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The Antlers has been a Colorado Springs landmark for more than a century, and remains a most impressive facility that is a cut above other high-end chain properties. Although the Antlers is in many ways geared to business travelers, for vacationers it offers first-rate accommodations within a short walking distance of many of Colorado Springs' major attractions and restaurants. There have been three different Antlers on this site. The first, a turreted Victorian showcase built in 1883, was named for General William Palmer's collection of deer and elk trophies. After it was destroyed by fire in 1898, Palmer built an extravagant Italian Renaissance-style building that survived until 1964, when it was leveled to make room for the more contemporary Antlers Plaza, set off from the street and featuring a modern, 13-story hotel with a rich marble- and woodwork-laden lobby.

Antique black-walnut nightstands from the previous incarnation provide a touch of historic continuity to the spacious guest rooms, which are handsomely decorated in earth tones with rich wood furnishings. Each room has two telephones, dataports, voice mail, a large working desk, and ample closet space. The corner rooms are larger, and we prefer the west-side rooms, which provide great views of Pikes Peak. On-site is Colorado Springs' first microbrewery: Judge Baldwin's Brewing Company.

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