Imagine you’re cruising through Colorado Springs in a sleek Tesla Model 3, the peaks of the Rockies framing your windshield. You’ve got the Autopilot engaged, the regenerative braking is handling the descents perfectly, and you’re heading toward one of the most iconic destinations in the American West: The Broadmoor. But as you pull onto the manicured grounds, a familiar flicker of range anxiety hits. You need a charge. You know there are Tesla Superchargers on-site, but a question looms larger than Cheyenne Mountain: How much is this going to cost me in parking fees?
At Frontier Tesla, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers navigate the luxury EV landscape. We’ve learned that while the tech in your car is futuristic, the parking policies at historic resorts can feel a bit old-school. If you’re looking for the bottom line on The Broadmoor Tesla charging parking fee, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve crunched the numbers, talked to the valets, and plugged in ourselves to give you the definitive guide.
The Short Answer: What You’ll Pay Today
Let’s get straight to the point because I know you might be sitting at a red light on Lake Avenue right now. To use the Tesla Superchargers at The Broadmoor, you generally have to pay a parking fee. The resort does not offer free parking for the sole purpose of charging.
Here is the quick breakdown of the costs you can expect:
- Standard Visitor Parking: Typically starts at $15 for the first few hours.
- Valet Parking: Often required for the most convenient access to destination chargers, costing upwards of $20–$30 for short-term visits.
- Tesla Charging Fees: These are separate and billed directly through your Tesla account (usually $0.30–$0.50 per kWh depending on the time of day).
So, if you’re a non-guest just stopping by to top off your battery, you’re looking at a minimum investment of about $15 plus the cost of the electricity itself. It’s a premium price for a premium location.
Navigating the Valet vs. Self-Parking Dilemma
One of the most frequent questions we get at Frontier Tesla is: "Do I have to pay for valet to use the Tesla charger at The Broadmoor?" The answer depends entirely on which type of charger you intend to use.
The Supercharger Experience (Garage Access)
The Broadmoor hosts a bank of Tesla Superchargers located within their main parking garage. These are the high-speed V2 or V3 chargers that can get you back on the road in 30 minutes. To reach these, you must enter the parking garage. As soon as you pull that ticket at the gate, the clock starts.
You do not have to use valet to access these Superchargers. You can self-park, plug in, and walk over to the Golden Bee for a quick snack while you wait. However, you will still be charged the standard garage fee when you exit. I’ve found that many drivers assume the "charging" status waives the "parking" status. It doesn’t.
The Destination Charger Experience (Lobby Access)
If you are looking for the Tesla Destination Chargers (the slower Level 2 chargers meant for overnight stays), these are typically located near the main entrances and valet stands. For these, you almost certainly have to use the valet service. The valet team will take your car, plug it in for you, and monitor the charge. This is the height of convenience, but it comes with the valet price tag.
Is There an Extra Fee for Tesla Charging for Non-Guests?
Here’s the thing: The Broadmoor doesn’t technically charge a "non-guest surcharge" for the electricity. If you can get to the plug, you pay the same Tesla-regulated rate as anyone else. But—and this is a big "but"—the parking fee acts as a de facto entry fee for non-guests.
While guests staying at the hotel have their parking included in their resort fee or billed to their room, visitors are treated like any other member of the public using the facilities. According to a 2024 review of resort policies, The Broadmoor maintains a strict "pay-to-park" environment to manage the high demand for their limited garage space.
Is it fair? Well, consider the location. You aren't just charging at a gas station; you're charging at a Five-Star, Five-Diamond resort. You’re paying for the security of the garage, the proximity to the resort’s amenities, and the convenience of not having to hunt for a charger in downtown Colorado Springs.
How Much Does it Cost to Park and Charge a Tesla at The Broadmoor?
Let’s look at a concrete scenario. You’re driving a Frontier Tesla rental, and you’re at 15% battery. You need to get to 80% to feel comfortable for your trek up to Pikes Peak.
- Parking Entry: $15.00 (Standard visitor rate for under 3 hours).
- Electricity: A Model 3 Long Range needs about 50 kWh to hit that 80% mark. At an average Supercharger rate of $0.42 per kWh, that’s $21.00.
- Total Cost: $36.00.
Compare this to a standard Supercharger located in a shopping mall parking lot where parking is free. There, you’d only pay the $21.00. At The Broadmoor, you are essentially paying a $15 "luxury tax" for the environment.
Comparison of Local Charging Costs
| Location | Parking Fee | Charging Speed | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Broadmoor | $15 - $25 | High (Supercharger) | 5-Star Dining, Lake Walks |
| CO Springs - Woodmen Rd | Free | High (Supercharger) | Target, Starbucks |
| Downtown Garage | $1 - $5 | Medium (Level 2) | City Shops, Museums |
Why the Parking Fee Exists: A Perspective from the Inside
I’ve spoken with facility managers at several high-end resorts, and the reasoning for The Broadmoor Tesla charging parking fee is twofold: congestion and maintenance.
The Broadmoor is a destination in itself. On any given Saturday, hundreds of people visit just to walk the grounds or dine at the Penrose Room. If parking were free for EV charging, the Tesla stalls would be perpetually occupied by locals looking for a free spot, leaving actual hotel guests with nowhere to plug in. By keeping the parking fee in place, the resort ensures that the chargers are used by people who truly need them and are willing to pay for the convenience.
Furthermore, maintaining a parking infrastructure that supports high-voltage Superchargers isn't cheap. The resort has to pay for the specialized insurance, the increased security patrols in the garage, and the physical upkeep of the stalls.
Strategic Advice: How to Maximize Your Spend
If you’re going to pay the parking fee anyway, don’t just sit in your car scrolling through your phone. Make the most of it.
- Grab a Drink at The Golden Bee: This authentic 19th-century English pub is a short walk from the garage. The parking fee is much easier to swallow when you’ve had a pint and some world-class fish and chips.
- Walk the Lake: The loop around Cheyenne Lake is one of the most beautiful walks in Colorado. It takes about 20 minutes—exactly the time needed for a V3 Supercharger to do its thing.
- Validate (If You Can): While the chargers themselves don't trigger validation, some of the high-end boutiques or restaurants on-site might validate your parking if you spend a certain amount. It never hurts to ask, "We’re charging our Tesla and just finished lunch; do you offer parking validation?"
The Frontier Tesla Expert Tip
We always tell our clients: if you’re just looking for the cheapest electrons, head to the Supercharger off I-25 and Woodmen Road. It’s fast, it’s free to park, and there’s a Target nearby for your snacks.
But, if you want an experience, go to The Broadmoor. There is something undeniably cool about pulling a high-tech Tesla into a garage that has hosted presidents and celebrities for over a century. Just factor that $15–$25 parking fee into your travel budget so there are no surprises when you hit the exit gate.
Step-by-Step: How to Charge at The Broadmoor
- Navigate: Set your Tesla’s GPS to "The Broadmoor Supercharger." This will pre-condition your battery for faster charging.
- Entry: Follow the signs for "International Center" or "Main Parking Garage."
- Ticket: Take the ticket from the automated machine. Keep it! You’ll need it to pay when you leave.
- Locate: The Superchargers are usually on the lower levels. Look for the bright red Tesla signage.
- Plug In: The Supercharger will recognize your car automatically.
- Pay for Parking: Before returning to your car, use one of the automated pay stations inside the resort or at the garage entrance. This is usually faster than paying at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park for free if I only stay for 15 minutes?
Usually, no. Most luxury resorts like The Broadmoor have a "grace period" of only 5 to 10 minutes. Since a meaningful charge takes at least 15–20 minutes, you will almost certainly trigger the first tier of parking fees.
Is the parking fee different for Tesla vs. other EVs?
No. The Broadmoor Tesla charging parking fee is the same as the fee for a Ford F-150 Lightning or a gas-powered Cadillac. The fee is for the space, not the fuel.
What happens if the Superchargers are full?
This is a risk. If you pay to enter the garage and all chargers are full, you are still liable for the parking fee. I recommend checking the Tesla app before you pull into the resort grounds to see how many stalls are available in real-time.
Does the valet fee include the cost of charging?
No. The valet fee covers the labor of parking your car. The electricity is still billed to your Tesla account.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Visit
- Expect to pay: Budget at least $15 for parking in addition to your charging costs.
- Non-guests are welcome: You don't need a room key to use the Superchargers, but you do need a credit card for the garage.
- Valet is optional for Superchargers: You can self-park in the garage to save a few dollars compared to the full valet service.
- Timing is everything: Check stall availability on your Tesla screen before entering the private grounds.
Charging at The Broadmoor is about more than just range; it’s about the lifestyle. At Frontier Tesla, we believe that every part of your journey should be premium. Now that you know the score on the parking fees, you can plug in, power up, and enjoy the grandeur of Colorado’s most famous resort without any unexpected hits to your wallet.
Sources:
- Tesla Supercharger Map - Colorado Springs - Official location and stall data.
- The Broadmoor Official Parking Policy - Current rates for guests and visitors.
- Frontier Tesla Internal Fleet Data - Real-world charging costs and user experiences in Colorado Springs.