One Night Stand takes you to a hotel near Denver for one night. The Denver Post’s man-about-town Bill Husted packs a bag and heads to the fancy – and the funky – and lets you know if the trip was worth it, and what to expect once you get there.
A trip to the Broadmoor is worth a one-night stand – heck, I would recommend a two-nighter. It just piles on too much pleasure to enjoy in 24 hours.
It’s owned by the Gaylord family at the Oklahoma Publishing Co., which also owns the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. They pour literally millions of dollars into this property each year, so the Broadmoor is exquisite. You cannot find a threadbare carpet or a loose chip of paint.
With 3,000 acres, 593 rooms, 107 swanky suites, three golf courses, three swimming pools, 15 restaurants, cafes and bars, and 1,700 employees – it’s more like visiting a small country than a resort.
Although I don’t play golf, the courses are wildly praised and the U.S. Senior Open will be played here in 2008. I like the pools, the bars, the restaurants, the rooms and the people. The staff is friendly without being obsequious. I was greeted by name at the Broadmoor more than I was at my high school reunion.
THE BROADMOOR
1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, 719-634-7711 or 800-634-7711
broadmoor.com
Rates: Starting at $280/night. The deluxe Penrose Suite is $3,100/night
Best rooms: Ask for lake or golf course view rooms or suites.
Valet parking: $15/night
Resort fee: $15.32/room/night
Early check in: Yes, space available. You can always leave your bags with the bellhop and enjoy the resort until your room is ready.
Late check-out: 1:30 p.m. if available. Half-a-day charge to stay until 4 p.m.
Room service: 24/7
Dog friendly: Yes. $35/day fee.
The rooms: Luxurious, many newly decorated with double pillow-top beds, high thread counts, remote control curtains, flat- screen TVs (a little hard to navigate, first-run movies for $12.95, no porn), high-speed Internet for $9.95/24 hours, no smoking in rooms, mini-bar, shower and bath, two sinks, good swag.
The eats and drinks: The Summit restaurant opened last year – and after a bumpy start it’s a fine addition to the hotel, my favorite for its good food, reasonable tab and modern, hip and casual ambiance. If you’re at the Broadmoor for one night, this is the place.
The recently redone Penrose Room is ultra-fine dining with some breathtaking views. Most nights a piano player hits the ivories; on weekends a combo plays for dancing. Menu options are three courses, $55; four courses $65; tasting menu $95, tasting menu with wines, $150.
The Golden Bee offers a simple menu of pub fare, but it’s the place to party at night with a sing-a-long piano and yards of draft beer. The Hotel Bar is a classic watering hole in the main building, opening on to a lakeside patio (where cigar and cigarette smoking is permitted).
Sunday Brunch in the Lake Terrace Dining Room is a feast with more than 70 items, from prime rib to eggs Benedict, crepes, waffles and omelets. I hate this kind of meal, but if you like the big brunch, dig in.
Amenities: The infinity outdoor pool (above) at the north end of the lake is where I hang out. Kids ride the two water slides all day, grownups read, swim, sip cocktails and watch the clouds sail over Cheyenne Mountain. The pool is open mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting. The Spa is world class offering the usual treatments. Get a chair facing the lake for your pedicure.
Drawbacks: Don’t mistake the Broadmoor for a bargain weekend or a cheap one-night stand for dinner and drinks. Even if you land a deal – the hotel often discounts packages on travelzoo.com, on its website, in The Denver Post, and you can always call – the Broadmoor is expensive. But live a little. It’s rich, romantic, opulent – a true getaway.
