Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Affiliations
Contacts
Timeline
Generic

Simon Chen

Basalt,Colorado

Summary

To collaborate and share my extensive expertise in Luxury Hotel & Resort Management to curate and lead an exceptional, exciting and innovative team, of service professional that inspire the finest hospitality experience in the luxury market.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Broker Associate and Co-Owner

SSC & CO Real Estate
01.2019 - Current
  • Negotiated contracts and prepared paperwork to manage accurate and legal sales of residential, commercial and land properties.
  • Achieved consistent sales by promoting properties through advertisements, open houses and listing services.
  • Managed client relationships via email, text and telephone to stay in frequent contact and maintain trust throughout sales process.
  • Developed successful marketing strategies in close collaboration with creative team.

Vice President

The Residences at Aspen Valley Ranch
01.2019 - 01.2024
  • Transformed an 800+ acre family-owned property into Aspen’s first luxury gated community, overseeing development, branding, and positioning to establish a premier residential enclave.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
  • Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
  • Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.

Managing Director

The Little Nell
01.2013 - 01.2019
  • Led operations of a Relais & Châteaux resort with Forbes 5-Star and AAA Five Diamond recognition, including 92 rooms, 26 fractional residences, a 350-member private club, and six food & beverage outlets.
  • Increased total hotel revenue by 67% and doubled net operating income (NOI) over five years through strategic growth initiatives.
  • Achieved consistent 96–97% annual guest satisfaction, aligning with the property’s elite luxury standards.
  • Grew fractional rental revenue by 100% over four years; ownership values rose from $975K in 2013 to $1.8M+ in 2018.
  • Conceptualized and launched Chair 9, named #1 après-ski bar in the U.S., with a 75% NOI.
  • Expanded The Little Nell Adventure Program to include winter activities, cycling and ski camps, and CMH collaborations, driving 13% of hotel revenue from 2016 to 2019.

General Manager & Vice-President Villas HOA

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Led a Relais & Châteaux resort featuring 49 luxury casitas, 12 fractional villas, a 12,000 sq. ft. private-member spa (200 members), and 35 exclusive residences.
  • Directed a comprehensive $35M property-wide rebranding and renovation, including all FF&E and OS&E upgrades.
  • Achieved 98% year-to-date guest satisfaction, reflecting a commitment to elevated service and experience.
  • Secured Forbes 5-Star status within three months of reopening post-renovation.
  • Recognized on the Condé Nast Hot List; named #1 Hotel in California and #7 in the U.S.

General Manager

The Peaks Resort and Spa
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Oversaw operations for a 355,000 sq. ft. luxury resort including a 42,000 sq. ft. spa, 58 high-end condos, 161 guest rooms, and 7 food & beverage outlets.
  • Recruited to restore the property’s reputation and performance, leading a full-service operational and cultural transformation.
  • Directed a $13M renovation project, revitalizing all key areas of the hotel.
  • Increased guest satisfaction from below 50% to over 90% within 90 days through a new service culture and guest engagement philosophy.

Area General Manager

Kessler Collection
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Directed operations across three luxury resorts, including Beaver Creek Lodge (72 suites, 13 condos, HOA & offices), El Monte Sagrado (84 rooms, suites & spa), and Kessler Canyon, an exclusive private hunting retreat in Colorado.
  • Reduced employee turnover from 190% to 25%, driving culture change and operational stability.
  • Achieved 94% Employee OSAT and led the entire portfolio in team engagement and satisfaction.
  • Led all properties in Guest Satisfaction scores for two consecutive years through service excellence and guest-centric initiatives.
  • Grew Gross Operating Profit (GOP) from 30% to 35% in the first year by improving efficiencies and revenue management.
  • Earned multiple accolades including Top 500 Hotels in the World, Top 50 Ski Hotels, Condé Nast Gold List, and Top 100 Hotels.

Hotel Manager

Vail Cascade Resort and Spa
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • Oversaw daily operations of a full-service luxury resort featuring 292 guest rooms, 84 condominiums, 10 private homes, 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and an 80,000 sq. ft. spa and health club, ensuring seamless coordination across all departments and amenities.

Chief Operating Officer

Skylar Management Company
01.2004 - 01.2006
  • Oversaw operations for 7 restaurants, with responsibility spanning human resources, website development, daily operations, pre-opening planning, and full project management to ensure successful launches and ongoing performance.

Progressive Leadership Roles

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
01.1990 - 01.2004
  • Held multiple leadership positions including Front Office Manager, Executive Housekeeper, Assistant Rooms Executive, Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms, and Acting Hotel Manager across luxury properties in both Australia and the U.S.
  • Transferred from Sydney to the U.S. in 1995 to support high-impact hospitality operations and brand standards.
  • Played a key role in hotel openings and major renovations at iconic properties such as The Little Nell, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Peaks Resort & Spa, and eight Ritz-Carlton locations.

Education

The Hotel School at Intercontinental

Affiliations

  • Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Board Member, 01/01/13, 01/01/19
  • Aspen Homeless Shelter, Board Member, 01/01/14, 01/01/21
  • Aspen Homeless Shelter, Advisory Co-Chair, 01/01/16, 01/01/21

Contacts

Available upon request

Timeline

Broker Associate and Co-Owner

SSC & CO Real Estate
01.2019 - Current

Vice President

The Residences at Aspen Valley Ranch
01.2019 - 01.2024

Managing Director

The Little Nell
01.2013 - 01.2019

General Manager & Vice-President Villas HOA

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
01.2011 - 01.2013

General Manager

The Peaks Resort and Spa
01.2010 - 01.2011

Area General Manager

Kessler Collection
01.2007 - 01.2010

Hotel Manager

Vail Cascade Resort and Spa
01.2006 - 01.2007

Chief Operating Officer

Skylar Management Company
01.2004 - 01.2006

Progressive Leadership Roles

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
01.1990 - 01.2004

The Hotel School at Intercontinental

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Simon Chen