Have you ever dreamed of participating in a virtual F-16 battle? Would you like to be a commercial airline captain for a day while trying to land at busiest airport in the world? You don’t have to wait too long or travel too far to do it. AvGeek imagine.
When Polaris Hotel opening this fall, it will feature a total of three flight simulators — the first at a hotel in the United States. The Polaris Hotel is a 375-room luxury property at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Two of the simulators will represent U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons. A full cockpit mockup with working controls and switches—as well as mixed reality headshots with 360-degree views of formation flying—will provide a truly immersive experience.
The fighter simulator network is also linked. This means two pilots can fly together, take on the same mission, challenge each other, cruise through the valley, attempt to attack ground targets or attack enemy aircraft.
The third simulator will be a fully operational cockpit of a Boeing 737-MAX aircraftwith a pilot’s perspective and a seamless curved screen with a 200-degree field of view. Visitors will be able to participate in various flight activities, such as taking off or landing in several The World’s Most Amazing and Challenging Airports. They can also choose to take a full flight departing from any domestic commercial airport and landing at another commercial airport; this is a great activity for aviation fans as well as a nostalgic virtual journey for current or retired pilots.
“The simulators are designed to give everyone from the curious to the aviation enthusiast an immersive pilot experience,” said general manager Curtis Bova. “This level of technology allows them to feel as if they are flying through the air.”
While pricing has yet to be set, the simulators will be available to hotel guests, tourists, and groups; reservations can be made online. Prices will be based on the time it takes to complete an activity; you can book a specific number of hours to complete a chosen task. For example, you could fly a two-hour trip from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Located about 25 miles from Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and 80 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), the hotel is billed as a getaway to Pike’s Peak and Colorado Springs. It is part of a mixed-use development that includes the Air Force Academy’s new 32,000-square-foot Hosmer Visitor Center. Its architectural design is inspired by the rocky mountains and mid-century modern elements of the Air Force Academy.
There are fun nods to aviation throughout the hotel. You’ll see brass tables in rooms that resemble airplane wings, and a mosaic art wall adjacent to the conference area that uses AI to generate aviation-specific keywords.
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In addition to the simulators, the hotel will operate six food and beverage concepts. Aviator will offer panoramic views and craft cocktails, while Pamela’s will serve upscale American cuisine. There will be a rooftop bar with a constellation-inspired design, 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. There will also be an outdoor pool, a sundeck and 26,000 square feet of meeting space.
The hotel’s main draw, however, is undoubtedly the unique opportunities it offers to aviation enthusiasts and future military and commercial pilots. “Inspired by the hotel’s name, we wanted to encourage each guest to experience it in their own way and find their true direction,” Bova said.
So, get ready to go.
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