This shiny glass-trimmed building was once disappointing, but after a thorough refurbishment in mid-2006, guests no longer leave the Aspen complaining about the worn and soiled carpets. Another addition is Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel (not the quickest or most reliable in the city but adequate for this grade), which should ensure that the Aspen remains popular with business travelers on a budget. The location is perfect for those who need easy access to B.A.'s financial district and the well-trained multilingual staff will help you find your bearings.
Inside, guests relaxing in the smartly furnished lounge stare 13 stories up through the hotel's rounded glass core, which looks like an
image out of an Absolut vodka ad. Marble floors, jewel-toned sofas and mirrored walls underscore the modernity, while potted plants add some organic relief. The sunken lounge does double duty as the breakfast area (still with too few tables, meaning queues are common), and the reasonably priced Latour cafe and restaurant occupies the mezzanine.
The small rooptop pool is one butterfly stroke in length and lacks access for swimmers with disabilities but does offer good views of the city and river. The tiny gym (a couple of aging exercise bikes and not much besides) provides alternative invigoration. There are four meeting rooms, the largest holding up to 200 people, the business 
center provides broadband Internet access, and motorists pay for garage parking.
The appealing pastel accommodations are among the best in the Centro. The coordinated traditional decor is tasteful, with patterned wallpaper and pretty borders, floral spreads on firm beds, and handsome window treatments.
Reproduction furnishings include nicely proportioned desks with emerald-toned banker's lamps. Data ports, TVs, minibars, safes and king beds are the norm, and lush marble baths supply robes, hair dryers, phones and whirlpool tubs. The best rooms here are the so-called superiors, which are actually mid-priced standard rooms facing the street. More expensive premium units are merely larger versions of these, and the least-expensive standard rooms face the parking lot. While smokers cannot light up in any unit, room service delivers at all hours.
This well-run hotel remains a good value when set against downtown competitors such as the Claridge and the Marriott and is on a par with the nearby El Conquistador. It specializes in receiving Japanese guests—occidental travelers would do well to order the superior Japanese breakfast.
