Overview
by Amanda Geronikos
If you’re looking for a value-packed, budget-friendly hotel in Colorado Springs, The Academy Hotel is your match.
The 200-room hotel, a former BEST WESTERN and Sheraton, still provides the amenities of a chain property — free breakfast, am onsite restaurant, an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi — but this time with a family touch. The family-owned and operated Colorado Springs hotel now features Family Suites, plus pet-friendly accommodations and a staff that makes you feel as though you’re part of their family — exactly what a family-friendly hotel should be.
When it’s time to explore the area, you’ll be happy to know The Academy Hotel is located near an endless amount of restaurants and things to do in Colorado Springs — Pikes Peak (you can even see the famous mountain range from select guestrooms), Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City Historic District, and more. It’s also near the U.S. Air Force Academy — hence the name.
Our Editor Loves
- Family Suites
- Indoor swimming pool
- Complimentary breakfast
Family Interests
- Museum/Cultural
Family Amenities
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- Family Room 5+
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
The Academy Hotel has 200 guestrooms, all of which are equipped with mini-fridges, coffeemakers and microwaves, plus flat-screen TVs. Most of the rooms have shower/tub combinations.
Cribs are available at no additional charge, and rollaway beds are available for $10 per night. Some rooms have connecting capabilities; request in advance.
Leisure
The hotel's most basic accommodation options, Leisure Rooms come with one king bed or two queens, and in-room amenities include a 32-inch, flat-screen TV.
These units, which overlook the parking lot/highway, are located on the first and second floors; note that second floor rooms are only reachable via stairs.
Executive Tower
Executive Tower Rooms feature better views and enhanced amenities, such as 50-inch, flat-screen TVs and gel foam mattresses. They are equipped with one king bed or two queens.
Mountain View Dream Rooms
While the vistas from the premium Mountain View Dream Rooms are slightly obstructed, you and the kids will be able to spot world-famous Pikes Peak in the distance. Located on the fourth floor, the Mountain View Dream Rooms come with one king or two queen beds, and like the Executive Tower Rooms, also feature gel foam mattresses.
Family Suites
Each Family Suite features a private bedroom with a king bed and flat-screen TV for parents, and a living area with a sofa bed and TV for the kids, allowing everyone their space after a day spent exploring Colorado Springs.
Jacuzzi Suites
While the Jacuzzi Suites are most popular for couples, they can accommodate a family of four with a king bed and a sleeper sofa in the open living area.
Reviews
by Terri P
The Academy Inn is a well maintained older hotel located next to a major freeway. No road noise was heard however at night The beds were clean and comfortable and there was a nice TV. The lobby is very rustic and inviting. There is a gas fireplace with seating around it. The pool is indoor and the main dining area is nearby as well. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Over all a nice hotel that I would recommend
by 552KarenD552
I returned here with one brother to help our other brother move into assisted living. We knew emotionally the process was going to be challenging and also we would have a lot of time to ourselves. For these reasons, a lower-priced motel for two weeks wasn’t going to work. We had stayed here last year and really enjoyed ourselves, so we decided to spend a bit extra and book there again. The problem was that we had to make the plan last minute and Trip Advisor listed it as full. I called the hotel directly, and after some effort they made it possible for us to stay if we were agreeable to changing rooms a few times. Once there they worked with the schedule and made the moving less and easier. Coleen behind the desk was a huge help and extra supportive of our upset over the issues with our brother...she helped keep our spirits up! It had a great breakfast buffet, decent restaurant (really liked the nachos) and good happy hour. It’s perfectly-located for any shopping and hopping on Rt 25 South for the quick trip to the center of Colorado Springs. I love the ski lodge atmosphere and it’s fun having the pool table and swimming pool, although I wished the water had been warmer. We would stay there again!
Family Activities
Pool and Hot Tub
The hotel's indoor swimming pool, located next to the lobby and restaurant, is open 24 hours for those over the age of 18. Children under 18 are permitted at the pool between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
The hotel also has an outdoor hot tub, located in its courtyard. It is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Games
The hotel has Ping-Pong, Wii, and a pool table, and board games can be rented at the front desk -- perfect for a rainy afternoon or when it's time for a break from sightseeing in Colorado Springs.
Family Dining
Complimentary Breakfast
Nightly rates include complimentary breakfast, served 6 to 10 a.m. daily. The extensive selection includes eggs, made-to-order omelettes, waffles, bacon, sausage, hot and cold cereals, fruit and pastries. Juice, coffee and tea are also served.
Falcon's Bar & Grill
The onsite restaurant serves standard favorites for lunch and dinner, such as burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. It also features a Prime Rib Dinner Special nightly, beginning at 5 p.m. It's open until 10.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided at The Academy Hotel.
Pets
Pets (maximum of two) are permitted in select rooms. The first pet stays free, and the second pet is only $10 per night.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 4 p.m., with check-out at 11 a.m.
The Art of Smart Timing
Colorado Springs and The Academy Hotel are most popular with visitors during the summer. A late-spring or early-fall getaway with kids shouldn't be overlooked, though; during these times, it's easy to find rates under $100 per night at The Academy Hotel.
Getting There
Colorado Springs has its own regional airport! Consider flying there if able; otherwise, Denver International Airport, about 1.5 hours away, is your next best bet.
Getting Around
You'll want a car to get around Colorado Springs and nearby Manitou Springs.
Conveniently, the hotel provides free parking.
For Mom and Dad
Sneak downstairs to Falcon's Bar & Grill for a cocktail. Or, if you have a built-in babysitter traveling with your family, head into the Old Colorado City Historic District (just a few minutes away) for date night.