The hospitality industry thrives on memorable moments, and few venues understand this better than Hotel Jerome in Aspen. On Saturday, December 27, 2025, the iconic property once again proved its status as a premier entertainment destination when Kate Hudson returned for her third annual holiday celebration, this time hosting an intimate after-party at Bad Harriet, the hotel’s underground speakeasy.
A Star-Studded Evening in the Heart of Aspen
Following her performance at Wheeler Opera House, Hudson transformed Bad Harriet into a karaoke-style soirée that exemplifies how the food and beverage industry can create unforgettable experiences beyond traditional dining. The evening showcased the venue’s versatility as more than just a cocktail lounge: it became a stage for authentic entertainment and connection.
The guest list read like a Hollywood who’s who, including Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Oliver Hudson, Danny Fujikawa, Rachel Zoe, Katie Diamond, and Brian Chesky. This level of celebrity draw demonstrates the magnetic pull of well-executed hospitality experiences and how they can generate significant buzz for food and beverage establishments.
The Power of Intimate Venue Experiences
Bad Harriet’s transformation for the evening highlights a crucial trend in the hospitality industry: the demand for intimate, experiential dining and entertainment spaces. Nestled beneath the historic Aspen Times building, this sultry underground speakeasy represents the evolution of food and beverage concepts beyond traditional restaurant models.
Hudson kicked off the gathering with Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me,” performed alongside her brother Oliver, before inviting guests to join throughout the night. The setlist featured crowd favorites including “Up Where We Belong,” “Piano Man,” “Faith,” “It’s Too Late,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” and “Whipping Post.” Oliver also performed his original song, “Blues for Kate,” while Hudson remained on stage providing backup vocals and harmonies.
Celebrity Events: A Recipe for Hospitality Success
For hospitality managers and food and beverage directors, Hudson’s annual return to Hotel Jerome offers valuable insights into celebrity event management and its impact on brand positioning. This marks her third consecutive year choosing the venue, following her 2023 appearance and the subsequent release of her debut album “Glorious” in 2024.
The consistency of this annual tradition creates what marketing professionals call “event equity”: a recurring association between a celebrity and a venue that builds anticipation and brand value over time. For food and beverage establishments, cultivating such relationships can drive significant revenue and media attention.
Hotel Jerome: A Masterclass in Hospitality Excellence
Hotel Jerome’s ability to attract and retain high-profile events stems from its comprehensive approach to luxury hospitality. The 135-year-old historic landmark, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, offers a sophisticated portfolio of food and beverage concepts that cater to diverse entertainment needs.
The property’s dining and beverage portfolio includes:
- J-Bar: An Aspen institution legendary for its après-ski atmosphere
- Prospect: Michelin Guide-recommended fine dining
- The Living Room: A bar and lounge perfect for après-ski gatherings
- Bad Harriet: The intimate underground speakeasy that hosted Hudson’s celebration
This diversified approach allows the hotel to accommodate various event types and guest preferences, a strategy that food and beverage companies should consider when developing venue concepts.
The Entertainment-Hospitality Connection
Hudson’s Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Song Sung Blue” adds another layer to the event’s significance. The intersection of entertainment and hospitality creates powerful marketing opportunities that extend far beyond traditional food and beverage promotion.
For restaurant marketing professionals, celebrity associations can:
- Generate significant media coverage and social media engagement
- Create aspirational brand positioning
- Drive repeat visitation and customer loyalty
- Establish venues as cultural destinations beyond dining
Lessons for Food & Beverage Management
The success of Hudson’s Hotel Jerome celebrations offers several takeaways for food and beverage industry professionals:
Creating Authentic Experiences
Rather than formal presentations, Hudson’s karaoke-style soirée emphasized participation and authenticity. This approach aligns with current food service industry trends favoring genuine, interactive experiences over traditional entertainment formats.
Venue Flexibility
Bad Harriet’s transformation from cocktail lounge to performance space demonstrates the importance of flexible venue design. Modern food and beverage concepts must adapt to various event needs to maximize revenue opportunities.
Building Tradition
The three-year trajectory of Hudson’s Hotel Jerome celebrations shows how consistency can build valuable traditions. Food and beverage establishments should consider developing signature annual events that create anticipation and customer loyalty.
The Auberge Collection Advantage
As part of the prestigious Auberge Collection, Hotel Jerome benefits from a portfolio approach to luxury hospitality. This connection provides resources and expertise that independent venues might struggle to match, highlighting the advantages of strategic partnerships in the food and beverage sector.
The Auberge Collection’s 30 properties across desirable destinations create a network effect that enhances each individual property’s appeal to high-profile guests and events.
Industry Impact and Future Trends
Hudson’s continued choice of Hotel Jerome for her annual celebration signals broader trends in the hospitality industry:
Destination Entertainment: Guests increasingly seek destinations that offer comprehensive entertainment experiences, not just accommodation and dining.
Celebrity Hospitality: The growing intersection of entertainment and hospitality creates new opportunities for food and beverage venues to differentiate themselves.
Experiential Dining: The emphasis on participation and interaction reflects the industry’s shift toward experiential rather than transactional customer relationships.
Key Takeaways for Hospitality Professionals
Food and beverage directors and hospitality managers can extract several actionable insights from Hotel Jerome’s success:
- Develop signature spaces that can transform for different event types
- Cultivate celebrity relationships through exceptional service and unique experiences
- Create annual traditions that build anticipation and media value
- Design flexible venues that accommodate various entertainment formats
- Leverage portfolio effects through strategic partnerships and brand associations
The success of Kate Hudson’s third annual Hotel Jerome celebration demonstrates how the food and beverage industry can create value far beyond traditional dining experiences. By understanding the power of celebrity events, venue flexibility, and authentic entertainment, hospitality professionals can develop strategies that drive both immediate revenue and long-term brand equity.
As the industry continues to evolve, venues that successfully blend hospitality excellence with entertainment value will likely see the greatest success in attracting high-profile events and generating lasting customer loyalty.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
