Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy, a brand new 4-star hotel at the North Gate of the Air Force Academy is ready to welcome guests to Colorado Springs. Luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and even a flight simulator experience make for a unique stay that will leave guests flying as high as the cadets at the nearby Academy.

375 guestrooms await at this perfectly placed hotel, overlooking the Air Force Academy and connected to the new Visitors Center. The hotel carries a tasteful nod to mod style, with touches that herald to the history of the Academy and the community formed by alumni and cadets alike. Bucket chairs encircle a large fireplace seating area beneath a glass chandelier in the lobby, where if you look carefully you can recognize the Air Force Chapel architecture echoed in the wall behind the front desk, which also has a wing element incorporated into the design. Nearby, a floating red sculpture made from aviation-grade aluminium is suspended over the escalators, and a colorful, custom-made mural splashes against the wall.

The rooms are spacious and well-equipped. Sweeping views and luxurious accommodations including suites, club-access rooms, and the Superintendent Suite are available on property. Rocky Mountain views accompany the 1,200 square foot Superintendent Suite, with its own living room, wrap-around balcony, and ready-to-host-a-party wet bar. Thoughtful touches such as the “do not disturb” wheel chocks and for-purchase aviator teddy bear are charming yet not cheesy. Comfortable furnishings and curated textures make for a retreat in the rooms, but venturing out into the hotel is half the fun.

Colorado artists pepper the walls and halls of Hotel Polaris, one such notable photographer is an Air Force Academy Alumnus, Christopher Vasquez. The large photographic works entice guests with a peek into the academy, the textures of the architecture, and the spirit of the skies. Also of note are the numerous chandeliers and lighting fixtures found throughout property. With high ceilings, visitors are invited to look up and discover sparkling glass and metalworks and even flying airplanes in Doolies.

Off the main lobby, Doolies is a diner-inspired casual fare restaurant. Enjoy specialty hot dogs, classic milkshakes, and mouthwatering sandwiches under the neon lights and themed mural walls. During the warmer months, the large patio space is home to summer games. On the opposite end of the hotel, fine dining Pamela’s is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Named for 1970 graduate Jerri Bruni’s wife, Pamela, the fare is fresh and locally inspired. Pamela’s Raclette Platter, Signature Roasted Half Chicken and High Country Meatloaf are all favorites, as are the steaks and Rocky Mountain Trout. Save room for dessert with offerings such as Sticky Toffee Pudding, Peach Cobbler and Coconut Passionfruit Panna Cotta.

Just outside Pamela’s, the Thunderbird Bar is a welcoming and central part of the lobby. Themed cocktails such as Jack’s Valley Old Fashioned and Missing the Chapel are playful and well crafted. Bar bites include items such as Smoked Trout Dip, Colorado Meat and Cheese and Pamela’s Grilled Steakburger—all best while enjoying the view of the Rocky Mountains and the warm glow of the lobby fireplace. My favorite lounge, The Aviator, is located on the 9thfloor with an outdoor patio space overlooking the property and mountains. This blue velvet-bedecked spot is reminiscent of an elevated officer’s lounge. Golden constellations adorn the walls and friendly and talented bartenders mix up drinks such as The Solar Spritz, Across the Galaxy, and The Aging Aviator. Down the hall from the Club Lounge (the Club Lounge is reserved for Club Level guests), The Aviator is a perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and conversation year-round.

Home to the second largest ballroom spaces in Colorado Springs, the 40,000 square foot space is able to accommodate large galas to intimate events and meetings. Outdoor Eagles Peak event terrace flows seamlessly into pre-event and ballroom spaces. The outdoor pool is adjacent to the event lawn, bringing earth, fire, and water elements all together.

Have you ever wanted to fly a fighter jet or a commercial craft? Now’s your chance. Below Doolie’s is a unique opportunity to pilot a F-16 fighter jet or a 737 MAX where you can try your hand at being a pilot in these flight simulators with the instruction of a professional. Hotel Polaris is the only hotel in North America offering this working controls and switches flight simulator experience, and is a great way for family fun or even a team building exercise.

Finally, for health and body: the gym is located on the main floor adjacent to the relaxing spa. Whether hopping on the elliptical that overlooks the Eagles Peak terrace, or lounging in the plush chairs and gently billowing linen drapery of the spa salon, a balance can be found while enjoying this wing of the hotel.

Hotel Polaris is unique in that is it part of a public-private project in conjunction with the City of Colorado Springs, the Association and Foundation, Blue & Silver Development Partners, and Provident Resources Group. A keystone in the TrueNorth Commons development, the hotel was initially funded through bonds. With generous donations from Air Force Academy alumni and patrons, the hotel will eventually transfer to the Association and Foundation (at the Air Force Academy) and will assist in funding the Academy once transferred.

Hotel Polaris is an excellent addition to the Colorado Springs luxury market, offering dining, accommodation, event space and activities available to both hotel guests and the public alike. Whether enjoying for an afternoon or long weekend, the hotel boasts state-of-the-art amenities and a keen sense of style. For rates and reservations, visit www.thehotelpolaris.com

737 MAX flight simulator 

F-16 flight simulator

The Aviator lounge at Hotel Polaris

Cocktails at The Aviator 

The Aviator lounge at Hotel Polaris 

The spa relaxation area at Hotel Polaris