Colorado Hotel is World’s Longest-Running Forbes 5-Star Property

One Colorado business maintained a 5-star status with Forbes for the 61st consecutive year. That makes it the longest-running Forbes 5-star property on planet Earth.

Congratulations are in order for the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. According to its official webpage, "The Broadmoor has remained one of the most recognizable and celebrated hotels in the world." The fact it just earned the honor of the longest-running Forbes 5-star property would support that statement.

The website continues, "Our distinctive blend of history, luxury, and genuine hospitality has made us the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards."

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In addition to being a classy joint, The Broadmoor is a member of Historic Hotels of America of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Also known as the "Grand Dame of the Rockies," the property was purchased by Spencer Penrose in 1916.

So, how exactly does one go about getting a 5-star rating from Forbes? According to Forbes' official webpage, "We verify luxury. Our highly trained inspectors visit every property we rate, evaluating based on up to 900 objective criteria. Our hotel stays span a minimum of two nights." The website adds, "While we inspect both service and facility, our Star Rating system emphasizes service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks — how it makes you feel is what you will remember most."

The Forbes website clearly states that while their "inspectors" visit a hotel, they remain anonymous at all times so as not to influence the service. In addition, inspectors pay their own way, maintaining a high level of objectivity. In other words, as the website says, "No one can buy a rating."

According to Wikipedia, the Broadmoor has since gone on to earn the following honors:

•  5-star ranking for the resort by Forbes, formerly Mobile Guide, for 54 consecutive years, as of 2015. This is the longest period of time of any establishments in the United States.
• 5-diamond ranking by American Automobile Association (AAA) for the resort for 39 straight years, as of 2015
• 5-diamond ranking by American Automobile Association (AAA) for the Penrose restaurant for 8 straight years, as of 2015
• 5-star restaurant ranking by Forbes in 2012, makes the Broadmoor one of three hotel and restaurant combinations to receive the ranking

According to KRDO.com, the CEO of Forbes' Travel Guide says the 5-star award winners have adapted to ensure the health of guests and staff.

I've lived in Colorado my entire life, but have only stayed at the Broadmoor twice. One visit was for a Future Business Leaders of America competition (where I took 2nd place in a competition with only two competitors) and another visit for the Colorado Music Educators Association conference. As I recall, both stays were very luxurious.

Congratulations to the Broadmoor and to the state of Colorado. A Forbes 5-star rating is not an easy achievement. In this case, the Broadmoor holds the record at 61 consecutive years.