CLARION HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado Springs

Downtown's shops, restaurants and pubs are close at hand, and Old Colorado City is a short trip away. The hotel sits right off the interstate, so Garden of the Gods and mountain routes are easy to reach by car. The immediate block has a visible homeless presence; plan evening outings accordingly. A car rental desk is on site for independent travel.

The building is older, with dated decor and compact bathrooms in places; beds and pillows are generally comfortable. Upper-floor rooms get better natural light and views, while some ground-floor rooms feel dark and open onto the central courtyard, where tables and chairs sit just outside the sliding doors. In-room extras include a fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Soundproofing between floors and hallways is limited, so footstep and hallway noise can travel; rooms facing the courtyard have less street noise. Some maintenance issues have involved heating and air conditioning, hot-water supply, shower pressure and electrical outlets.

The breakfast buffet is the strongest meal of the stay, with eggs, bacon, make-your-own waffles, oatmeal, fruit, cereal and pastries, plus a selection that suits lighter or restricted diets. There is no full-service restaurant on site; room service is arranged through an outside provider. For other meals, Spice Island Grill and The Pita Pit are 0.5 km away, and Antlers Grille and Sportivo Primo are 1 km away.

The pool and hot tub are generally well-used; water temperature and chlorine levels have varied, and pool towels are not always stocked, so pick up extras at the front desk before heading to the pool. The fitness centre includes an elliptical, two treadmills, an exercise bike and a weight machine. The courtyard has tables and chairs, and some rooms open directly onto it through sliding doors, making it an easy spot for fresh air between activities.

Business needs are covered by a business centre with computers; fax and photocopying are available at an extra cost, and meeting and banquet facilities can be arranged for an additional fee. Daily housekeeping is included, but service timing can run late; request supplies or an earlier service at the front desk if needed. Laundry and dry cleaning carry an extra charge. The lift is positioned at the rear of the building, so the layout is not fully mobility-friendly.