If you have never been to The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort in Colorado Springs, GO. Go now and go often. “Dreamy” is not a word I have been known to use in normal conversation, but that’s how a friend described her own vacation at the resort – and it’s the perfect adjective. The accommodations are dreamy, the views are dreamy, the grounds are dreamy, the service is dreamy, the food is dreamy, the spa is dreamy, the golf course is dreamy… ALL. OF. IT.
It snowed or threatened to snow each of the three days we were there (in early friggin’ September, no less), closing the golf course, outdoor pool normally open through September 20, tennis courts, Seven Falls hike, Soaring Adventures zip-line, patio dining areas, paddle boats, and all other outdoor activities on the property during which you wouldn’t want to be pelted with sleet and/or freeze your bum off. COVID-19 restrictions were also in place throughout, so masks were mandatory and only select resort restaurants were open… AND IT WAS STILL DREAMY! We didn’t care – it was actually a blessing to be able to sit inside, and hang out, and eat, and drink, and hang out, and drink, and eat, and not feel like we were missing out on activities — because it was snowing and freezing and they were CLOSED. Bwahahaha!
The Broadmoor Hotel was designed and built in 1918 to replicate the grandeur of European resorts, and it does not disappoint. Through every addition, expansion, renovation, and reimagining since then, they have maximized detail, comfort, class, and service – it’s like no place we have ever stayed. Now, we don’t get out much, but still. It’s impressive. And, the art – it is everywhere – from huge, original framed paintings on nearly every wall to clouds, stained glass, geometric shapes, and stars on the ceilings… the ceilings and chandeliers are amazing.
Now, all this does not come cheap. Not even close. But, it was our 25th anniversary – it was a big deal – and it was completely worth it. Every dollar. COVID had put the kibosh on our grandiose plans for a Spain vacation this year, and our Broadmoor vacation was cheaper than that… so, really, we came out ahead. And that was dreamy, too!
OTHER BROADMOOR EXPERIENCES WE CAN’T WAIT TO TRY SOMEDAY. We’ll start saving up now – not kidding:
For a more rustic vacation, check out the Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp (3,000 feet higher up from the resort, think high-end lodge), The Ranch at Emerald Valley (think mountain cabins, horseback riding, hiking, biking, kayaking, and campfires), and Fly Fishing Camp (think fly fishing, hence the name).
For a fun family vacation, think about taking advantage of the family packages – in the summer – and pray for no snow. (We felt sorry for the families we saw at the Broadmoor among the snow days. The outdoor pool was closed due to weather, and they were relegated to making snowmen… in the cold…)
For a grand bonding time, think about taking the grandkids for a special getaway. The summer would be ideal. We know a family whose grandparents took the three young grandkids to the Broadmoor each summer for a few days. It gave the parents a much-needed break and the kids special pool time with Grandma and Grandpa – they still talk about it to this day!
