Blind Tiger Burlington

Blind Tiger Burlington, a Michelin One-Key property, offers a "very special stay" in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, blending historical grandeur with unique contemporary design.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Blind Tiger Burlington is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "perfect" and "amazing". It consistently receives high ratings for cleanliness, comfort, staff, and facilities. The property is lauded for its serene atmosphere, thoughtful design, and welcoming ambiance, making it a highly recommended choice for a quiet respite within Burlington. It holds an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 based on 228 reviews.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Blind Tiger Burlington:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's flawless design, combining period architecture with vintage details and original contemporary artworks, is a major draw. Guests appreciate the "gorgeous old rooms" and interesting bedrooms, along with sumptuous common areas like the plant-filled solarium and a cozy living room with a fireplace. The overall atmosphere is described as cozy and inviting, making guests reluctant to leave.
• Amenities: Complimentary snacks, drinks, Italian coffee, and milk are frequently highlighted as generous and thoughtful touches. The availability of free WiFi and outdoor furniture also adds to guest satisfaction.
• Service & Staff: The helpful, friendly, and attentive staff consistently receive high marks for curating excellent guest experiences.
• Breakfast: The delicious and beautifully presented breakfast, featuring fresh fruit, sides, coffee, juice, and breads, is a recurring highlight. Some reviewers even call it "one of the best breakfast[s] I've ever had at a hotel".

Room Quality

Each of the 14 bedrooms at Blind Tiger Burlington is unique, showcasing a blend of Queen Anne and Colonial-Georgian Revival architectural styles with high ceilings, intricate moldings, and wood floors. Rooms are described as luxurious, comfortable, beautifully decorated, and impeccably clean. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, premium body care products, and comfortable beds. Some rooms even offer gorgeous lake views. Soundproofing in the historic building is noted as surprisingly excellent.

Dining Experience

Blind Tiger Burlington operates on a residential concept, meaning there isn't a full-service restaurant for lunch or dinner. However, a "delicious" and "great buffet style breakfast" is served daily. This complimentary artisanal toast and yogurt bar includes fresh fruit, pastries, cheese, and juice. For other meals, guests are directed to local establishments, and each room comes with local resident suggestions for dining.

Service & Staff

The staff at Blind Tiger Burlington are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests have highlighted personalized service and the staff's dedication to creating the best possible experience. The welcoming greeting and guided tours are also noted. Michael Morano, the area general manager, attributes the Michelin Key distinction to the personalized service, among other factors.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel is conveniently located in a pleasant and secluded residential neighborhood known as Burlington Heights. It's a short stroll to major attractions like Church Street, the Lake Champlain waterfront, and other lively downtown Burlington neighborhoods. The University of Vermont campus is also nearby, about a 14-minute walk. While some mention it's "not walkable to the lake or downtown" for everyone, many find Burlington easily walkable from the hotel. Free parking is available.

Value & Pricing

The value and pricing receive mixed but generally positive feedback, with a rating of 8.1 for value for money. Many guests feel the hotel is "absolutely worth the price" given the beautiful surroundings, flawless design, and amenities. However, one reviewer felt it "misses the mark as accommodation at the current price point," citing a need for updates and improvements in their specific suite. The Michelin Key designation also reflects "value for the price" as one of the key determinants.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Maintenance Issues: One guest noted that while the decor was beautiful, some construction seemed to lack quality, with walls and fixtures not repaired/constructed well upon closer inspection. Another mentioned "a couple of maintenance issues but very minor". Some specific issues included a non-working water machine and slow drainage in a shower and sink.
• Room Specifics: A guest found their room small with a sloping ceiling that caused an accidental head injury, and mentioned the room being very hot with no apparent temperature control. Another found the bed too soft, though acknowledged this is a matter of taste. One room was perceived as a little dark.
• Perception of Value: One review suggested that the hotel, at its current price point, didn't entirely meet the basic requirements of an upscale hotel or B&B, particularly regarding the need for structural repairs and better furnishings in their suite.
• Staff Training (Minor): The same critical review also mentioned staff seeming more like "a young group of friends who had decided to run a hotel but without much planning or training," though they were still described as pleasant and helpful.

Sources

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