The History Behind The Stunning Broadmoor Resort

In 1916, businessman and entrepreneur, Spencer Penrose purchased land at the base of beautiful Cheyenne Mountain with the idea of building a luxury resort, “the Grand Dame of the Rockies.” In 1918, construction began on The Broadmoor, which was modeled to resemble the Italian Renaissance style found in the elegant and luxurious hotels throughout Europe. Penrose’s goal was to build the “finest hotel in the United States” and he made no exceptions to quality when assembling his team and purchasing supplies.

He brought in top quality architects, including Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for the landscape architecture which created Central Park. He purchased expensive artwork and antiques from across the sea and even brought in an entire dismantled English pub to reassemble at the resort. Famed sharpshooter, Annie Oakley, even had a role in his grand idea as head of the resort’s shooting school. Penrose spared no expense and when construction was complete and the resort was ready to open, he had spent $2 million dollars, an equivalent to over $30 million in today’s world.

Over the years, several resort amenities have come and gone, but currently the resort boasts three championship golf courses, six tennis courts, a full- service, 5-star spa, a supervised kid’s club, indoor and outdoor pools with their own fabulous amenities, a bowling alley, a theater, 25 shops and dozens of dining locations including Colorado’s only 5-star, 5-diamond restaurant, the Penrose Room. The resort has changed over the years, but its attention to quality and service has remained superior. The Broadmoor has held a 5-star Forbes ranking for 54 consecutive years–longer than any other establishment in the United States. It has also held a 5-diamond ranking by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for 39 straight years.

As I posted previously, I have very fond memories at this resort. When I was a child, my family would stay at the resort for the Colorado Springs Jazz Party and other special events. We also brought visiting friends and family to dine and birthday dinners were always extra special. The pharmacist at the attached Drug Store knew us by name, the doorman would always compliment my dress and I looked forward to giant ice cream sundaes. The Broadmoor might have been grand, but they had their own small-town neighborhood feel, even to a little girl. Years later, my husband and I spent our wedding rehearsal evening celebrating with friends and family at the Golden Bee. We will never forget the time he (and many other male patrons) serenaded me with “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” at the front of the pub, as the piano played along. (A joke from the hilarious and incredible piano player.) I have enjoyed every visit throughout the years and can’t wait to begin sharing them with my own children. Although The Broadmoor screams luxury, it shouldn’t deter you from planning a family vacation or staycation to the resort. There truly are amenities and activities for guests of all ages. I am thrilled to announce that Motherhood and Beyond has partnered with The Broadmoor Resort and in just a few weeks we will be spending some fabulous family time together. I’m not quite sure what activities and experiences we will be enjoying, but I can’t wait to share our adventure with you!

Photos Credit: The Broadmoor Resort