From Garden of the Gods park to Pikes Peak and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, there’s a long list of things to do in Colorado Springs. The state’s second-largest city, it averages 300-plus days of sunshine. Need more convincing to confirm a stay on the calendar? Look no further than newcomer Hotel Polaris.
Location
Opened in late 2024, Hotel Polaris is located just outside the North Gate of the United States Air Force Academy. A pedestrian bridge connects the property to the Academy’s new Hosmer Visitor Center, set to open in May 2026.
Design elements throughout the property pay tribute to the Air Force Academy, blending mid-century modern architecture found throughout the neighboring campus with aviation acknowledgments. While photography of cadets and assorted aircraft appears somewhat obvious, take a closer look and you’ll likely spy an airplane wing emerging from the front desk or faucets that has an uncanny resemblance to airplane propellers.
Accommodations
Hotel Polaris features 375 rooms and suites located on the building’s fourth through ninth floors. I stayed in a Polaris Club Level Room on the top floor.
The exterior wall of the room was made almost entirely of glass, filling the space with natural light and providing views of the hotel pool and the Academy’s North Gate.
At first blush, there were more mid-century nods than aviation influence. The built-in leather headboards, glass globe pendant lighting, and rug with a vibrant blue oval pattern got my attention immediately. But once I settled in, I enjoyed discovering an assortment of aeronautical Easter eggs or references, including a welcome letter that, when folded, became an entertaining paper airplane.
The single sink vanity provided plenty of room for the toothpaste, makeup, and other toiletries that typically accompany two travelers. And the walk-in shower was stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in refillable bottles.
Other in-room amenities include a small refrigerator, a Lavazza Coffee machine, and aluminum water bottles. Hotel Polaris uses the Boomerang Bottling System, a water purification and bottling machine that fills recyclable bottles with local water.
Hotel Polaris’ Private Club Lounge offers complimentary snacks, coffee, tea, and soft drinks 24/7.
Public Spaces and Facilities
Hotel Polaris is home to the only immersive flight simulators at a hotel in the U.S. That means you can buckle up and take flight in one of two F-16s or a 737 Max.
It’s an immersive, fully-tactile experience with throttles, pedals, switches, and a yoke. A pilot — very patiently — guides you through the experience, explaining the steps and reminding you what to do when.
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I tested my skills in the 737 Max and, thanks to a 200-degree wraparound screen, got a very realistic taste of what it’s like to land at San Francisco International Airport. I’ve never thought those smooth landings were easy, but I have more appreciation than ever! Every experience is customized, so if you want to land in Paris, the staff will make it happen. F-16 fliers can engage in a dog fight if they’re up for an adrenaline rush.
Hotel Polaris also features a pool and 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, cardio equipment from Technogym, and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can pair your workout with stellar mountain views. At first glance, the six-room Ascend Spa & Wellness center might seem teeny, but its robust treatment menu covers everything from body wraps and facials to custom massage and hand therapies.
Dining Options
Hotel Polaris features six restaurants and bars. Signature restaurant, Pamela, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. Breakfast options might include Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy, and an assortment of omelets.
Dinner selections during my stay were diverse and plentiful, ranging from Rocky Mountain Trout and beef ribeye to shareable plates (designed to serve two to three) such as High Country Meatloaf and Pamela’s Signature Whole Roasted Chicken.
The Tuna Nachos (Marinated Ahi Tuna, Wonton, Cucumber, Pickled Jalapeno, Avocado, Sambal Aioli, Unagi Sauce, Cilantro) at rooftop Aviator Bar are worthy of a return visit, as is the inventive craft cocktail menu.
It’s hard to walk by Doolies Soda Shop and not want to go inside. Model F-16s mingle with red, white, and blue décor, and a menu studded with comfort food such as hot dogs, sub sandwiches, and milkshakes. You won’t want to, but you should share the Salty and Sweet milkshake (Malted Mazel Toff ice cream, caramel sauce, crushed pretzel, and whipped cream). You can even make it boozy if it’s been that kind of day.
Just off the lobby, Quick Provisions features coffee, tea, and a small selection of grab-and-go breakfast selections. Attentive staff have a knack for remembering just how guests prefer their specialty coffee drinks and teas prepared.
Good to Know
Colorado Springs Airport is less than a 30-mile drive from Hotel Polaris. Denver International Airport is just shy of a 70-mile trip, but you’ll have more flight options.
Rates start at $229 plus a daily $25 amenity fee. Wi-Fi and self-parking are included in the amenity fee; however, valet parking costs $35 per night.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel Polaris welcomes dogs with no size, weight, or breed restrictions. The pet fee is $35 per day with a maximum of two dogs. A portion of the fee is donated to a K-9 veteran nonprofit.
Hotel Polaris is managed by CoralTree Hospitality; the company’s collection includes independent and branded properties across the country, including Terranea, Pier Sixty-Six Resort, and Ka’anapali Ali’i.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Hotel Polaris, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
