The Broadmoor

Colorado
United States

The Experience

European grandeur with Western touches is a quirky—some might say risky—design approach. But when Spencer Penrose built this pink stucco building with chimes that ring from a tower every quarter hour in 1918, he at least 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 majestic 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 stray bits of the Western flair, 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 award-winning golf courses, nine tennis courts, a fitness center with indoor pool and an 11,000-square-foot 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-foot 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.

 

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