AWOL Stowe

AWOL Stowe, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique blend of alpine charm and contemporary coziness, garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Nestled on the fringe of Cady Hill Forest and just a short stroll from Stowe village, the hotel is praised for its serene atmosphere, exceptional service, and thoughtful amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

AWOL Stowe consistently receives high marks from guests, with ratings frequently in the "Exceptional" and "Wonderful" categories (e.g., 8.8, 9.0, 10 on Booking.com; 9.2 on Hotels.com). The general sentiment is highly positive, with many travelers describing their stay as "amazing," "magical," and a "perfect place to stay in Stowe." It's recognized as a stylish boutique alpine hotel that celebrates the outdoors.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of AWOL Stowe:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a "cool vibe" with timbered interiors, tactile furnishings, and alpine motifs creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The common areas are described as "gorgeous."
• Amenities: A standout feature is the Nordic spa area, which includes a cedar hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge pool, often enjoyed on a broad outdoor deck overlooking the forest. Communal fire pits with Adirondack chairs are also a guest favorite for evening relaxation.
• Service: The staff consistently receives accolades for being "wonderful," "very welcoming," "super friendly," and providing "exceptional" hospitality.
• Breakfast: The complimentary artisanal toast bar is a major highlight, frequently described as "delicious," "great," "amazing," and "extraordinary" with a wide selection.
• Location: Its prime location, tucked away by Cady Hill Forest but still a short stroll from Stowe village, offers both seclusion and easy access to attractions.

3. Room Quality

AWOL Stowe offers 35 rooms, including suites and standalone cabins, all designed with a quiet, minimalist aesthetic, natural materials, and earthy hues.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are frequently described as "cozy," "clean," and "gorgeous." Many rooms feature king-sized platform beds, comfortable living areas, and private patios or balconies facing the woods, offering private alfresco space.
• Features: Some suites boast wood-burning fireplaces, adding to the cozy alpine feel. The Lark Suite even includes a full kitchen. A-frame cabins offer a rustic-chic escape.
• Amenities: Standard in-room amenities include smart TVs, mini-fridges, wine glasses and corkscrews, hairdryers, bathrobes, and DS & Durga bath products.

4. Dining Experience

While AWOL Stowe does not feature a formal full-service restaurant, its dining options are highly praised:

• Breakfast: A complimentary self-serve artisanal toast bar is offered daily. Guests can enjoy a variety of savory and sweet breads and pastries, along with spreads like cream cheeses, hummus, and jams, and toppings such as granola, honey, and bacon bits. Yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, coffee, and tea are also available. This breakfast is a consistent highlight for guests.
• On-site Bar: The hotel features an exclusive on-site bar and lounge, serving craft cocktails and a curated menu of small plates with local, in-season ingredients, available until 11:00 PM.
• Special Experiences: An intimate "Forest Table" private chef dining experience is available for an additional cost, offering a 3-course dinner with locally sourced ingredients and wine pairings.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at AWOL Stowe consistently receives excellent reviews, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "wonderful," "very welcoming," "exceptional," "super friendly and accommodating." Specific mentions of staff members like Riley, Reagan, and Sarah underscore the personalized and attentive service.

6. Location & Accessibility

AWOL Stowe boasts an "excellent location" in Stowe. It is "tucked along the idyllic Cady Hill Forest," providing a sense of being secluded in nature. Despite its tranquil setting, it's just a "short stroll from the bustle of Stowe village," offering easy access to local shops, art galleries, and dining.

• Nearby Attractions: The hotel is well-situated for outdoor activities, with hiking and biking trails accessible right from its doorstep. It's also minutes away from Stowe Mountain Resort, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding, and there's a bus shuttle to the mountains across the road.
• Accessibility: AWOL Stowe strives to accommodate all guests and offers one accessible King Junior Suite with a fireplace. However, guests are advised that due to the property's architecture, other guest rooms may not meet all ADA accessibility requirements.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury boutique hotel, guests generally find AWOL Stowe to offer good value, with some reviews rating it highly for comfort and value. Prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $197.68 to $249, though rates are subject to change and vary by date. It's important to note that a resort fee and destination fee may be applied to the room rate.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Bed Comfort: Some guests found the beds not as comfortable as expected or the mattresses to be too soft.
• Noise: One review mentioned noise keeping them up, suggesting it might be better suited for younger guests than seniors seeking absolute quiet.
• Wi-Fi: In one instance, a guest mentioned that the Wi-Fi could be better.
• Front Desk Hours: The front desk operates with limited hours, generally from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Sources

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