I fly out of Colorado Springs Airport (COS) more than I'd like to admit, and I've learned the hard way that “near airport” in this city doesn't always mean what you think. The airport sits off Powers Boulevard, east of downtown, and the cluster of hotels around it is small—maybe 8 to 10 properties depending on how far you stretch the definition. If you're landing late or catching a dawn flight, that matters. This guide covers what I've actually seen, booked, and complained about at Colorado Springs hotels near the airport.
My quick jump-start
Why stay near COS instead of downtown?
Most people assume downtown Colorado Springs is the better base. Fair point—the food and nightlife are closer. But if your trip is a quick overnight between flights, or you're driving out to the eastern plains early, the airport cluster saves you 20–25 minutes each way on Powers Boulevard. I've done the downtown-to-COS run at 4:30 a.m. and it's no fun in snow.
Here's the trade-off: the immediate airport area has gas stations, a couple of fast-food spots, and not much else. You're not walking to a nice dinner. But you are sleeping 5 minutes from your gate.
What I wish I'd known the first time: The hotels closest to COS sit along Powers Boulevard, but a few are actually a 10-minute drive because of the road layout. Check whether the property offers a shuttle before you assume you can walk.
My top hotel picks near Colorado Springs Airport
I've stayed at or toured these properties. Prices swing with demand—during the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb or the Labor Day Lift Off balloon festival, you'll pay double. Book early for those weekends.
| Hotel | Address / Distance to COS | What works for me | Approximate rate (midweek) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Colorado Springs Airport | 7555 Commerce Center Dr, ~1.5 miles | Free breakfast that's actually edible, clean rooms, reliable airport shuttle (call ahead)—my default for early flights | $135–$165 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Colorado Springs-Airport | 7245 Commerce Center Dr, ~1.2 miles | Quietest of the airport cluster in my experience; walkable to a couple of casual restaurants | $145–$175 |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs Airport | 3805 E Fountain Blvd, ~3 miles | Full kitchens for longer stays; pet-friendly with a fee; pool is small but fine for kids | $150–$185 |
| Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites | 4550 N Academy Blvd, ~7 miles (not truly “at the airport”) | Good budget fallback if airport hotels are full; indoor pool; free breakfast but basic | $110–$140 |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Colorado Springs South | 2750 S Circle Dr, ~6 miles | Pet-friendly with low pet fee; rooms are dated but clean; front desk is helpful | $95–$125 |
One note on the Best Western—it's on Academy Boulevard, so it's not in the airport cluster. I include it because when the three Commerce Center Drive hotels are sold out, which happens more than you'd think, this is my next move.
What about walkability to COS?
Only two properties—the Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn—are close enough that a determined person could walk to the terminal. But there are no sidewalks along parts of the route. I've done it once and wouldn't again with luggage. Use the shuttle.
How do pet policies, parking, and shuttles actually work?
This is where people get tripped up. Every airport-area hotel has a shuttle, but not all run 24/7. The Holiday Inn Express shuttle starts around 4:30 a.m. and stops around 11 p.m.—if your flight lands after that, you're calling a rideshare. The Hampton Inn's shuttle hours are similar. I always call the front desk the day before to confirm timing.
Parking: most properties charge $8–$12 per night for the “park and fly” package, which usually includes up to 7 days of parking. That's a good deal compared to airport garage rates. But read the fine print—some packages only cover 5 days.
Pet-friendly options near the airport are limited. The La Quinta South and TownePlace Suites accept pets (roughly $25–$40 per stay). The Holiday Inn Express does not, which surprised me the first time. If you're traveling with a dog and need a Colorado Springs hotel near the airport, La Quinta South is my realistic pick—just budget for the pet fee.
Another quirk: some rooms at the Commerce Center Drive hotels face the highway. I always ask for a room on the east side or the back—it's quieter. Front desk staff usually know exactly which rooms are noisy.
What mistakes do travelers make when booking airport hotels here?
The biggest one: assuming “Colorado Springs Airport hotel” means you're inside the terminal area. You're not. COS is a smaller airport, and the hotels sit a short drive away. None are connected.
Second: booking a downtown hotel thinking the airport is close. It's not—downtown to COS is roughly 20–25 minutes in normal traffic. I've met travelers who booked a downtown boutique hotel and then panicked at 5 a.m. Get the geography right first.
Third: ignoring the event calendar. When the Air Force Academy graduation rolls around, or the Ride for the Rockies, the airport hotels fill up fast. I once had to drive 15 miles west to find a room because I booked last minute. Check the local events page before you commit.
My personal gripe: The “free breakfast” at several airport hotels is carb-heavy—bagels, cereal, and sad fruit. The Holiday Inn Express has a decent cinnamon roll, but if you want real food, grab something at the airport or stop at a gas station. I'm not sugarcoating it.
Real questions I get from readers
I land at COS after midnight. Can I still get a shuttle to my hotel?
Most of the airport hotel shuttles stop by 11 p.m. or midnight. Call your hotel directly before booking and ask if they offer after-hours pickup—some will arrange a rideshare at your expense. My advice: pre-book a rideshare for late arrivals rather than hoping the hotel shuttle appears.
Do any Colorado Springs hotels near the airport have EV charging?
The Hampton Inn & Suites has a couple of Level 2 chargers, but they're first-come, first-served. The TownePlace Suites doesn't have chargers yet. If you're driving an EV and need a guaranteed charge, look at downtown hotels with better infrastructure, or plan to charge at the airport garage.
Is there a hotel within walking distance of the COS terminal?
Strictly speaking, no—there's no hotel on airport property. The closest is the Holiday Inn Express at about 1.5 miles. Walking is possible but not pleasant with bags and no continuous sidewalk. Treat the shuttle as your real option.
Why are rates so high during certain weekends?
Colorado Springs hosts big draws like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and the Labor Day Lift Off balloon festival. Those weekends push airport hotel rates up 60–80%. If your travel dates are flexible, check the local events calendar first—this is the advice I wish I'd taken earlier.
I've stayed at or personally toured every property mentioned here. Rates are approximate and shift with seasonality. This article was fact-checked against hotel information available at the time of writing.
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