Vermont is a fantastic destination whatever the season, the landscape an ever-changing pleasure against which to do all sorts of outdoorsy things, and its quait centres crammed full of heritage buildings, and galleries, independent shops, foodie haunts and farmers markets. But one thing our Gurus do like to enjoy — in almost any weather — is a hotel pool. Indoors, or heated in winter, and surrounded by lush gardens in summer, a hotel pool is a real asset to any visit to outdoorsy Vermont, so the Gurus have come up with their recommendations for the best hotels in Vermont with a pool. They've discovered superb resort hotels, intimate properties geared up for romance, rural hideaways and family friendly options that will keep all ages happy. All you need to do is check the list and book your favourite!
For Top Notch Facilities
- The Equinox Resort & Spa is a grand looking spa resort in the Green Mountains. Its white pillars and forest green shutters are as typically New England as the lush, tree-clad mountains that surround it. Inside the decor is classic hotel fare, with high ceilings and large windows. But it’s the facilities that the Equinox is best known for. It’s got a golf course, a fishing lake, all-weather tennis courts, horse rising facilities, several restaurants, and a spa and gym worthy of inclusion in the name, with a huge indoor pool.
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a three hundred room holiday resort outside Stowe, with a chalet-feel and a great selection of accommodation ranging from rooms in the main lodge, to self-catering cabins. The decor is cosy, but the proportions are generous, with huge windows. You can ski-in and out of the resort in season, and there’a a heated pool, a pampering day spa with hot tubs, play areas and a garden, plus access to yoga, fly-fishing, golf, mountain biking, snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice climbing facilities.
- The Woodstock Inn is a large and historic property in Woodstock, set right by the village green. Its 142 rooms and suites offer classically stylish luxury, with all the bells and whistles, including a pool in landscaped gardens, tennis courts, a beautifully designed golf course, a chic spa and gym, library, a chic lounge and bar, and two farm-to-form restaurants. Guests can expect romantic details too, like four-poster beds, original art and antiques.
For a Rural Retreat
- 506 On The River Inn is a charming, family-owned hotel in a gorgeous, secluded spot on the Ottauguechee River — perfect for fishing, rambling, and feeding lambs! It has 45 rooms and suites, decorated in a classic contemporary style in shades of stone. Our favourites have huge windows and private terraces. The pool is indoors, which is great for the ski season, and there’s also a games room, a gym, and bistro and cocktail bar.
- The Barnstead Inn is a sweet little 18 room inn, within a pleasant stroll of Manchester Village. The decor is cosy, with a rustic feel combined with contemporary details — and big bathrooms, especially in the stand-alone studios and two-bedroom suites. The accommodation is spread throughout a collection of historic buildings in leafy grounds — which is where you’ll find the outdoor pool and firepit. We love the rooms that overlook Green Mountain or Bromley Mountain. The family who run Barnstead do a great job keeping it warm, friendly, and relaxing.
For Families
- The Farm Road Estate is a collection of suites, cottages and villas set in 18 acres of woodlands outside West Dover. Each of the ten rooms have charming rural views of ponds, meadows and woods, and most have private outdoor space too. Rooms and suites in the historic inn have charmingly traditional décor, while the cottages and villas have a more contemporary feel, plus cosy living spaces and kitchens. The estate has an outdoor pool, and there’s a great restaurant. As well as loads to do for all ages!
- The Green Mountain Inn is a welcoming, historic inn in the heart of Stowe, with rooms, suites, self-catering apartments and whole townhouses which are ideal for family groups. The inn also has two restaurants: a relaxed bar and grill and a more formal restaurant. Plus an indoor pool and spa. With 104 rooms and suites there’s plenty of variety when it comes to décor, but you can expect traditionally plush fabrics and furnishings, and luxurious features. As well as indoor charms, the Green Mountain Inn also has a leafy garden, with an outdoor pool, a paddling pool for kids, and a hot tub. And there’s a ski shuttle for the winter season.
- The Sun & Ski Inn and Suites are a collection of 39 family-friendly rooms and suites close to Stowe, with a great selection of rooms shapes and sizes and simple decor. As well as the range of rooms, families may appreciate the bowling alley and indoor pool, proximity to a golf course, and friendly restaurant which serves European-style cuisine.
For Foodies
- The Essex is a 120 room resort, partnered with the New England Culinary Institute in Burlington. Set in 18 leafy acres of grounds, the resort has two pools — outdoor and indoor — hot tubs and an impressive spa. Plus there's a golf course, tennis courts, and a large kitchen garden, which serves the resort’s three eateries, and the cooking school. Some of the suites and studios have self-catering options so you can practice what you’ve learned straight away!
For a Spa Escape
- Castle Hill Resort & Spa is a grand, historic house, set in manicured gardens, with an award-winning Aveda spa; one, two and three-bedroom condominiums with living space and kitchens; and an impressive fine dining restaurant. There’s plenty to do on site, including horse riding and tennis. And the outdoor pool is heated. Perfect for a spoiling escape.
For the Views
- The Mountain Top Inn & Resort is amid 700 acres of its own beautiful land, with includes private lake access and wonderful mountain views. There’s a great range of accommodation options, including rooms, suites, cabins and multi-room guesthouses — some with private hot tubs and outdoor space. The interiors are wonderfully cosy and rustic, with plenty of wood and big windows. There’s a tavern and restaurant, and lots and lots do do whatever the season!
- Hill Farm Inn is a cosy-looking inn on a picturesque plot of fifty acres of lush valley meadow, with gorgeous valley views. The white-board and green shuttered exterior sets the scene nicely for the rustic decor, with iron stoves, exposed beams and just the right amount of tartan. There’s no restaurant, but they do have a pub, and offer an excellent farm-to-fork breakfast (some of the suites have self-catering facilities). The pool is out by the fire pit.
- Topnotch Resort & Spa is a 105 room, low-rise lodge, with a contemporary design that features plenty of wood and windows, and incredible mountain views. The resort sits on 120 acres of land close to the slopes of Stowe, so there’s plenty to see. The resort also has indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a gym and spa, bike hire, and a huge outdoor pool and terrace.
For Inn Charm
- The Inn at Manchester is a traditional inn, dating from 1888, where you can still expect an extremely warm welcome, though now also an outdoor pool and its own pub! The 21 rooms are all uniquely decorated in a style to complement the building — expect open fireplaces and antiques. There’s no restaurant, but they offer an excellent home cooked breakfast.
For Great Value
- Barrows House is an elegant country house hotel on six acres of land in the Green Mountains National Forest. Accommodation is in eight different buildings, scattered around the lush gardens, and includes rooms, suites and self catering apartments and cottages. The decor is country cosy, with four-poster beds in some of the rooms. The outdoor pool is heated, and there are tennis courts on site too, along with a gourmet restaurant, and a bar specialising in craft beers.
- Taconic has been inspired by the historic inns of Vermont, but it’s larger and more contemporary underneath its clapboard exterior. The Manchester Village location makes it a great pick for country escapes, that aren’t totally surrounded by trees, but the decor still feels very country chic, with just the right amount of tartan and florals. The outdoor pool is large, and on a charming terrace setting. Great for golfing and fishing, but great for shopping too.
- Field Guide is a small and stylish Stowe hotel, with fun and eclectic interiors and an alpine edge. It has just 30 rooms and suites, plus a seasonal pool and fire pits, and a great little restaurant. Chic and affordable.
Still not sure where to book?