COLORADO SPRINGS – Summer 2024 – The new Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy, managed by CoralTree Hospitality, will offer six diverse dining experiences that capture the flavors and heritage of both the Academy and the Pikes Peak Region. The 375-room resort-style hotel will be the first and only public hotel located at the Academy. Slated to open in late 2024, Hotel Polaris’ dining experiences promise to cater to an array of tastes and occasions, while telling a deeper story about the area through naming concepts that honor Academy alumni and tradition.
"We are thrilled to unveil the diverse culinary offerings at Hotel Polaris,” said Curtis Bova, general manager of the hotel. “Each of our six experiences have been meticulously designed to offer something special for every guest, from the elevated Americana cuisine at Pamela's to the breathtaking views and handcrafted cocktails at The Aviator. Our mission is to create unforgettable moments through exceptional food and drink, celebrating the vibrant spirit of region and the Academy."
Pamela's
Pamela's will be an upscale and welcoming full-service restaurant located on the hotel's lobby level. It is named in honor of Jerry and Pam Bruni, philanthropic supporters of Hotel Polaris. Jerry, a 1970 graduate of the Academy, and his wife Pam symbolize service before self and the unwavering support family members provide cadets throughout their careers. Pamela's celebrates the patriotic spirit and culture of our country with a diverse menu that highlights the unique flavors of the United States by showcasing distinct American regional cuisines, including everything from the chowders of the Northeast and cioppino from the Bay Area to grilled steaks and prepared seafood. Guests also will enjoy a curated selection of American produced wines, beers and spirits. Open for all-day brunch with dinner service, Pamela's promises a dining experience that is both approachable and familiar and that will have guests returning for more.
The Aviator Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Hotel Polaris, The Aviator will offer expansive views of the Academy and the Rocky Mountains. The Aviator Bar will redefine the cocktail experience with an array of shareable appetizers and incomparable craft cocktails. The Aviator is set to become a must-visit destination for both Colorado residents and visitors, blending breathtaking scenery with exceptional food and drink. Hugh Williamson, a 1964 Academy graduate, and his wife Nan were inspired to memorialize the class of 1964 with The Aviator name. The Williamsons have also philanthropically supported the hotel. The class of 1964 is among the most decorated and distinguished classes to graduate from the Academy with graduates who went on to become Rhodes scholars, four-star generals, astronauts and more.
Thunderbird Bar
Located on the hotel's lobby level, Thunderbird Bar pays tribute to the Cadet Squadron-27 Thunderbirds and the Academy class of 1987. At the Academy, each cadet is assigned to one of 40 designated squadrons, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Thunderbird Bar will feature cocktail flights and handcrafted drinks named in honor of the Squadron 27 Thunderbirds offering a unique and spirited experience. Thunderbird Bar is named in honor of a generous donation by Alex Gilbert, a class of 1987 graduate and member of Squadron 27, and his wife Kate.
Doolies
Doolies, also situated on the lobby level, will be a lively spot named in honor of the freshman cadets at the Academy who are known as "doolies.” This fun and casual family-friendly eatery will serve a menu focused on vintage diner classics such as shakes and snack foods including hot dogs, nachos and pizza will anchor this experience. Doolies will also offer an outdoor patio overlooking the Academy’s new Hosmer Visitor Center and offer seasonal outdoor games. The lower level of Doolies will feature state-of-the-art flight simulators for guests looking to learn the ropes and have some interactive fun. Hotel Polaris will be the only hotel in the U.S. to offer a flight simulator experience. The simulators will reproduce the flight deck experience with seats, throttles, switches, pedals and yoke from original parts of real aircrafts (other parts of the flight deck are scale reproductions). The experience will include a 220-degree wraparound screen with HD imagery to make the experience as life-like as possible.
Backyard Bites
Overlooking the pool and adjacent to the expansive Flat Iron Plaza, Backyard Bites will offer seasonal snacks and refreshing drinks. This casual dining option will include a walkup window allowing guests to grab refreshments to enjoy in the relaxing setting provided by the plaza and pool. The Flat Iron Plaza, named in honor of the Academy 1994 graduating class, will include outdoor fireplaces, inviting outdoor seating and sweeping views of the Academy and surrounding mountains.
Grab-and-Go Café
For those on the go, Hotel Polaris' lobby will feature a grab-and-go café. Perfect for guests looking to fuel up with the necessary provisions for their adventures, this café will offer a selection of coffees, teas, and handheld snacks to keep guests energized throughout the day.
Hotel Polaris is located adjacent to the Academy and in the shadow of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, known as America’s Mountain. The hotel is part of a mixed-use development that includes the Academy’s new 32,000-square-foot Hosmer Visitor Center. The Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, opened in 1986, is a 10-minute drive inside the Academy from the North Gate. The new location will provide easier access to visitors and become more than a public entrance to the Academy, it also will be a gateway to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.
Hotel Polaris is conveniently located 30 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport and an hour from the Denver-metropolitan area. For more information on the new Hotel Polaris, please visit www.theHotelPolaris.com.
About Hotel Polaris
Hotel Polaris is a 375-room resort-style hotel located in the new TrueNorth Commons mixed-used development at the North Entrance of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The hotel offers six food and beverage outlets including the 9th floor rooftop bar, an outdoor pool and sun deck, a full-service spa and fitness center, as well as the only in-hotel flight simulators in the United States. The property also offers more than 26,000 square feet of expansive indoor meeting space. Hotel Polaris is owned by Provident Resources Group, managed by CoralTree Hospitality Group and developed by Matthews Southwest Hospitality in conjunction with BLUR Workshop as the architect and interior designer and GE Johnson as the general contractor.
The hotel was made possible through a public-private partnership between the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation, the City of Colorado Springs, Blue & Silver Development Partners and Provident Resources Group. The project includes the last of the four catalytic City for Champions projects designed to add dimension, energy and economic vitality and boost tourism in the Pikes Peak region.
About CoralTree Hospitality
CoralTree Hospitality is one of the fastest growing hospitality management companies in the United States with more than 35 hotels, resorts and residential rentals. Formed in 2018, Denver-based CoralTree delivers distinctive, memorable experiences that celebrate the surroundings, culture and community of each property. The company also embraces each team member with brand pillars focused on serving from the heart and empowering experiences. CoralTree recently was named the No. 4 best small company to work for in Colorado in the annual Denver Post, Top Workplace survey. The company has developed a variety of initiatives to better serve its team members, communities, stakeholders and customers including Bloom, an environmental sustainability program, and CoralTree Cares, which is the company’s philanthropic platform. The hotel and Residence Collection includes independent, branded and soft-branded properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Snowmass, Vail, Maui, Orlando and Lake Tahoe. CoralTree is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Los Angeles based Lowe, a real estate investment, management and development firm. For more information, visit www.CoralTreeHospitality.com.
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