The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa

We were here for a weekend graduation. My room was a single queen with a view of the pool in the back. The room was bigger than most hotel rooms I have had. A chair and desk and a sitting chair filled out the room. The staff were friendly and the hotel was clean. I did use the fitness room which is located in it's own building with an indoor pool and the spa.

I was recently up there for a wedding on Mothers Day, the wedding an everything was fine but the Hotel itself left a lot to be desired. First of all i two reservations a year in advance as the bride and groom stated since it fills up fast. Call one week prior and they only can find one reservation and someone cancelled the other i asked who we don't know (well it wasn't me) i can tell you that. So we fix the reservation arrived their and the rooms are not ready finally we get one room ready so my parents can't to there room and then my room is suppose in 5 or 10 minutes (2 hours and 14 minutes later it is ready) so they missed check in time of 1500 hours. The attitude of the front desk was have a nice day. Light switches in the rooms didnt work, vending machine didnt work overall for the money that was spent. This hotel could not even be a one star hotel in Dubai

The Essex bills itself as a culinary resort and I've got to say that it lives up to that moniker. We had an excellent experience at their 4 star option, Junction, truly living up to its billing. We had both breakfast and casual dinner at The Tavern and again were very happy with both cuisine and service. See more detailed comments under those restaurants. The hotel side and room were also very good, but not quite as outstanding. Decor, staff, amenities all quite good. It was great to have a fireplace in the room, but the way the room was setup it was almost like there was a piece of furniture missing because the spot in front of the fireplace was empty and there was only one casual chair. The bathroom was nicely appointed, but quite small. Good, but definitely a 3 star room experience and not higher. We would certainly consider staying here again.

Currently under construction, walking into the front lobby I appreciate it will be more when finished for now one does not expect plastic tarps hanging. It was easy enough to locate the relocated front desk. Rooms are clean, sheets and beds very comfortable. The six pillows on the king bed was a slice of heaven. Not sure what the smell was in the hallway to the rooms but was a bit odd I was happy to find it was not in the room. Was disappointed outdoor pool wasn't open. Cover off and water was clear. Having stayed here previously we were looking forward to a swim after a day on the bike trail in almost 90 degree weather and the hammocks. They were not out yet either. The indoor pool offers an alternative. They request a shower prior to getting into the pool which would not be a problem except there is only one shower and swim lessons in progress. I waited behind three children getting hair washed and conditioned. Once getting to the pool area, there was a sectioned off a part of the pool for guests. The other for swim lessons. After ten minutes of the instructor yelling, in part about where her tattoos should be when swimming, we left. Her voice was a challenge. At a point were I prefer my room very cool for sleeping, I was disappointed that the controls on the AC did not allow it to be set below 67 degrees. There were no outlets near the bed for charging electronics, there are electronics but plugged some place mysterious. Unless you have an Ipone 4, in which there is a charging station in the alarm clock. If you are traveling in 2010, you are all set. I sincerely appreciate the green effort but only two towels in the room. Housekeeping staff was very pleasant and helpful.

This is our second visit to The Essex. We took a cooking class - cooking with VT beer (which I very highly recommend). Breakfast in the Tavern was pretty good too. The staff is very helpful as usual. There were several events (i.e. weddings, prom) going on at the facility over the weekend. There is a great mix of entertainment and relaxation here. We really love the free treats and coffee/drinks throughout the day. Would love to see an improvement in the mattress quality - they could be firmer. All in all we love this place and can't wait to return for future visits!