“Pull up! Pull up!” my flight instructor pleads as I wrestle the controls in the F-16 fighter jet.
My arm shakes as I pull on the lever, my virtual plane screaming toward a suburban neighborhood off the neo-lit Vegas Strip. The G-forces are imaginary, but the adrenaline pumping through me is very real. As is the resistance from the machine—the simulator controls demand the same force as their real-world counterparts. “Great, that was an eight-G turn!” says my flight instructor Dave Wellen. He’s the team lead for the F-16 flight simulators here at the sleek new Hotel Polaris and a proud Air Force Academy Class of ’99 grad. It’s the first time civilians can access this simulator, part of the hotel’s mission to showcase the Air Force Academy’s excellence and commitment to craftsmanship.
The simulation’s realism is staggering—from immersive 360-degree visuals to lifelike back-background noise—and I genuinely feel guilty for the homeowners’ lovely pool I just turned into a flaming crater in the earth. Perhaps indulging in that old-fashioned at The Aviator, the hotel’s swanky rooftop bar, before this wasn’t the wisest decision—or maybe it was exactly what I needed to loosen up and embrace the thrill that comes with a stay at this new Colorado Springs hotel.
You don’t need to stay at the hotel to use the simulators, but after stepping into this marvel of mid-century modern design—accented with thoughtful nods to the Air Force that evoke the glamorous days of Pan Am travel—you’ll want to book a room. Every detail is carefully considered and impressively on-message. The color palette reflects the Academy’s four rotating class colors and the hotel’s room configuration resembles cadet dormitories. The dynamic wood-paneled wall behind the check-in desk pays tribute to the Academy’s architecturally award-winning chapel, while onsite restaurants and bars are named after past Academy classes and cadet squadrons. Retro black-and-white photos of the Air Force adorn the walls of the 375 guest rooms, 90% of which boast views of the Rampart Range and the Academy. Even the firm, military-style mattresses—so crisp you could bounce a quarter off them—feel authentically on-theme. Curtis Bova, the hotel’s general manager, shares that the same furniture maker who outfitted the Academy in the ’70s provided the hotel’s furnishings in that same distinctive style. Hotel Polaris also features an events deck with sweeping mountain views, a pool, a gym, expansive meeting and ballroom spaces, a Club Level Lounge, and a spa with a luxurious relaxation room.
“Just like the Air Force has its pillars, so does our brand,” says Bova. “We put our heart first, strive to be a part of something bigger, and inspire awe.” Polaris has elevated a luxurious staycation into something unforgettable—an experience with altitude, literally and figuratively.
Eat & Drink
Pamela’s, the hotel’s main dining room, features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that face the mountains and delivers a sophisticated twist on American classics, from tender Colorado lamb lollipops to Rocky Mountain trout, alongside an all-day brunch service. Stepping into The Aviator rooftop bar feels like entering a 1960s airport lounge reimagined for the modern era, sleek sophistication blending with aviation nostalgia. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views, and the ceiling’s retro grid lighting panels recall vintage airline cabin design. A global menu—bao buns, lobster rolls, and poke nachos—transport you around the world, much more easily than boarding a flight. For a casual bite, Doolies, themed after an old-timey soda shop, offers craft hot dogs, salads, and shakes.
Explore
Hotel Polaris sits at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate. By next December, a brand-new visitors center will open and offer bus tours of the Academy. Until then, you can visit the existing visitors center on-site to learn about the Academy’s history before embarking on a self-guided tour or hiking the Falcon Trail through campus. For a gentler but still scenic walk, the Santa Fe Trail conveniently leaves from the hotel’s parking lot. Nearby, discover the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods or ride the Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak for breathtaking views. After a day of adventure, unwind with a luxurious spa treatment back at the hotel, completing your experience. The Transformational Signature Facial is worth the drive to the Springs alone.
