When Hotel Polaris took flight with its grand opening in November 2024, it brought a transformative change to the gateway of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs. That was the plan all along as one of the place-making projects of the City for Champions initiative. Alongside the Academy’s new Hosmer Visitor Center, the nine-story, 375-room resort-style hotel and conference center provides a one-of-a-kind landing pad.
Even while the airplane-shaped Hosmer Visitor Center is still under construction, Hotel Polaris has soared as an exceptional destination unto itself. Within four months of opening, it earned a coveted AAA Four Diamond rating, making it the first hotel in Colorado Springs to receive the designation in seven years. If you haven’t already checked it out, now is a perfect time to stay at the Hotel Polaris whether you’re visiting from out of town or looking for a Colorado Springs staycation. Here are insights and tips for making the most of your stay.
Savor the Style and Attention to Detail
Named for the North Star, Hotel Polaris is built to connect you with the wide open skies surrounding it. Walking in the front entrance, you are greeted by a wall of windows facing spectacular views of the Colorado Front Range and U.S. Air Force Academy nestled beneath them. From the lobby to the restaurants to the guest rooms, there’s plenty of glass throughout the hotel to maximize the natural setting and scenic views. The result is an airy, spacious feel that pairs perfectly with the midcentury modern architecture and design inspired by the noteworthy buildings of the Air Force Academy.
From wall art and carpet patterns to cocktail names and cute, uniformed teddy bears on the beds, Hotel Polaris incorporates and honors traditions of the U.S. Air Force Academy and its flight themes. Hotel entryways are color coded like cadet classes, and guest room doorways are arranged to mimic the spacing of the cadet dormitories.
But don’t get the wrong idea — there’s nothing military austere about it. To the contrary, Hotel Polaris exudes elevated midcentury style, from the large, two-sided marble fireplace in the lobby to the swanky rooftop bar, the Aviator, to the rich woods and gilded accents of the guest rooms.
Don’t Miss: The Flight Simulators
Hotel Polaris is the only hotel in the U.S. to offer flight simulators, and its two F-16 Fighting Falcons and one 737 MAX jetliner are the real deal used to train pilots. Wearing virtual reality goggles in the fighter jet simulator provides an expansive 360-degree view — and the realistic sensations of diving and rolling through the sky. There’s a variety of flight options you can choose, including aerial obstacle courses that prove to be a good warmup in our case. But don’t miss the dog-fighting. With two F-16 simulators, you can fly head-to-head against a companion or take on enemies together or solo.
Once inside the cockpit, all I can think of is Top Gun when the missile lock tones sound. It’s a good thing America’s safety and security don’t rely on me — especially when one particular missile comes screaming in from dead-ahead to blow my jet into a smoking fireball. Even my flight instructor startles audibly. Apparently he didn’t see the bogie sneak around to pick me off head-on either. Maverick would definitely be disappointed in my flying, but the flight simulator experience is a blast, all pun intended.
Both hotel guests and locals can reserve air time by reservation, and prices vary by simulator and session length. Pilots must be 12 years old to take flight.
Where to Eat and Drink
With six restaurants and bars on-site, Hotel Polaris has you covered. We previewed them all as the hotel was opening, and the collection has continued to impress us as each concept has settled into its regular service.
The Aviator is our new favorite bar in the Springs. The swanky rooftop lounge is a prime spot for sunset viewing or a starlit nightcap. Its luxe blue and gold tones, velvet booths, celestial decor and fireplace in the round lay a stylish foundation, and floor-to-ceiling windows make it sing with gorgeous ninth-floor views.
The flight-themed cocktails are on par with their surroundings, but our favorites are the Aging Aviator, made with Aviation gin (of course), and the Pathfinder, an old-fashioned featuring Brown Butter Buffalo Trace bourbon. For bites, the sharable Tuna Nachos, made with crispy wontons, are a sharable standout. And a recent menu update added an excellent sushi menu featuring rolls and nigiri, as well as desserts.
Pamela’s is the hotel’s flagship serving breakfast, brunch and dinner. The upscale, fine dining restaurant offers a contemporary American menu that also just saw its first seasonal menu changes. The new Melon Caprese and Hamachi Crudo are excellent starters, each blending a fresh balance of sweet and savory flavors, such as melon with prosciutto and citrusy ponzu with pickled Fresno pepper, respectively. Our favorite entrees are the Verlasso Salmon and Colorado Lamb Lollipops, and the updated mint chutney adds a perfectly subtle, complimentary fresh bite to the lamb.
Pamela’s enjoys the hotel’s beautiful westward views, and we’re excited as the large patio opens soon for warm-weather service.
If you’re looking for a fun, casual bite or you have the kids along, don’t miss the soda fountain-style Doolies. Yes, you can get those milkshakes made boozy.
What to Do at Hotel Polaris
If your true north involves less adrenaline than those flight simulators, book a treatment and escape to the on-site oasis of Ascend Spa and Wellness. Simply relaxing on a chaise lounge while taking in the expansive mountain view from the bright, open Relaxation Room is enough to lower your heart rate into zen zone — with or without the complimentary glass of champagne. And a signature massage or facial delivers the rejuvenating bliss.
The resort-style hotel also boasts a large, heated swimming pool and west-facing patio that opens soon for its warm-weather season. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation or family fun and yard games. Refresh in the water or warm up beside a fire pit while you enjoy snacks and drinks from Backyard Bites.
Of course, once the new Hosmer Visitor Center is open, it will be a must-visit spot accessible by the pedestrian bridge from Hotel Polaris. In the meantime, you can still tour the impressive 18,500-acre U.S. Air Force Academy and its current Barry Goldwater Visitor Center. It’s a great way to witness the Academy’s inspiring campus, history and commitment to excellence. Just be sure to check on current access as the active military installation does close to the public as deemed necessary.
The Academy also holds excellent hiking and biking trails, and outside the gates, the Santa Fe Regional Trail runs beside the Hotel Polaris. You can even book a guided hiking or biking adventure with your stay.
What to Do Near Hotel Polaris
If you’re there for a one-night or weekend getaway, you can easily chill and enjoy the relaxation of staying put on Hotel Polaris property or exploring the surrounding Air Force Academy.
But you don’t have to go far to find other entertainment options. Just across the highway is the booming Northgate area, home to a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. If your schedule aligns, don’t miss a concert at the new Ford Amphitheater. The state-of-the-art venue brings big acts to its scenic outdoor stage from May through September. Other entertainment plexes include TopGolf, iFly Indoor Skydiving, Overdrive Raceway for high-speed go-karts and Air City 360 Trampoline and Adventure Park.
Seasonal Specials at Hotel Polaris
Be sure to keep an eye out for special rates and packages at Hotel Polaris. Now is a great time for Springsters and other Coloradans to take advantage of the Colorado Resident Rate. The exclusive offer starts at $169, and includes 20% off food, beverage and spa services, plus a waived facility fee. It’s definitely one to book now before the peak summer season kicks in.
Anyone can access the Early Bird Rate. Book your mountain getaway at least two weeks in advance, and you can unlock a 25% discount on room rates. Blackout dates may apply.
And Hotel Polaris is dog-friendly, so even your fur-baby can come along to find their true north. You can book a K9 Cadet Package that includes a Hotel Polaris water bowl, bandana, chew toy and housemade dog treats. A pet fee is included in the rate.
Find more details and book your stay at thehotelpolaris.com.
