It sits there at the base of Cheyenne Mountain like some sort of pink Mediterranean palace that took a wrong turn and ended up in the Rockies. Locals just call it "The Broadmoor." But for anyone searching for that one Colorado Springs famous hotel, this is the place that defines the city's entire luxury identity. Honestly, it’s a bit weird when you think about it. You have this massive, sprawling five-star resort in a city known for rugged hiking and military bases.
It works.
The Broadmoor isn't just a building; it’s a 5,000-acre campus of history, ego, and some of the most obsessive service you’ll find in the United States. Spencer Penrose, the guy who built it back in 1918, was a bit of a character, to say the least. He was a Philadelphia entrepreneur who made a fortune in mining and decided that Colorado Springs needed a hotel that could outshine anything in Europe. He didn't just want a hotel. He wanted a statement.
The Ridiculous History of the Broadmoor's Ego
Most people don't realize that this Colorado Springs famous hotel exists partly because Penrose got into a fight with the management at the Antlers Hotel downtown. Legend has it he walked in with his dog, they told him "no pets," and he basically said, "Fine, I’ll build my own." Whether that's 100% literal or just local lore, it fits his vibe. He spent $2 million in 1918 dollars—which was a staggering amount of money back then—to create a destination that would lure the global elite to the middle of the American West.
The architecture is Italian Renaissance, which feels slightly out of place until you see the sun hit the pink stucco at sunset. Then, it makes sense. The lake in the middle, Cheyenne Lake, is man-made. The gold leaf in the lobby is real. Even the ceiling in the original building was hand-painted by Italian artists brought over specifically for the job. Penrose was obsessed with details.
He even started a zoo nearby just to keep his guests entertained.
That’s the kind of scale we're talking about here. It isn't just about a room with a bed. It's about an era where "luxury" meant having a private cog railway and a collection of exotic animals within walking distance of your martini. While the zoo eventually moved (becoming the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo), that spirit of "too much is never enough" still lingers in the hallways.
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What It’s Actually Like to Stay There Now
Look, let’s be real for a second. Some people find the Broadmoor a bit stuffy. If you’re looking for a minimalist, "industrial-chic" vibe with exposed brick and Edison bulbs, you are going to be very disappointed. This is old-school. We’re talking floral patterns, heavy drapes, and staff members who address you by name every time you turn a corner. It’s the kind of place where people still dress up for dinner.
You’ve got choices.
The "Main" building and the "South" building are the classics. They feel like stepping back into the 1920s, but with better Wi-Fi and plumbing. Then you have the West building, which is a bit more updated. If you’re really rolling deep, they have "Wilderness Properties" like Cloud Camp or the Fly Fishing Camp. Those are located way up the mountain, and they’re basically "glamping" for people who have never actually slept in a tent. You get a private chef and a view that makes you feel like you own the state of Colorado.
The Golfing Obsession
You cannot talk about this Colorado Springs famous hotel without mentioning the golf. It’s legendary. The East Course has hosted multiple U.S. Senior Opens and Women’s Opens. Jack Nicklaus won his first major title here in 1959.
The greens are notorious.
There’s a local rule of thumb: the ball always breaks away from the mountain. It doesn't matter what your eyes tell you. If the mountain is behind you, the ball is going the other way. It drives pros crazy. It makes amateurs throw their clubs into the water. But it’s part of the charm. If you’re a golfer, playing 18 holes here is a bucket-list item, period.
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The Culinary Scene: More Than Just Expensive Steak
Most resort food is "fine." It’s predictable. The Broadmoor tries to push that a bit, though it stays within the realm of classic fine dining. The Penrose Room is the big one. It’s the only Five-Star, Five-Diamond restaurant in Colorado.
Expect jackets for men.
Expect a lot of courses.
If you want something less intense, the Golden Bee is actually the local favorite. It’s an authentic 19th-century English pub that was literally disassembled in the UK, shipped across the ocean, and rebuilt in Colorado Springs. They serve "yards" of ale, and at night, there’s a ragtime piano player who leads sing-alongs. It’s loud, it’s cramped, and they throw embroidered bee stickers at you that stick to your clothes. It’s the least "stuffy" part of the whole resort.
Addressing the "Luxury" Elephant in the Room
Is it worth the price? That’s the question everyone asks. Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you just want a place to sleep after hiking Garden of the Gods, then no, definitely not. Go stay at a boutique spot downtown or a nice Airbnb in Old Colorado City.
But.
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If you want the experience of a "grand dame" hotel—the kind of place where the service is an art form and the grounds are curated like a museum—then the Broadmoor is peerless in the region. There is a reason it has held the Forbes Five-Star rating longer than any other hotel in the world. They have a system. They train their staff to look for "unexpressed needs." If they see you looking lost, someone will appear. If they notice you like a certain type of sparkling water, it might just show up in your room.
It’s that level of hyper-attention that keeps people coming back for generations. You’ll see families there where the grandparents stayed there in the 50s, brought their kids in the 80s, and are now bringing the grandkids. It’s a legacy thing.
Exploring the Grounds
Even if you aren't staying there, you can walk around certain parts of the property. You should. The art collection alone is worth a look. Spencer Penrose was a huge fan of Western art, and the hotel houses one of the largest private collections of its kind. You’ll see Remington and Russell paintings just hanging in the hallways like they're no big deal.
Then there’s the spa.
It’s consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. It’s massive. They have "tranquility rooms" and oxygen treatments (which, if you're coming from sea level, you might actually need). The altitude in Colorado Springs is about 6,035 feet. That’s over a mile high. People forget that. They have one glass of wine at the bar and suddenly they can't stand up. Drink water. Seriously.
Practical Steps for Visiting The Broadmoor
If you're planning to visit this Colorado Springs famous hotel, don't just wing it. You’ll end up spending way too much or missing the best parts.
- Book dinner reservations weeks in advance. Especially for the Penrose Room or the Golden Bee. They fill up with locals, not just hotel guests.
- Check the "off-season" rates. Late October through April (excluding the holidays) can be significantly cheaper. You still get the luxury, but without the $800-a-night summer price tag.
- Visit Seven Falls. It’s owned by the hotel. There’s a shuttle that takes you there. It’s a series of waterfalls in a box canyon, and they light them up at night. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s spectacular.
- Walk the lake loop. It’s about half a mile around Cheyenne Lake. It’s the best way to see the architecture of the different buildings and spot the resident swans.
- Don't ignore the Broadmoor Outfitters. If you want to do more than sit by the pool, they do falconry, fly fishing, and guided mountain biking. The falconry experience is particularly wild—you actually get to have a hawk land on your arm.
The Broadmoor is a strange, beautiful relic. It’s a piece of the Gilded Age that somehow survived in the middle of a modern, growing city. It isn't for everyone, and it certainly isn't cheap. But as far as a Colorado Springs famous hotel goes, it isn't just the most famous—it’s the only one that feels like its own world.
To get the most out of a visit, start by exploring the public hallways of the Main building to see the Western art collection before heading to the Golden Bee for a pint. If you’re staying overnight, request a room in the South Tower for the best views of the mountain. Whether you’re there for a high-stakes golf tournament or just a fancy Sunday brunch, the key is to lean into the history. Don't fight the formal vibes; just enjoy the fact that places like this still exist.