Five-Star Luxury and Golf at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

Arriving from Colorado Springs airport on a sunny October afternoon, I’m taken by the European feel of the entrance to The Broadmoor. As two friendly bellmen stand ready to receive my luggage, I’m greeted by two more elegantly dressed staff members who swing wide the entrance doors to the main lobby.  A warm smile and greeting from both set the tone for the way things are done at The Broadmoor.

The accommodation choices across the property are extraordinary whether you stay in one of the rooms or suites overlooking The Broadmoor’s own private lake, as I did, or choose a beautiful brownstone house or one of the exclusive cottages overlooking the championship golf courses. For a luxurious stay in the wilderness, try The Broadmoor’s accommodations up the mountain in Pike National Forest at The Ranch at Emerald Valley, or 914 meters above The Broadmoor atop Cheyenne Mountain at Cloud Camp.

With indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, spa and salon treatments, there is a lot of pampering to indulge in here. There also are more than 25 specialty shops offering unique Colorado clothing, gifts, art and toys. There is a seasonal children's club, a cinema and 10-pin bowling to keep everyone entertained.

The resort offers an array of wonderful dining options and locations depending on your mood and appetite. One tradition is non-negotiable: The flavors and standards of dining here are always first-class. The options include the Penrose Room, the only Five Star and Five Diamond restaurant in Colorado, and the Golden Bee, a restored 19th century English pub that somehow was shipped from London to The Broadmoor via New York.

World-class golf brings many visitors to The Broadmoor for an extended stay to challenge themselves and improve their game in a spectacular setting.

The resort’s golfing heritage and top international rating is clear from its three championship courses designed by legends Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jack Nicklaus.  In fact, Nicklaus won his first national title as a 19-year old amateur on The Broadmoor’s famous East Course. He later returned to design the Mountain Course, which brings The Broadmoor’s spectacular offerings to 54 championship holes across the sprawling East Course, unforgiving West Course and elevated Mountain Course.

With indoor and outdoor courts, tennis is a year-round sport at The Broadmoor. Biking the grounds is an option, and at The Ranch at Emerald Valley, you can take advantage of horseback riding in the mountains, as well as biking, hiking and fishing. The Broadmoor can also arrange sport utility vehicle and Segway tours, hot air ballooning, rock climbing and whitewater rafting adventures.

One thing you don’t want to miss is the nearby Pikes Peak Cog Railway trip to the summit of Pikes Peak, the easternmost 4,300-meter mountain in the USA.  The views are quite simply, breathtaking.

The Broadmoor’s warmth, elegance and hospitality provide a truly one-of-a-kind Colorado experience. It’s no wonder the hotel has led the way in Colorado for almost a century.