The Lodge at Spruce Peak

The Lodge at Spruce Peak: A Comprehensive Review of Stowe's Michelin Key Selected Alpine Retreat

The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a Michelin Key Selected property in Stowe, Vermont, stands out as a luxurious and comprehensive year-round resort, particularly lauded for its exceptional ski-in/ski-out access and rustic elegance. Guests consistently praise its extensive amenities, stunning mountain setting, and diverse offerings for families and individuals alike.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Lodge at Spruce Peak is overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating often hovering around "Wonderful" (9.0 on Hotels.com, 8.8 on Booking.com). Guests frequently describe it as a top luxury property in Vermont, offering everything one might need and more for a mountain getaway. While certainly a high-end experience with commensurate pricing, many find the value worthwhile for the amenities and location.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features of The Lodge at Spruce Peak:

• Ski-in/Ski-out Access: This is perhaps the most celebrated highlight, offering direct access to Spruce Peak, one of Stowe's two mountains. The convenience of a ski valet further enhances the experience during winter months.
• Abundant Amenities: The resort boasts a wealth of facilities, including a large outdoor pool with indoor access and mountain views, two hot tubs (though one may occasionally be out of service), an acclaimed spa with 19 treatment rooms and a salon, a modern fitness center, and an 18-hole golf course.
• Rustic Elegance & Design: The property exhibits rustic elegance throughout, from the impressive lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows to the contemporary rooms, utilizing local stone and timber. The mountain-inspired decor contributes to a calm and cozy atmosphere.
• Family-Friendly Offerings: The Lodge features a "great children's program," complete with a kids' spa, and a small "village" area with shops and entertainment like giant Jenga and cornhole. The large pool is also a big draw for families.
• Year-Round Activities: Beyond skiing, the resort caters to all seasons with activities like hiking, biking, golf, spa treatments, and fly-fishing excursions.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at The Lodge at Spruce Peak are generally well-received for their comfort and spaciousness, ranging from standard rooms to four-bedroom suites and full residences.

• Comfort & Design: Accommodations feature a simple, clean mountain decor with bright, contemporary touches. Guests appreciate the plush bedding and high-quality linens and towels. Many rooms come with balconies offering stunning mountain views.
• Amenities: Standard room amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, coffee makers, small fridges, and daily water bottles. Most rooms have working fireplaces, adding a cozy and romantic feel. Bathrooms are often described as large and upscale, featuring good-sized showers and soaking bathtubs, with amenities by Vermont-based Ursa Mejor.
• Variations: While many rooms offer fireplaces and kitchens, some guests have noted discrepancies between booking descriptions and the actual room features upon arrival. Penthouses and Treehouse accommodations offer additional luxuries like full kitchens, private check-in, and dedicated pool areas.

4. Dining Experience

The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers a diverse culinary experience with several on-site restaurants and bars that celebrate Vermont's local culture and ingredients.

• Alpine Hall: Kitchen & Cocktails: This restaurant is highly regarded for its elevated, farm-to-table menu that showcases local growers, farmers, and artisans. Dinner here is often described as delicious, though it can be busy, making reservations advisable.
• Tipsy Trout: This establishment offers high-end New England seafood, complete with a raw bar and a curated wine program, open for lunch and dinner.
• The Pantry & Beanery Café: Ideal for casual dining, this spot provides nourishing breakfast options, fresh baked goods, grab-and-go meals, and a selection of local grocery items, craft brews, and wines. Free coffee is often available here in the mornings.
• Aqua Pool Bar: During warmer months, this poolside oasis offers refreshing drinks and a family-friendly menu of meals and snacks.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff at The Lodge at Spruce Peak is generally positive, with many highlighting friendly and attentive employees. However, some experiences suggest occasional inconsistencies.

• Hospitality: Staff are often described as helpful and friendly, contributing to a wonderful guest experience. Concierge services are available, and housekeeping is daily.
• Areas for Improvement: Some guests have reported instances of understaffing, leading to longer check-in times or issues like a lack of towels by the pool. There have also been isolated cases of dirty linens in rooms upon arrival, which the hotel promptly addressed. Employee reviews suggest that while the team generally pulls together, management can sometimes be disorganized, and there can be high turnover in some management positions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Lodge at Spruce Peak boasts a prime location that balances serene mountain surroundings with convenient access to local attractions.

• Ski-in/Ski-out: Its most significant advantage is the direct ski-in/ski-out access to Spruce Peak.
• Mountain Road: The resort is conveniently located right off Mountain Road, the main thoroughfare connecting various villages and ski resorts. This road can be busy but provides easy access.
• Proximity to Stowe: Downtown Stowe, with its unique shops, dining scene, movie theater, and entertainment venues, is approximately a 10-minute drive away.
• Natural Attractions: The stunning vistas from Smugglers' Notch are a quick drive (5 minutes) in warmer months, and the resort is at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.
• Transportation: Burlington International Airport (BTV) is about a one-hour drive (40 miles) from the resort. Valet parking is available and often mandatory with a fee, though complimentary EV charging is offered. Self-service parking is also an option, sometimes with charges.

7. Value & Pricing

The Lodge at Spruce Peak is recognized as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this.

• Price Range: Room rates are generally pricey year-round, with base rooms potentially ranging from $600-$800 per night during peak seasons like fall and winter. However, prices can be significantly less in spring, summer, and non-peak fall.
• Worth the Cost? Many guests feel the resort is worth the cost due to its extensive amenities, prime ski-in/ski-out location, and overall high-end experience. The ability to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points can also enhance value for members.
• Additional Fees: Guests should be aware of extra fees, including a mandatory valet parking fee, which some may find makes them feel "nickel-and-dimed." Resort fees may also apply.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted by guests:

• Extra Fees: The mandatory valet parking fee and other additional charges can be a point of contention for some guests.
• Staffing Issues: Occasional understaffing has led to slower service, such as extended check-in times or a lack of readily available pool towels.
• Room Discrepancies: A few guests have reported that their assigned rooms did not always match the description regarding features like fireplaces or kitchens.
• Hot Tub Availability: There have been instances where one of the two hot tubs was out of service.
• Noise: While generally serene, the main thoroughfare (Mountain Road) can be busy and congested.
• Pet Policy Strictness: For guests with pets, the policy of not allowing dogs to be left alone in the room at any time can be restrictive.

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