Colorado Springs
Colorado


The Experience

European grandeur and Western touches are a quirky mix. When Spencer Penrose built his resort in 1918, he may have constructed a pink stucco building with chimes that ring from a tower every quarter hour, but he also had the good sense to put it at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Today, these grand touches still exist: beams painted with motifs from classical mythology, a marble staircase, ornate chandeliers, ceiling frescoes by European artists. And of course there's the view of the Rockies. It's a formula the Broadmoor has used to maintain its appeal, even as it has added guest-room buildings that continue the European elegance with a more contemporary style.

The Rooms

Rooms range from 375 to 425 square feet, while most suites run to around 700 square feet. But here it's all about the view -- even identical floor plans are priced according to the scenery. And while views of the lake and golf course are fine, it's the eye-popping Cheyenne Mountain that's the real reason you're staying -- so go for a Superior Room in the original building. If you can take your eye off the outdoors, however, you'll find (not surprisingly) a European vibe, with feather beds, Italian Matelasse coverlets, half-canopies above the headboards and laurel leaf-patterned carpets. You'll also discover some quirky Western touches, like a random Frederic Remington.

The Service

The Broadmoor's relaxed vibe does wonders for Type A tendencies. The downright friendly staff couldn't do more for you, and your thank-you receives a spontaneous response rather than the standard "my pleasure."

The Highlights

An exhausting list of activities awaits: three championship golf courses, nine tennis courts, a fitness center with indoor pool and an 11,000-square-feet swimming pool with waterslides and cabanas. You can work up a sweat just choosing from the 11 restaurants, including the new Summit, an Adam Tihany-designed brasserie with a 2,000-bottle wine tower and signature entrées such as roasted Colorado lamb loin and angry trout. Stroll around Cheyenne Lake, then cool off in the 90,000-square-feet spa that features a $100,000 computerized shower with 18 (!) showerheads. It's a little over the top and a little quirky, but still pretty cool -- a fitting symbol for this resort.

-- Gail Harrington

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»