Located at the base of Mount Mansfield in Stowe Vermont, is the luxurious and family friendly Stowe Mountain Lodge. Rated #5 Top Resort in the country by Conde´Nast Traveler, the Stowe Mountain Lodge shines as a premier place to vacation for young and not so young alike.
And you’d think a resort located in a mountain would only be focused on skiing, right? Think again. Besides being the #1 rated Northern Golf Resort by Conde´Nast Traveler, there’s hiking, biking, ziplining, Alpine mountain sliding, fishing, and lots of other family friendly activities that will entertain family members of any age.
A wonderful place to visit when you have kids of various ages like we do. It’s not easy finding activities that would entertain both an eight year old and an eighteen year old alike!
Upon arrival we knew we were in capable hands. Our trunk which was packed with a giant cooler, many suitcases, and countless stuffed friends was quickly unpacked by the bellmen and transported to our room before we had a chance to blink.
We’ve never stayed at a lodge before, but had chatted about what it might look like during the drive up to Vermont.
The kids imagined lots of wood beams and fieldstone, while I envisioned a cozy fireplace where I’d enjoy a glass of wine. And upon entering the lobby, that’s exactly what we saw. The wine came a little later, of course.
Cozy rocking chairs facing floor to ceiling windows with stunning mountain views, the lobby set us up immediately with some pretty high expectations that did not go unfulfilled.
There are three hundred and twelve guest rooms at the lodge. From studios to larger accomodations that can sleep multiple families, there’s a choice for parties of every size.
The rooms are graciously appointed with plush furnishings, kitchenette, stone framed fireplace, and a bathroom that you’d have to see to believe.
Even though it was August, we still lit that fireplace up. Such an indulgent touch that makes me want to visit again when there’s snow on the ground!
As much as I loved the fireplace, the girls loved the balcony even more. They had so much fun waving at people they didn’t even know.
The first thing the girls wanted to do upon arrival was to visit the pool. They had checked out pictures of the pool on the website before we go there and were duly impressed with the photos.
But the real deal was even better. A large pool with a killer hot tub, the kids splashed and played for hours. Oh, did I mention with a water temperature of 84° that the pool is open year round?
There’s a nifty indoor entrance to the outdoor pool that you can use in the wintertime so that your toes never even have to touch the freezing cold ground. How cool is that?
Once again, I’m coming back up in the winter to swim in the outdoor pool. I’ve always wanted to sit in a hot tub outside while surrounded by snow. It’s on my bucket list. Time to knock that puppy off the list.
In various spots around the resort are fire pits where you can sit and enjoy the scenery. A little birdie told me that there are often times s’more making supplies available to the guests.
While staying at the Stowe Mountain Lodge, you should give yourself a little gift by visiting The Spa and Wellness Center. From massages to body scrubs and every pampering service in between, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is choose which treatments you’ll receive.
A few months ago I received a Spa Finder gift certificate, and lucky me, The Spa and Wellness Center accepts Spa Finder! I chose the Vermont Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar Scrub which was all shades of bliss.
Before my treatment I was ushered into the relaxation lounge which is where I waited until they came to take me in for my service.
The relaxation lounge is outfitted with comfy lounge chairs that face floor to ceiling windows with views of the mountains. Soft peaceful spa music plays while you sip on water or munch on an apple.
A fine time to block out the worries of the world while you read a book or better yet, do nothing at all.
The spa has its own jacuzzi tubs in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Deep bubbling tubs just for adults.
One of the benefits of getting a spa treatment is that you can utilize the relaxation lounge and the jacuzzi tub throughout the day that your treatment is scheduled.
If you come up sans kids, I think this would be a wonderful way to spend an entire day. The relaxation lounge is such a calming place with breathtaking views. You might not ever want to leave.
I sure didn’t.
Not only is the Stowe Mountain Lodge a wonderful place to go as a family, it’s also a wonderful place to go with multiple families. There are accomodations that have up to three bedrooms, so perfect to share with extended family or friends.
These larger rooms have an ample lounging area and a huge kitchen…
Can you just imagine eating pancakes in this kitchen with real Vermont maple syrup?
No matter how many people are in your party, the Stowe Mountain Lodge can accomodate you. And no matter what time of year you come to visit, there are sure to be activities the whole family will enjoy.
Our family has never gone on a ski vacation before. Heck, my kids have never even been on skis. And even though we plan on coming back up to Stowe Mountain Lodge this winter to try skiing for the very first time, I still think there’s plenty to do here even if skiing is not your thing.
Things To Know Before You Arrive
- Book your spa treatments in advance. They fill up quickly during peak times.
- Call the concierge for tips on what activities will be best for your family. The man knows his stuff.
- The kitchens are stocked with pots, pans, utensils, and a coffee maker.
- The hotel has a fleet of Mercedes to shuttle you to and fro once you arrive. It’s complimentary.
- There is a wonderful performing arts facility called the Spruce Peak Arts Center. Do call ahead to see what’s going on while you are there. The theater is beautiful.
- The Alpine Slide and the attached attractions park offers a 25% discount if you charge the tickets to your room.
- The fitness center is chock full of gym equipment. Bring your sneakers if working out is your thing.
- You are going to fall in love with your sheets. I think they were woven in Egyptian pyramids by some mythical creature or something because they are crazy luxurious. You can order them in the spa.
This is not a sponsored post. I did receive a media rate for our accommodations. All opinions are my own. A big thank you to the staff at Stowe Mountain Lodge. You all exceeded my expectations.































Holy luxury! Your review and photos make me want to visit this place. It sounds like all kinds of fabulous.
It is so entirely fabulous. Sometimes you truly get what you pay for. This place delivers. I can’t wait to go back!
You have to experience that pool (and the hot tubs) at night, when it is snowing ever so lightly and about 20 degrees out, the steam is rising, it is surreal, we bring out a glass of good wine after dinner and it is fantastic (says the woman who does not ski and does not like the cold!) It is my happy place and I can be there in 5 hours from centeral NJ!
Sigh, that’s my vision Kellie. And it’s funny that you don’t like the cold. I don’t like it either. But I can totally see liking it when soaking in a warm pool in the dead of winter! If I start driving now, I could meet you there!
Wow! What a great hotel! I would love to spend some time there. It’s beautiful inside and out with so many things to do!
Jane, really it is so very nice. Such a great family resort. I wish I had only known about it sooner!
that looks amazing! my hubby and i never had a real honeymoon (or wedding for that matter) and when we renew our vows, i know what place i’m going to mention for honeymoon ideas!
Yes! What a perfect place for that. Very romantic and unique. The crazy thing about this place is that while it’s perfect for families, it’s not overrun by kids. It seems to strike a magical balance. Lovely.
Holy Hannah Melanie! I want to book a stay at the Stowe Mountain Lodge as soon as I possibly can! Your description of the accommodations and the amenities is absolutely wonderful! I can’t wait to visit and enjoy the vistas! I’m very jealous that you and your family got to spend such a wonderful time in VT. I truly wish I had been there too!! I am looking at the web site and trying to decide when I will visit and what treatments I will afford myself to enjoy. Sigh. I wish I could do them all!! Great post!
You will love it. A great place to create new shared memories and special moments.
Great review Melanie! I am thinking it would be great for an anniversary or any other special, romantic occasion. Don’t you?
Yup! They have services for weddings large and small, vow renewals, and even the spa has bridal packages. A great place to celebrate anything or just celebrating life itself. As corny as that may sound….
This just makes me want to visit…and soon. I just may talk my hubby into it for this winter. I always loved the mountains vs. the beach. We seem to do more beach than mountain vacations and cool evenings by a fire with a heated pool / hot tub is a perfect vacation to me. I’d love the relaxing atmosphere that has been perceived through your post and it’s absolutely my type of vacation. Thanks for this post. It’ll help in persuading the rest of the family when they see the smiles on your family’s faces.
Lol, Nancy. I’m happy to help you convince them. It won’t take much convincing when they step foot on the property. My oldest balked over going and he was the most happy to be there! He can’t even wait to go back. I’ve been to lots of hotels in my time, and this rates up there with the best of them! Oh, and those sheets. I can’t even begin to tell you how heavenly they are. Sigh.
Wow! I think I could even convince my “I don’t do resorts”-type boyfriend to visit this place. Very nice.
Yes, very nice. You won’t regret it.
You gotta love a fire pit near a swimming pool! Sounds like a nice trip!
I know, right? When I heard they offer smores and I missed them, I was kicking myself!! Smores and wine! Perfect pairing!
I live 15 minutes from the mountains of Lake Tahoe and now I want to go clear across the country to this beautiful place. I do wish the resort towns of Tahoe would be more family friendly, especially in the summer. It seems if you don’t ski or shop you’re out of luck.
Thanks for the review. It sounds like you and your babies had a fab time.