Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy

A Star Among the Rockies

Hotel Polaris, located at the North Gate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is a masterclass in using lighting as a mechanism for storytelling and experiential design. This 375-room destination hotel, part of the TrueNorth Commons mixed-use development, reflects the timeless mid-century modern style of the Academy while embracing the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

LS Group’s lighting design was instrumental in crafting a guest experience that resonates on every level –evoking awe with dramatic arrivals, stirring a sense of pride through the illumination of symbolic elements, and creating warmth in more personal, reflective spaces.

This project began with a rigorous evolution of the client’s initial lighting plans. Balancing the need for sufficient light levels with the desire for intimate, atmospheric moments required meticulous case studies and careful calibration. Through a series of presentations, including side-by-side comparisons and concept imagery, we successfully demonstrated how a more tailored approach could elevate the guest experience.

Lighting to Inspire

Guests at the hotel are greeted by a dramatic interplay of light and architecture. The Air Force Academy’s signature blue takes center stage in the porte-cochère’s structural accents, brought to life with in-grade linear uplights, creating an immediate connection to the Academy and setting the tone for a memorable stay. Inside the lobby, indirect lighting emphasizes key architectural features, such as the two-story elevator shaft encased in Academy blue, which serves as a luminous centerpiece and a seamless wayfinding element. The design strikes a harmonious balance between vibrant energy and quiet sophistication, with cove lighting and custom fixtures ensuring the space feels both grand and inviting.

Public Spaces That Inspire

Throughout the hotel, lighting was used as a storytelling tool, blending functionality with visual drama. In Doolie’s, the casual eatery, precision spotlighting highlights suspended fighter jets in a striking V formation, immersing guests in the Academy’s aviation legacy. The rooftop lounge Aviator, on the other hand, embraces ambient lighting, combining soft illumination with panoramic views of Pikes Peak to create an atmosphere of sophisticated relaxation.

In every corner of the highly creative and generously sized guest rooms, the lighting is as much about inspiring emotion as it is about creating comfort, resulting in spaces that feel both personal and connected to the hotel's larger narrative.

Integrated uplights on bespoke headboards create a layered, inviting glow, complemented by subtle under-bed lighting that enhances comfort without being intrusive. Aviation-inspired artwork, a nod to the Air Force Academy’s rich heritage, is softly illuminated to honor its story while maintaining the room's warmth and elegance.

The result of our efforts at Hotel Polaris ensures every lighting detail serves a distinct purpose, transforming functional elements into moments of beauty and reflection.