Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport

The familiar Radisson green logo hangs on the red brick exterior of this two-floor, upper-middle-range hotel and a fishpond sits at the driveway. The lobby has white-tile floors and modern furniture and there's a staircase with wooden railings that leads to rooms. The hallway carpeting and paint was updated in late 2015, so it feels fresh. A sundeck with lounge chairs and dining tables looks over the lawns. But there’s nothing particularly memorable about this chain hotel, aside from its convenient airport location. Most guests are business travelers and airport transit passengers, although people visiting the nearby U.S. Air Force Academy also stay here.

The hotel is surrounded by other hotels in a dull area that’s far from tourist attractions, just off Highway 24 and Interstate 25. But the location is convenient to the Colorado Springs Airport, which is a seven-minute trip via the free 24-hour shuttle. There aren’t any restaurants in walking distance, so a car is needed. The drive to Silver Spruce Golf Course and Valley Hi Golf Course takes 10 minutes. The U.S. Air Force Academy is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Downtown Colorado Springs is a 15-minute drive, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Springs, and the Garden of the Gods are all within 15 to 30 minutes. Pikes Peak can be reached in 90 minutes by car. 

Guest rooms are tastefully -- if predictably -- decorated in a contemporary style with dark-wood headboards and charcoal-colored loveseats. Tan carpeting, walls, and drapes give a neutral backdrop, but pops of color are scattered throughout such as the lipstick-red table lamps or bright-yellow bolster pillows. All units have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, irons, mini-fridges, microwaves, and bottled water. Little granite-topped wet-bars hold coffeemakers. Views are either of the street or a courtyard. Bathrooms are classic, with granite sinks, shower/tub combos, and magnifying mirrors. The One-Bedroom Suites add sofa beds in living rooms and pop art on headboards in some. Business Class Rooms offer evening drink vouchers, turndown service, and other perks. Executive Suites pile on extras as well with king beds, wet bars, and whirlpool tubs. The Hospitality Suite is outfitted with Murphy beds, two sofa beds, and patios. And one departure from the typical Radisson look is the Honeymoon Suite, which has an atmospheric cabin look with shiplap walls, leather sofas, and headboard studded with rivets. The bathroom continues the theme with a whirlpool tub and a separate shower, plus an antique-style toilet. 

The hotel’s close proximity to the airport attracts many business travelers who can make use of six colorful, modern meeting rooms that fit up to 120 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The 24-hour business center has printers and computers and is integrated with the gift shop, which sells souvenirs and sundries. The small gym has modern cardio machines with mini TVs, plus free weights. A ramp leads to a nice indoor heated pool with a vaulted ceiling. Outside under a gazebo is a hot tub. For younger guests, there’s an arcade room with shooting and driving games as well as pinball machines. A free breakfast of sausages, bread, eggs, and fruit is served in the Bistro Colorado, which also offers American cuisine, beer, and wine at lunch and dinner. Pet owners can book packages that include treats and  water and food bowls.