A Century Later, The Broadmoor Still Feels New

I've stayed at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs' iconic resort, half a dozen times, and it has never failed to impress. I consider it one of the top resorts in the country, and during a visit this month, I was glad to see that the current renovation project is in full swing.

The Broadmoor, nestled against the Rockies, opened in 1918 and is celebrating its centennial this year. Set on 3,000 acres, the facility has 784 rooms, suites, and cottages: 269 Classic rooms (375-400 sqft), 175 Superior rooms (375-445 sqft), 178 Premier rooms (550 sqft), 111 suites, 44 cottage bedrooms and 2 three-story brownstones (each with three bedrooms).

The resort rings scenic Cheyenne Lake, a 380-acre water feature that reflects the surrounding mountains. Several short towers cluster on the north and south sides of the lake and a picturesque arched bridge provides a shortcut across the water. Alternatively, a walk along the lake's perimeter is a peaceful option to burn off some calories after dinner.

The resort's original 1918 building is finishing up a refresh, with an expanded lobby, upgraded fireplaces, and some different seating layouts. There are also some tweaks to the shopping experience, most notably a new chocolatier adjacent to the lobby. The new shop also serves a variety of beverages and has some grab-and-go options for guests on the run. As of this month, some scaffolding remained on the main building as the touch-up continued, but our visit wasn't affected in any way by noise or inconvenience.

The Broadmoor, in addition to its decadent rooms and fantastic dining options (10 in all!), has a bevy of things for guests to do. The fitness center and spa are fantastic, and the resort also includes three championship golf courses. One of my favorites is taking the free shuttle (from the South building) to the Broadmoor-owned and managed Seven Falls.

This natural wonder is really one incredible waterfall with seven steps to its cascade. It is considered one of Colorado's most famous waterfalls, and visitors can hike the one-mile roundtrip trail to Inspiration Point, with a multitude of picture-perfect spots along the way. There are a LOT of stairs involved - 224 to be exact - but the climb is so worth it!

The Broadmoor also manages several other adventures, including the Pikes Peak Cog Railway (which did not open for this season, as the infrastructure is being reevaluated) and a series of 10 zip lines near Seven Falls. Through the resort, you can also arrange a fly fishing experience or stay 3,000 feet higher up the Rockies in the Cloud Camp building.

And if that's not enough to keep you busy, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, ranked as the sixth best zoo in the country, is a mere two miles from the resort's front door. So, whether you want nature, adventure, haute cuisine, or just some old-fashioned relaxation, The Broadmoor is the answer, a refreshing option, even after a century of service.