Craving a quick and easy getaway to a beautiful location with opportunities for unique experiences? Hotel Polaris delivers and when you learn the backstory of this unique place, you’ll feel even better about booking a stay. Hotel Polaris was built to serve a greater cause; when its initial construction costs are fully paid, future revenues will be directed to fund projects that enhance the cadets’ education at the Air Force Academy. As I learned, the Academy must raise funds like all other private higher education institutions to fund renovations and capital projects. Hotel Polaris’ mission is to provide a steady source of revenue for future cadets to serve their country. Something to feel good about as you luxuriate on your getaway!
Colorado Stays: Hotel Polaris
Rising near the entrance to the Air Force Academy, across from a dramatic new Visitor Center (scheduled to open in 2026), Polaris is quickly accessed from I-25. The site offers mountain views to the north, south and the campus of the Air Force Academy takes center stage to the west.
From top to bottom, inside and out, Hotel Polaris celebrates aviation with energetic design rooted in the ethos and history of the Air Force Academy; mid-century modern fueled by a passion for military aircraft on afterburners! You enter into a light-filled public area and nods to the tetrahedron spires of the landmark Cadet Chapel inspire the design of wall and floor coverings. Bold art catches your eye, as do the mountain views. Beautiful and energizing.
The main lobby offers various dining and sipping options – all filled with light and homages to the people who are members of the AFA family. Look for plaques throughout the Polaris for meaningful dedications to individuals and entire classes of cadet graduates who have served their country. Pamela’s is the primary restaurant space, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lovie’s is a walk-up coffee bar; Thunderbird offers stiffer drinks with a view. Doolies is a casual “Soda bar” (with full bar service and classic Americana fare), named after the moniker for first year cadets.
Below Doolies is a flight simulator experience room that offers a do not miss experience! Unless you get motion sickness, you will be awed by slipping into the cockpit simulation of a jet fighter (or Boeing jet) and donning the virtual reality headset. A host will coach you through the process and soon you are airborne, soaring over the south Pacific – exhilarating and unforgettable! Being Top Gun for a few minutes gave me new appreciation for the skills needed of our jet fighter pilots. Be sure to make advanced reservations- this is a popular activity.
Atop the Polaris, the stylish Aviator lounge offers indoor/outdoor spaces with sweeping views of the front range from the Palmer Divide to the hulking prow of Cheyenne Mountain to the south. Time it right to enjoy a cocktail and bites with a spectacular sunset as the lights of the city and the Academy twinkle on – magical!
Taking full advantage of its striking west facing views, a massive, elevated terrace offers a series of outdoor lounging clusters with comfy chairs and fire pits. Along the periphery are play areas for kids of all ages with lawn games, Bocce court, giant chessboard. The saltwater swimming pool is just right for laps, cooling off in the hot Colorado summer sun, or for the kids to enjoy; plenty of loungers and cabanas are available as is a poolside refreshment counter. Overlooking the terrace, a well-equipped fitness center offers large windows to take in the views. An onsite spa is available for self-care splurging.
The décor of our spacious room on the 9th floor was delightfully playful with a dash of glam – no spartan cadet quarters here! A velvety lounging couch in the corner was a nice spot to perch and enjoy the view. At night, the luminous AFA appeared to float above the forest like a magical city – be sure to request a west facing room when booking. The bed was comfy and room quiet, so we had a great night’s sleep. My only quibble would be the shower’s weak water pressure – alas, a necessary reality for our parched state.
Hotel Polaris immerses you in the design and spirit of the Academy and the cadets that have served through the decades. It celebrates their spirit and energy, their past and future. It is an inspiring place to stay, and you leave with a little something extra that may surprise you. Admiration for those who served and will serve. Inspiration to identify your own trajectory to soar and serve.
When we visited, we were attending the first of Hotel Polaris’ special events, Polaris Pour. There will be future Pour events, focusing on different categories of drinks such as wine or tequila. The one we attended was focused on bourbon and included multiple days of tastings, paired meals and educational seminars.
Nearby off-site places to visit while staying at Hotel Polaris…
Walking/ biking trails – accessible from the parking lot right out front of the hotel, the Santa Fe Trail system goes for miles. Portions are on AFA property, so watch out for signs and do not venture into forbidden territory! Tip – head north for a quick dip into a pine forest; head south for a longer 2-3 hour out and back walk or ride with beautiful views to the west across surprisingly quiet meadows and patches of forest (once you pass the noisy section along I-25).
Air Force Academy – Plan far in advance to visit the Academy, access is extremely limited due to security protocols. The famous Cadet Chapel is still under renovation and may not be completed until 2029.
Western Museum of Mining & Industry – very close by, right across I-25, this compound offers a chance to learn about Colorado mining history.
If your getaway schedule allows, consider these other unique local experiences, further south: the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (voted one of the best in the US!), United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum (memorabilia and inspiring stories of athletes), a ride on the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway (to the top of Pikes Peak), and an art-filled visit to the surprisingly robust collection at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
Learn more about Hotel Polaris on their website. The hotel is located at 8989 North Gate Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. You can also book on Hotels.com.
-Story and photos, except where noted, by Jimmy McDonough, In Good Taste Denver
Please note, we were hosted at Hotel Polaris to help facilitate this article. However, as is always the case with the writers and editors of In Good Taste Denver, that doesn’t sway our commitment to providing our readers with an honest and objective opinion of our experience there. To learn more, visit our Partner With Us page.
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