The 12 Best Hotels for a Vermont Getaway (2023)

Updated October 2023. Contributed by author, Kayla Voigt.

When you think of an idyllic country scene, you’re probably picturing Vermont’s winding roads, gorgeous foliage, covered bridges, and adorable country stores. With these best hotels in Vermont, you can experience all of that.

Located in Northern New England, the Green Mountain State shares a border with Canada, New York, and Massachusetts. Whether you plan on hitting the slopes in the winter, leaf-peeping in the fall, or hiking and biking around the state all summer, there’s something for everyone.

As someone who lives in California, Vermont feels pretty tiny to me. You can get from one end of the state to the other in about three hours, and most destinations within the state are two or three hours from Boston, the closest major city. If you want to see the entire state, I recommend choosing one or two key jumping-off points from the various regions: the Upper Valley (Norwich/Woodstock), Killington, Middlebury, Burlington, The Green Mountains (Stowe/Smuggler’s Notch), Montpelier (Montpelier/Waterbury/Sugarbush) and the Northeast Kingdom (Craftsbury).

In general, you can’t go wrong with a vacation to Vermont. You’ll find some of the best food in New England — dairy farms and breweries are everywhere here — and with the outdoors as your playground, you’ll be able to truly unwind and unplug.

Here’s a look at the best Vermont hotels for your New England getaway!

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels for a Vermont Getaway:

1. The Pointe at Castle Hill Resort and Spa, for the best overall hotel
2. The Essex Resort & Spa, for the best relaxing hotel
3. The Woodstock Inn & Resort, for the best historic hotel

The 12 Best Hotels for a Vermont Getaway

---

1. The Pointe at Castle Hill Resort and Spa

This castle-turned-resort will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic fairytale. The Pointe at Castle Hill is one of the smallest hotels on this list, which makes it feel like you’ve stopped off for tea at an English estate (think sprawling gardens, gigantic fireplaces, and wood-paneled-lined libraries, the dream.) Their heated pool and hot tub are open year-round, and their spa is one of the best in New England. If you’re not able to book a room in the main castle, you can also stay in one of their condominium rentals, which have a much more modern feel. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Killington, Woodstock, Okemo
Budget: $$$
Address: 2940 VT-103, Proctorsville, VT 05153

2. The Essex Resort & Spa

If you prefer a more relaxed resort experience, stay at The Essex when heading up to Burlington. With more than 18 acres to explore, you’ll get the best of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. What I love most about the Essex is the food. Both the Tavern (with 30 local beers on tap) and the Junction Restaurant (multi-course meals) offer delicious options. And you don’t just get to enjoy the food — you can prepare it! They’re known for their “interactive” dining experience, and for offering cooking classes for all ages, from fundamentals like knife skills to complicated cake decorating. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Burlington
Budget: $$$
Address: 70 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT 05452

3. The Woodstock Inn & Resort

Woodstock is straight out of a storybook, and it’s one of the cutest towns in Vermont. Nestled right in downtown Woodstock is the historic Woodstock Inn & Resort, which has an old-fashioned elegance I love. It’s close to plenty of great hiking, shopping, and skiing at Killington, but it’s the spa that really sets this hotel apart for me. With high whitewashed ceilings and a cozy wood stove, you’ll feel truly pampered. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Killington, Queechee, Norwich
Budget: $$$
Address: 14 The Grn, Woodstock, VT 05091

4. The Norwich Inn

For travelers from New Hampshire or Massachusetts, cute-as-a-button Norwich, Vermont is a perfect starting point for exploring the state. Right on Main Street, next to the country store Dan and Whit’s, you can relax in The Norwich Inn’s charming historic rooms before visiting King Arthur Flour’s flagship bakery. Just across the Connecticut River, you’ll find Hanover, NH, home to Dartmouth College. Stroll up and down Main Street or take in a show at the Hopkins Center (affectionately known as “The Hop”). Book the best rates here.

Close to: Hanover, White River Junction, Woodstock
Budget: $$
Address: 325 Main St, Norwich, VT 05055

5. The Lodge at Spruce Peak

If you’re looking for ultimate ski luxury, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is it. It’s well-known as one of the best ski resorts in New England, with 116 trails split between two peaks and 12 lifts. Anchored by a stunning fireplace in a cathedral-style lobby, it’s one of my favorite places to visit. It’s also home to a truly incredible spa experience, with 180-degree windows that give you a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains as you pamper yourself with a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and a wide array of treatments available. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Stowe
Budget: $$$$
Address: 7412 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

6. Topnotch Resort 

Topnotch Resort feels like a piece of California in Vermont. With sleek, mid-century lines that call back to its founding in 1959, they offer updated amenities and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Topnotch’s claim to fame isn’t actually skiing-related — it’s one of the best tennis resorts in the world. Their tennis academy runs year-round with indoor and outdoor courts. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Stowe
Budget: $$$
Address: 4000 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

7. Twin Farms

One of the most truly luxurious properties in all of Vermont, Twin Farms is the best of the best. This all-inclusive resort and spa are completely immersive — while you could certainly venture out into Killington or Woodstock from here, you won’t want to. It’s a place to unplug and unwind completely in nature, with access to miles of trails and adventure and a full day of health and wellness programming, like yoga, guided walks, or spa treatments. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Killington, Pomfret, Woodstock
Budget: $$$$
Address: 452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031

8. The Middlebury Inn

With historic rooms and access to a quaint downtown, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a quintessential New England college town at the Middlebury Inn. It’s only an hour from Burlington via the Lake Champlain scenic byway, which is one of the prettiest roads in New England. In the winter, try a local (small) mountain at the Middlebury College Snow Bowl for downhill skiers. For Nordic skiing, Breadloaf’s miles of extensive, pristine trails make it a fantastic choice. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Breadloaf, Burlington
Budget: $
Address: 16 Court Square, Middlebury, VT 05753

9. Basin Harbor Club

Lake Champlain is a truly stunning destination, especially in the summer. If you love to sail, the Basin Harbor Club’s nautical, cottage aesthetic will make you feel at home. Just outside of Burlington, you’ll have a great home base to enjoy the best the region has to offer. The resort is set on a sprawling 700-acre lot, complete with a golf course, harbor, and tennis courts. Rentals for powerboats, kayaks, and sailboats are available so you can enjoy a true Vermont summer. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Burlington
Budget: $$$
Address: 4800 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491

10. Trapp Family Lodge

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the Trapp Family Singers at the end of the Sound of Music, you’re in luck: They landed in Stowe, Vermont, starting Trapp Family Lodge in 1950. The rooms have a decidedly rustic, European feel, and with views of the surrounding mountains (and great beer and fondue to match), you’ll feel like you’ve stolen away to the Alps. While Stowe has plenty of downhill ski options, this is your best choice for Nordic skiers — miles of trails deep in the woods give you plenty to explore, with cabins serving hot meals at various intervals. If you’re less inclined to ski, take one of their horse-drawn sleighs for extra magic. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Stowe
Budget: $$$
Address: 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

11. Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Smuggler’s Notch (known as “Smuggs”) is one of the most family-friendly East-Coast ski resorts. With 78 trails and 8 lifts, it’s also one of the snowiest resorts, with 300 inches of natural snow annually. While I much prefer West Coast skiing, Stowe is one of the best places to get some East Coast action. The Smuggler’s Notch Resort is organized around ski-in, ski-out condominiums, so you have access to a kitchen, laundry, and other amenities while you’re there. But it’s also a great place to enjoy in the summer, with access to some of the best views the Green Mountains have to offer (though you’ll have to work for it on the Long Trail!). Book the best rates here.

Close to: Stowe
Budget: $$
Address: 4323 VT-108, Jeffersonville, VT 05464

12. Craftsbury Lodge & Outdoor Center

For Nordic skiers and rowers, Craftsbury is a true destination. Known for its premier outdoor center, miles of scenic trails, and home-y, rustic atmosphere, it’s well worth the trek. You can stay in the main lodge, which has bunk beds and shared showers or splurge on your own private ski-in, ski-out cabin. At mealtimes, enjoy fresh farm-to-table food in the family-style cafeteria. It’s also one of the few Nordic ski areas in New England with snow-making capabilities, making it a safe choice for the edge of ski season if you’re already ready to hit the trails. Book the best rates here.

Close to: Canadian border
Budget: $$
Address: 535 Lost Nation Rd, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827

---

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest