ASPEN, July 8, 2008 � Like so many thirty-five-year-olds
celebrating birthdays this year, The Gant has come of age. Hitting its
stride at 35, the property is looking forward to the future with a contemporary
and timeless new look. Managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, The
Gant was Aspen�s first condominium property to provide upscale hotel amenities
and services when it first opened in 1973. Today, the property continues
to set the pace and was recently recognized by Conde Nast Traveler, as
one of North America�s Top 50 ski hotels in 2007.
�The Gant�s debut including a front desk, concierge services, housekeeping
and other resort-style amenities common today, was a monumental change
in the industry in 1973,� said Donnie Lee, general manager at The Gant.
�Our commitment to guest satisfaction and exceeding expectations continues
to guide our services and was the catalyst behind the extensive renovation
we recently completed. Conde Nast�s recognition last year demonstrates
that after 35 years in a highly competitive industry, in one of the world�s
best vacation locations, we take nothing for granted and work as diligently
today as when we opened more than three decades ago.�
The Gant�s 35th anniversary celebration was kicked off by the recently
completed seven-million-dollar, three-year renovation that focused on enhancing
the property�s exterior grounds and communal interior areas. This extraordinary
resort now enjoys an impressive main entryway, state-of-the-art radiant
heated driveway, new outdoor lounging areas, refurbished meeting facility
and lobby. In addition to these exterior beautification efforts, nearly
all 140 privately-owned condominiums, ranging from one to four bedrooms,
have undergone varying degrees of upgrades ranging from new furnishings
and décor to state of the art electronic and entertainment systems
and appliances to accommodate The Gant�s new standard, deluxe and premier
rating system. These recent upgrades, along with an award winning landscape,
showcase The Gant�s continued commitment to offer the best in spacious,
beautifully furnished and contemporary condominium lodging.
Then & Now
When The Gant opened its doors 35 years ago, a gallon of gas at the
pumps was nearly $0.39 and the average cost of a new house around the country
was $32,500.00. Big hair, platform shoes and halter dresses were in style.
Time changes life and history is continuously being written. As a long-standing
fixture in Aspen�s skyline, The Gant has experienced and witnessed varying
shades of change in this upscale mountain town. Following is a glimpse
back to 1973 with notable points of reference.
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Average cost of a hotel room: $5.00/night (dorm style) - $300/night (5-bedroom
home)
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Daily adult ski lift ticket cost: $9.00
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Meal of champions cost less than $2.00 (Olympia six-pack of beer - $.85;
steaks - $0.97/lb.)
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Aspen had seven round trip flights from Aspen to Denver for: $25.00 one-way,
$15.74 standby, $12.50 child
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Condominiums at The Gant sold between $36,000 - $94,000
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Diana Ross and Marlyn Brando were hot celebrities who visited Aspen in
1973
About The Gant
The Gant is Aspen�s finest condominium resort. A resort within
a resort, The Gant offers high quality, friendly hotel services at the
highest level of any Aspen condominium property. Situated in a peaceful
enclave at the base of Aspen Mountain with convenient access to downtown
and the ski lifts. The Gant�s privately owned condominiums are regularly
refurbished and fully equipped, offering the comforts of home to today�s
travelers and meeting guests, with the services of a hotel.
Renovation
efforts to date have transformed The Gant s exterior grounds into a peaceful
enclave designed in harmony with nature. Exquisite design elements such
as running streams, wroughtiron art panels, and calming water and light
features embrace the unique Colorado landscape and provide a mental transport
for guests. Indigenious rock and plant gardens, signature Aspen trees and
new stonewalls adorn the walkways between The Gant s four guest buildings
and pave the way to new and renovated outdoor guests amenities. The upper
pool and hot tub were re-tiled with a rich onyx finish and a new outdoor
dining terrace equipped with a stainless steel barbecue, soapstone countertop
and a lava rock fire pit was added. The property s 5,000 square-foot conference
center was refurbished with new décor, carpet and lounge and meeting
furnishings.
Moving into the final phase, The Gant will continue with its landscape
efforts but will also focus on exterior and interior renovation projects.
Exterior enhancements:
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Property handrails, individual balcony guardrails and all exterior lighting
fixtures will be replaced
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The property entryway will feature a new retaining stonewall, water feature
and plant display
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The entry circle leading into the lobby will feature snowmelt asphalt,
new accent stonewalls, landscaping and a porte-cochere
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The lower pool and hot tub will be refinished and boast a new built-in
barbecue grill with stonetops and communal seating
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A new fireplace and a fire pit area will be built poolside
Interior enhancements:
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New lobby décor and furnishings
The Gant tapped the local talents of Design Workshop and Four Seasons Landscaping.
This artistically compelling and eco-friendly landscape design earned the
2006 Environmental Improvement Grand Award from The Professional Landcare
Network, an international trade association that recognizes aesthetic green
landscape designs. All the outdoor art panels were also created by local
sculptor Mike Lindsay. |
About Destination Hotels & Resorts
The Gant is one of more than 30 independent, upscale and luxury hotels,
resorts and golf clubs in the United States managed by Destination Hotels
& Resorts, the fifth largest independent hospitality management company
in the country. The company, headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo., features
a portfolio of more than 7,000 guest rooms, 10 golf courses and 12 full-service
spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan
and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, Dallas,
San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Portland, Palm Springs, Maui
and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination
Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com. |