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### Colorado Springs’ Newest Gem: Hotel Polaris Elevates Aviation-Themed Travel
The Washington Post recently highlighted the growing trend of upgraded airport hotels and aviation-themed accommodations. However, they missed what might be the best aviation-themed hotel in the U.S.—Hotel Polaris. While not located at an airport, Polaris sits in the heart of Colorado Springs, a destination travelers actually seek out for leisure.
### Colorado Springs: A Tourism Boom
Colorado Springs, along with the entire state of Colorado, has been experiencing record-breaking tourism. In 2023, the Pikes Peak Region, anchored by Colorado Springs, welcomed nearly 25 million visitors, following a record-setting 2022. Downtown visitation has doubled over the past five years, a remarkable surge.
Visitors are drawn to iconic attractions like Pikes Peak—with its historic cog railway and scenic auto road—the charming town of Manitou Springs, the dramatic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), a sprawling campus rich with outdoor recreation and historic exhibits.
Recent additions have only enhanced the city’s appeal. The Ford Amphitheater, an 8,000-seat venue, opened last year and has already hosted major performances. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, a $91 million architectural marvel, opened in 2020 to rave reviews. Soon, the new $41 million Hosmer Visitor Center at the Academy will open, adding even more to the visitor experience. Meanwhile, the iconic Cadet Chapel is undergoing renovations, set to reopen in 2027.
### Introducing Hotel Polaris
Amid this tourism boom, the debut of Hotel Polaris last fall was perfectly timed. While Colorado Springs boasts luxurious options like the Forbes 5-Star Broadmoor and the Garden of the Gods Resort, Polaris fills a crucial niche: a high-end, aviation-themed hotel adjacent to the USAFA’s North Entrance, without the 5-Star price tag.
Polaris is unique for many reasons, but its standout feature is the C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger Simulator Lounge—home to the only hotel-based flight simulators in the country.
### A Thoughtful Tribute to Aviation and the Academy
From the moment you step inside, Hotel Polaris impresses with its attention to detail. The 375-room property feels intimate thanks to its warm, attentive service. It’s also dog-friendly, a bonus for pet owners.
The hotel’s architecture and interior design pay homage to the Academy’s mid-century modern style, echoing the triangular arches of the Cadet Chapel. Expansive glass walls flood the space with natural light and frame breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Academy grounds. A footbridge connects the hotel directly to the soon-to-open Hosmer Visitor Center.
Throughout the hotel, aviation themes are thoughtfully woven into the decor. The rooftop Aviator Bar honors the Academy’s illustrious Class of 1964, while the lobby’s Thunderbird Bar nods to the Cadet Squadron-27 Thunderbirds. Pamela’s, the hotel’s main restaurant, is a family-friendly 1950s-style diner with an aviation twist, and there’s also a lobby coffee shop for grab-and-go options.
The culinary offerings blend global classics with Rocky Mountain flavors, featuring local specialties like Colorado bison and an upscale version of the “Eisenhower steak,” a nod to President Eisenhower’s unique grilling style. The executive chef, formerly of the Four Seasons Vail, has elevated the dining experience, making Polaris a popular spot for locals as well as guests.
The Aviator rooftop bar has quickly become one of Colorado Springs’ hottest nightlife destinations, a rare feat for a hotel venue.
### Spacious Rooms and an Exclusive Club Lounge
Guest rooms at Polaris are large, stylish, and continue the aviation motif. Corner suites boast expansive balconies. The ninth-floor Club Lounge is a standout feature, offering complimentary breakfast, snacks, coffee, and evening cocktails. Club Floors are common in Asia but rare in the U.S., especially at this price point.
### The Sully Simulator Lounge: A One-of-a-Kind Experience
The crown jewel of Hotel Polaris is the Sully Simulator Lounge, named after famed USAFA alum Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. The lounge features three simulators built from real aircraft parts, including two F-16 Fighting Falcon cockpits and a full-sized Boeing 737-MAX cockpit.
Guests can engage in solo missions, mid-air refueling, or even dogfights with friends in the F-16 simulators, with or without VR headsets. The 737-MAX simulator offers the chance to pilot a commercial jet into airports around the world, adjusting for weather, visibility, and other real-world variables. Sessions are guided by former Air Force pilots and air traffic controllers, ensuring a professional and educational experience. Simulator sessions cost between $70 and $100 per 30 minutes and are often bundled into hotel packages.
### More Amenities to Enjoy
Beyond the simulators, Polaris offers a full suite of amenities: a large outdoor pool deck with food and beverage service, a gym outfitted with TechnoGym equipment and Peloton bikes, a small spa focused on treatments, and a range of outdoor activities like guided hikes, yoga classes, and loaner bikes.
Hotel Polaris has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts, families, and travelers looking for a unique and memorable stay in Colorado Springs.
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Source: forbes.com