If you’ve driven on I-25 over the last year, there’s no way you’ve missed the exquisitely designed structure being erected right outside the USAFA gate. In late November, the final product emerged as a beautiful, 375-room hotel, the first and only public hotel located at the Air Force Academy. In addition to sprawling accommodations, Hotel Polaris offers an upscale restaurant, swanky cocktail bar and a gorgeous, modern interior that will almost make you forget you’re in the Springs. That is until you turn around and take in the completely unobstructed view of the mountains, a scene like nowhere else in Colorado.
RMFR peruses the incredible property to scope out Pamela’s Restaurant, The Aviator lounge and take in the pristine Architectural Digest worthy interior, with a location ripe for the picking with a built-in USAFA audience, a rapidly growing Northside demographic, and an entire surrounding city jonesing for contemporary sophistication just like this.
“The location of the property was a collaboration between the Blue and Silver Partners, The Academy, the Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy Foundation,” says Kevin Barosso, Director of sales and marketing for Hotel Polaris. “It was based on the availability of land as close to the entrance of the Academy just outside the gates so that it would always be accessible to the general public.”
The first thing you notice after taking just a few steps inside the lobby is the breathtaking backdrop, with floor to very high ceiling windows that capture the essence of what it means to feel “Rocky Mountain High.” As you strut towards Pamela’s Restaurant the ooh and awe factor is undeniable and serves as a prideful reminder of why the topography in Colorado Springs is so magnificently underrated.
“The resort-style hotel is an ever-modern experience where the grandeur and magnitude of the Academy and the Rocky Mountains are accessible to all visitors,” says Barosso.
Dining at Pamela’s offers an equally elevated experience with a focus on diverse Americana cuisine. The full service restaurant is named after Jerry Bruni, a 1970 graduate of the Academy, and his wife Pamela “who symbolize service before self and the unwavering support family members provide cadets throughout their careers.”
Pamela’s features a curated selection of American produced wines, beers and spirits and is open all-day for brunch plus dinner service, highlighting high-quality ingredients sourced locally:
After dinner we recommend an elevator ride to the ninth floor to visit The Aviator cocktail lounge for post supper libations with up in the sky vibes and an impressive cocktail menu. The drinks feature numerous Colorado spirits with notable favorites to include: Distillery 291, an award-winning whiskey house that resides right here in Colorado Springs, as well as Denver’s Stranahan’s and Leopold’s Bros. Distillery. A partnership with local, veteran-owned, Red Leg Brewing Co., makes total sense with an additional draft beer from Colorado’s own Goat Patch Brewing Co., Left Hand Brewing Co. and Odell Brewing Co.
The Aviator is a nod to Hugh Williamson, a 1964 Academy graduate, and his wife Nan, who were inspired to memorialize the class of 1964 with The Aviator name. The class of 1964 is among the most decorated and distinguished classes to graduate from the Academy with graduates who went on to become Rhodes scholars, four-star generals, astronauts and more.
We aren’t just hyping it up when we say that this place is simply gorgeous. The Hotel Polaris management team, CoralTree Hospitality, is no stranger to creating high-end properties in the Centennial State with Hotel Columbia in Telluride, The Eddy Taproom & Hotel in Golden, Magnolia Denver and several residential resorts in Vail and Snowmass. So whether you’re looking for a romantic staycation, a Colorado Springs getaway, a sexy date night or to just enjoy a beautiful brunch with your friends and family, Hotel Polaris is officially the new it spot in Colorado Springs, for locals and visitors alike.
“We are thrilled to unveil the diverse culinary offerings at Hotel Polaris,” says Curtis Bova, general manager of Hotel Polaris. “Our mission is to create unforgettable moments through exceptional food and drink, celebrating the vibrant spirit of region and the Academy.”
Hotel Polaris is conveniently located 30 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport and just an hour from the Denver-metropolitan area. For more culinary details, booking information and reservations at Hotel Polaris, visit: www.thehotelpolaris.com
