You’re looking at Pikes Peak. It’s gorgeous. But you’ve also been living out of a suitcase for ten days because your house closing in Rockrimmon got delayed, or maybe you’re a traveling nurse assigned to UCHealth for the next three months. Whatever the reason, the novelty of standard hotel rooms wears thin fast. You need a kitchen. You need a door that separates your "office" from your bed. Most importantly, you need a price that doesn't make your bank account weep.
Finding the right extended stay hotels in colorado springs is actually trickier than it looks on a booking site.
People usually just click the cheapest thing near the airport and then realize they’re forty minutes away from where they actually need to be. Or they don't realize that in Colorado, the "30-day rule" can literally save you hundreds of dollars in taxes.
The Tax Loophole Nobody Mentions
Let’s talk money first. Most folks don't know that if you stay in a hotel in Colorado for 30 consecutive days or more, you often become exempt from the state sales tax on that lodging. We’re talking about a 2.9% state tax plus whatever local lodging taxes the city of Colorado Springs tack on. It adds up.
If you're planning a 28-day stay, stay 30. Seriously. It’s often cheaper to pay for those extra two nights than to pay the taxes on the first 28. You just have to make sure you have a written agreement for the full 30 days. Some places, like the WoodSpring Suites Colorado Springs North, are used to this and handle the paperwork easily, while others might make you fight for the refund at the end.
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Where You Actually Want to Be
Location is everything here. Colorado Springs is sprawled out. If you’re here for a contract at the Air Force Academy, staying south near the Broadmoor World Arena is a nightmare commute.
- The North End (Briargate/North Academy): This is where you find the "newer" extended stays. Homewood Suites by Hilton Colorado Springs North is a heavy hitter here. You’re close to the Interquest Marketplace—lots of food, a movie theater, and easy I-25 access. It’s perfect for military contractors or families waiting for a house in the northern suburbs.
- Downtown: If you want to actually see humans and walk to a coffee shop, Hyatt Place Colorado Springs Downtown is the vibe. It’s a bit pricier, but you aren't stuck in a concrete parking lot in the suburbs.
- The West Side: Near Garden of the Gods, you’ve got places like Staybridge Suites. Honestly, the views here are unbeatable. You can finish a remote work call and be on a hiking trail in six minutes.
The Military Factor
Colorado Springs is a massive military town. Between Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever, there's a constant rotation of people. If you’re PCSing (Permanent Change of Station), you probably already know about the Pikes Peak Lodge on Peterson or the Rampart Lodge at the Academy.
But here is the thing: those on-base lodges fill up months in advance.
When they’re full, you get a "Non-Availability" letter. That’s your golden ticket to stay off-base at a place like Residence Inn Colorado Springs North/Air Force Academy. These hotels live and breathe per diem rates. They know exactly how to split the bill so it matches your travel voucher.
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Real Talk: The Kitchen Situation
Don't be fooled by the word "kitchenette." Some places consider a microwave and a bar sink a kitchen. If you actually want to cook a steak or boil pasta, you need to check for a "full kitchen."
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Colorado Springs - South is a solid mid-range option that actually gives you a real stovetop. It’s not fancy. You aren't getting a sous-vide machine. But it has a full-sized fridge, which is the difference between eating healthy and living on 7-Eleven taquitos for a month.
The "Hidden" Costs of Long Stays
Watch out for the pet fees. If you're staying for two nights, a $75 pet fee is annoying. If you're staying for 60 nights, that fee can be a dealbreaker.
Some hotels, like My Place Hotel in Gleneagle, are much more reasonable with their long-term pet policies. Also, check the laundry situation. Some "luxury" extended stays charge $3.00 a load. Staybridge Suites Colorado Springs NE - Powers actually offers a free guest laundry room. It sounds like a small thing until you’re doing three loads on a Sunday afternoon.
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Ranking the Best Extended Stay Hotels in Colorado Springs
| Hotel Name | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Garden of the Gods Resort | High-end / Executive | You're rich or the company is paying. |
| WoodSpring Suites North | Budget / Military | Basic, clean, no-frills, very affordable. |
| Homewood Suites North | Families | Great breakfast, separate bedrooms, near USAFA. |
| The Antlers (Wyndham) | Business / Downtown | Historic feel, right in the middle of everything. |
| Residence Inn South | Proximity to Fort Carson | Reliable Marriott standards, good for soldiers. |
How to Get the Best Rate
Don't just book on a big travel site. Call the hotel. Ask for the "Director of Sales."
If you are staying for more than 14 days, the front desk clerk usually doesn't have the authority to give you the deepest discount. The Director of Sales does. Tell them your story. Are you a nurse? A vet? Relocating for a job at Lockheed Martin? They have "project rates" that never appear on Expedia.
What to Do Next
If you’re ready to lock something in, start by mapping out your daily commute. Traffic on I-25 near Woodmen Road or Fillmore can be a beast during rush hour.
- Check the 30-day tax exemption policy with the specific hotel manager before you sign.
- Verify the Wi-Fi speed. If you're working remotely, ask if they have "enhanced" Wi-Fi for long-term guests.
- Inquire about the "Social Hour." Many places like Staybridge or Homewood Suites have free dinner and drinks a couple of nights a week. It sounds cheesy, but it saves a lot of money on food.
- Confirm the housekeeping schedule. Some extended stays only clean once a week. If you need daily towels, you might have to pay extra.
Colorado Springs is a transient city by nature, so these hotels are high-volume. Book as early as you can, especially if you're arriving during graduation week at the Air Force Academy in May—everything within 50 miles will be gone.