This Colorado Springs Hotel Has Its Own Flight Simulators

If you’re an aviation enthusiast like I am, you’ll want to put Hotel Polaris on your bucket list.Located just outside the gates of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this 375-room hotel offers a unique perk: flight simulator experiences. The aviation fun extends beyond the simulators to the art, room decor and even the architecture, all taking inspiration from the nearby academy.Plus, the hotel recently joined American Express’ The Hotel Collection, so eligible cardholders can use their hotel credits on two-night stays when booking through AmEx’s travel portal. It’s also a part of Chase’s The Edit.Room rates typically range from $200 to $500 a night, so maximizing card benefits can be an excellent way to save on a stay at Hotel Polaris.I stayed at Hotel Polaris for two nights. While the hotel paid for my stay, the opinions in this review are my own. If you’re headed to the area (or want to stay in an aviation-themed hotel), here’s what you can expect.Booking Hotel Polaris using card benefitsHotel Polaris is an independent property that doesn’t participate in a major loyalty program, such as Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt.However, for extra perks, you can book stays using card benefits through AmEx’s The Hotel Collection and Chase’s The Edit programs. Certain AmEx and Chase cards offer statement credits for two-night stays booked through these programs, which could be one way to save.When booking through The Hotel Collection (two-night minimum required), you get a slew of benefits, such as early check-in, late checkout and a room upgrade (all are subject to availability). You'll also receive a $100 credit that can be applied toward eligible charges, which vary by property.Bookings made through The Edit receive similar perks, as well as complimentary daily breakfast for two.You can also redeem your AmEx and Chase points for stays booked through these issuers' portals. As of October 2026, Hotel Polaris offers Points Boost pricing on Chase's portal, which means that eligible Chase cardholders can redeem points for stays for up to 2 cents apiece. That makes it a valuable redemption.Before redeeming rewards for stays on issuer portals, see how much value you're getting. NerdWallet values AmEx points at 1.3 cents per point and values Chase points at 1.8 cents per point.🤓Nerdy TipThe hotel charges a daily amenity fee of $35 plus tax, which includes on-site self parking, discounts at select property venues and Wi-Fi.What it’s like staying at Hotel PolarisWhen you first approach Hotel Polaris, it can appear somewhat drab and utilitarian with its boxy exterior modeled after dorm buildings at the Air Force Academy.However, that quickly changes once you step inside and see the soaring ceilings and expansive windows offering views over the Rampart Range. The mid-century modern design aesthetic combined with fun pops of color make the lobby area feel fresh and vibrant.Walk across the lobby and step outside onto the hotel’s outdoor terrace, featuring fireplaces, seating areas, lawn games (including a life-sized chess board and bocce ball) and a heated pool.Because of Hotel Polaris’ strong academy ties (it even has a sky bridge connecting it to the academy’s newly opened visitors center), it attracts a lot of alumni and corporate groups.While the hotel’s location is convenient for travelers visiting the academy, staying at Hotel Polaris can be a trek for leisure guests who want to be right in downtown Colorado Springs. It's an important consideration, but this hotel's distance from downtown ultimately didn’t bother me. I already knew I’d need to drive to get to popular outdoors attractions like the Garden of the Gods and the Manitou Incline trail.The standout perk: Flight simulator experiencesIf you head downstairs from the lobby, you’ll reach the Flight Deck, home to Hotel Polaris’ on-site flight simulator experiences. The property says it’s the only hotel in North America with such an offering.Guests can choose to pilot a Boeing 737 MAX or one of two F-16 fighter jets. I chose the Boeing 737 MAX — one of my most-flown aircraft types as a Million Miler on United Airlines — and even got to do some fun and nonsensical things, such as flying underneath San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.I had a blast trying it out — even if I wasn’t very good at it. (I’ve permanently blocked out my bumpy landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.)🤓Nerdy TipIf you booked via AmEx’s The Hotel Collection or Chase’s The Edit, you can use your $100 property credit on the flight simulator experience. That’s enough to cover 30 minutes of simulator time for one person.Aviation-themed rooms at Hotel PolarisI loved returning to my room after a day of exploring Colorado Springs, largely due to the on-brand decor. The room featured white walls and walnut accents, while the bathroom’s deep blue walls reminded me of the night sky.I found the bed to be extremely comfortable, and I loved watching the sun rise over the Rampart Range from my window each morning.The bedroom artwork included a constellation map and black-and-white prints of airplanes. There was also a blue-tinted convex mirror that sat over a small desk area that came with an airplane paperweight.For welcome gifts, the hotel is known to leave plane-shaped chocolates, as well as a welcome letter with instructions on the back to fold it into a paper airplane.What to eat at Hotel PolarisThere are plenty of food options at Hotel Polaris, whether you want something quick or a longer sit-down experience.My favorite meal was at Pamela’s, the hotel’s main restaurant. I particularly enjoyed the appetizers, including the Brussels sprouts and the lamb lollipops.However, it’s pricey: Dinner for two, which included two entrees and an additional side of mac and cheese, ended up costing more than $200.Just outside of Pamela’s is Thunderbird Bar, where you can grab a cocktail (or mocktail) while admiring the view of the mountains in the background.For food, there’s typical bar grub, including burgers and wings. The bar shares a kitchen with Pamela’s, so you can order from that menu, too.For a rooftop experience, head up to The Aviator. It was closed during my stay, but I got a chance to peek inside. It looked like a nice place to enjoy a drink — especially on the outdoor patio.Other food options include Doolie’s, which serves hot dogs, burgers and shakes. In the mornings, you can also visit Lovie’s Market, a grab-and-go convenience store that also sells hot breakfast items.Hotel Polaris fitness and wellness amenitiesThe hotel has a fully equipped gym, with windows overlooking the property’s heated pool and lounge chairs.The pool, which seemed a bit small given the hotel’s size, also has a bar that serves food. The area wasn’t too crowded during my stay, but I can imagine it filling up during peak summer months.Next door to the gym, you’ll find Ascend Spa & Wellness. I enjoyed a 50-minute massage that incorporated hot stone therapy, which felt incredible after conquering the Manitou Incline, a popular hike about 30 minutes away by car, earlier that morning.However, one drawback of the spa is you won’t find a sauna, steam room or hot tub. It does have a relaxation room for use before and after your treatment, but otherwise that’s the extent of the facilities.Is Hotel Polaris worth it?Yes. I loved all the aviation touches at Hotel Polaris, from the flight simulators to the plane decor throughout the property.Everything felt modern and fresh, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning views of the nearby mountain range.Plus, if you’re able to book with AmEx’s Hotel Collection or Chase’s The Edit, you’ll receive added benefits to make your stay even more memorable.How to maximize your rewards