The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor. It is a historic luxury resort and hotel located at the base of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded by the flamboyant copper magnate Spencer Penrose, the resort opened in 1918 and has since become a landmark of American hospitality, consistently maintaining the highest ratings from Forbes Travel Guide and AAA.

History

The property's origins trace to the 1890s as the Broadmoor Casino and Ice Palace, a gambling and entertainment complex built by Count James Pourtales. After its failure, the land was acquired by Spencer Penrose, who envisioned a world-class resort. He enlisted the famed New York City architectural firm Warren and Wetmore, designers of Grand Central Terminal, to realize his vision. Opening just after World War I, it quickly attracted wealthy Eastern and Midwestern tourists traveling via the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The resort survived the Great Depression and expanded significantly in the post-World War II era, adding a golf course designed by Donald Ross and later enhancements by Robert Trent Jones Sr.. In 2011, the property was purchased by Philip Anschutz's The Anschutz Corporation.

Architecture and grounds

The main building is a striking example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, featuring a pink stucco exterior, red-tiled roofs, and a central tower that dominates the landscape. The interior boasts lavish details such as murals by Italian artists, intricate frescoes, and a collection of antique tapestries. The resort is centered around Cheyenne Lake, a man-made body of water, and spans over 5,000 acres at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Its meticulously landscaped gardens, walking paths, and mountain vistas are integral to its identity. The Broadmoor Golf Club facilities are a centerpiece, with the East and West courses weaving through the property.

Amenities and facilities

The resort operates 784 rooms, suites, and bungalows across its main building, Broadmoor West, and lakeside properties. It features 18 distinct restaurants, cafes, and lounges, including the Penrose Room, Colorado's only Five-Star restaurant. Recreational amenities are extensive, encompassing three championship golf courses, a world-class spa, multiple swimming pools, and tennis courts. The Broadmoor Wilderness Experience offers outdoor activities such as fly fishing, ziplining, and hiking. It also contains over 185,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, making it a major destination for corporate and social events.

Notable events and guests

The Broadmoor has hosted a vast array of prominent figures and prestigious events throughout its history. Notable guests have included presidents of the United States such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and George H. W. Bush, as well as celebrities like Bob Hope, John Wayne, and Sophia Loren. It has been the site for major sporting events, including the U.S. Women's Open golf championship, the U.S. Amateur championship, and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. The resort also regularly hosts the Space Symposium, a major gathering for leaders in aerospace and defense.

Ownership and management

Since its founding, The Broadmoor has had only three owners. After Spencer Penrose, the property was managed by the El Pomar Foundation, a nonprofit he established with his wife Julie Penrose. This long-term stewardship preserved the resort's character and facilitated careful expansion. In 2011, the foundation sold the resort to The Anschutz Corporation, a privately held enterprise owned by Denver philanthropist and businessman Philip Anschutz. The resort continues to be managed by a dedicated executive team focused on maintaining its legacy of luxury and service.

Category:Hotels in Colorado Category:Resorts in the United States Category:Buildings and structures in Colorado Springs, Colorado