The Broadmoor
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The BROADMOOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Built in History, Building on Tradition
Opened in 1918, The Broadmoor has taken its place among the world’s great resorts. From anti-Prohibition parties to world-renown guests to generations of families returning year after year, The Broadmoor has forged a history deep in tradition. Built by Spencer Penrose, a Philadelphia entrepreneur who made his fortune in gold and copper mining, The Broadmoor was designed to turn the Pikes Peak region into the most interesting and multi-faceted resort area conceivable. By any interpretation, the results have far exceeded Penrose’s visions for The Broadmoor.
The Broadmoor has received many accolades for its golf, tennis, dining and spa but perhaps the most amazing is its Mobile Five-Star rating for 49 consecutive years as well as its AAA Five-Diamond status for 33 consecutive years. Add in top-rated dining, golf courses by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus and activities within the Colorado Springs area, and the result is a vacation destination to rival any in the country.
Despite all the accolades, some of the most intriguing characteristics of The Broadmoor include the expansive manicured grounds and the fine detailing and artwork as crafted by over one hundred Italian artisans. The Resort is situated at the base of Cheyenne Mountain and has a European village feel with multiple buildings housing the 744 guest rooms, 25 retail shops and 18 bars and restaurants. Many of the buildings surround a serene lake in the center of the Resort, which creates the perfect setting for leisurely strolls, relaxing afternoons or drinks with family or friends around the fire pits. Adding to the ambiance of the Resort, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, an 80-foot monument perched high on Cheyenne Mountain and overlooking the Resort as well as Colorado Springs, resonates chimes every 15 minutes during the day and songs 3 times daily at 10:00am, noon and 5:00pm. The shrine also houses the ashes of Penrose, a noted philanthropist in the Colorado Springs area.
Golf outings are popular at The Broadmoor. Three championship courses which include the East Course, West Course and Mountain Course provide interesting and fun challenges for all skill levels. While the East and West Courses are located at the Resort, the Mountain Course is a brief shuttle ride higher up the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain and provides sweeping views of Colorado Springs. The East and West Courses are both combined designs of Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones and incorporate tree-lined fairways, lush grass and a gently sloping playing surface. The Mountain Course was recently redesigned by Jack Nicklaus Design. The East Course is home to many championships including the 2008 U.S. Senior Men’s Open and the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open. Caddies are available during the summer months. A new expansive clubhouse was added in 1995 to house the golf and tennis pro shops along with the spa and state-of-the-art fitness facility. The golf shop compliments the Resort perfectly with professional staff and wide selections of men’s, women’s and youth apparel and accessories.
The Broadmoor seems to understand and cater to many different groups, from a golf buddy trip to family vacations to large corporate events. The Broadmoor has activities and venues for all. In addition to golf, the Resort features an award-winning tennis program with 6 total courts, including 2 clay courts and 2 covered and heated courts open year-round. The Broadmoor Spa is a 43,000 sq. ft. amenity spa offering treatments with old-world charm and European elegance. The Spa also features an indoor pool along with an outdoor heated lap pool. The seasonal outdoor pool is located across the Resort and features an infinity edge on one side overlooking the central lake and zero-entry edge on the other side to resemble a beach. Water slides add to the fun of the pool experience. Cabanas are located throughout the pool area providing relaxing areas to enjoy the mountain summers. The Broadmoor also features a seasonal children’s program, a first-run movie theatre and the Carriage Museum, which houses historic memorabilia and vintage automobiles from the Penrose collection.
Group and corporate events are a specialty of The Broadmoor. There are 60 meeting rooms and 185,000 sq. ft. of meeting space available. Most of the areas, including the larger ballrooms and convention areas are located just outside the main entrance in Broadmoor Hall, the International Center and Colorado Hall. The size of The Broadmoor and number of guest rooms ensures accommodations and dining options for any size event. Even vacations with extended family can be perfectly accommodated in the new 8-bedroom cottages.
There are 18 dining and lounge options at The Broadmoor. The array of options is anchored with the Penrose Room, Colorado’s only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant. Along with classic dining, live entertainment and dancing in a stylish atmosphere add to the Penrose Room reputation. The AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Charles Court, features American food and wine that captures the spirit of Colorado cuisine. Summit, an American Brasserie, harnesses European finesse with American originality and is known for its lounge which showcases a revolving wine tower. Opening in 1938, The Tavern, just off the hotel lobby, is the place for steaks and seafood. The Tavern Orchestra performs for guests 4 nights per week. The Broadmoor’s original dining room, Lake Terrace Dining Room, serves breakfast daily with Sundays reserved for The Broadmoor’s buffet extravaganza complete with ice sculptures and live piano music. The Golden Bee is a 19th century English pub disassembled in England and reassembled at The Broadmoor. Resident ragtime pianists entertain while pub fare and yards of ale are served. Sing-a-longs, toasts and meeting new people from across the country are common.
Special events are held throughout the year. BBQ University, led by master grilling authorities such as Steven Raichlen, is a 3-day school held several times per year which teaches participants the finer art of grilling. The Food Network described BBQ University as the “best BBQ experience in the U.S.” Winter, which may be the best kept secret about The Broadmoor, also brings special events. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, there is a lighting ceremony of the more than 200,000 strands of lights that adorn the property. The Resort’s Culinary Institute students create a ginger bread village for the Christmas holiday. With surprisingly little snow in the winter, golf is often available year-round.
The activities throughout Colorado Springs help to make The Broadmoor a desirable vacation destination. The area includes attractions such as Pikes Peak, the easternmost peak over 14,000 feet in the U.S., Garden of the Gods Park, Air Force Academy, and U.S. Olympic Training Center.
A unique characteristic of The Broadmoor relates to the staff. Current staff represent 23 different countries. Not only are the staff diverse but many are long term employees, illustrating the pride and care involved at The Broadmoor. Over 140 employees have been at The Broadmoor for 25 years or more. In a service industry characterized by turnover and change, The Broadmoor is unique.
What I liked about The Broadmoor – Visiting The Broadmoor was like stepping back in time. The professional service, artistic craftsmanship and rich history all add to the character of the Resort. It is said that The Broadmoor is “in the business of creating memories.” It is easy to understand why generations of families and golf groups make The Broadmoor an annual tradition. Memories created on the golf courses, in the pools or in the restaurants can be relived year after year. Certainly the Resort is growing and has made substantial improvements over the past few decades but so much remains the same. The magic lies with something old and something new. There is an excitement to return to see what is new but also a comfort that comes with visiting an old friend. Whether you are looking for great golf, abundant activities, world-class treatment or lasting family memories, The Broadmoor is for you.
Many airlines fly nonstop into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and Denver International Airport (DIA). If driving from Denver, The Broadmoor is only a 90 mile scenic drive from Denver International Airport.
I would like to thank Allison Scott, Director of Communications, for her time and hospitality during my visit.
Start new traditions at The Broadmoor this year. Summer deals and specials are available for the remainder of the season. Check out The Broadmoor at www.thebroadmoor.com
Chris
The Broadmoor
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1-800-634-7711
Directions
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