Traveling in the last 12 months has been almost non-existent for many of us. However, when New Year’s Eve rolled around I was ready to GET OUT and The Broadmoor Colorado Springs made it a great experience.
The Broadmoor can only be described as stately and historic and classy.
Classy.
That word is just fun, but also the best possible way to describe a place that feels both historic and updated.
Like I saw more long fur coats in one day than I remember seeing in the last few years. And yet…not a bit of feeling like you don’t belong or are out of place. We were strolling around in our running gear having just finished a trail run or our big adventure.
I credit this to the staff. KIND and attentive.
Truly, I’ve stayed only a few places where every bit of staff we encountered was just pleasant beyond belief in a natural way. The other was the crazy nice all-inclusive we took my parents to in Mexico for my Dad’s 70th.
This seems like a random detail, but it’s not. It’s part of the experience that makes you feel taken care of and that everything around you is being taken care off.
Christmas at the Broadmoor Hotel
We were lucky enough to be here during the holiday season. And now I’m really intrigued to see what the place looks like sans all the incredible holiday decor.
Massive Christmas trees were decorated in every building and throughout the lobbies. I truly wanted to sit down at ever possible fireplace we passed (there were tons) because it just felt so cozy.
Of course, I was also thinking hmmmm should I do my tree like that one…or that one…ohhh or that one.
A night it was just as spectacular with one million white lights all around the lake. It’s about a 3/4 mile loop around the lake which takes you between the two main buildings and smaller buildings along the way.
It’s lit up all the way around and of course the drive up the Broadmoor from the front is tree lined. Truly felt like a magical way to send out 2020 looking from our balcony at midnight to see all the lights.
BUT THERE’S MORE!!!
In the main hall is a life-size Cog Railway car made from chocolate by their in-house bakers. Each year for the holidays they have been testing themselves with larger and more complicated feats. I was not only impressed, but then on my way to Cafe Julie’s for a truffle.
Dining at the Broadmoor
Of course, things are a little different right now with restaurants only being able to do deliver or take out during our stay, but that didn’t slow down our enjoyment of the deliciously roasted brussel sprouts, seared salmon and the burger too big for my mouth.
Luckily one restaurant had distanced outdoor seating, so I got to enjoy sitting in the sun and splitting a burger with David while taking in the views.
It was the perfect refuel after we spent the morning running the nearby Red Rock Canyon trails.
On site dining includes a great variety of options:
- Cafe Julie’s – Coffee, teas, pastries, handmade chocolates, breakfast sandwiches, pre-packaged salads, pre-packaged sandwiches, I got a great little vegetable tray with hummus
- Natural Epicurean – Right now it appears they aren’t providing much of what they used to due to the slow down of travel – so it was also pastries and pre-packaged salads/sandwiches
- In Room Dining – HUGE breakfast spread of which I can vouch for the burritos and waffles, also your expected lunch and dinner options. The chocolate cake is also a sincere must have (especially for icing fiends like me).
- La Taverne – Dinner only with tons of seafood options and incredible steaks
- Ristorante Del Lago – Italian dinner restaurant where David loved the lasagna and I could have eat that salmon for days
Soaring Adventures at Seven Falls
Adrenaline seekers listen up, this is one of the top places in the US to experience zip lining!
I was more than a little nervous about zipping through the trees with the winter temps, but it turns out this might be one of the best times to go!
Seven Falls is closed for the winter which means you feel like you have the entire wilderness to yourself. Plus, the rocks and trees are just next level pretty with a light dusting of snow.
There are two courses to choose from or you can go wild and do both! I think if it had been 20 degrees warmer, I would have been begging to do both and keep the day going.
The Woods Course is the easier of the two and a great place to start for anyone who is nervous about heights and ziplines.
We did the Fins course which includes longer, higher zips and two suspension bridges and a final rappel to your finishing point. Fair to say this is the more intense experience and minus hating the bridges, I’d still do it all over again for those views.
Either course alone is roughly 3 hours which includes their shuttle to the start, the great safety discussions and practice zips before you actually get on the course.
- You’ll “hike” a cleared path about 10 minutes to get your gear
- Go through a practice zip that’s basically on the ground to get your feet wet
- One guide will always be right next to you, keeping you clipped in to safety guides EVERYWHERE
- Our guides were hilarious, loved their jobs clearly and happy to snap some photos for us (just expect selfies of them in there as well). Our phones were kept in zippered pouches they provide for easy access without fear of losing them to the canyon.
- If going in the winter – obviously bundle up because it’s cold with the wind. Wear your own thin gloves which can go under the gloves they require that you wear
Once we finished the course, we had the opportunity to walk over to see the frozen Seven Falls.
A unique experience because it’s closed during the winter to visitors. The falls are frozen, yet you can see the water rushing below the surface. It’s truly stunning and a fitting end!
Things to do at Broadmoor Colorado Springs
When you head to a resort like this, you’re getting SO MUCH MORE than a hotel room. There’s an entire experience that comes along with the stay.
A few of the onsite opportunities:
- Dining – go five star or enjoy a morning in bed!
- Golf
- Bowling
- Spa
- Indoor pool for the kids to play
- Outdoor lap pool (yes open in winter) and hot tub
- Touring the property to simply take in the decor, the special touches…it’s a lot!
- Soaring Adventures
- Shopping – lots of stores on site for all different needs
Things to do near the Broadmoor:
- Garden of the Gods
- Trail Running or Hiking
- Seven Falls
- Colorado Springs Outlets
I absolutely cannot wait to go back to The Broadmoor. I know once restrictions open up there will be even more there to see, do and experience than we had the chance to this winter.
A summer trip is on the list!
Have you ever been to the Broadmoor? What time of year did you go?
Want more Colorado travel ideas?
- Best Trails Near Denver and Boulder
- What to do in Steamboat Springs in the Summer
- What to do in Winter Park in the Summer
- Visit the Colorado Sand Dunes
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