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.The Gant Opened as Aspen�s First Condominium Property in 1973
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A Front Desk,  Concierge Services and Housekeeping Were Monumental Additions

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.

  • Average cost of a hotel room: $5.00/night (dorm style) - $300/night (5-bedroom home)
  • Daily adult ski lift ticket cost: $9.00
  • Meal of champions cost less than $2.00 (Olympia six-pack of beer - $.85; steaks - $0.97/lb.)
  • Aspen had seven round trip flights from Aspen to Denver for: $25.00 one-way, $15.74 standby, $12.50 child
  • Condominiums at The Gant sold between $36,000 - $94,000
  • 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:

  • Property handrails, individual balcony guardrails and all exterior lighting fixtures will be replaced
  • The property entryway will feature a new retaining stonewall, water feature and plant display
  • The entry circle leading into the lobby will feature snowmelt asphalt, new accent stonewalls, landscaping and a porte-cochere
  • The lower pool and hot tub will be refinished and boast a new built-in barbecue grill with stonetops and communal seating
  • A new fireplace and a fire pit area will be built poolside 
Interior enhancements:
  • 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.

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Contact:

www.thegant.com
800.549.0530.
 

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Also See: Donnie Lee Named General Manager The Gant Condominium Resort in Aspen, Colorado / June 2006
Judson Hawk Selected as the General Manager of Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado / July 2007
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