Peak performance

Arriving at Hotel Polaris feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a mission-driven experience. Anchored at the North Gate of the United States Air Force Academy, the year-old property has quickly established itself as one of Colorado Springs’ most distinctive destinations for meetings and events—where design, legacy and performance converge.

The AAA Four Diamond-rated, 375-room hotel’s connection to place is unmistakable. Mid-century modern lines echo the iconic architecture of the Air Force Academy. At the same time, terrazzo floors, breeze block accents, walnut and brass create a palette that feels both refined and purposeful. A double-sided fireplace, inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, anchors the space, offering a natural gathering point that sets a tone of understated coziness.

Design storytelling continues throughout the property. Custom chandeliers reflect the Academy’s architectural grid and Colorado’s native wildflowers, while red, blue and gold mosaic tiles, carpeting and entryways reference Academy class colors, subtly reinforcing identity and pride. Floor-to-ceiling windows transform Pike’s Peak, the Rockies and the Cadet Chapel (currently under renovation) into ever-changing backdrops as the skies change throughout the day—an asset that planners can’t manufacture but will happily program around.

Meetings With Lift

Hotel Polaris was purpose-built for gatherings, offering more than 26,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space on a single, light-filled floor. The 12,000-square-foot grand ballroom accommodates more than 1,000 attendees in a theater-style setting, while the 6,000-square-foot junior ballroom serves mid-scale programs. Seven flexible meeting rooms and two boardrooms enable planners to scale agendas seamlessly from keynote to breakout sessions to executive meetings.

More than 11,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space supports networking, registration and receptions, complemented by outdoor terraces and event lawns that invite fresh air and those stunning mountain views into the program. Flexible layouts, modern event technology and intuitive flow make it easy to design experiences that move—literally and figuratively—without friction.

Beyond the Ballroom

What truly differentiates Hotel Polaris is its integration with the Air Force Academy itself. The hotel was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Association of Graduates, the Air Force Academy Foundation, the City of Colorado Springs and private developers. Once bonds are repaid, ownership will transfer to the Foundation, creating a long-term revenue stream that supports cadets, graduates and Academy initiatives—an alignment that resonates with mission-driven organizations.

Unique on-site F-16 and 737 MAX flight simulators offer one-of-a-kind team-building opportunities, blurring the line between incentive experience and educational engagement. An area pilot aptly instructed me to fly combat missions over sea and sand to get my Top Gun on in the F-16 simulator.

Dining venues range from Pamela’s, the lobby-level mountain-view restaurant ideal for hosted meals, to a nostalgic soda shop and The Aviator—an unforgettable rooftop bar perfect for receptions framed by sunset and sky. Locals have made it the new hot spot for weekend hangs.

Just minutes away on Air Force Academy grounds, the new East Club at Falcon Stadium adds another layer of event potential. Stretching end zone to end zone, the 11,000-square-foot space supports premium indoor stadium seating, hospitality decks and versatile event configurations suitable for banquets, receptions and corporate gatherings, further expanding the Colorado Springs meeting ecosystem. (Please be aware that the Academy is an active military base, thus visitors must present Real ID-compliant identification.)

Downtown, the 60,000-square-foot United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers planners an inspiring off-site option, blending interactive storytelling with award-winning accessible design. Visitors should be thrilled to see an example of every Olympic medal and torch design used in the games.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Hosmer Visitor Center (images above) is slated to open across the street from the hotel in May 2026, adding 34,000 sq. ft. of potential meeting space.