The Alpine Lodge

We came to Davis for our first family trip here, hoping to stay close enough to walk to the places we like and support local businesses. I’d passed the Alpine Lodge and Sawmill Restaurant for years and imagined it as a charming local, family-run place where we might start a yearly tradition. That didn’t happen. The Alpine is the cheapest option in Davis, but ski-town prices still add up. At over $120 a night in ski season, I expected more than the bare minimum. Some reviews had mentioned bed bugs, thin walls, no hot water, noisy neighbors, and dirty rooms. We decided those might be complaints from out-of-town people who weren’t used to rustic West By God Virginia. We did find hot water and no bed bugs, and the room was warm ahead of a snowstorm. The pink bathroom tile was fun, too. So, at least those basics were covered. The manager was brief but polite when we arrived, much like on the phone when we called to adjust something. It sounded like he was dealing with a plumbing emergency then, and we hoped it wasn’t in our room. Inside, though, the place felt like a buddy’s basement: stained walls, broken lamps, a bed that seemed unchanged since the 60s, dog hair, pocked shower vinyl, and carpet along the wall and under the bed that looked like it hadn’t been vacuumed. There was a faint stale smell. After some back and forth and an energetic pep talk, the 50 year old mini-fridge finally started up. We tried to keep our spirits up and headed for dinner at the Sawmill. On the way, we passed broken doors tied shut with string, rattling in the wind and letting snow in, plus junk on the floors by run-down rooms. Then we saw the sign saying the Sawmill was permanently closed. We ate at The Billy instead and were green with envy. Don’t get me started. After drinks in Davis, we walked back and noticed there’d been no attempt to salt or de-ice the entrances. We wanted to sleep well before skiing early, but the walls might as well have been linen. For three nights, we heard the neighbor snoring, kids running around upstairs, and someone coughing all night in the next room. We could hear people talking on the phone, watching TV, and packing. The toilet ran every 20 minutes, loose siding banged in the wind, and the fridge kept kicking on. We slept terribly, on top of the ancient mattress. We wouldn’t stay again. The Alpine felt like a cash grab from an owner who doesn’t care about the place or its guests. If you have to stay in Davis, spend more and stay at The Billy. The Alpine needs to offer more than the bare minimum for what it charges.

I’d stayed here before and finally got a room while visiting because the snow kept me up here. The owner-clerk seemed busy, a little standoffish, but still personable. Mine was an old bottom-floor room with an awful, aged mattress. It was warm, though, and had a TV and small fridge. No microwave, which was interesting but not really a problem. I wanted a budget room and got one. For the same money, The Garrett Inn suits me more, but tonight the great heat from the boiler is the best thing about this room.

The room was clean, especially for a pet-friendly place, and we didn’t notice the pet smells you get at some other hotels. Check-in was easy, it was quiet, and we could walk to good coffee and food. The water pressure was amazing. We also didn’t see the mold or dirty linens mentioned in other reviews. Still, my girlfriend and I left wishing we’d liked it more. We’re not fussy about room size or high-tech features, just want a clean, comfortable, quiet place. The mattress was the problem. We both woke up sore, and could feel every spring. It wasn’t especially soft or hard, just uncomfortable. Even a basic topper might have helped. I’d expect a half-decent bed at $100+ a night after taxes and fees. If it were $50, I wouldn’t complain. I’m not expecting Hilton comfort, just a little better. This place has potential, and with a more comfortable mattress I’d happily add another star. Not a bad hotel, all in all.

A few friends and I stayed at the Alpine Lodge while in town for a half marathon. The place was clean, comfortable, and worked well for a group, with great service too. I left something behind, and the manager kindly mailed it to me at no charge.