The Broadmoor – What Makes This Five-Star Hotel Great
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is a timeless American resort that has managed to incorporate modern amenities without losing any of its old-world charms. Nature takes center stage at this historic hotel but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy five-star luxury at the same time.
If The Broadmoor resort was a theatre set then the Cheyenne Mountains and Lake Cheyenne would be the main props. Also, imagine a meticulously decorated room with a picture window and a private balcony overlooking a beautiful sunset.
It’s no coincidence that Katherine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” after spending time in the area more than a century ago.
Sounds good? Read on for more details to make you dream about spending your next vacation or weekend break at this grand dame of Colorado Springs Resorts. Don’t skip the part about things to do at The Broadmoor!
Fast Facts About The Broadmoor
- The Broadmoor Hotel was built in 1917 on the 440-acre site of the original Broadmoor Dairy Farm.
The original hotel building was designed by Warren and Wetmore, the same architects that designed Grand Central Station, while the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park, laid out the grounds.
Spencer Penrose, The Broadmoor’s founder, had two glass eyes – one for when he was sober and one that looked bloodshot for when he had been drinking.
In 1959, Jack Nicklaus celebrated his first major championship victory here when he birdied his final hole in the United States Amateur Championship.
The Broadmoor was one of the first hotels in the United States to have a computerized front office check-in system.
Chef Louis Stratta was in charge of the hotel kitchen from its opening until 1976. When he died, a drawer full of uncashed paychecks was discovered among his belongings.
The Broadmoor resort is the longest-running consecutive winner of the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards.
5 Reasons to Stay at The Broadmoor
1. It’s Family Friendly
If going away is all about creating fun family memories for you, then a few other Colorado Springs resorts come close to The Broadmoor. Aside from the many things to do at The Broadmoor as a family, there are also certified babysitters and a seasonal kids’ club for when mom and dad need some alone time.
Here are just some of the family-friendly things to do at The Broadmoor:
- Nature walks
- Bowling
- Horseback riding
- Paddleboarding or canoeing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Golf
2. Heated Infinity Pool
All Colorado Springs resorts have them – crisp blue pools to cool off on a warm day in the Rockies. But there’s only one like The Broadmoor’s heated infinity pool that seems to seamlessly run into Lake Cheyenne. It’s only from the color of the water that you can tell the two apart.
The infinity pool is complemented by two 14-person outdoor whirlpools and a kiddies pool to keep the littlest members of the family happy.
Even if you’re not in the mood to get wet, there are plenty of fluffy beach towels and lounge chairs to get comfortable in. You can close your eyes and doze off or keep them open to take in the views over the lake and the mountains.
3. Varied Cuisine
Spencer Penrose, the legendary founder of The Broadmoor resort, wanted to operate the most luxurious hotel in the world. Part of achieving this was to give guests a culinary experience like no other. That’s why he hired the Italian chef Louis Stratta (remember, the one who never cashed his paychecks?).
While there’s a selection of restaurants to suit everyone’s taste at The Broadmoor, La Taverna is the legendary steakhouse where classic American flavors reign supreme. If you’re there for lunch, you won’t regret trying Stratta’s own Seafood Salad Louis.
4. Eclectic Art and Design
Spencer Penrose spared no expense to create a resort to rival the finest European hotels. The original Broadmoor hotel was designed in the Italian Renaissance style. Most of the ornate moldings, accent murals, and other interior and exterior details are the handiwork of European artisans who were imported especially for this work.
Over the years, the Penrose family invested heavily in art. The result is one of the largest western art collections in the world.
To learn the full story of The Broadmoor’s iconic architecture and design, you can take a complimentary history and art tour.
TIP: Look out for the three bees painted on the ceiling in the West Lobby. You’ll find one hidden over the front desk, in front of the doors to the lake, and in the lounge area.
5. Luxury Accommodation
Almost 800 guest rooms, suites, cottages, brownstones, and an estate house sound like a lot, but they are spread out over the vast resort area so as to lose nothing of the 5-star feel.
The luxuriously appointed rooms are spacious, featuring either one king or two double beds plus a seating area. Imagine ending your day in front of the fireplace after having a relaxing bath in a clawfoot tub, lathering on The Broadmoor’s specialty line of bath care products.
One of the best things about room service at The Broadmoor hotel is that kids look forward to bedtime. The reason? The evening turndown service includes a nightly chocolate treat.
Fun Things to Do At The Broadmoor
Given its prime position as one of the top Colorado Springs resorts, one would expect a plethora of activities around The Broadmoor hotel to keep young and old busy. Of course, the resort doesn’t disappoint.
TIP: If you run out of ideas or prefer guided excursions, try Broadmoor Outfitters for exhilarating adventures like rock climbing or a Wild West experience.
Here are just some of the Things to Do at The Broadmoor:
1. Admire the Seven Falls
Staying at The Broadmoor hotel and not seeing the Seven Falls would be a wasted opportunity. This series of cascading waterfalls are the only ones in Colorado to make National Geographic’s list of International Waterfalls.
You can hike to the top of the Seven Falls via a staircase with 224 steps. Or you can take an elevator to the Eagle’s Nest viewing platform for a bird’s eye view from the top.
2. Pikes Peak
Who doesn’t want to stand on top of America’s most famous mountain? Especially if the journey there is easy via the scenic Pikes Peak Highway or the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
The 9-mile cog railway journey has an average grade of 12%. Once at the top of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak summit, the new visitor center will answer all your questions about the mountain and the surrounding landscape.
TIP: The Pikes Peak Cog Railway train departs in Manitou Springs, allowing you to explore this Colorado Springs resort city too.
3. Old Colorado City
The locals affectionately call it OCC – this charming neighborhood of Colorado City with its turn-of-the-century architecture and rich gold rush history.
If you’re taking a break from nature adventures, then a stroll through the quaint streets of Old Colorado City is the perfect alternative activity. Pop into the gift shops, jewelers, and candy stores before finding a table at one of the fine eateries to restore your energy.
4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
A visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the highlights of a family trip to The Broadmoor. Spread out over 146 acres, the zoo is home to a variety of animals originating from across the globe. Great care is taken to mirror their natural habitats in the wild.
TIP: The Broadmoor offers a shuttle service to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is included in the daily resort charge.
5. Play Golf or Tennis
For the best sporty things to do at the Broadmoor, you don’t need to set a foot off the resort. The Broadmoor Golf Club boasts three beautiful courses. Ranked among the best in the world, it’s no wonder that many famous players have enjoyed a round of golf here.
If tennis is more your thing, the resort’s popular tennis program offers personal and group lessons with seasoned pros. Or if you think you’re good enough, they also arrange matches and
