue.
6. looking ahead
But when you have a good thing going, you want to do it in more places. With a nod to this unpretentious spirit, we've brought our fun, unfussy luxury to Idaho with the Limelight Hotel Ketchum and to Snowmass Village with the Limelight Hotel Snowmass. Come join us!
