I hadn't flown in over 4 months, but The Gant Aspen lured me to Colorado with condo-style rooms, outdoor activities, and reassuring COVID-19 policies

After a quick 15-minute ride from Aspen Airport to The Gant, the complimentary resort shuttle (called "Gant Vans") stopped at the roundabout in front of the wooden overhang that led to the lobby. I was the only passenger on the roomy shuttle and it was nice not to have to touch any handles getting off thanks to the automatic doors.

Upon entering the hotel, immediately to my left was a free mask station with two options: standard blue masks, as well as cloth fabric neck gaiters with The Gant logo. The extra attention to detail with the mask station made me feel safe right off the bat, and the neck gaiter was an appropriate souvenir (and essential) for travel during the pandemic.

As I approached the front check-in desk, there were two attendants standing behind a thick plastic shield, both wearing masks properly over their nose and mouths. There were also a few pump hand sanitizer bottles for guests to use as they were checking in. A nice touch was two separate and clearly labeled jars for "clean pens" versus "used pens" so guests were able to differentiate between the two as an extra measure of safety.

While there was a small sitting area with gray leather armchairs, there was no line at check-in so I quickly received my room key. The bellman showed me the way to my room while wearing a PPE mask over his face. All of the staff that I saw from arrival onwards were wearing masks at all times.

The Gant accommodations range from one- to four-bedrooms, and since I was traveling with a friend, we reserved a Standard Two-Bedroom Aspen Condo, which starts at $215.

The room was plenty spacious for two people and would even work well for families. The furnishings evoked a mountain-chic vibe, with a beautiful wood-accented dining table, wood paneling, and a full sitting area with a comfy couch.

My friend and I were especially pleased that each bedroom came with its own en-suite bathroom so we could both have our own space. Each bathroom included tubs and rain showers that were especially nice after a long day outdoors.

The real wood-burning fireplace was a cozy touch (even if it was just pretty to look at in the summer). An ample private deck off the living room came furnished with two lounge chairs with a side table and was an idyllic place to watch the sunrise while having tea in the morning.

Having access to a full kitchen was nice for two reasons. First, we quickly realized that food was not cheap in Aspen, and it provided us the option to heat up leftovers.

We also liked that we could buy food from the grocery store and cook meals ourselves, which was especially relevant for guests who may not feel comfortable eating at restaurants just yet. The room came fully stocked with all the cooking essentials like pots, plates, and silverware.

Since I am an avid tea drinker, the tea kettle, along with a paper bag full of tea, coffee, and condiments was the icing on the cake. I usually travel with loose teas but forgot to pack mine. Luckily, the housekeeping staff refreshed our coffee and tea on a daily basis. However, in keeping with updated protocols, the staff was careful to only come in the room when we were out.

After living in New York City for years and having to truck my dirty clothes several blocks away to the laundromat, The Gant's stacked laundry unit in the room was perhaps my favorite amenity. There were two complimentary Tide pods provided, so I even washed items that barely needed it so I wouldn't have any laundry to do when I got back home.

I enjoyed a good night's sleep on the bed, which was medium firmness with a warm comforter and there was also an extra blanket in the closet in case I got chilly from the AC.

Our two-bedroom condo was just right for our purposes, though families or groups may want to take full advantage of the three- and four-bedroom options, which start at $370. Similarly, couples and solo travelers who still want access to a kitchen and a separate sitting area would have more than enough space in a one-bedroom, which can come in at $199 in slower seasons and offer a serious deal when compared with many other hotel options in the area.

The Standard was one of three levels of interiors we could have booked, followed by Deluxe or Premier condominiums. Those looking for chicer, high-end finishings may want to consider the recently renovated Premiere Condos and Deluxe Condos. The newer rooms are professionally decorated and include nicer touches like new appliances, stone fireplaces, marble countertops, and more modern decor. That said, beyond being newer, they don't offer much else in terms of additional space or amenities and start at $280 for a one-bedroom. While a little more dated, I found my Standard Condo to be more than sufficient and the better value.

However, keep in mind that the best savings are found in the summer and fall low season. Once the winter ski season gets into full swing, the starting price of a room like ours quickly surges to $529. That said, in Aspen, it's not uncommon for popular ritzy resort rooms to go for upwards of $1,000 per night, so, The Gant still offers a strong value despite the higher winter price tag.

There is a resort fee of 5% per night per room. However, with multiple pools, tennis courts, complimentary bikes, and a handy free shuttle available, it feels justified.

All of the on-site amenities were open during my stay but were altered slightly to address COVID-19 safety concerns.

The on-site restaurant, Pepperjack's Café, had signage at the front entrance to make sure people were wearing masks upon entry. I enjoyed the breakfast offerings and had fun trying out a different smoothie combo each day.

I also enjoyed a scenic outdoor breakfast on the Ute Rooftop Terrace, which was completely empty except for a woman tending the beautiful plants that were placed along the perimeter.

The property includes two heated outdoor pools and three hot tubs with jets, which are all currently open to guests. The hotel is following state protocols and pools are operating at 50% capacity, while hot tubs are limited to four people traveling in the same party. The chaise lounge chairs and towel cabinets are sanitized several times throughout the day.

While the surrounding wooded mountains offer a serene setting, one downside for couples or those looking for a more tranquil atmosphere is that neither pool is adults-only and there were always kids splashing about in both pools when I was there.

Since I am big on health, wellness, and outdoor sports, it was important that the place I stayed in Aspen had relevant amenities. I was impressed that The Gant had five tennis courts, including three clay courts, and a WE-Cycle bike share station. I also took advantage of the gym, which was generally pretty quiet and felt plenty clean and safe. I did wear my mask the entire time I worked out, as was required.

The free Gant Vans operate a loop from The Gant to Gondola Plaza (Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola) and to the bus station for transfers to the other ski mountains. There is on-demand transportation anywhere within Aspen from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

During the ski season, there are on-site ski butlers for ski rental and boot fitting convenience. The hotel also offers complimentary ski valet and overnight storage, overnight ski tuning, and ski and snowboard lesson arrangements through the concierge.

This year, the hotel is partnering with top outfitters to offer guests the chance to set up paid private winter experiences from dog sledding to guided snowshoe tours.

When staying at The Gant there is no need to rent a car. Located in the downtown area, you can walk off the property and within a couple of blocks be surrounded by art galleries, shopping, and delicious restaurants like Bosq, where I had dinner one night on the outdoor terrace.

The Aspen Museum and Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola are big attractions that are also conveniently walkable from the property. I also took the free shuttle to various places in the downtown area, including the entrance to the Red Butte trail, which was a beautiful hike to do in the morning.

I was even able to take off my mask during parts of the hike and fully enjoy the fresh mountain air! At the top, I was greeted with gorgeous views and an overlook of downtown Aspen. The location of the Gant also made it easy for me to enjoy other outdoor activities including mountaintop yoga and mountain biking.

Although the Silver Queen Gondola is a 10-minute walk, during the ski season, you can take your skis or snowboard aboard the Gant Van to the gondola for easy and efficient mountain access.

The Gant is ranked 5 out of 34 hotels in Aspen on Trip Advisor.

Some past guests praise the staff and say they can tell they want to come to work every day, while others gush about the close proximity to town at only .25 miles. The Gant is also ranked 9.1 out of 10 on Booking.com and people similarly rave about the location and the service.

Only 15 people on Trip Advisor rated the property as "poor," compared to 965 as "excellent." However, a few reviewers noted that the Standard rooms weren't particularly modern and that some rooms could use a refresh. If you're looking for elevated luxury, you may be disappointed.

Who stays here: The condo-style accommodations adjacent to the downtown Aspen area make this property popular with a mix of friends, families, couples, and business travelers.

Are guests adhering to COVID policies?: Yes. Although I frequently see people in New York and New Jersey walking around in public without masks, it was reassuring to see that most people in Aspen were wearing masks in public spaces both indoors and outdoors, in compliance with Colorado's current executive order. The staff at the hotel were all wearing proper PPE throughout my stay too.

We like: The breakfast at Pepperjack's Café was healthy and gave me a kick start to my day. The solitude of eating on the rooftop above the restaurant offered beautiful views while enjoying the meal.

We love (don't miss this feature!): The complimentary Gant Van shuttle to the airport, gondola, and downtown locations. It's highly convenient to not need a car and would be an especially great perk when trekking around heavy skis or snowboards in the winter.

We think you should know: Neither outdoor pool is adults only. There will be kids in there happily splashing around. Also, if you're looking for a truly luxurious stay that is often typical of the Aspen area, you may be best suited to a different property.

We'd do this differently next time: Many of the restaurants in downtown Aspen fill up quickly for dinner and I had trouble walking in. Therefore, I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you plan to eat off-property.

The Gant has new protocols and a COVID-19 update that guests can read online. The property also follows Colorado's Executive Order D 2020 138 that requires people to wear a face-covering over their noses and mouths when entering or moving within any public indoor space.

New policies in place include:

• Enhanced cleaning standards and signage throughout the property, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, public common areas, and back-of-house employee spaces.
• Complimentary face coverings available for all guests, including choice of standard mask or a gaiter with The Gant logo.
• Superior, locally sourced, cleaning products in accordance with CDC guidelines.
• Access to certain guest amenities such as the pools, hot tubs, fitness center, and Pepperjack's Café guided by state and local health guidelines with reduced capacity.

I also spoke with the Director of Marketing & Sales for The Gant about additional new safety precautions and was told the hotel is waiting two days between guests when booking rooms to help guests feel safer during turnover.

I saw first-hand that The Gant is providing complimentary face coverings in the lobby, so if you forget your mask or its dirty, you have a backup. At check-in, there were also partitions up at the counter and extra touches like having a "clean" and "used" pen jar. I felt safe moving around the property and the staff was always wearing masks and consistently social distancing as much as possible.

Thanks to condo-style rooms, The Gant is an excellent choice for a wide range of travelers from families and groups of friends to business travelers seeking some extra space. The full kitchens, en-suite laundry, and private decks allow guests to be self-sufficient while on vacation, which is especially nice in the new social distancing era.

While it's not one of the ritzy resorts Aspen is often known for, and may not satisfy those looking for a high-end luxury hotel, The Gant offers a more affordable stay that still comes with plenty of appealing amenities.

The on-site offerings are extensive, with two pools, four hot tubs, and several tennis courts. The property is also ideally situated to take advantage of the Aspen area, too, and is within easy walking distance to area attractions, restaurants, hiking trails, and the ski gondola. The free shuttle to and from the airport and to top attractions means there's virtually no reason to rent a car.

Finally, the property is taking COVID-19 policies seriously, from free masks and neck gaiters at the entrance, to waiting two days between guest bookings in all rooms. I felt very safe throughout my stay and found The Gant to be a blissful home base for enjoying Aspen and its ample outdoor offerings.