Hotel Polaris Allows Guests to ‘Take Flight’ in Colorado Springs

Stepping into Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy feels like launching into the future of hospitality. This 375-room resort-style hotel is 30 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport and an hour from the Denver metropolitan area, with rooms starting at $228 during peak season. It’s adjacent to the North Entrance of the U.S. Air Force Academy and near the Santa Fe Trail — making it a great home base for exploring favorite offerings of Colorado Springs (while staying away from the hustle and bustle of downtown).

Walking through the front doors and into the lobby space, you’ll immediately encounter the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that steal the show while boasting striking sights from all points of view of the bright blue sky — contrasted with a backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountain peaks.

The hotel’s overall design feels sleek and contemporary, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light in seemingly all shared, public and private guest room spaces, adding a touch of freedom and spark to the already clearly “adventurous” atmosphere. I experienced the hotel recently and found that it fluently fills the need for a resort-style hotel outside the city center.

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Hotel Polaris offers flight simulators and a dog-free environment

Photo courtesy Hotel Polaris

One exceptionally special highlight of Hotel Polaris is that it features the only on-site flight simulator at a hotel in the US. Those older than 12 can strap in to take flight in one of the three machines that feel like embarking on a real-life pilot experience. Become immersed in the graphics of a 220-degree wraparound screen with HD imagery that makes it seem like you’re flying your own airplane.

There are two F16s and one 737 Max — each with seats, throttles, switches, pedals, and yoke from original parts of real aircraft (and the other parts of the flight deck are scale reproductions). You can select your desired experience, from an F16 dogfight to taking off from Denver International Airport and landing in Las Vegas.

I’ve personally had the privilege and experience of piloting a small airplane out in the sky (as well as flying in others), and this experience really did feel like being inside a real flight deck, controlling everything from takeoff to steering (even to target practice, if that’s what you’re into).

Outside the flight simulator station, those who might be too young to fly at the moment can still participate in the “Glider & Paper Airplane Program.” Upon check-in, they’ll get a glider kit that they can put together during their visit. But you don’t have to be a kid (just a kid at heart) to partake in this program. All guests will receive a welcome letter in their room on a sheet of paper with instructions for building their paper airplane. I was told that at scheduled times (weather permitting), guests are invited to a “launch pad” outside to let their gliders and paper airplanes take flight.

One detail of my stay that I especially appreciated was the property’s dog-friendly attitude and amenities. This hotel embraces furry family members alongside their humans. Their “K-9 Cadet Program” features custom bowls, dog treats, and a list of pet-friendly things to do in the area.

I brought my dog with me to stay overnight, and he was doted on the entire time by the on-site employees (one of them actually had a full conversation with us about his own Shiba Inu, back at home). It’s clear this hotel does love pets — and there’s enough outdoor space to explore in the surrounding area (since it’s not located on a busy street or within a super urban hub), that your pet will love the hotel back.

Interior and exterior gathering spaces at Hotel Polaris

Photo courtesy Hotel Polaris

If the weather is nice outside, soak up the sunshine in The Flat Iron Plaza area just off the lobby. This patio area was named in honor of the Academy 1994 graduating class and features an array of fireplaces, cozy seating, and impressive views of the Academy and mountains in the distance. I could’ve just sat outside on that patio gazing at the views all day.

Another detail that did not go unnoticed during my stay was the impressive caliber of artwork and design elements on-site. The themed colors aren’t an accident — those gold, silver, red, and blue tones seen throughout the property are a tribute to The Academy next door (these colors rotate every four years, for each individual year, representing the four classes).

Other notable aviation-inspired creative works seen in the common spaces include an aerial sculpture by Colorado Springs artist Robert Delaney, crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum — and an imposing but inspiring mosaic depicting airplanes in the throes of combat. Even little details such as the “mirrors” in the guest rooms feel aerospace-esque as if the side of a plane was pulled away from its post and stuck on the wall and given the new purpose of offering a reflection for you to check your hair and smile before leaving your room.

Dining and drinking on-site at Hotel Polaris

Photo courtesy Hotel Polaris

When it’s time to dive into some delicious dishes and drinks, try one (or all) of the six on-site food and beverage experiences. Pamela’s feels like a celebration of pairing an upscale vintage restaurant’s classic “good ol’ days” vibes blended with eating inside a futuristic spaceship. The enormous windows inside the restaurant look out into the gorgeous scenery, and the cozy, bright-colored retro-style booths feel classic and approachable.

Choose between diverse choices of American regional cuisines. Fan-favorite menu choices include Northeast chowders, West Coast cioppino, grilled steaks, and seafood selections. This restaurant was named in honor of Jerry Bruni, a 1970 graduate of the Academy, and his wife Pam — philanthropic supporters of Hotel Polaris. At Pamela’s, I enjoyed dining on the Colorado lamb pops, the beef tenderloin, and the Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad.

For a cocktail or quick and tasty bite, take the elevator up to 9th floor and step into The Aviator bar, which boasts awe-inspiring rooftop views (especially at sunset) paired with an impressive selection of beverages. The vibes up here are almost out of this world, and the menu features choices of well-plated and well-made, shareable appetizers and hand-crafted cocktails with a celestial twist. This spot was inspired by 1964 Academy graduate Hugh Williamson and his wife Nan, philanthropic supporters of the hotel.

Photo courtesy Hotel Polaris

I enjoyed dining on the Tuna Nachos, which were well balanced and beautifully plated — paired with a “Solar Spritz” (made from Aperol, Joto yuzu sake, Prosecco, club soda) and an Aging Aviator (a delightful combination of gin, crème de violette, lemon, and elderflower foam).

Downstairs, the whimsical Doolies restaurant is set up like a 50s-style diner and soda shop featuring a fun, laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with a menu boasting nostalgic diner classics. Taste comfort food like shakes, hot dogs, nachos, and pizza in a spirited and welcoming space. And don’t miss the Thunderbird Bar downstairs, which is great for grabbing a drink with a view — or the Quick Provisions station adjacent to the lobby — perfect for a quick cup of coffee or tea and a to-go snack in the morning.

Since I visited in the middle of winter in January, the pool wasn’t a particular feature I fixated upon during my stay. However, those visiting in warmer weather can visit the “Backyard Bites” station at the pool deck, which will be set up to offer seasonal snacks and refreshing drinks once it’s sunny enough for a swim. This casual dining option will feature a walk-up window for guests to grab a drink or bite in the plaza and pool area.

Wellness and workout spaces

Photo courtesy Hotel Polaris

Since there is no shortage of spectacular views at any window of this hotel, it’s no surprise that even the well-equipped fitness center also looks out onto the sweeping mountain peaks (the view does make the treadmill time slightly less painful). There’s also a private, compact workout studio area within the gym for those who want to stretch or practice movement in their own space.

Don’t miss out on the on-site spa area, Ascend Spa & Wellness (catching the “aviation” theme, here?) which feels like you’re hopping on a flight to the land of “zen.” The small but mighty six-room spa and wellness center boasts a lineup of curated treatments and wellness programming. I indulged in a massage treatment, which was amazing — but honestly, just spending time in the relaxing waiting lounge room before and after my experience, which looks out onto, yes, those magical and majestic mountains — was transcendently peaceful.

I could’ve spent all day sitting in the wellness waiting room’s sunny, calming, bright open space, which is decorated in soothing warm tan color tones and features crystal clear floor-to-ceiling windows, chaise lounge chairs, healthy snacks, and locally made wall art — all of which seemed to come together to evoke a satisfying sense of inner peace.

Guest rooms at Hotel Polaris are contemporary, cozy, and comfortable

Photo courtesy Hotel Polaris

After a day of adventures, in business or exploration, return to a guest room that feels clean, bright, and modern. Beds are cushy for sleeping, and there’s a dedicated desk area if you need to get some work done while you’re visiting. The elegant but lively furnishings and decor feature an airy but powerful color palette — walnut wood, glowing gilded golden light fixtures, and various shades of gray, yellowish hues, and blues (it doesn’t sound like it would work, but it really does) create a feeling of energetic balance — emitting a sense of calm motivation.

Admire the black and white historic photographs on the walls meant to capture the storied, “timeless elegance of the Academy.”

Everything at Hotel Polaris is tasteful and elevated — but playful in a way that makes you feel like a child dreaming aloud, “I want to be a pilot when I grow up” as you walk throughout the hotel. The design brings a peaceful sense of the open air and the outdoors inside the interiors of the hotel space while feeling like a safe and luxurious place to approach for a landing and recovery when you want to rest and recharge after a full day of adventures.

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