Leading with Heart: Stephane Lacroix at the Helm of Hotel Jerome
This spring, Hotel Jerome welcomed Stephane Lacroix as its new general manager. With more than forty years of luxury hospitality experience spanning Paris, Monte Carlo, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Lacroix now steps into the leadership of Aspen’s most iconic hotel. His focus is preserving tradition while guiding the property into a new era.
Key Sections:
On Leadership: Lacroix believes great leadership starts with genuine connections. By showing care for his team, guests, and community, he creates an environment where hospitality feels authentic and personal.
On Guest Experience: His philosophy is simple. Always start with “yes,” then work to make the request both practical and memorable. This mindset fuels creativity while keeping service thoughtful.
On Hospitality Today: Gone are the days of rigid hierarchies. Lacroix embraces a people first approach, greeting staff across every department daily. To him, every role from engineers to bell staff shapes the guest experience.
On Legacy and Modernization: Acting as an innkeeper means honoring the hotel’s heritage while adapting to modern expectations. A recent $4.5 million renovation upgraded all 101 rooms with fresh design, amenities, and technology while preserving the Jerome’s historic character.
On Community: Since his arrival, Lacroix and his wife, Estelle, have been warmly welcomed into Aspen’s tight knit community. From local introductions to shared meals, that hospitality reinforced his view that Aspen is defined as much by people as by place.
Closing Thought:
For Lacroix, Hotel Jerome is more than a landmark hotel. It is a living reflection of Aspen’s culture and spirit. His leadership ensures the property continues to evolve while staying rooted in the legacy that has defined it for more than a century.
By: Bryan Welker | The Aspen Times | September 3, 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Jerome