Work began in September to redesign all 257 guest rooms and all remaining public spaces in the new style, part of a multi-million investment in the property by Starwood Hotels Resorts, which owns and manages The St. Regis Aspen, as part of its Luxury Collection of hotels and resorts. Work will be completed by December 11th�well in advance of the hotel�s gala New Year�s Eve benefit with Jazz Aspen Snowmass. 

The new look was created by Colorado�s award-winning Slifer Designs. �Mountain elegance� has been used to describe the work of interior designer Beth Slifer. The St. Regis Aspen interiors feature natural fabrics in muted mountain colors, quality furniture, Turkish, Tibetan and Persian rugs, accentuated by rich wood overtones and contemporary lighting fixtures, as well as bronze tabletop statues of elk and bison. A multi-million dollar art collection includes works by 19th century and contemporary artists.

The rich feel and color scheme will be used to transform all 257 guest rooms (including two Presidential suites and 24 Alpine suites) with a makeover including: new drapes, bed skirts and shams, headboards, decorative pillows, wallpaper, carpet, lighting, artwork, and new plush leather chairs and ottomans.

�Our choice of Slifer Designs will ensure the interior as well as the exterior of this property will enhance the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery surrounding it,� said Scott Morris, General Manager of The St. Regis, Aspen. �Our Lobby Bar has become a favorite night spot, where clients can relax and enjoy live music nightly in an atmosphere of �Western chic,� and now that feel will be extended into the guest rooms.� 

Slifer Designs, founded in 1984, is Colorado�s leading interior design firm, specializing in resort second homes and high-end hospitality projects. The firm was ranked the number one residential design firm in the nation by Interior Design magazine for three years running�in its Top 100 Giants Survey in 1997, 1998 and 1999. 

�The St. Regis Aspen is a perfect match for us,� said Elizabeth �Beth� Slifer, President and Principal Owner of Slifer Designs. �Slifer Designs is about defining lifestyle and combining it with aesthetics for the customer�s ultimate pleasure�a philosophy that is well suited to The St. Regis Aspen, one of the world�s most elegant ski resorts.�
 

The St. Regis Aspen commissioned Sliferi Designs to transform their 4000 sq. ft. lobby into pure mountain elegance. In just three months, the challenge to produce an environment that is refined yet inviting was met in March of 1999. The lobby's design reflects the unique flavor of a town that combines mountain tranquility with worldly sophistication.

Constructed with over 800,000 Colorado red bricks, The St. Regis Aspen embodies the spirit of the true West.  Outside a massive elk sculpture by artist Jim Agius, titled �Standing Watch,� graces the entryway. Inside the front door, the lobby is a study in mountain elegance centered around a magnificent granite fireplace and large picture windows which open onto dramatic views of Aspen Mountain.  Tucked between Aspen Mountain�s two main ski lifts and located just steps from the center of town. The hotel�s world-class amenities include a ski concierge in winter to coordinate ski rental, lift tickets and private and group lessons.

A ski valet service is provided through Aspen Sports, a sports and activities coordination center located immediately across the street from the hotel�s main entrance. Skis and boots are picked up at the door and tuned and warmed respectively for use the next morning. In the summer, the concierge staff is standing by from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help purchase tickets to cultural events, secure seats at favorite Aspen restaurants and arrange for hiking or mountain biking tours of the surrounding wilderness.

The St. Regis Aspen is one of four St. Regis hotels owned and operated by Starwood Hotels Resorts (NYSE: HOT), all part of its Luxury Collection of 57 properties in 24 countries. Each St. Regis property is ideally situated in key destinations that serve an international clientele. Each property reflects the distinct characteristics of its location. Currently, there are St. Regis properties in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., as well as Aspen�all are named for the flagship New York City landmark hotel, built by Col. John Jacob Astor in 1904.