Pikes Peak's Cliff House: Breathtaking Views You Won't Believe!

Cliff House at Pikes Peak Colorado Springs (CO) United States

Pikes Peak's Cliff House: Breathtaking Views You Won't Believe!

Cliff House at Pikes Peak: More Than Just a View (Spoiler: It's Still Mostly the View) - A Hot Mess Review

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just spent a few glorious (and slightly chaotic) days at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak. And let me tell you, this place is something. Let's get one thing straight from the jump: the view? Breathtaking. Seriously, drop-jaw, Instagram-envy-inducing, make-you-question-your-life-choices-because-your-apartment-sucks-in-comparison kind of view. And the Cliff House seems to KNOW this, because they've strategically placed things (like, say, the entire building) so that view is ALWAYS on display.

Now, as I always do, I'm going to unpack this stay like a particularly enthusiastic baggage handler. We're talking accessibility, eats, pampering, and everything in between. Grab a coffee, because this might take a while.

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Getting There & Getting In: Smooth-ish Sailing (Mostly)

• Accessibility: Okay, let's be real. This is a mountain hotel, so perfect accessibility is… ambitious. But, they've made a solid effort. I noticed elevators (important!), and I spied a number of rooms that are wheelchair accessible. They even had some ramps around the entrances. BUT, and this is a big but, navigating the grounds felt a bit like a scavenger hunt if you weren't fully mobile. Some areas, like the terraced gardens, seemed like they might be tricky. (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator – check, but with a caveat.)

• Check-In/Out: Check-in was pretty speedy, thanks to the Contactless check-in/out! I'm all about minimizing human interaction these days (COVID anxiety, am I right?). The Front Desk was open 24 hours and was professional enough, but it was a bit like talking to a computer. I definitely prefer the human interaction in the future! (Check-in/out [express], Front desk [24-hour], Concierge)

• Airport Transfer: They offer an airport transfer, which is super convenient! I didn't take advantage of it, because I was so excited to get there via rental car that I didn't even see the options.

Rooms: Luxurious (and Yes, the View is There)

Oh, the rooms. They're a real highlight. I got a room with a balcony, because, DUH, you're here for the view. And let me tell you, the view from MY balcony was chef's kiss. (Balcony, Window that opens, High floor)

• The Good Stuff: The bed was insanely comfy. Like, I could have lived there. The bathrobes? Plush. The slippers? Even better. The complimentary bottled water? Always appreciated. They had a damn good coffee/tea maker - an absolute necessity. (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking (thank god!), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella)

• The "Meh" Stuff: The internet. The Internet access – wireless worked okay, but sometimes it felt a little… spotty. And the Internet access – LAN was a thing, but who the heck is still using a LAN cable in 2024?! I thought I had a time machine malfunction for a second. (Internet, Internet access – LAN, Wi-Fi [free])

• My Emotional Reaction: Oh, God, I could have stared at that view all day. I spent a good hour just… doing nothing. No phone, no work, no nothing. Just the mountains. I needed that. It was more than just pretty rocks in the distance. It was… peace. Until my stomach started rumbling and I had to hit the restaurant.

Dining & Drinking: A Feast, Mostly

Alright, let's talk food, because I am always thinking about food. The Cliff House offers a variety of dining options, and for the most part, they delivered.

• Restaurants: The main restaurant, the a la carte in restaurant looked gorgeous. Service was mostly good. The buffet in restaurant for breakfast was, well, a buffet. I mean, breakfast is breakfast, but it wasn't mind-blowing. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was actually really delicious though, so I was happily surprised! They knew their way around some stir-fry! **(A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant)

• The Good Eats: The desserts were to die for. I may or may not have ordered one every single night. The coffee shop was perfect for a quick caffeine injection before tackling all this mountain air. The Poolside bar! A truly great experience.

• The "Ugh" Moment: I ordered room service one night, and the burger I got was… not great. Slightly overcooked. I suspect it'd been sitting around a bit. (Room service [24-hour])

• Emotional Reaction: Mostly happy. Food is fuel for my soul, and the Cliff House provided. The desserts were a highlight, and I could seriously eat a ton of Asian dishes!

Spa & Relaxation: Ahhhhh… (Mostly, Again)

• Spa time! I booked a massage. Massage, Body wrap, Sauna, Pool with view, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, Spa, Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Body wrap was amazing. The Sauna? I'm not a sauna person, but some people dug it. I also hung by the outdoor pool, which had that killer view I mentioned. Seriously, the pool? Worth it. Zero complaints. (Body scrub, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])

• The "Almost Perfect" Moment: I wish the spa had a few more quiet spaces. It was a little crowded at times, and the whole "zen oasis" vibe was occasionally disrupted by excited chatter.

• Emotional Reaction: Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. My massage therapist was a miracle worker. I left feeling like a completely new person. Well, a slightly less stressed person anyway.

Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-Conscious-ish

• The Good Stuff: Throughout the hotel, I observed regular cleaning. They provided Hand sanitizer everywhere. I observed the staff cleaning everything: Daily disinfection in common areas and Professional-grade sanitizing services. This made me feel good about the precautions. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)

• The "Hmm" Moment: Their adherence to mask wearing seemed a bit… inconsistent.

• Emotional Response: I appreciated the effort. I didn't feel unsafe.

Odds & Ends: The Little Things (and the Not-So-Little)

• For the Kids: They appear to be family-friendly, with Babysitting service and Kids facilities. But I didn't have any kids with me, so I didn't investigate further. (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)
• Services & Conveniences: The Concierge was helpful when I needed directions. They offer Laundry service which I definitely took advantage of. (Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
• Security: I felt completely safe. **(CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Exterior

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Cliff House at Pikes Peak Colorado Springs (CO) United States

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is going to be a Cliff House at Pikes Peak Colorado Springs experience, filtered through my actual, slightly-unhinged brain. Prepare for glorious chaos.

Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Sickness, and a Questionable Martini

• 1:00 PM: Finally landed at the Colorado Springs Airport. The air is thinner already! I swear, I could feel it. A quick Uber ride to the Cliff House, and OMG the Victorian architecture is gorgeous, even though, let's be honest, all that gingerbread trim starts to look the same after a while. Finding the check in can be tricky. I end up pacing in circles like a confused hamster.
• 2:00 PM: Check In, finally! Luggage dropped. First order of business: acclimatization. Or, more accurately, trying not to look like a goldfish gasping for air. I decided to check into my room and rest for a bit. The room is small and, umm, "cozy". The bathroom has one of those old fashioned clawfoot bathtubs; it felt fancy.
• 3:00 PM: This is a classic mistake, I decided to take a stroll through the hotel. Big mistake! The altitude hit HARD. My head was pounding, and I felt like I’d run a marathon… whilst breathing through a straw. I found some water and I'm trying to remember breathing.
• 4:30 PM: Rescued myself. Sat for a bit, drank some water, and looked blankly into the abyss for a while. This is not a glamorous start. I decide I'm hungry.
• 5:30 PM: Dinner at the The Golden Pineapple. It's dark and cozy and they have martinis. I order a martini and it's the worst martini on the planet. It looks like someone just shook a bottle of olives and a shot of vodka. It was the kind of martini that makes you question all your life choices, and what led you to this bar. But, the food, on the other hand, was quite good! Scallops, perfectly seared. My opinion: the place has potential.
• 7:00 PM: Back to my room. Watching TV: nothing of any great interest on. I was too tired for any evening activity. I was getting over the altitude effect and that awful cocktail!
• 9:00 PM: Sleep. Sweet, blessed sleep. Praying for a headache-free tomorrow.

Day 2: Pikes Peak, Pizza, and a Moment of Unexpected Wonder

• 7:00 AM: Woke up feeling marginally less like death. Success! It's a new day!
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Cliff House. It's included, thank goodness, because I'm pretty sure my credit card is weeping silently in my wallet. Standard continental stuff, but good.
• 9:00 AM: The big one: Pikes Peak! I'm taking the cog railway up. This is supposed to be an amazing experience. Everyone raves about it. And yes, it was stunning. The views, the crisp air…and the realization that my lungs are still not quite acclimated. I'm huffing and puffing like a cartoon character. I'm questioning my life choices again. Seriously, though, the scenery is breathtaking. I'm sitting next to a guy in a loud Hawaiian shirt who's taking selfies with literally everything. I'm secretly judging him, but also jealous of his enthusiasm.
• 11:00 AM: Reached the Summit! The air is so thin, it's ridiculous. I'm dizzy and slightly disoriented. But the view…oh. My. God. It's unreal. You can see everything! The vastness of it all kind of smacks you in the face and reminds you how small you are. I find myself inexplicably emotional. It’s just…beautiful.
• 12:00 PM: Downward journey on the cog railway: thankfully easier, and a great opportunity to watch the landscape slowly change. A quick visit to the gift shop. I'm going to get a t-shirt. Maybe a bumper sticker too, because why not?
• 1:30 PM: Lunch time. Back in Colorado Springs. Pizza! I'm starving! Finding a local pizza place. Simple, delicious, and exactly what I needed.
• 3:00 PM: Wandered through the Garden of the Gods – beautiful but hot. And I'm getting tired here.
• 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Rest, rehydration, and planning the next adventure. I might stay in.
• 6:00 PM: Evening, some light TV.

Day 3: Spa Day, Last Supper, and a Farewell to the Rockies

• 9:00 AM: SPA DAY! I'm treating myself. I'm ready to be pampered. Relax, rejuvenate, wash away all the altitude sickness woes, and the existential dread of bad martinis.
• 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Full Spa Experience. The massage was amazing. The facial was… well, okay. I looked a little like a boiled lobster afterwards. The whole experience makes me feel like a new woman!
• 3:00 PM: Afternoon Tea. Because why not? Everything feels so fancy here and I love it.
• 5:00 PM: One last dinner at the Cliff House. I try to order a decent cocktail this time. The food is excellent, of course. The service… a little slow, but again, a minor imperfection in this grand place.
• 8:00 PM: Packing. Sigh. Always the worst part. Trying to compress all my newfound memories into a suitcase.
• 9:00 PM: One last stroll around the hotel. Admiring its beauty. Feeling a strange mix of sadness and contentment.
• 10:00 PM: Sleep.

Day 4: Departure

• 7:00 AM: Wake up. Sadness. Packing. More sadness.
• 8:00 AM: Check out. The staff are genuinely helpful and I appreciated that.
• 9:00 AM: Uber to the airport. Bye, Colorado Springs! I loved it, even with the altitude-induced headaches, the dodgy martini, and the existential angst.
• 11:00 AM: Flight home. Already dreaming of my next adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Cliff House at Pikes Peak? It's a splurge. It's imperfect. It's beautiful. It's memorable. It's a place where you can get lost in the grandeur of the Rockies, and also, hopefully, find yourself. And, you know what? I'd do it all again, including the terrible martini. Because that's what makes life interesting, right? The mess, the imperfections, and the moments of pure, unexpected magic.

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Cliff House at Pikes Peak Colorado Springs (CO) United States```html

Pikes Peak's Cliff House: FAQs (Plus My Slightly Unhinged Thoughts)

Okay, Real Talk: Is the View *Really* That Amazing? Because Tourist Traps Are My Kryptonite.

Look, I'm cynical. I've seen 'breathtaking views' that were… well, more like 'slightly elevated panoramas.' But the Cliff House? Dude. It’s a gut punch of gorgeous. Seriously. I went thinking, "Fine, I'll humor this, I guess..." and then BAM! My jaw hit the floor. The vastness! The colors! The sheer audacity of nature! It's like the world's showing off. Okay, maybe I'm overreacting a *little*. But honestly, I nearly cried (don't tell anyone!). It's worth it. Actually, it's arguably *all* that the place has going for itself, aside from a place to pee, grab a beer, and maybe a souvenir...

Can You Actually *Stay* At This Cliff House Place? Is It Even Worth It?

Yep, you can stay. And whether it's "worth it" depends on your tolerance for… shall we say… "rustic charm." The rooms aren't exactly modern luxury condos, okay? They're a bit dated. A little... *tired*. I mean, it's a historical building, right? So you get a mix of charm and a definite whiff of yesteryear. But honestly? The view totally makes up for any questionable decorating choices. I mean, you're paying for the location, baby. The incredible, out-of-this-world, "I can almost touch the clouds" location. So, yeah, if you're looking for a five-star experience, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a genuinely unforgettable stay with a killer view… absolutely. It's about perspective, right? (Pun very much intended.) I'd stay there again. Any day. That said, take a look at the pictures. See if they're your vibe.

What's the Food Like? (Because Hangry Me + Mountain Air = Disaster)

Okay, this is where things get… complicated. The restaurant has a menu. It's... fine. I wouldn't say it's a *culinary* masterpiece. I had the burger. It was... a burger. Edible. Filled the hole. The view, once again, made it taste better! My friend had the pasta, which I think wasn't cooked quite enough. But we asked politely and they were happy to take care of it. The service was really friendly! But honestly? Don't go expecting a Michelin-star experience. Go expecting sustenance. And maybe pack some snacks. Seriously. It's a mountain. You'll be hungry. They're good people there, but the kitchen is probably run by the same folks who run your local dive bar. Get what I'm saying?

Is There Anything Else To Do Besides Stare at the View? (I Get Bored Easily.)

Well, duh. Pikes Peak itself is right there! You're in the mountains! You can drive around, go hiking, and take about a gazillion photos. There's a gift shop, obviously. I personally spent a shameful amount of time trying to pick out the perfect "I Survived 14,000 Feet!" t-shirt. This is important. Also, there are other restaurants, other places to stay... the usual touristy stuff. But, let’s be real, you're mostly there for the view. So pack some binoculars, charge your phone, and prepare to be wowed. Oh, and bring motion sickness pills if you get carsick. The road up is a doozy!

Anything I NEED to Know Before I Go? Like, Real Talk, Practical Tips?

Okay, listen up! This is the stuff they *don't* tell you. * **Altitude Sickness is REAL:** I'm not a doctor, but seriously. Drink water. Slowly. Don't overexert yourself. Take it easy. Headaches are common. Honestly, just listen to your body. It is a big freaking mountain. * **The Weather Changes on a Dime:** Pack layers. Seriously. One minute, it's sunshine and rainbows. The next, you're in a blizzard. I saw a guy in shorts get caught out. He was *not* happy. * **Reservations are Smart:** Especially if you want to eat in the restaurant. Or stay at the hotel. Don't be a fool like me. I almost spent the night in my car. * **The Drive is Long:** It's not a quick hop. Factor in time for the drive up and down, plus all the gawking. Plan accordingly. No one wants to be in a rush on *that* road. * **The Gift Shop Is a Trap:** Embrace it. You'll end up with a mug. We all do. And you will be happy with it later - you will.

Okay, This is Me. I'm Considering Going. What's Your ONE BIGGEST Memory?

Alright, buckle up, because here comes a story. One morning, I woke up before dawn. I couldn’t sleep. The anticipation was buzzing in me. Something told me to go out on the balcony. I literally stumbled out there, half-asleep, wrapped in a blanket, and OH. MY. GOD. I saw a sunrise that was not just a sunrise. It was a freaking *performance*. The sky blazed with pinks, oranges, and purples, like some celestial artist had gone wild with their paints. The clouds were this swirling ballet. It was… overwhelming. I stood there, mouth agape, feeling simultaneously tiny and utterly connected to everything. And then, and here's the kicker: I saw a fox. A beautiful, sleek, red fox, trotting along the edge of the cliff. It paused, looked at me, and then just… kept going. Like it was as unimpressed with my awestruck face as I was with the view. It was, and I’m not exaggerating, the most magical moment of my life to that point. That sunrise. That fox. That feeling of pure, unadulterated awe. THAT is the memory. THAT is what the Cliff House offers. And it’s worth every single slightly musty room. Seriously. Just go. And wear layers. And maybe bring a bottle of wine. You'll thank me later.

Would You Go Back?

Without hesitation. I'm already planning my return. And I'm buying that damn t-shirt this time. And next time, I’m spending *two* nights. In fact, I'm going to book it right now... Hold on...

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Cliff House at Pikes Peak Colorado Springs (CO) United States

Cliff House at Pikes Peak Colorado Springs (CO) United States

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