Manitou Springs is weird. I mean that in the best way possible. It’s this high-altitude pocket of quirky shops, mineral springs you can actually drink from, and some of the steepest inclines you’ll ever climb. But right in the middle of all that bohemian energy sits The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, a massive Victorian landmark that somehow feels both incredibly fancy and totally grounded.
It’s been around since 1873. Think about that.
This place was standing before Colorado was even a state. It’s seen the transition from stagecoaches to Teslas. Honestly, when you walk into the lobby, you expect to see someone in a top hat, but instead, you get hikers in Patagonia gear checking in after tackling the Incline. That’s the magic of it. It’s a luxury hotel that doesn't feel like a museum, even though it basically is one.
The Weird History of The Cliff House at Pikes Peak
Most people think "Cliff House" and imagine something carved into a rock wall like Mesa Verde. Not here. The name actually comes from its location near the base of the mountains, specifically looking up toward the massive peaks that define the region. Back in the late 1800s, it was a stagecoach stop. It was the place where people rested before the grueling trek up the Ute Pass.
Then came the "Golden Era."
Manitou Springs became a health resort destination. People believed the mineral waters could cure everything from tuberculosis to general "melancholy." The Cliff House at Pikes Peak started hosting the elite. We’re talking about the real heavy hitters of the time. F.W. Woolworth (the retail king), Thomas Edison, and even Henry Ford stayed here. Teddy Roosevelt stopped by, which makes sense because the guy was everywhere in the West.
But it wasn't always tea and scones.
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The hotel almost didn't make it. There was a massive fire in 1982 that nearly gutted the place. For a long time, it sat boarded up and grey, a literal shell of itself. It’s kind of a miracle that it was restored at all. It took years of work and millions of dollars to bring back the ornate woodwork and the wrap-around porches that define the facade today. If you look closely at the architecture now, you’re seeing a painstaking 1990s reconstruction of 1800s grandeur.
What Rooms Are Actually Like Today
If you’re looking for a standard Marriott vibe, go somewhere else. Seriously. Every room here is different because the building is old and weirdly shaped.
Some rooms are tiny. They feel like true Victorian quarters. Others are massive suites with two-person spa tubs and fireplaces that make you want to order room service and never leave. The "Celebrity Suites" are the big draw. They are themed after the famous guests who stayed there. The Buffalo Bill Cody suite is exactly what you’d expect—lots of leather, wood, and a rugged Western feel that feels authentic rather than kitschy.
One thing that surprises people is the tech.
Despite the floral wallpaper and the antique furniture, they’ve shoved a lot of modern luxury into the walls. You get heated towel racks. You get those high-end toilets with all the buttons. It’s a strange contrast to have a bidet in a room where a 19th-century oil tycoon might have slept, but hey, comfort is comfort.
The Dining Situation
You have to eat at The Dining Room. It’s not just "hotel food." It’s a Four Diamond experience.
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The wine cellar is massive. They’ve won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence more times than I can count. If you’re into Colorado cuisine, this is where you get the elk or the trout. But honestly, the Red Mountain Bar & Grill is where the locals actually hang out. It’s more casual, and you can sit outside on the patio and watch the tourists struggle with the Manitou altitude.
Why Location Is Everything Here
You aren't just staying at a hotel; you're staying in the center of a very specific ecosystem.
- The Manitou Incline: It’s a ten-minute walk from the front door. It’s 2,744 steps of pure torture.
- The Penny Arcade: Just down the street. It’s a collection of vintage games that still cost a nickel or a dime.
- The Springs: There are about eight or nine public taps in town. Each one tastes different because of the mineral content. Some taste like sparkling water; some taste like pennies. Try them all.
The hotel is also a gateway to the Pikes Peak Highway. You can drive to 14,115 feet from right around the corner. Just remember that the air gets thin fast. Drink more water than you think you need. Seriously. Altitude sickness is the quickest way to ruin a stay at a luxury hotel.
The Realities of Staying in a Landmark
Let's be real for a second. Old buildings have quirks.
The floors creak. The elevators aren't the fastest in the world. Because it’s right in the heart of Manitou, parking can be a bit of a nightmare if you don't use the valet. It’s a bustling mountain town, not a secluded resort in the woods. You will hear the noise of the street. You will see people walking by in hiking boots while you’re trying to have a fancy dinner.
If you want total silence and a sterile environment, this isn't it. But if you want a place that feels like it has a soul, The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is hard to beat.
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It’s one of those rare places that managed to survive the "modernization" of the 20th century without losing its identity. They didn't tear it down for a parking lot. They didn't turn it into a generic condo complex. It remains a testament to the idea that Colorado was once the frontier of luxury as much as it was the frontier of mining.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just book the first room you see online. If you want the true experience, call the front desk. Ask which rooms have the mountain views versus the ones that look at the back courtyard.
Timing is key. Manitou Springs is a zoo in July. It’s crowded, hot, and the traffic is brutal. If you want the best version of this hotel, go in the "shoulder season." October is incredible because the aspens are changing color. Late April or May is great because the springs are flowing and the town is waking up, but the crowds haven't arrived yet.
Explore the basement. There are historical photos and clippings tucked away in the hallways that tell the story of the 1982 fire. It gives you a lot of respect for the people who saved the building.
Make a reservation for dinner early. The Dining Room fills up, especially on weekends. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, it’s worth going just for the meal. Order the seasonal game. It’s usually the best thing on the menu.
Bring layers. The weather in the shadow of Pikes Peak changes in five minutes. You’ll be in a t-shirt at noon and reaching for a parka at 6:00 PM when the sun drops behind the mountains.
When you leave, don't just jump on the highway. Drive through Garden of the Gods on your way out. It’s only five minutes away and it’s the perfect visual bookend to a stay in one of Colorado’s most historic buildings. You’ve slept in the history; now go see the geology that inspired it.