The new Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy, managed by CoralTree Hospitality, is preparing to open on Nov. 14. The 375-room resort-style hotel will have flight simulators, a K9 Cadets dog-friendly program, Junior Cadets kids’ activities, and more.
“Our location, adjacent to both the Academy and the Santa Fe Trail, provides amazing access to all the Colorado Springs area has to offer,” said Curtis Bova, general manager, Hotel Polaris. “We look forward to setting a new standard of hospitality in the Pikes Peak region with an amazing hotel from the comfort and design of our rooms to the creative cuisine at our restaurants and the signature services our guests will enjoy while staying at Hotel Polaris.”
Located at the North Entrance of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the heritage of the area is seen throughout the hotel. Hotel Polaris will offer six food and beverage experiences with regional U.S. cuisines, The Aviator Bar, and Doolies 50s-style soda shop with a menu including vintage diner classics. In addition, the Ascend Spa & Wellness will offer a full-service, six-room spa and wellness center. A full array of wellness programs will be available at the spa from active classes to outdoor adventure and events that connect guests to the Academy and mountains.
The services offered at Hotel Polaris are:
- Flight Simulators: Guests can take flight in one of three flight simulators that provide guests with a real-life pilot experience. The simulators will reproduce the flight deck experience of two F16s and one 737 Max with seats, throttles, switches, pedals, and yoke from original parts of real aircrafts (other parts of the flight deck are scale reproductions). The experience will include a 220-degree wraparound screen with HD imagery to make the experience as life-like as possible. Guests can select the type of experience they want from an F16 dogfight to taking off from Denver International Airport and landing in London.
- Glider and Paper Airplane Program: Young visitors will receive a glider kit that they can put together during their visit and guests will receive a welcome letter on a sheet of paper with instructions for building their own paper airplane. At scheduled times, weather permitting, guests will be invited to a launch pad outside to let their gliders and paper airplanes take flight.
- Junior Cadet Program: With this family-friendly program, kids can opt to wear flight-suit pajamas designed to mimic the uniforms of Academy Cadets. Teddy bears in flight suits will welcome families in each room and a list of Junior Cadet programs will be available upon check-in. Activities range from the daily glider launch to story time around the outdoor firepits and visitors eight years old and older can test their skills on one of the hotel’s flight simulators.
- K-9 Cadet Program: Hotel Polaris’ pet-friendly program includes custom bowls, dog treats, a list of pet-friendly things to do in the area, and recommended walks including the nearby Santa Fe Trail. The cornerstone of the K-9 Cadet program will be supporting the annual K-9 Veterans Day on March 13. A portion of the hotel’s pet fee will go to a nonprofit that provides support to retired military and law enforcement K-9s throughout the country.
