Startle

If there’s anything that The Broadmoor is not, it’s cookie-cutter. We could write all day about the things we adore about The Broadmoor. But to make things easier on you, these are the five we love the most:

1. The unique ambience. Take a grand tour of the grounds and its many buildings, and you’ll see and feel the subtle shifts in ambience. Though every nook and cranny is opulent, from the chandeliers overhead to the handsomely upholstered furnishings to the fresh-cut floral arrangements on the tables, differences in color scheme and design give each lobby, foyer and mezzanine its own feel. It’s all enhanced by objects d’art from, among other places, the collection of the hotel’s world-traveling founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose, as well as sculptures and murals from its resident artists.

2. The activities. The Broadmoor’s uniqueness isn’t just decorative. It’s evident as well in the sheer array of leisurely activities at your fingertips. Golf, tennis, swimming and shopping go without saying; so do spa treatments and fitness classes. But the Colorado Springs hotel also offers onsite paddleboat rides, lawn bowling games and bicycle rentals; off-site excursions include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing and much more — just ask the concierge. And of course, hikers and climbers are minutes away from myriad trailheads. But the indoors is just as great as the outdoors, whether you browse around the Carriage House and Museum, which displays the Penrose’s historic collection of coaches and automobiles; catch a flick in the movie theater (three films are in rotation each week); or hunker down over one of the game tables scattered throughout the hotel for a checkers or chess match.

3. The eating options. With nearly 20 restaurants, cafés and lounges to choose from, dining options are equally varied. While multi-course extravaganzas at the renowned Penrose Room are a must, charming little surprises abound; think s’mores around the fire pit on the patio of the West Lobby bar or rowdy ragtime sing-alongs at the Golden Bee.

4. The wildlife. Speaking of surprises, keep your eyes peeled on any given stroll around the grounds; you’re likely to glimpse hummingbirds, deer and even — hopefully from some distance — the occasional bear.

5. The staff. What may be most startling about The Broadmoor is its sense of community. You won’t go more than 50 paces without being greeted warmly by an employee. You also can’t help but note that they hail one another with equal cheer. (Some jaded city-slicker types might almost be unnerved.) That’s Western hospitality for you, as cultivated at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.

If there’s anything that The Broadmoor is not, it’s cookie-cutter. We could write all day about the things we adore about The Broadmoor. But to make things easier on you, these are the five we love the most:

1. The unique ambience. Take a grand tour of the grounds and its many buildings, and you’ll see and feel the subtle shifts in ambience. Though every nook and cranny is opulent, from the chandeliers overhead to the handsomely upholstered furnishings to the fresh-cut floral arrangements on the tables, differences in color scheme and design give each lobby, foyer and mezzanine its own feel. It’s all enhanced by objects d’art from, among other places, the collection of the hotel’s world-traveling founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose, as well as sculptures and murals from its resident artists.

2. The activities. The Broadmoor’s uniqueness isn’t just decorative. It’s evident as well in the sheer array of leisurely activities at your fingertips. Golf, tennis, swimming and shopping go without saying; so do spa treatments and fitness classes. But the Colorado Springs hotel also offers onsite paddleboat rides, lawn bowling games and bicycle rentals; off-site excursions include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing and much more — just ask the concierge. And of course, hikers and climbers are minutes away from myriad trailheads. But the indoors is just as great as the outdoors, whether you browse around the Carriage House and Museum, which displays the Penrose’s historic collection of coaches and automobiles; catch a flick in the movie theater (three films are in rotation each week); or hunker down over one of the game tables scattered throughout the hotel for a checkers or chess match.

3. The eating options. With nearly 20 restaurants, cafés and lounges to choose from, dining options are equally varied. While multi-course extravaganzas at the renowned Penrose Room are a must, charming little surprises abound; think s’mores around the fire pit on the patio of the West Lobby bar or rowdy ragtime sing-alongs at the Golden Bee.

4. The wildlife. Speaking of surprises, keep your eyes peeled on any given stroll around the grounds; you’re likely to glimpse hummingbirds, deer and even — hopefully from some distance — the occasional bear.

5. The staff. What may be most startling about The Broadmoor is its sense of community. You won’t go more than 50 paces without being greeted warmly by an employee. You also can’t help but note that they hail one another with equal cheer. (Some jaded city-slicker types might almost be unnerved.) That’s Western hospitality for you, as cultivated at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.

Over the course of its nearly century-long history, The Broadmoor has hosted every kind of wedding imaginable, from quickie elopements to 500-guest ballroom blowouts. Every year, approximately 300 weddings take place on the property, be it in the marble-floored Palm Court on the mezzanine of the Main Complex, out on the Lakeside Terrace or in the 6,300-square-foot Cheyenne Lodge. So if The Broadmoor’s wedding planners and their recommended vendors can’t meet your needs for the ceremony and reception down to every last detail — themes, catering menus, bouquets, photos and all — you may want to contact the producers of Bridezillas, because you’ve probably got a heck of a story to tell.

Business travelers will find several amenities to help them get down to work at The Broadmoor. They’ll be able to connect to high-speed Internet throughout the grounds — not only in their rooms, but even in the luxury of the private, poolside Grand Cabana (reservations required), in case they want a change of scenery while they work. Two full-service business centers in the Main and West Complexes can accommodate orders for everything from photocopies and faxes to signage and word processing to packaging and shipping; equipment can be leased through J&S Audio Visual. Obviously, meeting and conference space — 185,000 square feet in all — is available for rent at any given time at the Colorado Springs hotel. And if you don’t see it readily available, just ask the Five-Star hotel’s staff if it has what you need. Even if it doesn’t, chances are, the staff can get it for you in a pinch.

You won’t be far from the bars and clubs action at The Broadmoor — the Air Force cadets and Colorado College coeds are nearby and downtown Colorado Springs is nightlife central. Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub is a blast for traditional Celtic seisiúns and sing-alongs as well as trivia contests; Phantom Canyon Brewing Company boasts a billiards hall with foosball as well as pool tables and, of course, craft brews on tap.

On the less rowdy side, jazz aficionados will be thrilled to discover Motif, an intimate hideaway of a jazz club housed in a converted garage, as well as Deco Lounge in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, where live combos perform for wine-sipping habitués on Friday nights. If you’re not sure where to go or when, just ask the concierge at The Broadmoor for details about the most happening areas and let him know what kind of entertainment you seek.

Avid shoppers don’t even have to clear the premises to get their fix: The Broadmoor has its own boutique arcade. Its more than 20 storefronts include a jeweler, a gourmet shop, multiple clothing retailers and the seasonal Christmas House. Among the highlights is Gibson’s Mineral Gallery, a browse-worthy collection of minerals, gems and fossils. There, you’ll find slabs of Chinese serpentine, spheres of Brazilian quartz and petrified wood tabletops. Another standout is The Broadmoor Lifestyle Shop, a depot of luxury home furnishings and accessories. Check out the tooled leather ottomans, cashmere throws and the luxury hotel’s own line of bedding and spa apparel. And across from the natty Haberdashery is the posh Cosmetic Shop, carrying Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, Mason-Pearson and other favorites; it also books makeovers. If you’ve got a touch of the old wanderlust, however, arrange for transportation to Manitou Springs, a nearby artists’ colony with a charming shopping district, or to Old Colorado City, full of funky finds. You’ll find plenty of shopping in and around the Five-Star hotel.

Recreational and sightseeing opportunities abound around Colorado Springs, all convenient to The Broadmoor. That said, these are the five best things to do near the Five-Star hotel:

1. Garden of the Gods. Perhaps the most celebrated nearby site is Garden of the Gods, a national landmark whose stunning sandstone formations rise in rosy-hued, elaborately jagged peaks around the visitors who hike, cycle and picnic in the park.

2. Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Another favorite is Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which whisks you more than 14,000 feet above sea level for extraordinary views of the Rockies. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the panoramic vistas for your scrapbook.

3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The 146-acre Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — started by Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose — boasts the world’s largest giraffe herd, which you’re allowed to feed by hand. Kids in particular should love the nation’s only mountain zoo.

4. Royal Gorge Park. Provided you’re neither acrophobic nor claustrophobic, a visit to Royal Gorge Park is a breathtaking must as seen from the world’s longest single-span aerial tram. You’ll travel 2,200 feet and get a bird’s-eye view of the Arkansas River.

5. Stables at The Broadmoor. Back on solid ground, the Stables at The Broadmoor (once property-run, now independently owned) offers guided horseback-riding tours for adults and children over seven years of age. Whether you’re an experienced gaucho or just want to trot around on a pony, riders of all ages should enjoy the open air and majestic animals.

You’ll find one of Colorado Springs’ most unusual museums right on the grounds of The Broadmoor itself. The Carriage House and Museum houses a collection of historic conveyances originally owned by the hotel’s founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose; if you didn’t know your phaetons from your Concord coaches, surreys, shooting traps, hooded gigs and opera buses before, you will after a visit here.

Off-premises, history buffs will also appreciate the Western Museum of Mining & Industry and the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, both dedicated to preserving Colorado’s wild and woolly past, while the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame attests to the city’s role as a major seat of U.S. Olympic ice skating. And for art lovers, the 12-gallery museum at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is a regional treasure, with a strong emphasis on Western and Southwestern works. Be sure to ask the concierge at The Broadmoor about tickets to any of the nearby museums; he’ll be able to hook you up and can help arrange transportation, if you haven’t brought your own.

From the locker rooms to the lobby, the gym at The Broadmoor is stocked with a variety of helpful and indulgent amenities. Signature Molton Brown bath products and plush towels keep you clean, hairstyling tools keep you coiffed, and water coolers and fresh fruit baskets keep you nourished. But if you need a bit more juice (so to speak) to get going, energy drinks are available for purchase at the front desk, or you can hit the indoor-pool-adjacent Spa Café for a light lunch of sandwiches and smoothies. This all goes without mentioning the terrific facilities at The Broadmoor’s gym and all the fitness services, including personal training, that you can take advantage of while staying at the Five-Star hotel.

The Broadmoor’s full-service restaurants include the Tavern, an American chophouse; the Golden Bee, whose English pub décor comes straight from 19th-century London; the cheery, breakfast-only Lake Terrace Dining Room, famed for its Sunday brunch; contemporary destinations Charles Court and Summit; the Golf Club Dining Room, serving casual, traditional American fare; and of course the Five-Star Penrose Room, where classic French technique meets global inspiration. More casual options, however, abound. For instance, the Hotel Bar and the West Lobby Bar serve small plates to accompany their beverage selections. Espresso News and Café Julie offer up light daytime snacks and pastries. And seasonal options include both the Pool and Spa cafés, the Mountain Clubhouse and Oasis (located smack-dab in the middle of the East and West Golf Courses). Suffice it to say, you’ll have so many dining options, the difficult part will be choosing where to eat.

The 11-page room service menu at The Broadmoor is designed to ensure there’s something for everyone — night owls, vegetarians, gluten-free diners and kids — 24 hours a day. Come breakfast, that means stuffed French toast in real maple syrup, traditional eggs Benedict and smoked salmon with all the trimmings, plus full coffee service.

For lunch and dinner, options include salad Niçoise, bacon cheeseburgers, lump crab cakes, whole wheat pasta primavera and filet mignon. Save room for desserts like cheesecake and crème brûlée. Midnight munchers can order casual fare like pizza and bowls of Colorado-style green chili off of the late-night menu. Beer and a well-edited list of wines by the half- or full bottle are supplemented, by request, with by-the-glass pours and cocktails.

Room service can also package meals to go and even offers customized picnic baskets complete with stemware, flatware and linens. At the Five-Star hotel, you’ll never have to worry about being able to find something delicious, no matter the time of day, whether you dine outside of your room or in it.

Located on the second floor of the golf club and spa facility is The Broadmoor’s full-service gym. The clean, bright two-room gym contains a few dozen treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes on one side, free weights and machines on the other, as well as a new Power Plate station. At any given time, a certified trainer is on site for assistance (one-on-one sessions can also be arranged). Adjacent to the gym, the group exercise room boasts spring-loaded floors and a seasonal class schedule for those who prefer to work out in packs. You can access everything through the fitness center lobby, which sells workout apparel, energy drinks and sundries, and also leads to the locker rooms.

In the atrium just beyond the gym, you’ll find the indoor pool, flanked by a veranda bedecked with both a two-lane, heated lap pool for year-round use and a hot tub. Whether you’re a runner, swimmer or weightlifter, you’ll be able to stick to the routine when you check into The Broadmoor.

Given the myriad bars scattered throughout The Broadmoor, it’s no surprise that a few signature drinks have developed a following. At the Five-Star Penrose Room, for instance, there’s the Penrose Sunset, which combines Gran Centenario Reposado tequila with pomegranate juice, fresh rosemary and agave nectar. But since Summit is where the mixology magic is really happening these days, head there and ask for a WestSlide, made with CapRock gin (an acclaimed local product), housemade limoncello, fresh lemon juice, basil and a dash of white balsamic vinegar, of all things. Meanwhile, barkeeps at the Golden Bee are toasting to the pub’s golden anniversary with pints of ESBee, brewed exclusively for the Five-Star hotel by Colorado Springs’ own Bristol Brewing Company. Drink up.

Standard, intermediate and superior rooms of single or double occupancy at The Broadmoor aren’t one-size-fits-all, even within their respective categories. What they do share is the hotel’s Victorian style: plushly appointed in soft blue and green, rose and gold. The rooms come chock-full of amenities, including flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view, DVD players, gaming consoles, luxury mini-bars, high-speed Internet access and the usual vanity-side grooming tools and Molton Brown toiletries. Meanwhile, their differences — while all part of the charm of a historic, independent hotel — may warrant some pre-booking inquiry on your part. Does closet size matter to you? Does a view of the mountain or lake? How about a balcony, patio or terrace? Or a four-fixture versus a five-fixture bathroom? Obviously, the more expensive the room type, the more numerous its amenities, but there are quirky exceptions, so reserve accordingly.

As with everything else at The Broadmoor, suites take many shapes, sizes and guises — not to mention names. But one thing is certain: They’re as posh as they are vibrant, all shimmering fabrics in muted jewel tones from the parlor to the bedroom, and equipped with the requisite amenities: flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view, DVD players, gaming consoles, high-speed Internet access, Molton Brown toiletries and so on.

Also, virtually (though not 100 percent) guaranteed is a view of Cheyenne Mountain and/or Cheyenne Lake. What varies from building to building, at least at the executive level, is terrace type — Juliet balcony or full patio — as well as the presence of fireplaces, dining tables and sofa beds. In short, if you need something, say something when making reservations.

Meanwhile, at the even more exclusive signature level, elaborately appointed, multi-bedroom suites are practically fit for kings, or at least the celebrities, moguls and dignitaries who’ve been known to occupy them. Another great detail at the signature level: The free-standing cottages that dot the 18th fairway of the East Golf Course have a breezy yet cozy character that derives from their incorporation of wood and stone, wrought iron and cool ceramic — think ski lodge meets seaside bungalow. We think you’ll love any of the rooms at The Broadmoor, but the suites add enough sprinkles and whipped cream to make an already tasty sundae that much better.

All rooms, suites and cottages at The Broadmoor boast cool in-room technology, including flat-screen TVs, DVD players, gaming consoles and Sharper Image clock radios with iPod docking stations. There are even wall-mounted TVs in some bathrooms, which make tub soaks a bit less cumbersome for the kiddos. Meanwhile, nightstands in the South Tower suites are equipped with touchscreen panels that remotely control everything from lighting and draperies to the radio and TV to housekeeping alerts. And cottages at the Five-Star hotel have heated bathroom floors — a touch you’ll appreciate during those cold Colorado Springs winter months.

Colorado Springs, like most Western cities, is not exactly pedestrian-friendly, but when you stay at The Broadmoor, you can get around with various house car options. Travel in style via town car, luxury SUV or limousine; arrangements can be made directly through the provider, Ramblin’ Express; the concierge; or the hotel’s transportation department. Ramblin’ also offers shuttle service to Cripple Creek, a Gold Rush-era mining camp turned casino town. Finally, the hotel’s own complimentary shuttle whisks you not only around the 3,000-acre grounds but also to a number of nearby sites, including natural wonders like North Cheyenne Cañon Park and the stunning Seven Falls, as well as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (which, like The Broadmoor itself, is a legacy of founder Spencer Penrose’s largesse).

However, if you’d rather limit your time behind the wheel during your stay, Hertz, as the Broadmoor’s official vendor, will both drop off your rental car at the resort and pick it up for you.

If there’s anything that The Broadmoor is not, it’s cookie-cutter. We could write all day about the things we adore about The Broadmoor. But to make things easier on you, these are the five we love the most:

1. The unique ambience. Take a grand tour of the grounds and its many buildings, and you’ll see and feel the subtle shifts in ambience. Though every nook and cranny is opulent, from the chandeliers overhead to the handsomely upholstered furnishings to the fresh-cut floral arrangements on the tables, differences in color scheme and design give each lobby, foyer and mezzanine its own feel. It’s all enhanced by objects d’art from, among other places, the collection of the hotel’s world-traveling founders, Spencer and Julie Penrose, as well as sculptures and murals from its resident artists.

2. The activities. The Broadmoor’s uniqueness isn’t just decorative. It’s evident as well in the sheer array of leisurely activities at your fingertips. Golf, tennis, swimming and shopping go without saying; so do spa treatments and fitness classes. But the Colorado Springs hotel also offers onsite paddleboat rides, lawn bowling games and bicycle rentals; off-site excursions include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing and much more — just ask the concierge. And of course, hikers and climbers are minutes away from myriad trailheads. But the indoors is just as great as the outdoors, whether you browse around the Carriage House and Museum, which displays the Penrose’s historic collection of coaches and automobiles; catch a flick in the movie theater (three films are in rotation each week); or hunker down over one of the game tables scattered throughout the hotel for a checkers or chess match.

3. The eating options. With nearly 20 restaurants, cafés and lounges to choose from, dining options are equally varied. While multi-course extravaganzas at the renowned Penrose Room are a must, charming little surprises abound; think s’mores around the fire pit on the patio of the West Lobby bar or rowdy ragtime sing-alongs at the Golden Bee.

4. The wildlife. Speaking of surprises, keep your eyes peeled on any given stroll around the grounds; you’re likely to glimpse hummingbirds, deer and even — hopefully from some distance — the occasional bear.

5. The staff. What may be most startling about The Broadmoor is its sense of community. You won’t go more than 50 paces without being greeted warmly by an employee. You also can’t help but note that they hail one another with equal cheer. (Some jaded city-slicker types might almost be unnerved.) That’s Western hospitality for you, as cultivated at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.

As with any home-away-from-home, there are a few things you should know prior to your arrival at The Broadmoor. These are the five things we think matter most:

1. The accommodations on the property — which has, after all, been expanded and renovated multiple times over decades — are not standardized; even within the same category, variations abound. So if you have certain preferences — a separate shower and tub, for instance, or a walk-in closet — be sure to specify as much when booking your room.

2. On that note, keep in mind that The Broadmoor is often at full capacity in high season; advance reservations for everything from dinner to babysitting services to cabana access are a good idea. Of course, before you do anything, you’re well-advised to check the website for vacation packages and holiday promotions; they can be a boon for bargain-hunters.

3. Meanwhile, light travelers beware: Resort attire is a two-fold consideration. First, Colorado’s high-desert climate is marked by large diurnal swings in temperature; warm days become chilly evenings fast.

4. Second, dress codes vary greatly throughout the property, from casual to business to dressy. Pack accordingly, based on what you plan to do after you check into the Five-Star hotel.

5. Don’t forget your walking shoes — you’ve got 3,000 acres to cover. Of course, even your sturdiest pair can’t compensate for local geography. The Broadmoor is not within easy walking distance of downtown Colorado Springs; sightseeing will likely require some form of transportation.

Perched on the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, The Broadmoor is located at 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo.; the nearest main cross street is South Nevada Avenue, accessible from I-25 at Exit 140. Colorado Springs itself is in the center of the state, about 70 miles south of Denver (to which it’s second in population). The city is best known as the home of various military installations, including the U.S. Air Force Academy and the North American Aerospace Defense Command; a U.S. Olympic Training Center (one of only three in the nation); and the national landmark of sandstone formations known as Garden of the Gods. Though, when you check in at The Broadmoor, you’ll feel like you’re in a world entirely belonging to the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel.

The riveting story of The Broadmoor makes it different from other Five-Star hotels; it has Wild West grit, Prohibition-era glamour and a nature-meets-culture philosophy, all embodied in the larger-than-life character that was the hotel’s founder, Spencer Penrose. The mining tycoon, equally noted as a philanthropist and an eccentric, was nothing if not visionary — and it’s his spirit that continues to guide The Broadmoor into the 21st century.

While the historic hotel (it opened in June 1918) is not unique among Five-Star resorts in combining a luxurious setting with kid-glove service, an air of romance with fun and games for the whole family, and the Penrosian quirks inform The Broadmoor’s distinctive legacy. In many a nook and cranny, you’ll spot those quirks.

Take Bottle Alley, for instance: It’s a foyer lined with display cases filled with wine bottles from the hotel’s rare collection — including the 1984 Jordan cabernet sauvignon from the notorious party at which former President George W. Bush had his last drink of alcohol.

Or check out the murals that dot the walls throughout the Main Complex, depicting everything from the monkeys that once roamed the property — that is, before Penrose established the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to house his wildlife — to the glass eye he famously wore (one in particular was custom-made to look bloodshot in the wake of a drinking binge). Look, too, for the Walk of Fame in the West Complex, covered with photos of such illustrious guests as Will Rogers, John Wayne, Bing Crosby and Marlene Dietrich as well as presidents and sports legends galore. Such rich, historic details are what make the Colorado Springs hotel so special — and inspire the fervent loyalty of its 1,800-person staff, more than 100 of whom have been employed there for a quarter of a century or longer.

The Broadmoor’s full-service restaurants include the Tavern, an American chophouse; the Golden Bee, whose English pub décor comes straight from 19th-century London; the cheery, breakfast-only Lake Terrace Dining Room, famed for its Sunday brunch; contemporary destinations Charles Court and Summit; the Golf Club Dining Room, serving casual, traditional American fare; and of course the Five-Star Penrose Room, where classic French technique meets global inspiration. More casual options, however, abound. For instance, the Hotel Bar and the West Lobby Bar serve small plates to accompany their beverage selections. Espresso News and Café Julie offer up light daytime snacks and pastries. And seasonal options include both the Pool and Spa cafés, the Mountain Clubhouse and Oasis (located smack-dab in the middle of the East and West Golf Courses). Suffice it to say, you’ll have so many dining options, the difficult part will be choosing where to eat.

Avid shoppers don’t even have to clear the premises to get their fix: The Broadmoor has its own boutique arcade. Its more than 20 storefronts include a jeweler, a gourmet shop, multiple clothing retailers and the seasonal Christmas House. Among the highlights is Gibson’s Mineral Gallery, a browse-worthy collection of minerals, gems and fossils. There, you’ll find slabs of Chinese serpentine, spheres of Brazilian quartz and petrified wood tabletops. Another standout is The Broadmoor Lifestyle Shop, a depot of luxury home furnishings and accessories. Check out the tooled leather ottomans, cashmere throws and the luxury hotel’s own line of bedding and spa apparel. And across from the natty Haberdashery is the posh Cosmetic Shop, carrying Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, Mason-Pearson and other favorites; it also books makeovers. If you’ve got a touch of the old wanderlust, however, arrange for transportation to Manitou Springs, a nearby artists’ colony with a charming shopping district, or to Old Colorado City, full of funky finds. You’ll find plenty of shopping in and around the Five-Star hotel.

As with everything else at The Broadmoor, suites take many shapes, sizes and guises — not to mention names. But one thing is certain: They’re as posh as they are vibrant, all shimmering fabrics in muted jewel tones from the parlor to the bedroom, and equipped with the requisite amenities: flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view, DVD players, gaming consoles, high-speed Internet access, Molton Brown toiletries and so on.

Also, virtually (though not 100 percent) guaranteed is a view of Cheyenne Mountain and/or Cheyenne Lake. What varies from building to building, at least at the executive level, is terrace type — Juliet balcony or full patio — as well as the presence of fireplaces, dining tables and sofa beds. In short, if you need something, say something when making reservations.

Meanwhile, at the even more exclusive signature level, elaborately appointed, multi-bedroom suites are practically fit for kings, or at least the celebrities, moguls and dignitaries who’ve been known to occupy them. Another great detail at the signature level: The free-standing cottages that dot the 18th fairway of the East Golf Course have a breezy yet cozy character that derives from their incorporation of wood and stone, wrought iron and cool ceramic — think ski lodge meets seaside bungalow. We think you’ll love any of the rooms at The Broadmoor, but the suites add enough sprinkles and whipped cream to make an already tasty sundae that much better.

Standard, intermediate and superior rooms of single or double occupancy at The Broadmoor aren’t one-size-fits-all, even within their respective categories. What they do share is the hotel’s Victorian style: plushly appointed in soft blue and green, rose and gold. The rooms come chock-full of amenities, including flat-screen TVs with cable and pay-per-view, DVD players, gaming consoles, luxury mini-bars, high-speed Internet access and the usual vanity-side grooming tools and Molton Brown toiletries. Meanwhile, their differences — while all part of the charm of a historic, independent hotel — may warrant some pre-booking inquiry on your part. Does closet size matter to you? Does a view of the mountain or lake? How about a balcony, patio or terrace? Or a four-fixture versus a five-fixture bathroom? Obviously, the more expensive the room type, the more numerous its amenities, but there are quirky exceptions, so reserve accordingly.

The riveting story of The Broadmoor makes it different from other Five-Star hotels; it has Wild West grit, Prohibition-era glamour and a nature-meets-culture philosophy, all embodied in the larger-than-life character that was the hotel’s founder, Spencer Penrose. The mining tycoon, equally noted as a philanthropist and an eccentric, was nothing if not visionary — and it’s his spirit that continues to guide The Broadmoor into the 21st century.

While the historic hotel (it opened in June 1918) is not unique among Five-Star resorts in combining a luxurious setting with kid-glove service, an air of romance with fun and games for the whole family, and the Penrosian quirks inform The Broadmoor’s distinctive legacy. In many a nook and cranny, you’ll spot those quirks.

Take Bottle Alley, for instance: It’s a foyer lined with display cases filled with wine bottles from the hotel’s rare collection — including the 1984 Jordan cabernet sauvignon from the notorious party at which former President George W. Bush had his last drink of alcohol.

Or check out the murals that dot the walls throughout the Main Complex, depicting everything from the monkeys that once roamed the property — that is, before Penrose established the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to house his wildlife — to the glass eye he famously wore (one in particular was custom-made to look bloodshot in the wake of a drinking binge). Look, too, for the Walk of Fame in the West Complex, covered with photos of such illustrious guests as Will Rogers, John Wayne, Bing Crosby and Marlene Dietrich as well as presidents and sports legends galore. Such rich, historic details are what make the Colorado Springs hotel so special — and inspire the fervent loyalty of its 1,800-person staff, more than 100 of whom have been employed there for a quarter of a century or longer.