Hilton Burlington-Lake Champlain

The Hilton Burlington-Lake Champlain is a large, busy outpost of the Hilton chain, with little in the way of local character and charm, but gorgeous views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Even the fitness center has large picture windows overlooking the lake. Expect to see fairly typical interiors here, with generically modern fabrics and patterns in the carpets, plus furniture with contemporary lines and a healthy dose of neutral tones. The one exception is the hotel's restaurant, The Mounted Cat, which is done in stone, rustic wood, and other local materials. The floor is made of wide, weathered planks that add to the Vermont cabin vibe. 

The Hilton Burlington-Lake Champlain hosts frequent conferences and other events. The lobby is frequently populated by business travelers bent over their laptops, as well as tourists, including couples and families, some with dogs (as this is a pet-friendly hotel). In addition, there is a large outdoor patio with a fire pit for congregating with a drink on chilly evenings. All in all, this is a pleasant lakefront spot that'll suit most Hilton brand loyalists or travelers wanting reliable features in a simple, pleasant package.

One of the biggest draws of this Hilton is its prime location just across the road from Lake Champlain. Lakefront biking and jogging paths are just a five-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel is well located for taking advantage of the city as well, as it's only three blocks from the shops and restaurants at Church Street Marketplace, a five-minute walk from the hotel. In addition, the Echo Lake Aquarium will take about five minutes to reach on foot. The University of Vermont is a five-minute drive from the hotel for the many parents that stay here who are dropping off or visiting their kids at school. Of course, there are plenty of options for skiers in the area as well, including Stowe, Smuggler's Notch, Bolton Valley, and Sugarbush, all within an hour's drive. The Hilton is easily reached off Interstate 89, and is a 15-minute drive from the Burlington Airport. Free shuttle service to and from the airport is available upon prior arrangement.

The 258 rooms at the Hilton Burlington-Lake Champlain offer views of downtown or Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Guest room design and decor is standard throughout, and has an upmarket homey look that's done in warm reds and browns; beds have tall wood headboards with inset lighting, and bedside tables are furnished with lamps on stone bases, which brings a little Vermont style into the mix. Otherwise, the look is fairly standard for this business-friendly chain, with taupe walls and granite-topped furniture that all looks a bit dated. 

Each room has a spacious working desk with an ergonomic Herman Miller swivel chair. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable channels, safes, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers with Lavazza Italian coffee. There are a wide variety of room sizes and configurations, with combinations of king or queen beds. The hotel also offers Suites and Executive Rooms, the latter with access to an executive lounge with several perks detailed below. Additionally, there's a poolside cabana room, with a small interior balcony that opens onto the indoor pool. Bathrooms are clean and modern, but on the small side, with shower/tub combinations and toiletries. 

The Hilton Burlington-Lake Champlain has a medium-size indoor pool and large spa tub in a natatorium lined with large windows. The fitness center is similarly sunlit, with lake and mountain views, as well as an outdoor patio for those all-important breaks between sets. The gym is stocked with cardio machines and free weights.

In the mornings, there's a coffee cart in the lobby serving coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit for a fee. Executive guests get a free breakfast buffet in the executive lounge, where there are free snacks and drinks available 24/7, and there is plenty of quiet space to work by the fireplace. Mounted Cat, the Hilton's restaurant, serves "creative Vermont" cuisine in a rustic dining room or on an outdoor patio throughout the day. A kids' menu is offered. 

There are a good number of business-friendly features here as well. There's a 19,000-square-foot (1,765-square-meter) conference center with breathtaking lake views, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is a nice perk. The meeting room decor is basic business hotel, but the rooms are large, and there are audio-visual and other services available. The hotel provides free transportation to and from the Burlington Airport. A gift shop in the lobby stocked with snacks and necessities. Pets are allowed here, but there's a steep nightly fee.