Five Shining Stars: The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs likes to call itself the “heart of the American West,” and with good cause. It claims an old west history that is visible today in sprawling cattle ranches, pioneer museums, Gold Rush-era architecture and saddle-in-the-seat adventures from rodeos to horseback riding and mine exploring. And a gold nugget that combines the best of the western heritage just keeps shining brighter every year—millionaire Spencer Pentrose’s 1918-founded resort, The Broadmoor. Purchased (as only the third owner in its history) by billionaire Philip Anschutz in 2011, more than $112 million has recently gone into new rooms, new restaurants and new facilities that have combined the best aspects of the “Grand Dame of the Rockies” with some of the finest resort amenities possible. It is no wonder The Broadmoor stands among the Forbes Five Star elite.

One person’s description of a Broadmoor visit might be completely different than the next. There are so many experiences to choose within a stay. You’ll see lots of families, dogs (and other pets that once included a potbelly pig), honeymooning couples and corporate groups. The one common element would be the history that surrounds—you can’t help but pick up some tidbits on the hotel’s fascinating early history whether you are there to experience top golf (it hosted the 2008 US Senior Open), luxurious accommodations from private bungalows to suites or for the long list of recreation and newer foodie-centric restaurants.

Accommodations get an “A”

The Broadmoor West complex which had been its “B” building of accommodations moved up to “A” a few years ago. Taking a historic building and adding three floors is a challenge, but the vision came out flawlessly with thirty- one new guest rooms and two new very notable restaurants: the Italian-themed Ristorante del Lago, inspired by a Lake Como villa, and health-conscious Natural Epicurean that already has a local following as well.

 

Two added wilderness experiences keep guests coming back: Cloud Camp, a development atop Cheyenne Mountain and The Ranch at Emerald Valley, just eight miles west of The Broadmoor.  Cloud Camp sports a lodge and 11 cabins. The fun part—guests can reach the retreat in three ways: a two-hour hike, a mule ride or in a luxury four-wheel drive. It is the stuff that separates the outdoor expert from certain travel writers. The Ranch at Emerald Valley is a luxury retreat for outdoor aficionados. The 10-cabin retreat features fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding and chef-prepared meals in the lodge.

The Broadmoor Experience

Ranch and camp life at The Broadmoor is unique, but the main resort complex offers plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences. You can bowl under chandeliers, catch displays of Prohibition liquor and vintage photos of past illustrious guests, watch a movie in the original hotel theater, shop in upscale boutiques and even score a “bee” sticker to show you’ve visited the saloon-style Golden Bee.

The Broadmoor’s lake divides the West wing and the original hostelry, giving the estate a serene and tranquil setting. Guests can take a peddle or electric boat around the water feature, swim in the family pool or head to the indoor pool near the spa and golf course facility with adjacent tennis courts. The Penrose Room is famous for its Sunday brunches—for both guests and locals who plan celebrations in its stately environs overlooking the lake.

“A” for Adventure

Surrounded by history and sheer natural beauty, the hotel offers its guests a complete experience by offering three of the most astounding bucket-list adventures around. The “Seven Falls” adventure takes guests to the only waterfall in Colorado that has earned a place on National Geographic’s list of best waterfalls in the world. The “Soaring Adventure” is a zipline thrill ride over nature’s grandeur; and the “Pikes Peak Cog Railway” adventure, re-opening in Spring, transports passengers to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak in the historic 125-year-old train.