The Cliff House In Manitou Spring

By Samantha Martel

For a weekend getaway, or for an even longer vacation, I have found that The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is a great place to visit. Open year-round and only a little over an hour drive from Denver. Historical, quite a grand building, yet an affordable place to stay.

I spent a weekend there in late 2010 and found this to be a perfect Colorado road trip. It being a great final destination, yet it was not too far from Denver.

The Cliff House is nestled on the mountainside in the charming and historic town of Manitou Springs, and sits at the base of Pikes Peak. Actually this hotel is so historic that it is older than the state of Colorado itself. Built in 1873 it has earned the title “The Historic Cliff House at Pikes Peak” on The National Registry of Historic Places.

The Cliff House offers 54 beautifully decorated and designed rooms and suites. Each room is unique in their decor. You may want to choose one of the Studio Rooms, Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites, Celebrity Suites or Premier Celebrity Suites. Each room or suite is spacious and can accommodate 2 people or more. Most of the rooms have gas fireplaces, sitting areas, spa tubs, queen or king size beds and some have vaulted ceilings with mountain views. My friend and photographer, Bill stayed in the Buffalo Bill Suite. It was decorated in the motif of the Buffalo Bill era, right up to the tepee ceiling. I stayed in the Crown Prince Ferdinand Suite. The bathroom had upgraded amenities even a heated toilet seat and towel rack. Their luxurious accommodations include feather and down filled or fossfill pillows along with 400 count sheets and pillowcases with beautiful bedspreads and grand furniture. You will also enjoy complimentary wireless internet, cable TV, HBO and DVD players with free rentals from their 300 plus DVD library, and they also offer 24 hour room service.

If the town of Manitou Springs was not so fun and interesting you might just like staying in the hotel during your whole visit.

On the premises you will find the The Cliff House Dining Room that has gained national attention and is better known as a Colorado premier dining experience. Their reputation is well known because of the culinary talents of Executive Chef, Scott Savage. He will delight your palate with his award winning dishes. You can go on the internet to see “The Savage Kitchen” his weekly show that attracts gourmands, foodies and anyone looking to enhance their cooking skills. There is not another restaurant in town that captures the essence of Chef Savage’s culinary skills. They have a wine list that has exceeded 700 selections and have also won the coveted “Award of Excellence” from the Wine Spectator.

For those of you who like to dine al fresco you might want to enjoy The Veranda.

It is great for relaxing and breathing in the great mountain air or watching a fabulous sunset. (Seasonal). For a more casual dining experience step in to The Red Mountain Bar and Grill, it also has an outdoor fire pit if you choose to move outside for a cocktail.

Many people come to The Cliff House to host their weddings. It is a perfect place to hold other events as well.

The staff is friendly and they cater to your every need. One interesting staff member, Kimberly at the front desk is a distant niece of Buffalo Bill, and it has been documented in her family tree. She and everyone that works at The Cliff House were delightful, gracious and very knowledgeable about the hotel and Manitou Springs and the surrounding area.

Manitou Springs is an interesting historic town that has many shops, art galleries, restaurants etc. We had so much fun! You are at the foot of Pikes Peak and can ride the Cog Train up to the top. There are also Indian cliff dwellings, and not too far out of town is The Wolf Sanctuary, which was really interesting.

I would recommend the Cliff House for the historic building, the fabulous and affordable accommodations, the amazing dining choices and the very gracious staff. Also, the town of Manitou Springs and other adventures await you.

Need a break? Book a reservation. Then head south on I-25 to the Manitou Springs exit and right on up to The Cliff House. I guarantee it will be a wonderful experience! They are open year-round.

Please call 1-888-212-7000 (Toll Free) to make a reservation. They are located at 306 Canon Ave, Manitou Springs, and Colorado.