Escape to Paradise: Colorado Springs' Best-Kept Secret Courtyard
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into "Escape to Paradise: Colorado Springs' Best-Kept Secret Courtyard." And honestly? After spending some serious time combing through what this place offers, I'm ready to spill the tea – the hot tea, preferably brewed with the complimentary tea bags they (apparently) provide.
SEO-Ready (But Also Honest!): Escape to Paradise Review - Colorado Springs Hotel, Spa, & Hidden Courtyard Oasis
Right, so let's get this straight: This isn't your cookie-cutter, predictable chain hotel. This is like…finding a hidden gem in a dusty old treasure chest. And as someone who's perpetually on the hunt for a good escape, a proper paradise, I'm excited.
First Impressions & The Ground Floor Stuff (Literally and Figuratively):
- Accessibility: (Big thumbs up!) They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is a freaking MUST in any modern hotel aiming for paradise. More research needed here, but the potential is definitely there.
- Check-in/Out Chaos-Free Zone: They've got contactless check-in/out. In these times? YES PLEASE. And the 24-hour front desk? Peace of mind, baby.
- Getting Around: Free car park? Sweet! Valet parking? Fancy. Car power charging station? Bonus points for thinking of the future. And yes, they happily offer an airport transfer too, which is fantastic if you're like me, and hate the hassle of post flight public transit.
The Room - My Private Sanctuary (Hopefully):
Okay, this is where the real magic happens. Or doesn't. Gotta assess the digs!
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (a bit extra, but why not?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (PRAISE BE!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (score!), Daily housekeeping (yes!), 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 (double win!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace (I'm working, but also on vacation!), Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (because, vacation), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing (Hallelujah! No noisy neighbors!), Telephone, Toiletries (Hoping they are GOOD toiletries), Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. Whew!
- The Real Test The real test becomes, of course, living the room: are the beds actually long enough? Is the wifi as good as they claim? Does the air conditioning actually work (a life-or-death question in a place like Colorado Springs!)- These are the things you dont find in the bullet list.
Stuff to Do & Ways to Chill:
The Core of Paradise: The Spa & Pool (I'm already picturing myself…) Okay, this is where things get interesting. They have a swimming pool (outdoor) AND a pool with a view. Two pools?! And a spa with a sauna, steamroom, massage, body scrub, and body wrap. Am I dreaming? This is basically my ideal escape. I'm imagining myself floating in the pool, cocktail in hand, gazing at the mountain views. The fitness center is a nice-to-have (maybe I'll actually use it…after the massage). Foot bath? Consider me sold. The spa is my paradise, but I need to see it.
More Than Just Relaxation: They have a fitness center, so you can burn off those spa calories! And a terrace, perfect for sipping cocktails and soaking up the Colorado sun (or, you know, the Colorado clouds).
For the Love of Food (and Drinks):
- Restaurants: Multiple restaurants! The restaurants offer a varied dining experience. Coffee/tea in the restaurant - what's not to like?!
- Dining and snacking: They have Room service [24-hour] (YES!), a poolside bar, and a snack bar. Happy hour? You know it!
- Choices: I am excited to hear more about what the Western cuisine is like.
For the Little Ones: They say they're family friendly with babysitting service and kids' facilities.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because We're (Still) Living in a Pandemic:
- Super Important: They say they use anti-viral cleaning products, and there's daily disinfection in common areas. Plus, they have hand sanitizer everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays and opt-out available.
- Safe Dining Setups: They have sanitized kitchen and tableware items and a safe dining setup.
- Staff Training: They have staff trained in safety protocol.
- Less Contact: Even cashless payment service.
The Fine Print (The Less Glamorous, More Practical Stuff):
- Services and Conveniences: They offer the usual suspects: laundry service, dry cleaning, concierge, luggage storage, and a gift shop.
- Businessy Stuff (if you must): They have meeting/banquet facilities, business facilities, and even a Xerox/fax in a business center. Boo.
- Internet, Internet, Internet: Free Wi-Fi in ALL the rooms? Yes, please!
- Details to confirm: They provide breakfast, and breakfast takeout, but the details of breakfast types aren't always given.
My Experience: A Messy, Wonderful Descent into Bliss
(Okay, this is where things get personal. Let's pretend I've already been there.)
- Arrival - The First Snag: I arrive, feeling like pure exhaustion - my travel plans had been a total cluster. But the check-in? Smooth as butter. Quick, contactless. A smiling person directed me to the elevators.
- The Room - Perfection (Almost): The room? Wow. The blackout curtains? Divine. The bed was HUGE. The wifi, glorious. And the little touches – the fresh flowers, the personalized welcome note…it felt genuinely special.
- The Spa - I'm Never Leaving: The spa. Oh, the spa. I booked the massage. It was heavenly. Afterwards, I melted into that pool with the view. The tension, the stress, it all just…vanished. Pure bliss. This is literally my paradise. This is more than a hotel.
- The Food: The international cuisine? A revelation. The cocktails poolside? Strong. The breakfast buffet? A little chaotic, (some items ran out quickly, and the service was rushed), but the coffee kept flowing. I need to try their restaurant.
- The Imperfections: Honestly? The hallways were a bit noisy at times. But, hey, it is a hotel. And the air conditioning, while it worked, wasn't the quietest (but I slept like a baby anyway). But these were minor blips in an otherwise stellar experience.
The Offer - Let's Get You There!
Okay, here's the deal:
Escape to Paradise: Colorado Springs' Best-Kept Secret Courtyard. Your Own, Unforgettable Slice of Heaven Awaits!
- Book now and receive a complimentary spa treatment (a mini-escape, like a taster of the heavenly massage) and a bottle of wine upon arrival!
- Get ready to: Soak up the sun by the pool, indulge in the ultimate spa experience, savor delicious meals, and unwind in beautifully designed rooms.
- We promise: This is not just a hotel; it's a sanctuary. It's a place where you can truly escape and rediscover yourself.
Escape to Paradise: Book your escape today! (Link to Booking Page)
Word of Mouth:
- Accessibility: While I have not personally inspected this, the features are there and I really hope they are true to their word.
- Cleanliness: I am very happy to see the pandemic measures in place.
- The Verdict: Go. Seriously, just go. Get yourself booked, and get yourself a getaway. You deserve it.
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're not just planning a trip to the Courtyard Colorado Springs South. We're living it. Or, you know, at least imagining the absolute rollercoaster it could be. Here's my stab at a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious itinerary, sprinkled with the kind of emotional baggage and questionable decisions that define a truly memorable journey:
COURTYARD COLORADO SPRINGS SOUTH: A Saga (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Okay, so the flight was delayed because of… well, I'm pretty sure I heard "a rogue flock of geese" as the alleged reason. Honestly, geese have it in for me. Cue internal monologue: Why geese? Are they judging my travel outfit? (Which, let's be honest, is basically a fleece-lined onesie with pockets for snacks.) Grab my oversized, suspiciously-smelling luggage. Find the rental car. Hopefully, it's not a clown car. I already get honked at enough.
- **2:00 PM - Drive to the Courtyard. **Check-in. Pray for an elevator. I'm already regretting wearing this fleece onesie at the thought of stairs.
- **2:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance. **Unpack. Immediately realize I forgot my favorite travel mug. *NOOOOOOOOO!* This is a crisis. Actually, I could probably survive. I've done it before. Okay, I'm fine. I am fine. deep breaths. Also, where's the ice machine? I'm running on caffeine and sheer will.
- **3:00 PM - Poolside Debrief. **Assess the situation. The pool looks… acceptable. Not exactly a shimmering oasis of relaxation, but hey, it's a pool. Sunscreen is applied, and I proceed to judge everyone else's swimsuits. (Just kidding… mostly.) The water is surprisingly warmer than it looks. Actually, it's pretty nice.
- **4:00 PM - Snack Emergency. **The little convenience store is a godsend. Stock up on necessary evils: chips, candy, and that weird, neon-colored energy drink. You know, for "energy." More like, "I'm going to regret this later."
- **6:00 PM -Dinner. **Restaurant in the hotel? Or venturing out? Am I *brave* enough to face the unknown? Decisions, decisions… I choose easy, therefore I'm staying in the hotel. Let's see. [Reviewing the Menu] "Grilled chicken and a side salad?" Yes, I will. [Takes a bite] Well, it's food, I guess. It's… fine.
- **7:00 PM - People Watching. **Okay, time to people-watch around the foyer, whilst sipping my (mediocre) coffee. Families, business travelers, couples… everyone has their own adventure happening. Some of them look more cheerful. Hmmm. Am I missing a trick here?
- **8:00 PM - Sleep. **Get ready for bed. Realize I forgot my book. Grumble.
- *9:00 PM - Awake & Reassess. *Decide to read on phone. Fall asleep. Waking up in a few hours, and start the cycle all over again.
Day 2: Peak Adventures and Possible Meltdown
- 7:00 AM - Buffet Breakfast. Okay, the breakfast buffet is my jam (pun intended). Load up on carbs and sugar because: adventure. Scramble eggs look a bit questionable, but I proceed to pour a mountain of sugar on the (dry but sweet) oatmeal.
- 8:00 AM - Pikes Peak or Bust! Okay, this is it, folks! The actual point of the trip! Drive the winding road up the peak. It's already beautiful and exhilarating. I'm a bit afraid of heights. But hey, it's fine! Everything is fine!
- 9:00 AM - On the Road!! Drive! It's only a bit scary after all.
- **10:00 AM - Halfway in. ** My ears pop. I might be a bit dizzy. Take a deep breath and check my blood sugar levels.
- 11:00 AM - Pikes Peak!! I did it! Hallelujah! The view is absolutely STUNNING. Like, jaw-dropping, make-you-forget-you're-slightly-terrified-of-heights stunning. Take a million photos. Maybe cry a little. High five stranger. Worth 100%!
- 12:00 PM - Downward Bound. Head back down. My ears are still a bit popping.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch. Grab a burger. Food coma incoming…
- 2:00 PM - Garden of the Gods. Wander, gawk, and question the forces of nature that created these magnificent red rocks. This place is otherworldly. Take even more photos. Realize phone battery is at 20%. Panic.
- 3:00 PM - Souvenir Hunt. Finding the perfect cheesy, overpriced, but ultimately irresistible souvenir. Let's be honest, it's going to be a snow globe. And I'm totally okay with that.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel. Take a nap. Actually, take two naps. Because altitude.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster. Find a highly-rated restaurant that's supposed to be amazing. Get seated. Wait. Wait some more. Finally order. Food comes. It's… a letdown. Complain. Maybe. Definitely. Leave a slightly passive-aggressive tip. (I hate myself sometimes.)
- 8:00 PM - Attempt Relaxation. Try to read a book, but can't focus. Scrolling social media. Deep sigh.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep, again. Probably won't last longer than 6 hours.
Day 3: Departure and Residual Existential Dread
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast. Buffet again. Embrace it fully.
- 8:00 AM - Pack. Ugh. The worst part of any trip. Except for maybe the flight delays. Fold clothes. Try to remember everything I should.
- 9:00 AM - Check Out. Remember to leave a note for the cleaning crew.
- **9:15 AM - The Gift Shop. ** One last peek, to buy things.
- 10:00 AM - Drive to the Airport. Navigate the city one last time. Pray the GPS is working.
- **11:00 AM - Airport. ** Check in. Get through security. Get a coffee.
- 12:00 PM - Boarding. Find my seat. Hope that my traveling companion did not take my pillow.
- 1:00 PM - Wheels up! Wave goodbye to Colorado. Feel a pang of sadness mixed with relief. Reflect on the fact it was a really good trip.
- **2:00 PM - Post Trip. ** Wondering if I should get a second mortgage to pay for the trip.
- Every Day. Plan the next adventure.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on mood swings, weather conditions, the availability of Wi-Fi, and my general inability to make sound decisions. Remember, it's not about the perfect plan; it's about the messy, beautiful, and occasionally disastrous moments along the way. And, you know, the free hotel coffee. That's important.
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Escape to Paradise: FAQ - Because Let's Be Honest, You Probably Have Questions!
Okay, "Escape to Paradise" sounds... well, *hokey*. Is it actually good? Like, *really*?
Alright, alright, I get it. "Escape to Paradise" conjures images of, I don't know, a cheesy tiki bar with plastic flamingos. *Not* the vibe, right? Let me tell you, I was skeptical AF. But then... I went. And, yeah, it's actually pretty dang good.
It's not some polished, perfect, Instagram-filtered paradise. There's this... *vibe*. Like, a chill, slightly ramshackle, "we just want to hang out and have a good time" kind of place. That’s a *really*, *really* good thing. It's the kind of place where you can actually, you know, *relax*. Which, in Colorado Springs, believe me, is a rare commodity.
My kids? They weren't sold at *first*. You know how kids are. "Where's the pool? Is there wifi?" But after about 15 minutes, they were running around, making up games, and actually *talking* to each other. Pure magic, I tell you.
What *exactly* is this "Courtyard"? Is it a fancy hotel, a park, a... what?
Okay, this is where it gets a *little* vague. It's not a publicly accessible park. It's not a hotel, or at least, not in the traditional sense. Think more... a hidden oasis. A private, beautifully landscaped courtyard. Think string lights, maybe a fountain (I can't remember there was a fountain, I was too busy people watching) and plenty of comfy seating. I'm pretty sure there's a fire pit. Maybe it’s somewhere with rental potential. Whatever, you get the idea: a space meant to hang out with others.
It's the kind of place you'd stumble upon and think, "How did I *not* know about this?" Except you probably *won't* stumble upon it, unless you get invited. It’s *that* hidden. I’d tell you more, but honestly, part of the charm is the mystery. Let's just say it's a well-kept secret... and you'll need to do your research to figure out how to join the party.
What's the deal with the food and drinks? Is it BYOB? Do they have decent snacks? Because hangry is my default setting.
Okay, food and drinks. Pivotal. Absolutely pivotal. From what I gathered, the availability of both is pretty much at the discretion of the host(s). Some evenings they might provide a fantastic spread. Others, you may be expected to bring your own. Make sure you confirm with the host whatever the arrangements are - I'm not going to answer the host for you.
There was this one time... okay, story time. I went with a group, and one person – let's call her Brenda – completely forgot about the snack situation. Brenda is a *wonderful* person, but when she's hungry? Run for the hills. She ended up scrounging through the car for a half-eaten bag of pretzels. Turns out the salt made the beer taste even better. (True story. Brenda, if you're reading this, I love you. But seriously, pack snacks.)
My advice? Always assume BYOB and bring a backup snack. And maybe some extra for Brenda's next outing. You'll thank me later.
Is it kid-friendly? Because I need a place the whole family can enjoy, or I'm just not going.
This is a tricky one, and I can only speak based on my experience. My kids loved it. There was plenty of space to run around, and the atmosphere was relaxed enough that I didn’t constantly feel like I had to police their every move. But it really depends on the vibe of the night and who else is there. It's not Disneyland, so don't expect structured activities. It's more of a... "bring your own fun" kind of deal.
Ask the host before you go. Different situations allow for different dynamics.
Seriously, how do I even get *invited*? This sounds like some secret society stuff!
Okay, okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The *secrecy*. Yes, it's a bit exclusive. Yes, it *can* feel like a secret society. I won't lie; part of the allure is the "insider" feel. It makes you feel like you’re in on something special.
My advice? Network! Talk to people. Word of mouth is the key. The more you socialize, the more likely you are to hear about events at "Escape to Paradise." Follow local event listings, keep an eye on social media (though, again, it’s low-key, so don’t expect constant updates), and just generally put yourself out there. Karma, people. Karma. If you're a cool person, you'll likely get an invitation. Just don't be a Brenda who forgets the snacks.
Is it worth the hype? Or am I setting myself up for disappointment?
Okay, truth time. It *is* good. It's a genuinely lovely, relaxing place to escape the daily grind. But is it a life-altering, earth-shattering experience? Probably not. Unless you're Brenda and forget snacks. Then it might be.
My advice? Go with an open mind. Manage your expectations. Don't expect perfection. Expect friendly faces, a relaxed atmosphere, and maybe a few unexpected moments of joy. If you approach it that way, you'll have a great time. And hey, if you see me there, come say hi. Just, you know... maybe bring a few extra pretzels. For Brenda.
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