Resort Press Room

The Gant Celebrates 35 Years of Hospitality Excellence and Leadership

A four-month 'Countdown to 35' package series kicks off in September

ASPEN, Aug. 4, 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. To celebrate its 35 years of success, the property is offering guests a series of special packages leading up to the big day in December to thank guests for their loyalty and support throughout the years.

"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 35^th 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 decor 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
  

Countdown to 35 Guest Packages
Officially, The Gant turns 35 on December 27, 2008 but to build momentum up to this special day, the property has launched a 'Countdown to 35' series of packages that offer a rotating monthly special offered Sept. 1 - Dec. 19, 2008. Upon check-in, guests that book one of these packages will receive a commemorative 3x5 35^th anniversary keepsake frame. Discounts and promotions are available on all unit types. Certain rules, restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

September

• Book a stay in September and earn up to three $35 activity credits with Blazing Adventures. Activity choices include a) 4-hour guided bike tour, b) 3.5 hour jeeping trip or, c) 3-hour guided hiking tour. Credits are given based on unit type, i.e. 1 bedroom = 1 credit, 2 bedrooms = 2 credits and 3 bedrooms = 3 credits.

Starting rate: $155/night 1-bedroom condo; $180/night 2-bedroom condo based on a two-night minimum stay. Use promotion code: 4Gant35.

October

• Book a stay in October and earn one $35 American Express card per condominium bedroom. Available units range from 1-3 bedroom units. Credits are given based on unit type, i.e. 1 bedroom = 1 card, 2 bedrooms = 2 cards and 3 bedrooms = 3 cards.
  

Starting rate: $155/night 1-bedroom condo; $180/night 2-bedroom condo based on a two-night minimum stay. Use promotion code: 3Gant35.

November

• Book a stay in November and guests who are 35, 3 or 5 years of age will receive one $35 room credit per reservation on accommodations with proof of age.

Starting rate: $135/night 1-bedroom condo; $160/night 2-bedroom condo based on a two-night stay. Use promotion code: 2Gant35.

December

• Stay four nights and get the fifth night for only $0.35.

Starting rate: $195/night 1-bedroom condo; $225/night 2-bedroom condo based on a four-night stay effective Dec. 1-19. Use promotion code: 1Gant35.

Book a 35^th anniversary package online at www.thegant.com or call 800.549.0530.

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.

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.