Escape to the Rockies: Your Perfect Colorado Springs Getaway Awaits!
Escape to the Rockies: My Wild Ride at "Your Perfect Colorado Springs Getaway Awaits!" (And Why It Might Actually Be… Perfect-ish?)
Okay, so I just got back from a little jaunt to Colorado Springs, lured by the siren song of "Your Perfect Colorado Springs Getaway Awaits!" Now, I'm not gonna lie, I'm usually skeptical of anything that promises "perfection." But hey, the Rockies? Always a good starting point. And, after wrestling with a seriously janky flight and a rental car that smelled faintly of wet dog, I needed a getaway, and I wasn't kidding myself, now that's quite something.
First Impressions & the Whole "Accessibility" Thing (Because, You Know, Life's Complicated)
Finding the place was easy enough, even though my GPS occasionally has a mind of its own (thanks a lot, Siri). The entrance was… well, it looked pretty. I say "looked" because, truth be told, I was more focused on whether I could actually get inside. And I could! Wheelchair accessible entrances are a plus, people! And they've got an elevator, which is a huge win for this gal. I mean, hauling luggage up stairs after a six-hour flight? No thanks. The facilities for disabled guests seemed appropriately considered, though I didn’t put them completely through their paces (I wasn't here to dismantle the place, though the thought…)
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The Room: My Little Mountain Hideaway (Mostly…)
My digs? Okay, decent. Let's start with the good: the Air conditioning worked (crucial), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. I'm talking severe sunlight sensitivity, after being blinded by snow, so, they're a necessity. They had free Wi-Fi (yes, thankfully, it's actually in all rooms!). In-room safe, hair dryer, coffee/tea maker (essential for my sanity) and a mini-bar (filled with… well, I'll get to that later). The extra long bed was a treat, finally, a bed that fits me.
Then came the minor annoyances. The carpeting was… well, it was clean, but it was old. The mirror seemed to only reflect my tired face after the long drive. And that “view”? It was… of another building. (Sad face). The bathroom was functional, but the toiletries weren’t exactly luxury-grade. Little details, that.
Oh! And the "room sanitization opt-out available" thing? Cool, but honestly, what does that even mean? More on Cleanliness and safety later, 'cause I'm about to get into it.
Dining, Drinking, and Decadence (Or, "Where's the Food? And Is It Decent")
Alright, the food situation. There's a lot to unpack here. Let get this straight: I love food. Absolutely love food.
- Restaurants: The hotel had a few options. They boasted Western cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Coffee shop.
- The Good: The breakfast buffet was pretty standard, and they had some tasty desserts in restaurant. the Bar had a decent vibe.
- The… Not-So-Good: The Asian cuisine left me feeling a bit… disoriented. It tasted like a pale imitation of something real, not in a good way. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was fine. The salad in restaurant was mostly iceberg lettuce. The Happy hour? Well, it happened, but I didn't get drunk enough to forget what the food was like.
- The "Huh?": I spotted some of the Individually-wrapped food options, which made me wonder about the origins of the food itself. And while they had a Poolside bar and Room service [24-hour], ordering a beer by the pool was easier than ordering a decent meal. I think they actually had a Snack bar? Not sure, but I was so hungry I couldn't find it. I was hoping for a Soup in restaurant but I didn't find one.
The Spa & "Ways to Relax": My Moment of Bliss (and a Few Glitches)
Okay, this is where things went up a notch. I'm a spa person. I love being pampered. And the spa at this place? Pretty darn good.
- The Good: They've really gone all-out on the things-to-do front. The Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, and Spa/sauna were all amazing, a truly sublime experience, particularly after my drive. The Massage was fantastic – the masseuse (bless her heart) was an absolute wizard at melting away stress. I didn't get a Body wrap or Body scrub, but now I wish I had! The Pool with view was, well, it had a view. It was a nice view. The Foot bath was a lovely touch, especially after all that hiking.
- The… Not-So-Good: The Fitness center. They had it, but I'm not sure it was ready for a proper workout.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Really Get This Right?
Alright, the COVID era. The elephant (or the virus) in the room. This part is super important, and I paid close attention. And, to be fair, they seemed to take it seriously.
- The Good: I saw Staff trained in safety protocol. Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely at play, though I didn't see the actual cleaning. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere. The Safe dining setup in the restaurant was appreciated. The Cashless payment service was convenient. The Room sanitization between stays was reassuring.
- The… Could-Be-Better: I didn't love the fact that they had a doctor/nurse on call, so I hope that tells you something. I didn't see Sterilizing equipment being used, which, to be fair, I'm not a cleaning expert. While the daily disinfection in common areas was a good thing, it's hard to tell if they used the Professional-grade sanitizing services (maybe?)
- The "Wha-?": The Hygiene certification? Unclear. The Shared stationery removed – did they even have stationery?!
Service & Convenience (Because Let's Face It, I'm a Diva Sometimes)
- The Good: The Front desk [24-hour] was incredibly helpful. The Concierge was also really good – made a few dinner reservations for me. The Daily housekeeping was also efficient (even if it felt a bit intrusive). The Elevator was a life-saver. They had a convenience store, because, you know, chocolate emergencies. The Laundry service was quick and much appreciated. And the Luggage storage came in handy. They had a Car park [free of charge]! Amazing!
- The… Needs Improvement: The Invoice provided was a bit confusing (I'm going to blame the jet lag). The Gift/souvenir shop was a bit… underwhelming. The doorman seemed a bit lost. I had to tip for everything.
- The "Wait… What?": I'm pretty sure they had Facilities for disabled guests, but it's hard to tell; The Air conditioning in public area? I didn't notice. I saw a Smoking area, which I didn't need, but maybe you do.
For the Kids (Because, You Know, Some of Us Have Them)
My kids? Nope (thank god). But I checked out the scene.
- The Good: They had a Babysitting service, helpful. Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities. That all means good.
- The… Not-So-Good: They also had a Kids meal.
The Verdict: Escape Achieved? (With a Few Caveats)
So, did I
Sunset Inn Costa Mesa: Your Dreamy OC Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Fairfield Inn & Suites in Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, itinerary, and let's just say… things might get messy. Honestly, I'm still recovering from that airport coffee. Let's go.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (And a Whole Lot of "Ugh")
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Colorado Springs Airport (COS): Okay, first things first: The airport here is… small. Charming, maybe, but small. Finding the rental car? A breeze. The actual driving part? That’s where things got interesting. That 7,000-foot altitude is no joke. I swear, I walked three feet and felt like I'd run a marathon. My chest was all, "Gimme air! Gimme AIR!"
- 1:45 PM - Check-in at Fairfield Inn & Suites: The hotel itself? Standard. Clean, comfy bed, free breakfast (essential, obviously). But finding the parking? Another adventure. I somehow managed to back my rental car into the tiniest, most innocent-looking bush. Thankfully, no evidence of the crime. (Don't judge.)
- 2:30 PM - Unpack and Mild Panic: The unpacking. The eternal quest for the perfect balance between "organized" and "comfortable." I spent a good 20 minutes just staring at my suitcase, feeling like I'd forgotten something crucial. Probably my brain.
- 3:30 PM - First Food Run: In Search of Altitude-Friendly Pizza I was starving. Altitude hunger is a real beast. I Googled "pizza near me," and found a place promising "award-winning slices." The pizza was not award-winning. I'm not sure what went wrong, but something about the pizza just did not hit right. It kind of looked like a sad, cheesy sun with too much sauce. I devoured it anyway. I'm now sure that I ate the whole thing out of sheer fear that my stomach would explode.
- 5:00 PM - Drive by the Air Force Academy: Okay, I was pumped for this. A classic tourist thing to do. I cruised by. The chapel? Stunning. The whole campus? Impressive. Also, it's HUGE. So HUGE. I definitely got lost for a bit. I think I said that I was looking for a particular building, but I really just wanted to enjoy the view. As I attempted to get away, the traffic was a bit congested, I think it was a Tuesday.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and Evening Regret: I went back to the hotel after I got lost in the academy. The hotel restaurant was fine. I just ordered a salad. But you know what? I wanted the pizza. Again. I blame the altitude. And maybe the fact that I spent the majority of the day doing nothing but driving around. Then I got a drink, just to calm my nerves.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Attempting to Sleep Above 7,000 Feet: This is where things actually got interesting. I thought I was going to be just fine. It took me all night to fall asleep. My heart felt like it was trying to leap out of my chest. My dreams all night were about getting lost on my way and trying to find somewhere familiar. I could feel the walls of my room closing in. I woke up about every hour.
Day 2: Academy Adventure and the Power of a Good Hike (and A Bad One)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast at the Fairfield (Free, but Dubious): The breakfast was… free. Which is good. But the options were limited. The coffee, though? Possibly the worst thing I've ever tasted. It tasted like it had been sitting on the burner since the invention of the wheel. I bravely choked it down.
- 8:00 AM - Air Force Academy: Serious Exploration. Okay, this time, I actually got out and walked around. The cadets! The history! The sheer scale of the place! I went into the Cadet Chapel. It's honestly jaw-dropping, the stained glass is so colorful. I'm not religious, but I felt a sort of weird spiritual awe. It's definitely worth spending time here.
- 11:00 AM - Pikes Peak: Attempt #1 (Failure!): Everyone told me, "You have to go to Pikes Peak!" So, I decided to drive to the top. And promptly got stuck in a massive traffic jam. I took my chances with the drive, but turned back. Maybe it was the altitude. Maybe the traffic. Maybe my impatient soul. Whatever the reason, the summit would have to wait.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Disaster: I went off into town and tried to find something to eat. I found a cute little taco shop. It looked promising enough. It wasn't. I think I ordered the wrong thing. It was greasy, and it gave me a stomachache. I left before finishing my order.
- 2:00 PM - Garden of the Gods: Redemption!: I went to the Garden of the Gods park. Oh. My. God. The red rock formations are incredible. I had a moment of pure awe, you know? But the crowds… My God, the crowds. I'm not sure if it was even worth it, but I am glad I did it. The view was stunning. I walked the trail for a bit. It was crowded, and I had to keep dodging people. But I was so happy. I took some pictures.
- 4:00 PM - Hike of the Century (A short one, at least):** I had to find a place to hike! I got on some trail, and the next thing I know I'm on the side of a mountain! It was a bit of an effort. I got some good pictures, and I got to breathe in some fresh air.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Pizza Round Two (Better this time!)I caved. And this time, I did my research. Found a local joint with rave reviews. It was… actually pretty damn good. It tasted awesome. I think I may have even eaten the entire pizza this time. I got a beer.
- 7:30 PM - Evening Wind Down: I made it a point to watch the sunset. I'd heard it was really great. It was nice. I did some stretches to prepare for the next day.
Day 3: Final Day: Farewell, Colorado Springs!
- 7:00 AM - Free Breakfast: The Redemption Arc of Coffee: I tried the coffee again. Surprisingly, it wasn't pure poison this time! Maybe they changed the grounds? Maybe I was just more desperate. Either way, a win.
- 8:00 AM - Pikes Peak: Take Two (Success!): I woke up early. And I went to Pikes Peak. The drive was much better. I actually got to take it all in. The summit? Stunning. The view? Worth the wait. The fact that my ears popped? Less fun. But it was worth it. I felt like I could see the entire world. Seriously breathtaking.
- 11:00 AM - Souvenir Shopping (The Panic Begins): I ran into a shop. And another shop. And then another. I spent way too much on weird souvenir stuff. I don't even know what I'm going to do with a miniature Air Force Academy snow globe.
- 12:00 PM - Last Lunch and Goodbye Hugs (to the Pizza!) I ate more pizza.
- 1:00 PM - Pack Up and Drive to the Airport: The packing was actually easier this time. I had no problem, and I was ready to head back home.
- 2:00 PM - Goodbye, Colorado Springs!: Arrived at the airport. The flight was smooth. And I'm here, safe, and sound. And I miss the pizza.
This is just a skeleton, a messy, human, and hopefully funny guide. Feel free to get lost, to eat bad pizza, to question your existence at altitude, and most importantly, to embrace the ridiculousness of travel! Enjoy your trip!
Escape to Comfort: Wilkes-Barre's BEST Extended Stay Suites!
Escape to the Rockies: Your Perfect Colorado Springs Getaway - FAQs (and a Little Bit of Me)
Okay, Okay, Colorado Springs... Sounds Touristy. Is it Actually Fun?
Ugh, touristy. I get it. My first thought too. But hear me out. I went expecting… well, I expected a slightly overpriced souvenir shop on every corner. And yeah, there are some. But! Colorado Springs surprised me. It's like… a real city, actually. With mountains! Seriously, the Rockies are just… *there*. Like, staring you in the face. It’s intimidating in the best way. Think of it as a touristy basecamp, a launchpad for legit adventures.
Plus, there's a kind of charm to the whole thing. Like, I saw a guy in full cowboy regalia buying a coffee. Seriously, a *real* cowboy hat. I almost choked on my own latte. You don't get that in Omaha, let me tell you. So, yes, touristy elements exist, but it's wrapped in a stunning landscape and some seriously cool vibes.
What’s the absolute *must-do* activity in Colorado Springs? Don't give me generic answers!
Okay, okay, buckle up. This is where I get evangelical. Forget the Garden of the Gods, for just *one* second. (We’ll get to it!) My “must-do” isn’t a single activity, it’s a *vibe*, a feeling. It's *Pikes Peak*. But not just driving up. (That's touristy too!). I'm talking... (deep breath)... hiking the Barr Trail. I know, I know, it sounds insane. "Hike? Ugh, exercise." I'm with you, friend. I prefer Netflix. But this... this was different.
Let me tell you. I started out all gung-ho, like, "Yeah! Mountains! Fresh air!" Then, about two hours in, my legs were screaming, I was sweating like a… well, a sweaty person on a mountain. And the altitude! Whew! But the views... they were unreal. Every switchback offered a different panorama, a different "OMG, is this real?" moment.
The trail itself is… a beast. Let’s be honest. But the accomplishment! The feeling when you finally reach the summit? Pure, unadulterated triumph. And the views from up there? Worth every aching muscle and gasp for air. (Seriously, bring water, and maybe a sherpa). I even had a mini-meltdown near the top, crying because I was so tired, and then laughing because the view was so gorgeous. It was a *moment*. Don't underestimate it. Seriously.
Important Note: I didn't *actually* hike the whole thing. I got about halfway and ran out of steam. Altitude is no joke! But even that partial hike was transformative. So, adapt! Go as far as you can, you can always turn around. But *try*. It’s worth it. And take the cog railway down if you’re smart. Or, you know, Uber. I wouldn't judge.
Garden of the Gods. Tourist Trap or Actually Worth It?
Ugh, the Garden of the Gods. Okay, so it *is* touristy. You'll fight for parking. You'll dodge selfie sticks. You’ll probably see someone proposing. (I almost did. It’s that kind of place). But... BUT! The rock formations? Mind-blowing. Truly. They *are* stunning. And the sheer scale of them is impressive.
Here's the secret: go early. Like, sunrise early. Beat the crowds and the heat. Pack a picnic and eat it while staring at those crazy red rocks. Or, be like me, and pack a bag of chips and a lukewarm bottle of water and eat them while dodging actual tour buses (also a totally valid experience). And don't forget the camera! (Unless you’re me, who mostly remembered to photograph my snacks). It's a cliché for a reason. It's beautiful, even if it’s crowded. Just… brace yourself.
Okay, okay, you mentioned "altitude." What's the deal with that? I'm not exactly an Olympic athlete.
Altitude. The silent killer. Kidding (mostly). But seriously, Colorado Springs is high up. Like, a mile above sea level. This means less oxygen. Which means… you get winded. Easily. When you’re used to sea level, you’re gonna FEEL it. Walking uphill? Forget about it. Just breathing deeply can feel like effort.
Some people feel almost nothing. I am not one of those people. I felt like I was going to pass out multiple times, even just washing dishes. So, drink LOTS of water. Seriously, more than you think you need. Don't rush yourself. Take it easy. And don't be embarrassed to stop and catch your breath. Everyone's doing it. Maybe avoid strenuous activity your first day or two. Or, you know, just say "screw it" and head straight for Pike's Peak like me and start hiking... Maybe pacing yourself would be a better idea. Oh, and avoid alcohol the first day or two (or ever, if you're me. I'm a lightweight!).
Food! What should I eat? Give me the good stuff!
Okay, food. This is important. Colorado Springs boasts a surprising amount of deliciousness. Forget the chain restaurants (mostly). You’re here for the local flavor!
Must-tries:
- Breweries: Colorado Springs has a thriving craft beer scene. Seriously. So many breweries! Try as many as possible. (Responsibly, of course… or not, I'm not your mom.)
- Casual Eats: Look for local diners and burger joints. I stumbled into a place called "Skirted Heifer" and had some of the best burgers of my life. It was a complete accident, but the best accidents are often food-related, am I right?
- Coffee Shops: Start your day right with a local coffee shop that has character. There are plenty of them! Take your time, and enjoy the morning.
Important Advice: After a long day hiking, your body needs calories. Don’t be afraid to indulge! It's part of the experience. And don't go cheap, you came all this way! You deserve it!
Where should I stay? Give me some recommendations!
Alright, this depends on your budget and your… tolerance for kitsch. There are your standard hotels, of course. (Boring). You can find chains. But I'd say look for something with character. Maybe a quirky motel? The Broadmoor is the swanky old-school option. But anything near downtown will be good for exploring restaurants.
Airbnb can be great too. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s almost always a good choice. Find something with a view and a decent kitchen. You'll want a place to relax after thoseHotel Search Tips
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