The hype
Travelers are blown away by the scenery and the novelty of the castle, but many are surprised by the lack of standard hotel amenities like TVs and evening dining.
Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry O
$150-280/ night
Book this if You want a peaceful, alcohol-free retreat with private hiking trails in a literal castle next to Garden of the Gods.
Why People Love It
- Exclusive access to private hiking trails that connect to Garden of the Gods
- The surreal experience of staying in a Tudor-style castle in Colorado
- Dead silent nights and frequent wildlife sightings (bighorn sheep, deer)
Quick Take: It’s a Christian conference center first and a hotel second—expect a dry campus, no TVs, and a vibe that's more 'youth pastor retreat' than 'luxury resort'.
Reviewed by @TheWhimsyWifey: I felt like absolute royalty having high tea here for my birthday. The mix of rugged red rocks outside and elegant china inside is surreal. We spent hours just sipping tea and wandering the grounds. Definitely book this if you want a fairytale date.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Castle' rooms are historic and quirky (sometimes drafty), while the 'Lodge' rooms are essentially standard motel rooms with thin walls.
- You are seeking spiritual retreat or total digital detox
- You want to hike Garden of the Gods without the crowds
- You love historic architecture and don't mind creaky floors
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; rooms are generally kept very tidy.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are clean but can be dated in the lodges; grout and tiles are scrubbed but show age.
- Maintenance: Historic buildings have quirks (creaky floors, drafty windows), but everything functions.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality—clean and crisp, but not luxury thread counts.
- Odors & scents: Fresh mountain air; no musty smells reported, which is rare for old castles.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Neighbors in adjacent lodge rooms (thin walls)
- Creaky floors in the historic Castle building
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is usually included and is a highlight—don't skip it.
- You can book a 'High Tea' experience separately, and it sells out fast.
- The property is owned by The Navigators, a Christian ministry; expect bibles in rooms and a wholesome atmosphere.
What to pack
- Hiking boots (for the private trails)
- A good book (no TVs means plenty of reading time)
- Downloaded movies/shows on a tablet if you need evening entertainment
Room Genie
Best picks
- Castle Premier Rooms (301 or 403) for the full historic experience with private baths
- Glenview Lodge for the most seclusion and best rock formation views
- Pink House for a quiet, adults-oriented stay (ages 14+ only)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Lodge rooms near the stairwells if you are a light sleeper
- 4th-floor Castle rooms if you struggle with stairs (elevator stops at 3)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking for a quiet room with a view of the rock formations. If booking a Lodge, I'd prefer a top-floor unit in Glenview to minimize foot traffic noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no pool or hot tub on the property.
Can I bring my own wine?
No. The alcohol policy is strict: no consumption allowed anywhere on the grounds.
Is dinner served on-site?
Generally, no. The Carriage House Cafe serves lunch/snacks, but closes early (usually 5-6pm). You will need to drive into town for dinner.
Are the castle rooms worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you want the atmosphere. They are unique and historic. Lodge rooms are functional but feel like a standard motel.
Is it air-conditioned?
Most rooms now have AC, but confirm specifically if booking a historic Castle room in peak summer.
How close is Garden of the Gods?
It borders the property. You can literally hike into the park from the hotel grounds.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Guests get a gate code to access the property; use it to explore the grounds before check-in or after check-out.
- ✨
Look for the herd of bighorn sheep that frequently grazes on the front lawn near the Castle.
- ✨
The 'Carriage House Cafe' has a great patio for coffee that many guests miss.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Castle' is actually a conference center, so you might be sharing breakfast with a large church group.
💡There are 16 private trails on the property that are exclusively for guests—better than the public park trails.
💡The 'Pink House' is a hidden gem for couples wanting distance from the main conference crowds.
💡Cell service can be spotty in the canyon; rely on the Wi-Fi.
💡You might hear Christian music playing softly in common areas.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Glen Eyrie Castle & Conference Center A Ministry O is located and what's nearby.