Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

Spread throughout several
buildings that range from neocolonial to modern, the resort plays host to
families, couples, and a large number of business travelers due to the many
conferences hosted here throughout the year. The hotel’s small front desk abuts
a comfortable lounge with country-style furniture, carpets, and softly
patterned drapes, and despite several antiques and roaring fireplaces
throughout, details like sagging sofas and couches give the resort a tired, not
antique, look. Fountains, sculptures, and gardens dot the wide manicured lawns
throughout the property, and Charlie B’s Pub, the on-site restaurant, often
features live entertainment for guests and visitors from across the area.

Stowe, Vermont is a
quaint village known for its year-round outdoor activities -- from skiing
to hiking and kayaking. The resort is actually located on a commercial road
outside of the historic village center, a five-minute drive from the
locally owned shops, boutiques, and restaurants in town. The Stowe Country Club
is adjacent to the property for golf enthusiasts, while Mt. Mansfield is a
12-minute drive for demanding, but scenic, hikes. Stowe Mountain Resort, one of
the largest in Vermont, is a 10-minute drive up the road and is great for
skiers of all levels. The annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival takes
place on site, and the Ben & Jerry’s Factory is a 15-minute drive away in
Waterbury, both of which are great for families. The closest airport is in
Burlington, Vermont, a 45-minute drive from the resort.

Rooms here are spacious
and clean, though as at many of the large resorts in the area, the decor is a
bit stuffy and outdated. Several patterns compete for attention, from the
generic tan-flecked green carpets to the ’90s print curtains to the floral or striped chairs. The colonial-style furniture is typically of walnut veneer. There are a wide variety of room configurations, from 310 square foot (29 square
meter) Standard and Classic Rooms to Suites and large Townhouses. Double,
Queen, and King beds are comfortable, with duvets and bed runners that match
the printed curtains, and all rooms include flat-screen TVs, desks, Keurig
coffeemakers, and clock radios. Classic Rooms and above all have minibars, while Deluxe Rooms and higher all have fireplaces,
more space, and comfortable seating that in some rooms includes sofa beds. Guests should also check ahead as some higher-tier rooms have private hot tubs. Wallpapered
bathrooms are modern, with tan tiled floors and granite vanities as well as a
complete line of toiletries, bathrobes, and bathtub/shower combos (or stand-up showers in rooms that also have hot tubs). The resort’s
Suites have separate bedrooms living areas, and the property’s several
townhouses are suitable for small groups and families who want the convenience
of a full kitchen. Despite the category of booking, style and decor don’t vary
from one level to the next, and noise from neighboring rooms can be an issue in
some parts of the resort.

The hotel has plenty of
on-site features to keep guests of all ages busy, and one of the main draws is
the massive Spa at Stoweflake, with 30 treatment rooms, a full range of massage
and wellness treatment packages, and the Aqua Solarium, which has a 12-foot
hydrotherapy waterfall. The facilities are nice enough and have a generically
clean, neutral atmosphere, though details like the hand-painted murals in the solarium aren’t particularly chic. The spa also includes an outdoor meditation
garden and the hotel’s complete gym, which is free for guest usage and has yoga and Pilates studios as well as a
large selection of cardio machines, cable machines, and free weights. Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, tennis and
racquetball courts, cross country ski trails, and a nine-hole golf course all
come together to complete the hotel’s wellness emphasis.Charlie B’s Pub, the
on-site restaurant, aspires to country lodge warmth, but many aspects look
dated and we saw some stained tablecloths when we visited. The restaurant
serves decent American-style food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though
meals are only included in some packages. The resort participates in the
Vermont Fresh program, emphasizing local goods and produce throughout its
facilities, which also include The Poolside Spa Cafe, serving light lunches,
and a wine cellar with over 3,000 bottles from 10 countries.Wi-Fi is free throughout
the hotel and there are several meeting and conference rooms on-site, though
are all simple and generic. The hotel can arrange a variety of large-scale
events including weddings. This is a pet-friendly hotel, though advance notice
is required and a daily fee is attached. Coffee and tea are offered in the
lobby throughout the day and the hotel’s 24-hour front desk can arrange airport
transportation and private car services. Laundry and dry cleaning are both
available and there is a secure on-site ski storage room as well. Babysitting
services can be arranged and the resort has several kid-friendly activities
throughout the year including a summer day camp and a game room. There is a
gift shop with souvenirs and the hotel runs a free shuttle to Stowe
Mountain Resort.