Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs

Tucked near the foot of one of Colorado's most famous "14ers," Pike's Peak, Colorado Springs rolls out breathtaking natural beauty combined with elegance dating back to its dual mining and resort-town roots. The striking scenery inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen "America the Beautiful" on a visit to the area in 1893. The city enjoys a mild climate and an average of 243 predominantly sunny days. Year-round activities like biking, hiking, sightseeing and simmering away cares in natural hot springs work equally as well for romantic interludes as they do when the kids are along.

Take a romantic trip back in time with a stay in the city's most historic hotel. The Antlers (4 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO) stands at Cascade and Pikes Peak avenues where the city was founded July 31, 1871. The hotel was rebuilt and remodeled several times since it opened in 1883 and offers modern upgrades and luxuries ripe for a romantic getaway. Enjoy views of Pike's Peak from your hotel window or upgrade to a premium suite to include a whirlpool tub, private balcony and roomy living area. Prices from $199 nightly.

Behind the hotel, stroll hand-in-hand through the shady grounds of Antlers Park (7 S. Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs, CO) or share a picnic beneath its gazebo.

Enjoy Colorado Springs' Old World elegance with a stay at the Mining Exchange (8 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO). Built in 1902 as a stock exchange for Colorado mining companies, the hotel and spa serves up an upscale luxury experience crowned by every modern convenience. Enjoy the luxury of 12-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls and golden decor paired with amenities like two-person stone showers and plush bedding. Check into a King Bed Sofa Suite to watch a romantic comedy snuggled on the couch or to enjoy the view out your oversized window. Head to the spa and enjoy a couples' retreat massage of your choice in a special suite for two. Add in a soak in the chromotherapy tub that soothes with musical sound waves as well as bubbles. Prices from $199 nightly.

You won't feel like you're just 3 miles from downtown when you stay at Cheyenne Mountain Resort (3225 Broadmoor Valley Rd., Colorado Springs, CO). Expansive mountain views and 200 acres offer myriad ways to relax. Head for the all-adult pool and hot tub, unwind at the spa or engage in activities ranging from golf to kayaking. Custom design a romance package from the resort's extensive menu of experiences for two. Book a boudoir portrait session, savor dinner with a mountain view and add on a champagne, fruit and cheese turn-down at day's end. Prices from $233 nightly.

Nestle into a charming Victorian mansion at the foot of Pikes Peak when you stay at The Cliff House at Pike's Peak (306 Canon Ave., Manitou Springs, CO). Just a mile and a half from the Colorado Springs city limits, the resort positions you for hikes up Pikes Peak or seeing nearby sights like Garden of the Gods (1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO) or Manitou Cliff Dwellings (10 Cliff Rd., Manitou Springs, CO). Fill your water bottles with naturally sparkling water at the eight public springs as you walk through town. Hike one mile to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway Station (515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, CO) and settle in for a three-hour trip past waterfalls and scenic wonders to the top of the mountain. At night, relax in a room or suite decorated in 1800s elegance with romantic touches like gas fireplaces and two-person spa tubs. Prices from $177 nightly.

Spacious Victorian homes characterized prosperous Colorado Springs neighborhoods during the mining heyday of the late 1800s. Enjoy 1895 elegance combined with modern luxuries at the St. Mary's Inn Bed and Breakfast (530 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO). Start the day with a full hot gourmet breakfast and end it with a soak in a jetted Jacuzzi tub before you slide into starched and ironed luxury sheets. In between, take hikes along Monument Creek on the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail or walk to downtown gastropubs and shops. Prices from $199 nightly.