Cliff House at Pikes Peak advances phase one renovations

Glenbrook Lodging Corp has unveiled early renovations at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs, Colorado, after buying the 54-room historic hotel in March. The first phase focuses on the front lawn, exterior and public spaces, setting up a larger restoration aimed at reviving the property as a luxury destination.

Why it matters: - The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s best-known historic hotels, and the current work is aimed at preserving that identity while updating the guest experience. - The renovation effort is designed to support the property’s repositioning as a renewed luxury destination for leisure travelers, weddings, celebrations and special events. - The changes could affect both overnight guests and local visitors who use the hotel’s public spaces, dining and bar venues.

What happened: - Glenbrook Lodging Corp LLC announced major progress on phase one renovations at The Cliff House at Pikes Peak on June 30, 2026. - The company acquired the 54-room hotel in March and began initial work soon after. - Early visible updates now include the front lawn, the exterior of the building and interior improvements to the lobby, Buffalo Bar and Velvet Elk restaurant. - D. Mark Wyant leads Glenbrook Lodging Corp LLC and owns The Cliff House at Pikes Peak.

The details: - Exterior work has centered on the front lawn and the street-facing side of the hotel. - The site now includes refreshed landscaping, new green space, upgraded walkways and hardscape elements. - The exterior updates are meant to improve curb appeal and frame the hotel’s historic façade against Manitou Springs and Pikes Peak. - Lobby improvements emphasize a mountain-manor look with arched ceilings, wood paneling, tartan walls, statement lighting and refined seating areas. - Buffalo Bar features mahogany paneling, tartan walls, an antler chandelier, a mounted buffalo head, red velvet drapery and mountain views. - Velvet Elk Restaurant uses dark wood, tartan upholstery, antler chandeliers, brass lamps, leather banquettes, plaid chairs, white tablecloths, floral accents, landscape art and a stone fireplace. - The hotel began in the 1870s as a stagecoach stop and later became a mineral resort and boutique hotel. - The property sits at the base of Pikes Peak in historic Manitou Springs, just minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. - The hotel’s amenities list includes 54 guest rooms and luxury suites, an 800-bottle wine cellar, a 24-hour fitness center, spa tubs, steam showers, heated towel racks, daily housekeeping, nightly turndown service, 24-hour room service and complimentary WiFi. - Additional features include gas fireplaces, pillow-top beds, Lord and Mayfair bath products and terry-lined microfiber bathrobes. - The property also offers concierge help for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, rafting and hot air ballooning. - Glenbrook Lodging Corp says future milestones and visual updates will be shared in the coming weeks. - Renderings and renovation visuals are available in the Dropbox folder.

Between the lines: - The renovation approach appears to be phased, with the most public-facing spaces getting attention first. - That sequencing suggests Glenbrook Lodging Corp is using the arrival experience, bar and dining areas to signal the property’s new direction before the broader restoration is complete. - Wyant framed the project as both a preservation effort and a guest-experience upgrade, which points to a balance between heritage branding and modern luxury positioning.

What’s next: - Glenbrook Lodging Corp plans to continue the restoration in carefully planned phases. - More renovation milestones and visual updates are expected in the coming weeks. - The long-term goal is to restore the hotel’s architectural character while revitalizing public spaces, dining venues and the overall guest experience.

The bottom line: - The Cliff House at Pikes Peak is moving from early cosmetic upgrades to a broader historic restoration that could reshape one of Manitou Springs’ signature hotels.