The Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Not truly set on a cliff, The Cliff House is a four-pearl, small hotel with some rustic charm. The hotel served as a stagecoach stop in the late 1800s and while it has undergone major renovations, much of its furniture and decor dates back to or is inspired by that era. The lobby features a lovely old wooden piano, bookcases containing 100-year-old hardback classics, and like the hallways and rooms, many black and white photos of the wild frontier and gold mining days. There are several glass cases containing 19th century original garments, documents, and artifacts. The patio and veranda offer great views of Pikes Peak in the distance and in warm weather is a great place to kick back after a day of hiking. The business center is large and equipped with high quality rolling leather chairs and the ballroom is comprised of a wall of windows and a ceremonial alcove for weddings. There are several high-end stationary bikes, treadmills, and state-of-the-art weight machines in the fitness center. Overall the atmosphere is polished and relaxed. 

The Cliff House is just off the main street in Manitou Springs, around the corner from some small businesses and residential houses and a few blocks from the town’s quirky gift stores and coffee shops. The base of Pikes Peak and the cog railway are less than a mile a way -- or about a 15-minute walk. Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds can be reached by car in less than 10 minutes. Downtown Colorado Springs is a 15-minute drive away and Colorado Springs Airport is 30 minutes. Denver International Airport is about an hour and 40 minutes away by car. 

There are a total of 54 rooms and suites at The Cliff House. All rooms are nicely decorated with antique chairs, lamps, furniture, and patterned curtains reminiscent of the hotel’s 19th century heritage. The Suites and Deluxe rooms come with ample bonuses -- gas fireplaces, two-person spa tubs, and steam showers. Some rooms have a loft with an extra bed. There are spectacular views from almost every room -- either of Manitou Springs below or the surrounding Rocky Mountains. In one section of the hotel, the rooms are named after famous guests who have stayed there, among them P.T. Barnum, Thomas Edison, and Buffalo Bill. These rooms are decorated in the spirit of their namesake, for example, the Buffalo Bill room has a pointed ceiling that looks like a teepee and is painted with buffalos. Bathrooms are spacious with long counters, double vanities, and shower/tub combos. Some are decorated with rather loud floral wallpaper and small antique mirrors. There is free Wi-Fi access in every room and a modern flat-screen TV with a DVD player. Free DVDs are available to check out in the hotel’s media library.

Besides the absence of a spa, The Cliff House is about the closest thing to a luxury hotel that Manitou Springs has to offer. It’s award-winning restaurant, Red Mountain Bar & Grill, serves superb American cuisine with Colorado fresh ingredients. There is a free breakfast buffet with eggs, toast, coffee, fruit, and pastries and free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. There is free street parking around the hotel or valet parking for a charge. The hotel has a large wine cellar and six large rooms for business conferences and event space, including a huge ballroom with a wall-sized window. There is a fitness center with high-end equipment free for guest use, a media library with free DVDs available to rent, an 800-bottle wine cellar, room service, laundry service, and 24-hour front desk.