Final week, we instructed you about an amazing resort for drone pilots this winter. That was the Orlando World Heart Marriott, which is the primary resort to host its personal recurring drone present. However as for a resort that’s nice for drone pilots 12 months spherical? That’s the Resort Polaris, which opened on Nov. 14, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Along with reporting on the drone trade for greater than 10 years, I’ve additionally been a journey reporter. And the Resort Polaris provides a drone-pilot-approved amenity that I’ve by no means seen earlier than within the U.S.: a flight simulator.
In the event you’re a drone fanatic or skilled pilot in search of a resort that caters to your distinctive passions, the newly opened Resort Polaris on the U.S. Air Pressure Academy would possibly simply be your excellent touchdown spot. Combining state-of-the-art aviation facilities with luxurious lodging, this property is a dream vacation spot for tech-savvy vacationers who like to discover the skies — just about or in any other case. There’s no higher flight simulator than this.
Right here’s all the pieces you must know concerning the Resort Polaris, together with how one can take a look at out the drone flight simulator:
Every part you must know concerning the Resort Polaris
How the Resort Polaris happened
The Resort Polaris is positioned on the U.S. Air Pressure Academy, although anybody can guide a keep there.
The entire undertaking happened by a public-private partnership between the Affiliation of Graduates and Air Pressure Academy Basis, the Metropolis of Colorado Springs, Blue & Silver Growth Companions and Provident Assets Group.
CoralTree Hospitality manages the resort. That administration group is famously behind different area of interest, luxurious properties in standout places together with the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. It’s even affiliated with some main resort manufacturers together with The Woodlands Resort in Houston (a part of the Curio Assortment by Hilton) and the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Nation.
However you got here to study concerning the Resort Polaris, which takes issues to new heights, actually.
Flight simulators on the Resort Polaris
The Resort Polaris is the one resort in the US with immersive flight simulators. With it, visitors can step into the cockpit of an F-16 fighter jet or a Boeing 737 Max. These superior simulators put primary drone simulators just like the DRL SIM and Zephyr flight simulator (which you’d sometimes simply use in your laptop at residence) to disgrace.
The resort’s three simulators ship a tactile and visually gorgeous expertise. With elements like seats, throttles, switches, pedals and yoke truly sourced from actual plane — mixed with a 200-degree HD wraparound display screen — that is as shut as you’ll get to actual flying with out leaving the bottom.
For drone pilots, these simulators present a possibility to hone navigation abilities, perceive aviation dynamics and immerse themselves in different sorts of flight past simply drones. So far as the precise flights, you may select a variety of flying types. You would possibly go for an F-16 canine combat, otherwise you would possibly strive your hand at simulating what it’s like taking off from Denver Worldwide Airport within the 737 Max.
The resort’s aviation-inspired design
Resort Polaris doesn’t simply cater to aviators by its facilities; the complete property pays homage to the historical past and fantastic thing about flight. From hanging replicas of the F-35 and B-2 Stealth Bomber within the foyer to aviation-inspired paintings all through the rooms, the décor is a love letter to aerospace. The mid-century trendy structure, complemented by wealthy hues of blue and silver, echoes the Air Pressure Academy’s aesthetic. The entire vibe is each nostalgic and cutting-edge.
Luxurious with a view on the Resort Polaris
With 375 meticulously designed rooms, together with unique Ninth-floor Membership Degree lodging, the resort ensures each visitor enjoys consolation and magnificence. Membership-level perks like a complimentary breakfast, night drinks and elevated décor make it ideally suited for vacationers looking for luxurious.
Even when you’re not within the Membership degree, rooms are luxurious. A lot of the furnishings is {custom}, together with built-in headboards and custom-made aspect tables. Rooms even have aviation-style paintings, which you’ll additionally see outdoors the rooms in public areas too.
Look out for the mosaic of an airplane canine combat, hanging replicas of F-35 and a B-2 Stealth Bomber, photographs from the Academy’s archives and a custom-made aerial sculpture impressed by the Ursa Minor constellation.
The property’s expansive home windows provide views of the Entrance Vary and the Academy’s historic campus. Simply working from the general public area might be inspiring setting for rest or inventive brainstorming. Take into account it excellent for drone photographers enhancing their footage.
Actions past the flight simulators
In the event you’re touring with household or mates, Resort Polaris provides one thing for everybody. That features the Junior Cadets program for youths to glider-building actions and the dog-friendly K9 Cadets initiative. For these needing to unwind, the Ascend Spa & Wellness Heart provides a variety of remedies and wellness actions.
When it’s time to refuel, the resort boasts six eating retailers. These embody The Aviator Bar for cocktails with a view, and Pamela’s for elevated American delicacies. Doolies soda store has a enjoyable, informal family-friendly vibe.
There’s additionally indoor assembly area, an outside pool and health heart. Oh, and it’s pet-friendly.
Exploring the Pikes Peak area
The resort’s location is handy for folks visiting the U.S. Air Pressure Academy, maybe forward of a school tour or for a commencement ceremony. It sits simply outdoors the North Entrance of the Academy. Nevertheless it’s not only for folks affiliated with training.
All of the onsite facilities are the proper complement to a day spent capturing aerial footage of the close by Rocky Mountains or the long-lasting U.S. Air Pressure Academy chapel.
Drone pilots and nature lovers alike will admire the resort’s proximity to a few of Colorado’s most scenic areas. The Rocky Mountains present ample alternative for exploration, whereas town of Colorado Springs provides cultural and historic sights.
The resort is positioned about half-hour from the Colorado Springs Airport and an hour from Denver.
Resort Polaris: is it value it?
It simply opened — and I haven’t stayed there myself — so I can’t say for positive whether or not the Resort Polaris is value it. Nevertheless it’s definitely compelling.
Whether or not you’re a drone pilot seeking to refine your abilities or an aviation fanatic looking for a one-of-a-kind keep, this resort units a brand new commonplace for traveler-friendly innovation. So pack your gear, cost your batteries and put together to soar. Resort Polaris might take your subsequent trip to new heights.
For extra info or to guide your keep, go to www.theHotelPolaris.com or name (833) 311-5581. Charges begin at $229 per night time.
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