Stowe Motel & Snowdrift

The three low-rise buildings that comprise the main part of the motel have a cute, homey charm from the outside, and the well-kept atmosphere here draws plenty of repeat guests, from families to couples and even solo travelers. The motel isn’t a quaint country inn, but it is warm and welcoming from the moment guests step into the intimate lobby, thanks in part to its overstuffed love seat and armchair, fireplace, and extensive DVD collection. The lobby area also has a coffee machine for guest use throughout the day and a computer station, though the only other common area for relaxation is the game room, which has a cozy, suburban split-level home vibe with a comfortable fireside seating area. By budget motel standards, despite some outdated decor, the features on offer here put it a step above many others in this category.

The tiny village of Stowe is a prime location for sightseeing and adventure sports in northern Vermont, and the massive Stowe Mountain Ski Resort is a 10-minute drive up the road. There are quaint restaurants, cafes, and boutiques along Main Street in town, a five-minute drive from the hotel, though the immediate surroundings are quite low density. There are a couple restaurants within walking distance, though, including the popular Sunset Grille & Tap (five minutes), the Cactus Cafe (two minutes), and Piecasso Pizzeria (three minutes). The Stowe Country Club, ideal for golf enthusiasts, is a five-minute drive from the hotel and there are numerous opportunities to hike in the area. Burlington, which has a thriving arts scene on Lake Champlain (as well as the closest major airport) is a 45-minute drive from the hotel, and the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory is a 15-minute drive south in Waterbury.

The guest rooms here are spacious, clean, and well-kept, if slightly dated, with simple light wood veneer furniture that’s in good shape. Light walls are offset against dark patterned carpets, while wall art is limited to the soft landscapes and scenes found in "Home Interiors" catalogs of yore. There are a range of room sizes available, many with kitchenettes that include miniature electric ranges, microwaves, sinks, and coffeemakers, while others have full kitchens with stoves and full-size refrigerators. Other rooms are downright cozy, with working wood-burning fireplaces and small seating areas made up of plush chairs and couches, some of which are actually sofa beds. Rooms without efficiencies or kitchens also include mini-fridges and electric kettles, and all rooms have air-conditioning, alarm clocks, telephones, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. 

Beds are OK, and come in double, queen, or king sizes, though the bedspreads live up to motel expectations. Bathrooms with tiled floors are clean, but slightly outdated -- just like the main rooms. They have a full line of generic toiletries, stand-alone sinks or larger vanities in higher category bookings, and bathtub/shower combos. While the motel isn’t very loud, the soundproofing isn’t the best and minor noise from neighboring rooms can be heard. The property also rents out full apartments and homes that are ideal for families and groups.

In the warmer months one of the nicest ways to explore the area around Stowe is on a bicycle, and the motel offers free bike rentals to guests. There are two outdoor heated pools open during the summer months, though the outdoor hot tub stays open year-round. The motel doesn’t have a fitness center, but there are outdoor tennis courts open in warmer months and free snowshoe equipment during the winter. The hotel also features a cozy wood-paneled game room with foosball, ping-pong, vending machines, and a fireside seating area set with overstuffed couches and chairs. The motel’s continental breakfast is good by budget standards and features bagels from a local shop, though the breakfast room is a bit cramped. Free coffee is available in the lobby throughout the day and guests are allowed to borrow movies from the motel’s DVD library. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and printing is available from a public computer station in the lobby as well.