You’ve probably seen the photos. Those jagged, impossibly red sandstone fins thrusting out of the Colorado earth like the spine of a buried dragon, all set against the purple-blue shadow of Pikes Peak. It's iconic. But there’s a massive difference between fighting for a parking spot at the public park and waking up to that view from a private balcony at the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.
Honestly? Most luxury resorts feel like they could be anywhere. You walk into a lobby in Scottsdale or Orlando, and it’s the same beige marble and "welcome" citrus water. This place is different. It’s built into the literal edge of the mesa. It feels grounded.
The Weird History You Didn't Know
Back in the 1950s, this wasn't just a hotel; it was an exclusive social hub for the elite. Al Hill and Margaret Hill founded it in 1951. They wanted a spot where the world's power players could disappear. We're talking about a guest list that historically included names like Walt Disney and Gene Autry. It had that mid-century "Rat Pack" energy, but with more hiking boots and less cigarette smoke.
For decades, if you weren't a member, you weren't getting through the gate.
Thankfully, that’s changed. While it maintains a very active private club membership, the resort is open to the public now. But it still keeps that "hush-hush" atmosphere. You won't find screaming kids cannonballing into every pool or crowded buffet lines. It’s quiet. Sometimes, it's so quiet you can hear the wind whistling through the Kissing Camels rock formation across the valley.
Where You Actually Stay
Standard hotel rooms? Forget them. If you’re booking a trip to the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, you have to be strategic about the layout. The property is sprawling.
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The Lodge is the heart of the action. Every single room here faces the rock formations. You wake up, hit the button for the motorized drapes, and there it is—the Great Room view without having to put on pants. The design is "Mountain Modern," which basically means lots of stone, wood, and high-end textures that don't try to outshine the scenery.
Then you have the Casitas and Cottages. These are tucked away a bit further from the main building. They’re great if you’re traveling with a group or just want to pretend you live in a multi-million dollar Colorado estate for a weekend. They come with fireplaces. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—quite like sitting by a crackling fire while a summer thunderstorm rolls over the Rockies. It’s visceral.
STRATA: It's Not Just a Spa
Most people hear "resort spa" and think of a 50-minute massage and some cucumber slices. STRATA Wellness at the resort is a different beast entirely. It’s actually a full-blown medical center.
They have board-certified physicians, nurses, and nutritionists on staff. You can go in for a facial, sure. But you can also get a Dexa scan to check your bone density or undergo IV nutrient therapy. They focus on "biopsychosocial" health. It sounds fancy, but it basically means they look at how your brain, your body, and your social life are all wrecking your stress levels.
I’ve talked to people who fly here specifically for the cardiology consults or the functional medicine tracks. It’s a weird, brilliant hybrid of a Mayo Clinic-style checkup and a five-star vacation. If you’re feeling burnt out, this is the place. They do mud wraps, but they also do blood work.
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The Golf and Tennis Situation
The golf course here isn't just a patch of grass. The Kissing Camels Golf Club features 27 holes of championship golf. It was designed by J. Press Maxwell and Mark Rathert.
- The Greens: They are notoriously fast.
- The Views: You're playing alongside those red rocks.
- The Challenge: The thin air at 6,000+ feet makes your ball fly further.
- Pro Tip: Adjust your club selection; you'll likely hit 10% further than you do at sea level.
Tennis is a big deal here, too. They have two of the only real grass courts in the state, plus indoor courts for when the Colorado weather decides to do its "four seasons in one hour" routine.
The Food: Beyond the View
Grandview Lodge is the main dining room. The name is literal. The windows are massive.
The menu leans into Colorado flavors. Think elk, trout, and locally sourced greens. It’s refined but not stuffy. You can wear a nice pair of jeans and a sweater and feel perfectly at home.
The Rocks Lounge is the spot for a sunset drink. They do a solid Old Fashioned, and the outdoor fire pits are the best seats in the house. Watching the rocks turn from orange to deep violet as the sun goes down is a spiritual experience, even if you’ve had two martinis.
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The Elephant in the Room: The Price
Look, it’s expensive. It’s a luxury resort. You’re paying for the view, the exclusivity, and the fact that you can walk from your room to a world-class wellness center in a bathrobe.
Is it worth it?
If you want a generic Hyatt experience, no. If you want to feel like you’re part of Colorado history and you value silence and space, then yes. It’s one of the few places that actually delivers on the promise of "rejuvenation."
Getting Out and About
While the resort is a bubble, you’re only ten minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.
- Old Colorado City: Great for local art galleries and slightly-cheesy-but-fun souvenir shops.
- Manitou Springs: Go here to taste the different mineral springs. Some taste like soda water; others taste like pennies. It’s an adventure.
- The Incline: If you’re a masochist, try the Manitou Incline. It’s 2,744 steps straight up the side of a mountain.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book the Lodge: If it’s your first time, stay in the Lodge. The convenience of being near the dining and the guaranteed view is worth the extra cost over a peripheral room.
- Hydrate Like a Professional: Colorado Springs is high. The resort is higher. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. Altitude sickness will ruin a $600-a-night stay faster than anything else.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have "Falconry at the Garden" where you can see birds of prey up close. It’s incredible for photos.
- Sunset Timing: Check the local weather app for the exact sunset time. Be at The Rocks Lounge 30 minutes before that.
- Pack Layers: Even in July, the temperature drops fast once the sun slips behind the mountains. A light jacket is mandatory.
The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club remains a pinnacle of the Rocky Mountain hospitality scene because it doesn't try to be trendy. It’s timeless. It relies on the raw, ancient beauty of the landscape and pairs it with service that feels personal rather than programmed. Whether you're there to fix your health at STRATA or just to stare at a rock for three days, it delivers.
Plan your visit during the "shoulder seasons"—late May or September. The crowds in the public park are thinner, the air is crisp, and the resort often has better rates. You get the same billion-dollar view for a fraction of the peak-summer price. That's the real pro move.