New General Manager Stephane Lacroix Arrives at Hotel Jerome
Change is afoot at the iconic Hotel Jerome.
Stephane Lacroix took over as general manager on May 12. It’s a move that felt “meant to be,” Lacroix said, given the timing, as the historic property was already undergoing a refresh and preparing for a significant reactivation. The highly anticipated reopening took place on May 22.
Lacroix, who was born in France, settled in the U.S. in 1994 with the goal of learning English fluently and expanding his career in luxury hospitality. Along the way, both Aspen and Hotel Jerome captured his imagination.
“I have always heard about Aspen, and so many times about Hotel Jerome,” he said.
While he hadn’t specifically planned on Aspen, the thought of one day becoming part of Hotel Jerome’s story was always in the back of his mind. When Auberge Resorts Collection reached out to him about the general manager opportunity, his interest was piqued immediately.
It didn’t matter whether Lacroix was living in San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles—he noticed how the mention of Aspen always found its way into conversations.
“When you associate your brand name with such a legacy property, and you’re potentially seeing another legacy property become part of your journey, there was very quickly an interest from me,” he said.
The next step was experiencing the property firsthand. After a 13-year stint in Los Angeles, he arrived on site and spent two transformative days with Tony DiLucia, the hotel’s longtime general manager of three decades.
“Tony and I spent two full days together, like two old friends who have known each other forever,” Lacroix said.
The two hoteliers had in-depth conversations about Hotel Jerome’s past successes, its tremendous potential, and the ongoing commitment to improvement.
Lacroix’s initial weeks have been a flurry of activity as he connects with the dedicated team and the Aspen community.
“You want the legacy, but you also want to be current,” he said, speaking of the delicate balance between honoring a property established in 1889 and ensuring it feels fresh and contemporary.
The recent room refresh, for example, stayed true to the authenticity of the design while providing a “pristine product” for guests. The core of luxury, he shared, is ensuring everything is provided so that guests experience perfection the moment they enter their room or suite.
One returning guest told him, “It’s the most amazing hotel,” after a 10-day stay. Lacroix was also moved by meeting guests with an emotional connection to the hotel, boasting over 40 stays at Hotel Jerome.
The newly activated Garden Room is another example of innovation. Although initiated before Lacroix arrived, he exudes enthusiasm for the bold move.
“It’s a very intimate, unique space that adds another layer to the many options you find on the property,” Lacroix said. “The natural light flooding in through large windows is a seamless extension of the hotel’s Victorian design.”
“It feels like it’s always been here,” said Mandi Meng, Auberge Resorts Collection area director of marketing and communications.
Hotel Jerome also continues to evolve its culinary offerings, from the J-Bar to The Prospect, which now offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel will extend its menu to the elegant outdoor courtyard, The Prospect Garden, starting June 9.
After three weeks, Lacroix and his wife, Estelle, are embracing their new hometown. Originally from Switzerland, she has lived in the U.S. for 29 years. Together, they are exploring Aspen’s celebrated dining scene, with favorites like Clark’s for oysters and the White House Tavern, while joining in on the active, outdoor lifestyle with visits to places like the Maroon Bells.
Now a firsthand witness to Aspen as a “world-class destination” and Hotel Jerome as a “significant part of that process,” Lacroix is focused on continuing the “quest for excellence” and ensuring the hotel upholds its renowned status.
He concludes, “If you don’t find a challenge, I think you are in the wrong industry.”
By: Jennika IngramI The Aspen Times I June 6, 2025