ASPEN, CO—Houstonian Dan Friedkin, through his hospitality investment company Iconic Properties, has purchased Aspen’s historic Hotel Jerome, an Auberge Resort, from Chicago-based DRW Real Estate.
The purchase follows Friedkin’s 2013 investment in Auberge Resorts Collection, in which he became a majority owner and assumed the role of chairman of the board.
Auberge will continue its management of the luxury hotel.
The 93-room Hotel Jerome completed a top-to-bottom revitalization in 2012 under DRW’s ownership and direction and reopened as an Auberge Resort. Known since the 19th century as the social hub of Aspen, the re-envisioned hotel balances preservation with 21st century luxuries, according to the company. Redesigned public spaces include Prospect, an American bistro; a relaxed new Living Room bar and lounge; a new Auberge Spa; and a refreshed look for the legendary J-Bar.
First opened in 1889, the Jerome pioneered new levels of innovation and luxury at the height of Aspen’s boomtown silver-mining era and is often described as Aspen’s “crown jewel.” Hotel Jerome was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Stated Friedkin: “My family and I have enjoyed many years of visiting and owning residences in Aspen, and it’s a very special place to me personally. I could not be more pleased to welcome Hotel Jerome into our investment portfolio. It has an enviable and storied history as a landmark American hotel, and it is most certainly one of the flagship properties of the Auberge Resorts Collection. I commend Don Wilson, the managing partner of DRW Real Estate, for bringing the Jerome back to glory, and I’m honored to take stewardship of the hotel ensuring it remains one of the great hotels of the United States.”
As chairman/CEO of The Friedkin Group, Friedkin manages investments across a diverse array of private businesses, including entertainment, aviation, wholesale and retail automotive distribution and high-end hospitality asset development. Friedkin oversees Legendary Expeditions, a luxury adventure travel operator with access to more than six million acres in Tanzania.
Associated with The Friedkin Group, Iconic Properties is developing a world-class hotel investment brand, acquiring and operating luxury properties across the globe, according to the company.
“We fully support Dan Friedkin and Auberge Resorts in this transition” said Wilson. “Under Dan’s stewardship and Auberge’s management, Hotel Jerome has a very bright future.”