ASPEN, Colo. -- It's no secret the United States Postal Service is having budget problems. They're even considering discontinuing Saturday mail delivery to save money.

So why is Aspen's interim postmaster staying in a five-star hotel?

7NEWS checked and found the city's acting postmaster is staying at the St. Regis in Aspen.

Rooms there run $1,800 a night, but the U.S. Postal Service is getting a deal -- a “super discounted rate” of $175 a night and is the only option for now, said Al DeSarro, U.S. Postal Service Western Region spokesman.

DeSarro said the price was competitive with other lodging options in Aspen.

However, a search of Hotels.com by 7NEWS found a handful hotels cheaper than $128 a night.

The interim postmaster is staying in the St. Regis until The Hotel Jerome finishes spring cleaning. Rooms there run $125 a night. The interim postmaster will be staying in a hotel until a permanent postmaster is named. That process could take up to two months.

The acting postmaster is the current postmaster in Edwards, Colo., a 75-mile drive to Aspen. He is vying for the Aspen job.

The former Aspen postmaster moved to Hawaii.