The first US hotel with flight simulators is opening this fall
Have you always dreamed of engaging in a virtual F-16 battle? Do you wish to play commercial airline captain for a day while attempting a landing at the world’s busiest airport? You don’t have to wait too long or travel too far to fulfill your AvGeek fantasies.
When the Hotel Polaris opens this fall, it’ll have a total of three flight simulators — the first ones at a U.S. hotel. Hotel Polaris is a 375-room upscale lifestyle property at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Two of the simulators will represent the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcons. A full cockpit mock-up with working controls and switches — as well as a mixed reality headshot with a 360-degree view of flying in formation — will offer a truly immersive experience.
The fighter jet simulators' networks are linked, too. This means two riders can fly together, participate in the same mission, challenge one another, go for a joyride through the valley, try to hit ground targets or take on enemy aircraft.
The third simulator will be a fully functioning cockpit of a Boeing 737-MAX, with a pilot’s vantage point and a 200-degree field of view curved, seamless screen. Guests will be able to engage in a variety of different flight activities, such as taking off or landing in some of the world’s coolest and most challenging airports. They’ll also have the option to do a full flight originating from any domestic, commercial airport and landing at another commercial airport; this is great fun for aviation fans as well as a nostalgic virtual journey for a current or retired pilot.
“The simulators are designed to provide the curious all the way up to the aviation enthusiast an immersive pilot experience,” general manager Curtis Bova said. “This level of technology allows them to feel as if they are soaring through the air.”
Though rates haven’t yet been set, the simulators will be available for hotel guests, visitors and groups; reservations will be bookable online. Pricing will correlate to the length of time it takes to complete an activity; you can book ability a specific number of hours to fly your selected mission. For example, you could fly a two-hour journey from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
About 25 miles from Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and 80 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), the hotel is meant to be a getaway to Pike’s Peak and Colorado Springs. It’s part of a mixed-use development that includes the Air Force Academy’s new 32,000-square-foot Hosmer Visitor Center. Its architectural design draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountains and the Air Force Academy’s midcentury modern elements.
There are fun nods to aviation throughout the hotel. You'll find brass desks in rooms resembling airplane wings and a mosaic art wall adjacent to the conference area using AI to create keywords specific to the flight industry.
In addition to the simulators, the hotel will operate six food and beverage concepts. The Aviator will offer sweeping views and craft cocktails, while Pamela’s will serve elevated American cuisine. There will be a rooftop bar with designs inspired by the constellations, which is a fun touch.
The hotel's full-service, six-room spa and wellness center will offer fitness classes, yoga, group hikes and dietary recommendations. Plus, there will be an outdoor pool, a sun deck and 26,000 square feet of meeting space.
However, the hotel’s main draw is bound to be those unique opportunities for quintessential plane nerds and would-be military and commercial pilots. “Inspired by the hotel’s namesake, we want to encourage each guest to experience it in their own way and to find their true north,” Bova said.
So, prepare for departure.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.