Tihany Design reimagines The Penrose Room at The Broadmoor
Nestled within The Broadmoor, The Penrose Room has long been a Colorado Springs landmark. Founded in 1918 by philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose, the space has been reimagined as a fine-dining and lounge experience by Tihany Design, drawing on the couple’s adventurous spirit and ties to the region.
The foyer sets the tone with a balance of European formality and Western character. Red velvet upholstery meets wood paneling, a checkered marble floor grounds the room, while a prominent fireplace serves as a focal point. Display cases showcase curated artefacts and personal treasures from the Penroses’ global travels.
From this threshold, guests enter The Penrose Room Lounge, which references Spencer Penrose’s early frontier ambitions and the origins of The Broadmoor. The space evokes a Western saloon, interpreted through equestrian-inspired leather details, warm wood tones and ornate ceiling tiles. A highlight of the space is a walk-in cellar which houses a selection of wines and whiskeys from Penrose’s own collection, while artworks from Denver’s American Museum of Western Art–Anschutz Collection appear throughout the lounge. Large windows frame views of the Cheyenne Mountain.
The main dining room, Gold Ore, seats 96, with an additional 72-seat private dining area in an atmosphere of gilded accents and sculptural chandeliers. The Jade Ore private dining room, in tribute to Julie Penrose, offers a smaller, more intimate setting finished in jade tones and globally influenced finishes. Copper Ore, seating 32, introduces a darker, more textural palette centred on copper.
Beyond the dining rooms, a discreet corridor passes the kitchen and leads through a series of architectural arches to a hidden entrance. Referencing Spencer Penrose’s fondness for secret doors, a library bookcase opens into a speakeasy-style polo club. This private enclave reflects The Broadmoor’s polo history, with walnut-panelled walls, fluted detailing, chandeliers and archival black-and-white photographs of historic matches. A leather-clad bar, lounge and expansive views complete the richly detailed space.
