The Cliff House opened in 1874 and was shut down by a catastrophic fire in 1982. After sitting vacant for 15 years, it reopened as a hotel in 1999 and continues to comeback from what once looked like a sure date with the wrecking ball. Now it's the place to stay in Manitou Springs, right in the thick of the touristy action but a world away. Standard rooms balance historic themes and modern comfort, and the rooms also include a number of suites named for celebrities from its heyday. The Clark Gable Suite is my favorite, with animal-skin wallpaper and all sorts of perks the rugged star would definitely approve. The Cliff House Dining Room is one of the best eateries in the Pikes Peak region.
- Frommer's Staff