The Cliff House
The Cliff House
The Cliff House
The Cliff House
Manitou Springs
Mineral Springs
Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs
Pike's Peak Cog Railway
Nestled in the quaint town of Manitou Springs is the lovely Four Diamond Cliff House. With rooms and suites themed as tributes to celebrity guests Clark Gable, PT Bailey, Buffalo Bill and others, each guest’s stay is guaranteed to be unique. An oversized porch with inviting seating is just the beginning of the homey appointments to this expertly run, well-appointed inn.
Of course, down blankets and pillows, 400-thread count sheets, and Aveda bath products are standard in every room. Marble bathrooms with steam showers, jetted tubs, toilet seats with built-in warmers, fireplaces, and Rocky Mountain music are part of the many amenities available. Families will appreciate the suites connected through a private staircase, board games, in-room mini fridges and reasonably priced treats in the mini bar. A light breakfast buffet is included with every stay, which offers a main entrée; scrambled eggs with sides of crimini mushrooms, onions, red pepper, cheese; and a continental selection of scrumptious homemade pastries.
Originally built in 1874, the Cliff House has burned several times and completed a $10 million renovation in 1997. In 2006, Travel + Leisure named The Cliff House in the Top 100 Hotels of the World. It is included on the National Registry of Historic Places, and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Historic Hotels of America, and Conde Nast Johansens. A complete list of The Cliff House's awards may be found
here.
The Cliff House is a local’s favorite, known not only as an ideal romantic getaway, but for it’s Four Diamond restaurant. Regular guests arrive routinely from Denver proper for menu selections one could only hope to find which reflects the Rocky Mountain experience: Blackened Colorado Striped Bass, Grilled Colorado Buffalo Rib Eye, New Zealand Venison Chop and Wisconsin Pheasant. More traditional, but every bit as delectable, options include Chateaubriand, Black Angus New York Strip, LaBella Farms Duck and Salmon Oscar.
What causes diners to drive over an hour from Denver, however, is not just what’s on the menu, but the artful combination of flavors, textures and use of uncommon ingredients. The Cliff House is the recipient of multiple awards including the Distinguished Restaurant of North America (DiRoNA) Award -one of the most prestigious awards for fine dining; AAA four-diamond Award; and, an "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator Magazine. Their chefs have made two trips to perform at The James Beard House.
Travelers' Tip
From Halloween to Memorial Day, bargain rates can be found at The Cliff House. If skiing is not a part of your vacation plan, take advantage of the cool weather and explore the many intriguing adventures found in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs.
WHAT TO DO
Natural Features
Excerpted from
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce website.
Cave of the Winds
One of Colorado's finest natural treasures. Tour breathtaking underground rooms and passages, decorated with stalactites and flowstone, while guides share a wealth of historical and geological information. Let your family discover the fun underground.
Mineral Springs
Naturally carbonated mineral springs can be found throughout the town of Manitou Springs. A detailed map, as well as disposable cups, are available free of charge to guests of the Cliff House. The mineral springs are free to the public.
Penny Arcade
Modern video games, kiddie rides, and working penny pinball machines just for fun.
Pike's Peak Cog Railway
Open since 1891. Unique train trip to 14,110 feet. Wildlife, waterfalls, panoramic views from Great Plains to Continental Divide inspired "America the Beautiful." April through December. Call for hours. Reservations requested.
Historic Sites
Excerpted from
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce website.
Cliff Dwellings Museum
Prehistoric Anasazi Indian ruins (1100-1300 A.D.) Museums displaying prehistoric artifacts, retail stores, Native American dance performances (June, July and August.) Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Miramont Castle
A 46-room National Historic Landmark. Self-guided tours through Victorian museum featuring nine styles of architecture.
