Escape to Colorado Springs: Your Perfect Extended Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the, shall we say, unique experience that is "Escape to Colorado Springs: Your Perfect Extended Stay Awaits!" deep breath This ain't your average cookie-cutter hotel review, honey. We're going there.
First, Let's Get Real: The Basics
Okay, so the name is a bit of a promise, right? Escape. Colorado Springs. Extended Stay. Sounds dreamy, doesn't it? Well, let's untangle that dream a little bit. They do have a lot of amenities, which we’ll get to.
Accessibility & Getting Around (Accessibility, Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking): Right off the bat, I wanna say, navigating this beast seems pretty accessible. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" (though specifics are vague – come on, hotels, be specific!). Plus, the convenient stuff is there: airport transfer, free parking (yay!), charging stations, and, bless their hearts, even valet. So, you know, you CAN get around without a crisis.
Cleanliness and Safety (Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms): Now THIS is an area where they're practically shouting, "We CARE!" The COVID-era stuff is everywhere. Hand sanitizer, daily disinfection, anti-viral products…the works. I appreciate the attempt, but it does make you slightly paranoid, right? "Rooms sanitized between stays" – good. Room sanitization opt-out – very good. 24-hour security? Okay, maybe I feel a little safer now. And fire extinguishers and smoke alarms? Well, yeah, that's kinda mandatory, but still reassuring.
Internet Access (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events): Okay, this is where I get a little judgy. "Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms!" – YES! That's a must in 2024, people. The other stuff (LAN, services, Wi-Fi in public areas…) is a bit…meh. Let's face it, you're probably relying on your phone's hotspot if the public Wi-Fi craps out, right? Okay, internet check…
The Meat and Potatoes: What You Really Care About
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant): Oh boy… this is a lot. Restaurants. Bars. Room service. 24/7! That's a selling point for me. The coffee shop and poolside bar are a nice touch, though I imagine the poolside bar can turn into a scene pretty quick. Buffet, a la carte, vegetarian… they seem to cover all the bases. I want to know more about the international cuisine though!
- Anecdote: Okay, so, I'm a total soup fiend. ALWAYS order the soup, no matter what, and I found myself in the dining hall staring at the "Soup in Restaurant" section. Turns out, the soup that day was… meh. But hey, that's life.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Terrace): Okay, this is where it gets interesting! They DO have a lot. A pool with a view? Sounds divine. A sauna? Yes, please! And a fitness center? Okay, fine, maybe I'll attempt a workout after being stuffed to my stomach with buffets. The spa is a definite draw, especially after that soup incident.
- Quirky Observation: I'm picturing myself after a massage, floating around that pool with a view. Pure bliss. Then I get back to the reality of work and need to send someone an email. Reality check, people!
Rooms (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens): Okay, this is probably the most important part, and the list is long. Air-con, check. Blackout curtains, thank GOD. Coffee maker, ABSOLUTELY essential. Extra long bed? YES! A sofa? I'm already picturing myself sprawled out with snacks watching on-demand movies (that's a yes, also). And the mini bar? I'm a sucker for a mini bar. I'm sensing this is a place you could really hunker down and be comfortable – even if it's for an extended stay.
Services and Conveniences (Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center): This is the stuff that makes life easier. Contactless check-in/out is a HUGE win, especially these days. Daily housekeeping? Thank you, Jesus. Laundry service, absolutely necessary for an extended stay. A convenience store? Score! Oh and they have a doorman? Very fancy.
For the Kids (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal): Family with children? Babysitting services are available! They claim to be family-friendly. I feel like the whole thing could be too much, but the swimming pool and other accommodations could work well.
The Verdict: Is It an Escape?
Okay, let's be honest. "Escape to Colorado Springs" has the potential to be a comfortable, even luxurious, extended stay. The amenities are plentiful, especially in the relaxation department. The cleanliness and safety measures are reassuring. The rooms sound lovely. It's not perfect, and I have a few quirks, but overall, I'm getting the feeling that it's a good place to stay.
Here's My Unsolicited Advice & A "Book Now!" Offer (Because, Why Not?)
Okay, here's the deal. "Escape to Colorado Springs" could definitely use a little more personality in their marketing. Don't just list amenities; sell me a dream!
My Offer to You (Yes, YOU!)
To really give you a run for your money, I would go for the "Extended Stay Getaway Package." Seriously. That way, you get to experience the spa, the pool (with a view! Seriously!), the room service, and the convenience of a long-term stay. Book now through my link, and I'll throw in a complimentary bottle of wine and a free extra day or two – just to make sure you really escape! wink
Final Thoughts: "Escape to Colorado Springs" has some definite potential. Don't expect perfection, but do expect a comfy and fairly luxurious extended stay. It's not a bad bet for your next trip!
SEO Keywords (Just in case): Colorado Springs hotels | Extended stay hotel | Spa resort Colorado | Pool with a view |
Faro's Hidden Gem: Private Tennis & Golf Getaway (Luxury Vacation!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is real life in Colorado Springs, Extended Stay America-style. Prepare for some chaos, questionable decisions, existential dread over lukewarm coffee, and, hopefully, some damn good times.
Extended Stay America - Colorado Springs West: A Clusterf*ck of Joy (and Questionable Breakfast Choices)
Day 1: Arrival and Resignation to the Beige
- Time: Let's be honest, probably sometime after noon. Flights, traffic, baggage claim…it's all a blur.
- Event: Arrive at Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Try not to judge the tiny airport too harshly. It's got character, in a "we're trying our best with what we have" kind of way. Pick up the rental car – hopefully, it's not a terrifying minivan.
- Transportation: Rental car (pray it works).
- Emotional Response: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief at finally being off the plane. Followed by a growing sense of dread as I realize I'm in a new city and have to navigate.
- Checkpoint: Head to Extended Stay America. Check in. Greet the nice person at the front desk, who probably hears "I'm here for a long stay" way too often.
- Quirky Observation: The elevator smells faintly of stale pizza and ambition.
- Messy Entry: Okay, the room…it's beige. So much beige. Beige walls, beige carpet, beige furnishings. Is this a budget hotel, or a beige waiting room for the abyss? Okay I'm fine. I'm good. It's fine. Okay. I'll unpack.
- Evening: Unpack. Immediately search for the closest grocery store. This is key. Extended Stay living is all about the strategic use of a tiny kitchenette and microwave.
- Anecdote: I once tried to cook a gourmet meal in an Extended Stay kitchenette. Let's just say, the fire alarm went off, the smoke detectors were really sensitive, and the only thing that survived was a package of ramen.
- Opinion: Seriously though, the microwave is the unsung hero of the budget traveler.
- Chill Out: Order something from a delivery service and watch some trashy reality TV on the tube.
Day 2: Garden of the Gods & Trail Mishaps (and a near-religious experience)
- Morning: Wake up to the glorious smell of… instant coffee from the hotel. Sigh. Head to the Garden of the Gods.
- Event: Garden of the Gods. This place is actually pretty breathtaking. Those red rock formations are stunning. Spend some time hiking - BUT! - DON'T overestimate your fitness level. I did.
- Transportation: The rental car.
- Emotional Response: Initially, awe and Instagram-worthy happiness. Then, after a few miles of rocky terrains, a gradual shift to "Dear God, my legs are going to fall off."
- Checkpoint: Find a trail that looked relatively easy ("balanced rock trail" says the map). I decided to take the trail. The trail, however, was not easy.
- Quirky Observation: The tourists looked happy, which made me feel so bad as I struggled like an old man.
- Messy Entry: Trail, rocky trail, uneven terrain, a slight incline. "Short and easy," the map lied. I was wearing my stylish yet impractical ankle boots that look great, yet terrible for the hike. Near the top, I felt my lungs scream, "ENOUGH!" I considered turning back. I considered giving up.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Sweat, regret, and a surprisingly strong urge to cry. Okay, maybe that was just the altitude. But then…then I reached the top. And it was… glorious. The view! The expanse! The sheer beauty of it all. I actually felt a little choked up. It was almost a religious experience! (Almost, because my boots were still killing me).
- Afternoon: Pizza to reward myself. Post-hike pizza is practically a religious obligation. I found a pizza restaurant with a really, really bad review but the food was actually great.
- Anecdote: Never trust online reviews completely. Especially, if the restaurant has less than 100 reviews.
- Evening: Back to the beige embrace of the hotel. Wine and more trashy TV. Possibly binge-watch a show I wouldn't normally watch.
Day 3: Pikes Peak and the Unexpected (And maybe a bit of a meltdown)
- Morning: A renewed sense of dread (and potential altitude sickness) as I contemplate Pikes Peak. Should I really do it? Is it a good idea to drive up there? The answer is yes/no.
- Event: Attempt to drive up Pikes Peak ("Attempt" is the key word here). The road is terrifying.
- Transportation: Rental car (bless its little heart).
- Emotional Response: Excitement mixed with abject terror.
- Checkpoint: The road up Pikes Peak is a winding, high-altitude, cliff-hugging nightmare. There's a point where you're pretty sure the car is going to roll off the mountain.
- Quirky Observation: The air gets thinner. The cars are old.
- Messy Entry: About halfway up, the car's engine starts to sputter. "Oh, perfect," I mutter. Of course, my car will fail me when I'm in the middle of a mountain. I pull over. And I start to panic.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Anger, fear, self-pity, and a sudden, overwhelming desire to eat a whole bag of gummy bears.
- Rambling: This is when things get…messy. I call roadside assistance. I wait. I stare at the mountain, feeling utterly, completely alone. The gummy bears are gone. Am I even enjoying myself? Am I having a good time? Why am I here? Who am I? This is a philosophical moment of existential crisis.
- Opinion: Never underestimate the power of a bad car.
- The Payoff (Hopefully): When my car is fixed, and decide to give another try, and decide to go up again. (Maybe I am a glutton for punishment.) The view from the top of Pikes Peak, if I make it, is supposed to be amazing. If not, well there is the next day, in a comfortable, spacious Extended Stay hotel room.
- Evening: I need to relax. If I make it there, celebrate. If I don't, comfort myself with pizza and trashy TV.
Day 4: Rest, Recuperation, and Re-evaluating My Life Choices
- Morning: Sleep in. The body needs it after the mountain climbing, altitude sickness, and car troubles. Have a terrible breakfast at the hotel or grab something at the store.
- Event: Rest. Get. Sleep. Think.
- Transportation: Feet.
- Emotional Response: Contentment, hope, exhaustion.
- Checkpoint: I might need a massage. Or a nap. Or both!
- Quirky Observation: The vending machine probably hasn't been restocked since the Clinton administration but the vending machines always have a surprisingly decent selection of junk food.
- Messy Entry: This is the day for introspection. Did I need to go to those places? Travel is good, but not if it is all the time. Maybe this trip isn't exactly what I thought it would be, but it's still a trip, and I'm still alive.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: A sense of relief. Okay.
- Afternoon: Watch the reality show. Read a book. Write about the trip so far (because it's therapy, right?).
- Evening: Back to the pizza and trashy TV. It's okay to feel a bit lost. Pizza helps with that.
- Anecdote: I once tried to plan a perfect trip. It didn't happen. And you know what, it was better that way.
- Opinion: Extended Stay is not a bad spot to have a vacation.
Day 5: Departure (and a promise to return)
- Time: Whenever the flight calls.
- Event: Check out of Extended Stay America. Return the rental car. Head to the airport.
- Transportation: Rental car (hopefully I didn't damage it too badly).
- Emotional Response: Sadness, but happy to be heading home.
- Checkpoint: One last look at Pikes Peak…from a safe distance.
- Quirky Observation: I will probably never forget this trip.
- Messy Entry: The trip taught me something. And I will never forget this.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: A sense of having gone through something.
- Final Thoughts: Extended Stay America, you were my budget friendly, beige-walled refuge. Colorado Springs, you were beautiful and terrifying. I will be back, and this time, I'm wearing hiking boots.
- Opinion: Colorado Springs, you're worth the effort.
Escape to Colorado Springs: Your (Maybe Perfect?) Extended Stay Awaits! (If You Can Handle the Altitude...)
So, what *exactly* is this "Extended Stay" thing everyone's yapping about? And why Colorado Springs?
Okay, picture this: You need to be in Colorado Springs. Maybe for work, maybe because your weird Aunt Mildred is finally getting that hip replacement, or maybe you just *really* need a dose of mountain air and don't want to be tied to a hotel for weeks. That's where Extended Stay comes in. They're basically apartments, but with all the (sometimes) questionable perks of a hotel. And why Colorado freaking Springs? Honestly? It's cheaper than Boulder. (Don't tell anyone I said that. Boulder people are REALLY precious.) Plus, Pikes Peak. And the Garden of the Gods. And... well, we'll get to why I almost choked on a granola bar there later. This whole thing is less about absolute "perfection" and more about... surviving. Let's be real, it's an extended stay, not a spa retreat.
Are the rooms, like, livable? I'm not trying to live in a shoebox.
Livable is the operative word here. Look, they're not the Four Seasons. You're going to get a kitchenette – usually with a refrigerator that hums like a disgruntled walrus. Mine had a microwave that could probably cook a small animal (though I wouldn't recommend it). The beds? Well, let's just say I invested in a memory foam topper. And the decor? Think beige. Lots and lots of beige. But hey, you've got space! Sometimes. Sometimes the space feels like a giant, echoing void of loneliness. Other times? A cozy retreat. It really depends on your outlook, and how much you've consumed… coffee.
What's the wifi situation? Because, ya know, internet = life.
Oh, the wifi. A true adventure. One day it's blazing fast, letting you download entire seasons of your favorite show in minutes. The next? You're staring at the buffering wheel, contemplating your life choices, and maybe considering a return to the days of dial-up. (Shudders.) Honestly, it's a crapshoot. Pack a hotspot. Or, you know, learn to appreciate the art of staring blankly into space. Meditation is free, right? And you KNOW I needed it.
Housekeeping? Does that happen? Because I'm not exactly a cleaning fiend.
Yes! And no! Generally, they do a weekly cleaning, which is fantastic. Because let me tell you, after a week of living off takeout and questionable life choices, scrubbing a toilet is the last thing I want to do. However, you might need to beg and plead. My first week? I swear, a rogue dust bunny was plotting my demise. And the toiletries? Bring your own. The hotel-provided stuff is... well, let's just say it leaves something to be desired. I almost cried when I realised I’d forgotten my fancy shampoo. Almost. I'm a rugged individual.
Can I bring my pet? Because my fluffy friend is basically family.
Check the specific location. Some have a "pet-friendly" policy, which usually translates to "pet-tolerate" with some extra fees. Make sure you read the fine print. Also, prepare for the judgmental stares from the lady in the lobby with the perfectly coiffed poodle. Seriously, some people… And the barking! Oh, the barking! But yeah. Maybe. Call ahead. And bribe the desk clerk with chocolate. Works wonders, trust me.
What's the deal with laundry? I have clothes, and they need to be washed.
Laundry is pretty much an adventure, much like everything else. Most extended stays have laundry rooms, which is brilliant. Usually. It can be a shared space, and the machines may or may not work. It may or may not take all your quarters. I once met a woman there wrestling with a dryer that sounded like a dying robot. We bonded. We commisserated. I can't remember what we talked about, only that we were united in our dryer-induced frustration. So yeah, learn the location of the nearest laundromat. Just sayin'. Seriously, bring a book.
Okay, what about food? Kitchenette or not, I need to eat. Is there a complimentary breakfast situation?
Breakfast? Maybe. Probably. And probably, it'll be the standard continental fare: cereal, sometimes oatmeal, and definitely a mountain of those sad, pre-packaged pastries. Coffee is often the lifeblood. My advice? Stock up at the grocery store. Get yourself some good coffee and a decent toaster. You'll be much happier. And the kitchenette? It's your best friend, even if that best friend is a little… temperamental. My first week, I was feeling ambitious and decided to make avocado toast. Disaster! The avocado was rock hard, and the toaster… let's just say I nearly set off the smoke alarm. In the end I ate half a box of granola and cried. True story. But hey, the grocery stores in Colorado Springs are actually pretty decent. Get yourself some cheese. You'll need it.
What's the coolest thing to do in Colorado Springs when I'm not stuck in my room?
Okay, this is where it gets good! The Garden of the Gods is a MUST. Seriously. The red rock formations are stunning. They’re almost unreal. But, and this is a big BUT, DON'T make the same mistake I did. I went for a hike, packed a granola bar, and got totally unprepared for the elevation. I was gasping for air, feeling dizzy, and convinced I was going to die of a granola-induced heart attack. I mean, it was dramatic. I was basically a mountain goat collapsing dramatically on a rock. Take it easy! Hydrate! Don't underestimate the altitude! Otherwise, there's Pikes Peak – breathtaking views (if you survive the drive), and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fantastic, even for grumpy adults like myself. And there are a ton of breweries and restaurants. Just, you know, pace yourself. And maybe skip the extreme hikes the first few days. Trust me on that.
Any tips for surviving an extended stay in Colorado Springs?
* **Pack your patience.** You'll need it. * **Embrace the routine:** Even if it's as simple as making coffee on the same schedule. * **Get out!** Seriously. Explore Colorado Springs. Don't just sit in your room, staring at the beige walls. * **Make friends (or at least, acquaintances).** It can get lonely. Especially when the wifi goes out. Cheap Hotel Search
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