This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend excursions, products and tours that I have personally used and purchased myself. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to running this blog and your support is truly appreciated! All opinions are my own. If you appreciate historical hotels and delight in Victorian splendor, boy, do I have a hotel for you. Less than 15 minutes away from Colorado Springs, you’ll find a tiny town (like, only home to just shy of 5,000 people) that is the exact characterization of the popular term hidden gem. Behold, Manitou Springs – one of the best places I’ve ever visited. The setting of the Cliff House at Pikes Peak is reminiscent of the backdrops you’ve read about in nostalgic novels you’ve cozied up with. This stay submerses you into your own story, a lark of small town Americana. Lodging Type: ★★★★ Luxury Boutique Hotel, Historical Hotel Can you believe that the entirety of Manitou Springs covers just a smidge over three miles? So, this aspect of planning is fairly simple – no matter where you stay, it shouldn’t be difficult to navigate to where you want to go. Location, location, location. When it comes to this, I’m not sure how you could get much better than Cliff House at Pikes Peak. You are right smack in the middle of the heart of downtown Manitou Springs. Pictured above, is the Manitou Springs Post Office that is right across the street from the hotel. You can actually see the backside of the historic Wheeler Town Clock, right outside the Cliff House. Tip: The hotel offers on site parking, for $20 per night. However, we were able to find side street parking both times we’ve stayed there relatively close by with no issues. For your ease and peace of mind, I recommend parking on site. Although, if you’re on a budget, I wanted you to know there are options. Honestly, Cliff House at Pikes Peak is one of my favorite stays in the world to date. It’s giving elegance without being imposing. You experience premium at every turn without it being stuffy. The entire property is an actual historical landmark that exudes time honored stately charm, with little nuances of wear here and there that only add to its character. Further, I have stayed at far more expensive hotels that did not offer the truly luxurious touches that the Cliff House at Pikes Peak surprises and delights with. Steam shower? Heated toilet seat and towel warmers? Newspaper delivered to your doorstep before you wake in the morning? You got it, babe. Apparently, this hotel used to be the vacation hotel spot of choice amongst the “whose-who” of yesteryear. After two different stays, it came to my attention that the hotel catered to princes, inventors such as Thomas Edison, actors such as Clark Gable, entrepreneurs such as PT Barnum and F.W. Woolworth. Heck, even President Theodore Roosevelt has stayed here, according to the hotel. Thus explains the lavish touches, thoughtful service and all around top shelf hospitality sans pretentiousness. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak has a lengthy running list of awards and accolades for its service and acknowledging the overall excellent experience it provides its guests. It also has a long held AAA four diamond rating. According to AAA, the four diamond rating connotes “Refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.” Having stayed at the hotel twice, I can certainly agree that all of this is true about the Cliff House at its staff. On my very first stay at Cliff House at Pikes Peak, we were greeted by a cheery and welcoming receptionist that surprised us with an upgrade. We were given the PT Barnum suite – which was ironic, because I was excited beyond belief to visit the Barnum & Bailey circus as child. The suites at Cliffs House are truly a delight. The PT Barnum Suite actually has an upper level. There are lots of nice touches, too – we are talking steam shower, towel warmer, turn down service. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply just want to treat yourself, you’re definitely going to spoil yourself staying in a suite at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak. Cliff House at Pikes Peak happens to be home to one of the few fine dining restaurants in town. Unlike many hotel restaurants that guests typically dine at due to convenience, the hotel restaurant is a destination eatery in Manitou Springs. There are three dining options at Cliff House at Pikes Peak. First, you’ll notice as dusk arrives and the sun begins to set, diners and wine sippers start to fill the veranda of the hotel. This is where you can sit outside and dine (somewhat) al fresco. Next, you can grab a pizza or beer in an ultra casual environment at the Red Mountain Bar & Grill. Finally, you can enjoy a more ‘upscale’ dining experience at what the hotel calls ‘The Dining Room.’ I’ve dined at The Dining Room twice and couldn’t find fault in anything if I tried. The Cliff House at Pikes Peak dining room, like many similar distinguished restaurants, change their menu seasonally. Therefore, the photos included in this article are here to give you an example of the style of fare at the restaurant (don’t get attached to anything!). An impressive attribute of the restaurant is that they make their butters in house. But that’s not all – their house-made butter compounds are often crafted to compliment their seasonal menus. Enjoy delicacies like pecan butter and herb whipped to accompany bread service and other featured mains of the moment. You can have the ‘most important meal of the day’ at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak. For an additional $18, they have a robust breakfast buffet. It’s traditional American breakfast fare – scrambles, quiche, thick cut sliced bacon, a variety of potato options, pastries and more. You can also order al la carte and enjoy it in your room or in the dining room. You can check out the menu: here. Tip: I’ve traveled Colorado extensively and at length and to be frank, it’s not a state that has stood out for it food and cuisine. However, the food in Manitou Springs and the general Colorado Springs area and the fare at the Cliff House is definitely some of the best I’ve had in the state. Have you stayed at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak before? What was your experience like? Do you have any questions about staying here? If you do, drop them in the comments, below. Want to know how I travel so frequently? By booking jaw-dropping flight deals that are often so low you’d have to see ’em to believe it. The best part? They’re sent right to my inbox. You can try it out for free: here. I exclusively use this site to book all my stays. I get 20% off on all my stays plus additional perks from their loyalty program. Check it out! Get reliable travel medical insurance for your trip, for just $2 a day – here Looking for a flight on a specific date? Use this search engine and start earning rewards! Need to book your excursions and tours? This company is my favorite. This is another marketplace for tours, that is especially great for Europe. Renting a car for your adventure? Discover the right car for your journey: here. Do you love train travel as much as I do? Get your train tickets here! Want to travel in comfort and have lounge access around the world? Get that right here. You know what I love to do when I visit a new city? This!The Cliff House at Pikes Peak – a Historical Slice of Small Town Americana
Where is the Cliff House at Pikes Peak located?
What the Photos Don’t Show You
What to Expect and Amenities on Site
Service
Rooms and Suites
Food Situation
Included Breakfast or In Room Dining
Breakfast Buffet ($18), Al la Carte and In-room dining all available
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