Spend The Night In An Enchanting Castle Hotel In Colorado

Colorado holds many surprises, but none quite as magical as sleeping in a real castle. Glen Eyrie Castle offers guests the chance to experience royal treatment without crossing an ocean.

This stunning stone fortress combines Old World charm with Rocky Mountain beauty. Pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure where fairy tales meet the American West.

1. Built By A Railroad Pioneer In 1871

General William Jackson Palmer didn’t just build railroads across America. He created something far more spectacular for his beloved wife.

This Civil War hero and Colorado Springs founder constructed Glen Eyrie as the ultimate love letter in stone. Palmer wanted to give his English bride a taste of home in the rugged Colorado wilderness.

The castle took years to complete, with Palmer importing craftsmen and materials from around the world.

2. English Tudor Style With 67 Magnificent Rooms

Walking through Glen Eyrie feels like stepping into a British period drama. The Tudor architecture features pointed arches, ornate stonework, and towering chimneys that reach toward Colorado’s blue skies.

Sixty-seven rooms spread throughout the castle, each telling its own story. From grand ballrooms to cozy reading nooks, every space showcases incredible attention to detail.

The craftsmanship rivals anything found in actual English castles, proving American builders could match European standards.

3. Owned By The Navigators Christian Organization

The Navigators purchased Glen Eyrie in 1953, transforming it into a retreat center and hotel. This Christian organization maintains the castle’s historical integrity while welcoming guests from all backgrounds.

Their careful stewardship ensures every visitor experiences the castle’s original grandeur. The staff treats each guest like royalty, regardless of religious affiliation.

Thanks to their dedication, Glen Eyrie remains one of Colorado’s best-preserved historic landmarks for future generations to enjoy.

4. Perfect Location Near Garden Of The Gods

Location, location, location! Glen Eyrie sits just outside Garden of the Gods Park, offering front-row seats to Colorado’s most photographed red rock formations.

Guests wake up to stunning views that change throughout the day. Morning light turns the rocks golden, while sunset paints them deep crimson against the castle’s gray stone walls.

This prime spot means you can explore world-famous landmarks without fighting tourist crowds or hunting for parking spaces.

5. Multiple Accommodation Options Available

Castle rooms book up fast, but don’t panic if they’re full! Glen Eyrie offers several lodging options across its sprawling property.

Stay in the main castle for the full royal experience, or choose one of the comfortable lodges scattered throughout the grounds. Each building maintains the property’s historic charm while providing modern amenities.

Lodge guests still enjoy full access to castle facilities, hiking trails, and dining options without missing out on the magic.

6. Private Hiking Trails For Overnight Guests

Forget crowded national park trails! Glen Eyrie’s overnight guests get exclusive access to private hiking paths winding through pristine Colorado wilderness.

These trails showcase the region’s natural beauty without the usual tourist stampede. Wildflowers bloom in spring, aspens turn gold in fall, and snow creates winter wonderlands.

The paths range from easy strolls to challenging climbs, ensuring everyone finds their perfect outdoor adventure right outside their castle door.

7. Afternoon Tea And Historical Tours

Channel your inner aristocrat during afternoon tea served in the castle’s elegant music room. Delicate finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and premium teas create an authentically British experience.

Guided tours reveal fascinating stories about General Palmer, his family, and the castle’s colorful history. Professional guides share tales that bring the stone walls to life.

These activities transport guests back to a more gracious era when afternoon tea was serious business and castles were home.

8. Abundant Wildlife Roams The Grounds

Glen Eyrie doubles as an unofficial wildlife sanctuary where Colorado’s native animals feel right at home. Majestic bighorn sheep graze peacefully near the castle walls like living lawn ornaments.

Deer wander through the gardens at dawn and dusk, while wild turkeys strut across the grounds with regal confidence. These creatures seem to understand they’re part of the castle’s royal court.

Guests often spot more wildlife here than in crowded state parks, making every window view a potential nature documentary.

9. Advanced Features For The 1870s Era

General Palmer spared no expense making Glen Eyrie a technological marvel for its time. Twenty-four fireplaces kept the massive castle warm during harsh Colorado winters.

An innovative chimney system prevented smoke problems that plagued most buildings of that era. In-house fire hose stations provided cutting-edge fire protection when most places relied on bucket brigades.

These forward-thinking features prove Palmer built Glen Eyrie to last centuries, not just decades like many frontier buildings.

10. National Historic Landmark Recognition

Glen Eyrie’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places confirms what visitors already know. This castle represents one of America’s most significant architectural achievements.

The official recognition helps preserve the castle for future generations while acknowledging its cultural importance. Federal protection ensures Glen Eyrie will continue enchanting guests for centuries to come.

This prestigious designation puts Glen Eyrie alongside America’s most treasured landmarks, proving Colorado’s wild west had serious style and sophistication.