For visitors to Colorado Springs seeking a mix of luxury, legend, and a touch of the supernatural, The Broadmoor offers more than just its five-star pedigree and postcard-perfect views of Pikes Peak. The question remains… is the Broadmoor Haunted? Behind the polished brass and mountain air of this century-old resort, whispers of strange happenings and lingering spirits have earned it a reputation as a possible Colorado Springs ghost hotel.
Guests over the years have reported flickering lights, unexplained chills, and the occasional figure drifting through the grand halls, often said to resemble the resort’s early 20th-century socialites. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply intrigued by a good ghost story, you might find yourself wondering: is The Broadmoor haunted, or are its ghostly tales just part of the hotel’s charm?
Like many historic properties in the Rockies, The Broadmoor’s long and colorful history invites a certain mystique. Founded in 1918 by Spencer and Julie Penrose, the resort has seen everything from roaring jazz-age parties to modern-day celebrity guests, and perhaps, if the stories are to be believed, a few who never checked out.
Before we jump to conclusions (or start checking for cold spots), let’s separate the legends from the legacy and see where history and haunting truly intersect at one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations.
A Rich History, A Mysterious Past
Before The Broadmoor became one of America’s most luxurious resorts (and a favorite getaway for presidents, movie stars, and mountain adventurers) it had quite a colorful beginning. The land it stands on today was first developed in the late 1800s by Count James Pourtales, a German nobleman who dreamed of bringing European elegance to the foothills of Colorado Springs. His original Broadmoor Casino (a social club, not a gambling hall) became a playground for the elite, complete with manicured grounds and lake views.
Then, in 1897, disaster struck. A fire swept through the casino, leaving only stories and ashes behind. But from that loss came the opportunity for rebirth, and, some would say, the first whispers of what would later make the Broadmoor haunted legend endure.
Enter Spencer and Julie Penrose, a visionary couple who transformed the area into a grand destination. When The Broadmoor officially opened on June 29, 1918, it was a marvel of its time: Italian Renaissance–style architecture, glittering chandeliers, and a lakeside view that felt straight out of Europe. Over the next century, the resort expanded into a sprawling 5,000-acre property featuring golf courses, restaurants, and a reputation for impeccable service.
But with more than a hundred years of history (and countless guests checking in and out) it’s no surprise that a few tales have lingered. From mysterious flickering lights in quiet hallways to late-night footsteps in rooms long empty, stories have circulated for decades about The Broadmoor’s more spectral side.
Is it just the power of suggestion, the echoes of its long past, or something more? Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this Colorado Springs ghost hotel has seen enough history, glamour, and intrigue to keep the rumors alive—and make every stay feel just a little bit enchanted.
What Are The Hauntings?
For a resort known for impeccable service and timeless elegance, The Broadmoor also happens to have a few… unlisted guests. Over the decades, both visitors and employees have shared eerie (and oddly polite) stories that give this Colorado Springs ghost hotel its lingering mystique. Whether you’re a firm believer in the supernatural or just someone who enjoys a good campfire tale with your room service, the stories are part of what makes the Broadmoor haunted reputation so enduring.
The Lady of the Penthouse
The most frequently spotted spirit is said to be Julie Penrose, the hotel’s original co-founder and longtime matriarch. Guests have described a graceful woman in 1920s or 1930s attire gliding through upper hallways or near the Broadmoor’s Penthouse Suite, a nod, perhaps, to her lifelong love for the property she helped build. Others speculate the figure could date back even further, tied to the original Pourtales Casino era that predated the current hotel. Whoever she is, she seems more watchful than wicked… almost like she’s still making sure things run smoothly.
Cold Spots, Flickers, and Friendly Mischief
Then there are the classic haunted-hotel happenings: unexplained cold spots, lights that flicker without reason, and the occasional object shifting on its own. Staff and repeat guests alike have mentioned these moments, usually in the resort’s oldest wings or during quiet hours. One longtime employee even joked that the ghosts are simply helping “keep the lights on.”
The Penthouse Presence
Some overnight guests in the penthouse report waking to the feeling of someone nearby… though when they open their eyes, the room is empty. A few even say their bedcovers have been tugged, as if a playful presence were adjusting the sheets. The experiences are unsettling but never hostile; if anything, the stories describe a soft, observant energy rather than a cinematic haunting.
The Hidden Tunnels (and the Donald Ross Room)
Rumors persist about underground tunnels and hidden passageways beneath the Broadmoor; relics of early construction days, or perhaps staff corridors long since sealed. While there’s little documented proof, the idea adds to the hotel’s mystique. More verifiable, however, is the Donald Ross Room, named after the famed golf course architect. Employees have reported its lights flickering persistently, even after multiple maintenance checks—one of those quirks that keeps electricians and storytellers equally busy.
Coincidence or Colorado Energy?
Are these signs of restless spirits, or just the quirks of a century-old building with a lot of character? No one knows for sure. But one thing is certain: every creak, flicker, and chill at The Broadmoor adds another layer to its legend—and gives guests one more story to tell over cocktails at the hotel bar.
Origins of the Ghost Story
Every great haunted hotel has a story—or in The Broadmoor’s case, a few that have gracefully aged alongside its mahogany staircases and marble halls. Like most legends, the tales surrounding this Colorado Springs ghost hotel blur the lines between documented history and whispered folklore.
The Mystery of Julie Penrose
At the heart of many Broadmoor haunted accounts is the story of Julie Penrose, the resort’s co-founder and guiding spirit (figuratively, if not literally). Some versions of the legend claim that Julie once vanished into the nearby woods surrounding the resort, only to be found hours later, disoriented and frail. She passed away not long after, and over the years, guests have connected her spirit to the soft, watchful presence often felt in the hotel’s original wing.
While official records describe her death in far less mysterious terms, the image of Julie’s spirit quietly roaming the halls she once curated fits neatly into the hotel’s grand narrative. After all, who better to keep an eye on The Broadmoor’s elegance than its first lady?
Fire, Fortune, and the Phoenix Effect
Long before The Broadmoor opened in 1918, the same stretch of land was home to Count James Pourtales’ Broadmoor Casino, a lavish social club for Colorado Springs’ high society. That building burned down in 1897, leaving behind only stories and ashes. Many locals view that fire as the spark that ignited the property’s haunted lore… some even say that the land itself carries a “residual energy” from the era.
Over the decades, The Broadmoor rose from those foundations like a phoenix, expanding through countless renovations, ownership changes, and restorations. Each transformation added another layer to its story, creating the perfect atmosphere for ghost tales to thrive.
Legends That Linger
Ghost stories rarely come from one clear source, they’re usually woven from a mix of staff anecdotes, late-night guest encounters, and that very human love of mystery. At The Broadmoor, these ingredients have been simmering for more than a century. Every creak of the old floors, every flicker of light, and every cool breeze down an empty hallway feeds the collective imagination.
The result? A resort that’s not only known for five-star service and mountain luxury but also for the kind of lore that keeps visitors leaning in during cocktail hour. Whether the spirits of The Broadmoor are real or simply reflections of its long, layered history, one thing’s for sure: this hotel knows how to keep its stories alive.
Is the Broadmoor Haunted? Evidence, Skepticism & Hotel Response
It’s one thing to enjoy a good ghost story over a nightcap at the hotel bar, but what does the evidence actually say? When it comes to the Broadmoor haunted legends, the truth… like a flickering hallway light… depends on how closely you look.
The Facts (and the Fuzzier Details)
For starters, there’s no official statement from the resort confirming any hauntings, nor are there verified reports from professional paranormal investigators. The Broadmoor maintains a polished, five-star reputation focused on luxury and legacy, not spectral sightings. You won’t find ghost tours on the event calendar, and management doesn’t advertise itself as a Colorado Springs ghost hotel, no matter how many guests whisper about it in the lobby.
That said, plenty of the stories that keep the legend alive come from firsthand guest accounts or third-party websites dedicated to haunted places. Some tell of lights flickering in the Donald Ross Room, others of mysterious footsteps echoing through the upper floors. While the details vary, the sheer number of anecdotes keeps curiosity alive year after year.
The Skeptic’s Viewpoint
Skeptics point out that much of what people experience in historic hotels (cold drafts, creaky floors, flickering lights) can be chalked up to the quirks of age and architecture. After all, The Broadmoor has been standing tall since 1918, and even the best maintenance crew can’t outwit Colorado’s dry air and shifting mountain weather.
Still, psychology plays a role too. When guests expect a place to be haunted, the mind fills in the blanks. That unexplained chill by the elevator? Maybe just air conditioning. The shadow in the hallway? Probably another late-night wanderer seeking the ice machine.
The Hotel’s Perspective
Publicly, The Broadmoor doesn’t fan the flames of its ghost stories. Its official website leans into history, elegance, and five-star hospitality, rarely mentioning its rumored residents. Yet, hotel staff have been known to smile knowingly when guests ask about the legends. After all, a dash of mystery never hurts the atmosphere.
Why the Stories Still Matter
Even if you’re firmly on Team Skeptic, there’s something undeniably charming about a place where history feels alive. Knowing the whispers and stories only adds to the magic of wandering The Broadmoor’s grand corridors or sipping coffee beside Cheyenne Lake. You don’t have to believe in ghosts to appreciate the feeling that, here, the past is never too far away.
Should You Stay (or Visit) for the Ghost-Angle?
So, should you book a room at this Colorado Springs ghost hotel in hopes of a paranormal encounter? Absolutely—whether you’re a firm believer in spirits or just love a good story to go with your morning coffee. The Broadmoor haunted lore is part of what gives the resort its charm: a touch of mystery layered over all that polished elegance and mountain grandeur.
Ask About the Penthouse
If you’re curious, start by requesting a stay near the historic penthouse area. That’s where most of the ghostly tales seem to gather—flickering lights, unexplained chills, and perhaps the soft rustle of a 1920s dress disappearing around a corner. Even if nothing supernatural happens, it’s a gorgeous section of the resort steeped in history (and with some of the best views).
Time Your Stay for Maximum Atmosphere
There’s something undeniably enchanting about The Broadmoor at night. Once the day’s bustle settles and the lake reflects the twinkle of the resort’s lights, the property takes on a serene, almost cinematic calm. The corridors grow quieter, the shadows stretch longer, and you can almost feel the layers of history humming beneath the surface.
Combine Luxury & Legend
Think of the hauntings as an optional add-on to the resort’s world-class experience. Spend your morning at the spa, your afternoon golfing or strolling Cheyenne Lake, and your evening soaking in a bit of old-world mystery. Whether you sense a “presence” or just the echo of the past, it’s a memorable blend of comfort and curiosity.
Bring Openness, Not Fear
If ghost stories make you uneasy, don’t worry—The Broadmoor’s newer wings and lakeside suites are bright, modern, and blissfully peaceful. The ghosts, if they exist, seem far more interested in nostalgia than mischief. Approach your stay with an open mind and a sense of humor, and you’ll walk away with great memories (and maybe a story or two to share).
Is the Broadmoor Haunted? The Final Word
Haunted or not, The Broadmoor remains one of Colorado’s crown jewels—a place where history lingers, legends thrive, and every visit feels touched by a bit of magic. Whether you come for the fine dining or the friendly phantoms, this Broadmoor haunted tale is just one more reason to experience a stay that’s as luxurious as it is unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Whether haunted, legendary, or simply steeped in old-world charm, The Broadmoor holds a special place in Colorado’s story. With more than a century of history behind its grand façade, it’s easy to see why so many visitors wonder if this Colorado Springs ghost hotel still echoes with the energy of its past.
The facts are clear: it’s a historic resort with a long, fascinating timeline and plenty of anecdotal tales: flickering lights, gentle chills, and a few watchful presences who seem reluctant to leave. What’s less certain is the proof. No scientific investigations have confirmed that the Broadmoor is haunted, and plenty of skeptics chalk the stories up to imagination, nostalgia, or the natural quirks of a well-aged building.
But maybe that’s part of the appeal. The Broadmoor doesn’t need ghost tours or gimmicks: it’s a living museum of early-20th-century ambition, elegance, and endurance. Whether you come for the luxury, the history, or the whispers in the halls, you’re stepping into a place where the past feels very much alive. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to make the walls seem to… whisper back.