24 Hours at The Broadmoor: Colorado Springs’ Most Rejuvenating Getaway
Driving down the highway on our way out of Denver towards Colorado Springs, my sister and I spotted a billboard for The Broadmoor that simply read “An hour away. A world away.”
“That is exactly what we need,” Marissa remarked.
She was right. The grind of routine during a year of the pandemic had us needing a getaway that was easy-to-reach, yet truly felt like an escape.
After a full day soaking up the serenity at the historic Broadmoor hotel, that’s exactly what we got. For 24 hours, we were immersed in experiences that transported us away from the everyday and into elegant luxury and refined relaxation. It was the perfect Colorado Springs getaway.
12:00 pm - Stunning first impressions and lakeside lunch
The grandeur of The Broadmoor washes over you from the moment you arrive. The entrance has a museum-meets-mansion wow factor. The ornately engraved ceiling sparkles with gold details and a spiral staircase alludes to stately elegance. Vibrant Western paintings hang neatly in every corner and an aroma of fresh flower arrangements fills the room with fragrance.
We could’ve easily lost an hour wandering the lobby, but growling stomachs led us over to The Hotel Bar for lunch before check-in. Nestled in a cozy corner of the main complex, the bar and restaurant oozes history.
Back in 1920, Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose invited 60 prominent hoteliers from around the country to experience his hotel. The annual assembly was dubbed the “Hundred Million Dollar” club, hinting at the net worth of the group. Walking into the space today, you can easily imagine the well-to-do gentlemen of the roaring ‘20s gathered around sipping whisky and swapping stories.
Sitting in the outdoor lounge area overlooking Cheyenne Lake, we shared a fresh and crunchy caesar salad and a juicy cheeseburger. We lingered long after the meal, nibbling on crispy french fries and drinking pints of Prospector’s Pick Kölsch, the hotel’s own brew. The stress of routine started to melt away.
2:00 pm - Finding splendor in the South Lake Suites
Situated on the edge of the lake and a stone’s throw from the main building, the recently remodeled South Lake Suites shine with the glamour of the 1920s. Our suite had a large, comfortable parlor equipped with a fireplace, plus a small front terrace with a lake and mountain view. My sister was quick to curl up with a book in the king bed, occasionally looking up at the glittering chandelier overhead. I, on the other hand, drew a hot bath in the gorgeous claw-foot tub. (But not before I snapped an Instagram photo of that beauty!)
3:00 pm - Unwinding in the world-class spa
In a year where self care was put on the back burner, a spa escape was exactly what we needed to refresh and restore. Waiting for our treatments and bundled up in plush robes, we lounged in the relaxation room overlooking Cheyenne Mountain. Watching flocks of geese soar across the blue sky, we were reconnecting to our senses bit by bit.
I enjoyed an exquisite Legacy Facial while Marissa went for a Signature Massage. We left the spa feeling fresher than we had in a very long time. To this day, she still talks about the scent of the silky chardonnay body lotion.
5:00 pm - Nap time
Need I say more?
7:00 pm - Indulging in Italian decadence at Ristorante del Lago
Stepping into Ristorante del Lago is like a mini jaunt to Northern Italy. The ambiance is homey and inviting, while the décor is simultaneously rustic and refined, with exposed wood beams, terra cotta tile, and comfy leather seating. The fine selection of imported meats and cheese nod to the establishment’s commitment to honest, high quality producers from Italy. Marissa and I debated over wood-fired pizza or fresh pasta, but when we dove into hearty bowls of creamy carbonara, we knew we had made the right choice. A medium-bodied bottle of Chianti kept the good vibes flowing long after the last bite.
9:00 pm - Strolling through art with a nightcap
With glasses of Limoncello digestif still in tow from del Lago, we wandered through the hotel after dinner, getting lost in the seemingly endless halls of art. Considered the largest collection of Western art in the world, no trip to The Broadmoor is complete without an artsy walk around the property. From emotional portraits to simple still lifes to dynamic depictions of Western life, it’s just another touch that makes the Broadmoor experience a truly original one.
8:00 am - Craving coffee, croissants, and more at Café Julie's
The most difficult decisions we had to make during our stay came about at Café Julie’s. This charming little Parisian Patisserie is filled with delectable treats of all kinds. Homemade gelato, artisan breads, cakes, truffles, tarts, scones… the list goes on and on. We enjoyed two steamy Lavazza cappuccinos and a flakey chocolate croissant that was easily the size of my face. We were lucky to catch a glimpse of the head chocolatier delicately carving a chocolate statue.
9:00 am - Adopting a student mindset at the Falconry Academy
To be honest, when I originally thought of a relaxing weekend away, an adventure with birds of prey was not exactly the first activity that come to mind. But after a half day falconry excursion, I’m even more convinced that spending time in nature is just as rejuvenating as any traditional “down time.”
Being so close to these powerful creatures and learning about a sport that we had no previous experience with was brilliant. We watched hawks and falcons swoop and dive in the bright blue sky and come to land gently on our outstretched arms. We left with a sense of wonder and plenty of good facts to share with friends. (Did you know that the expressions “fed up” and “hoodwinked” both come from falconry?)
12:00 pm - Checking out and exploring the Garden of the Gods
Reluctant to leave, but utterly delighted with our stay from start to finish, we were told to make one last stop on our way out of town: The Garden of the Gods.
We wandered through the public park gawking at the orange and red rock formations towering in the sky. These majestic remnants of geological upheaval millions of years ago are a must-visit.
Although we didn’t try it ourselves, The Broadmoor offers a “Cadillac Ride and Drive Experience”, where hotel guests grab a Cadillac and cruise through the Pikes Peak region.
On our list for our next Broadmoor getaway:
- An overnight adventure at Cloud Camp, a luxurious wilderness oasis 3,000 feet above the resort. Once I saw photos of the stunning 360 degree views and gorgeous mountain décor, I was sold.
- More outdoor fun. Gorgeous greens on the golf course, serene fly fishing, horseback riding, zip-lining… the list of activities offered by the hotel is packed with adventure.
- A scenic ride on the newly reopened Manitou & Pikes Peak Railway, the highest railway in America (and the world’s highest cog train) reaching a height of 14,115 feet above sea level.
- A wander through the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, dedicated to the compelling stories and artifacts behind the athletes. It’s also one of the most accessible museums in the US.