Aspen’s Hotel Jerome is quite famous, and justifiably so. Once a post office, the mail sorting slots are now the home of the hotel room keys. It stands behind the front desk like a towering edifice of wooden mouths.

Room 310 is famously haunted by Water Boy. The hotel looks like it should be the home of a ghost or two! I can only try to imagine what the walls of the Jerome have witnessed through the years.

The Hotel Jerome, an iconic establishment located in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, has been a symbol of luxury and history since its doors first opened in 1889. Built during the silver mining boom, the hotel was founded by Jerome B. Wheeler, a co-owner of Macy’s Department Store and a significant figure in Aspen’s development. His vision was to create a hotel that rivaled the grand establishments of Europe’s finest cities, offering unparalleled elegance and modern amenities.

Designed by the prominent Denver architectural firm of Boring and Tilton, the Hotel Jerome boasted innovations rare for its time, including an elevator, an indoor plumbing system, and electric lighting. The hotel quickly became a social hub, attracting the wealthy and influential who came to Aspen for both business and pleasure. Its luxurious appointments, combined with its rustic mountain charm, set a standard for hospitality in the region.bou

Despite its prestige, the Hotel Jerome is perhaps equally famous for its resident ghost, known as the “Water Boy.” Legend has it that in the 1930s, a young boy drowned in the hotel’s pool. According to the story, the boy had been left unattended while his parents attended a lavish party. His tragic death left a lasting impression on the hotel’s history, and guests have since reported numerous sightings and strange occurrences attributed to his spirit.

Visitors to the hotel often recount eerie encounters with the Water Boy. Some have reported seeing a young boy in old-fashioned clothing wandering the halls or by the pool, only for him to vanish when approached. Others have experienced sudden drops in temperature, unexplained water puddles, and the feeling of a presence watching them. These tales have become a part of the hotel’s rich lore, attracting paranormal enthusiasts and curious guests alike.

The Hotel Jerome’s historical significance extends beyond its ghostly tales. It has witnessed Aspen’s transformation from a mining town to a world-renowned ski resort and cultural center. The hotel has hosted celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries, maintaining its status as a premier destination. In 1986, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place in American heritage.

Today, the Hotel Jerome continues to blend its storied past with modern luxury.

The J Bar at the Jerome is a treat. In addition to their signature cocktails, all original creations, they have BBQ ribs suited to the world-class Aspen setting. A drawer behind the bar exhibits the signatures of previous bartenders going back to the 1800s.

Recent renovations have preserved its historic charm while introducing contemporary comforts, ensuring that it remains a top choice for discerning travelers.

Whether visitors come for its opulent accommodations, its rich history, or the chance to encounter the Water Boy, the Hotel Jerome offers a unique and memorable experience in the heart of Aspen.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice Legal Blogger

• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Former Judge
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com