Kimpton Taconic Hotel by IHG

The breakfast restaurant was a highlight. The food was amazing, and our waitress was great. We had a comfortable room with a lovely view of the snow-covered mountains, and the front desk staff were welcoming. After four hours in the car and a drive through the mountains into Vermont, this charming hotel was a treat. It even has a real wood-burning fireplace, something you don't see in many hotels now. We had such an amazing stay that we're coming back in February. I didn't get to see Manchester last time, so I'm really looking forward to that trip.

Breakfast doesn't start until 8, so it's not ideal if you're heading out to ski early. We stayed at the Kimpton Taconic for a family ski trip to Stratton, about 30 minutes from the mountain. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and there were drinks and snacks available throughout the day. The rooms feel a bit old, but the hotel's warm, comforting atmosphere makes up for that. We had a nice, relaxing stay.

The Copper Grouse, the restaurant on site, was very good. We also liked the daily happy hour and the coffee, tea, and hot chocolate that were always available. Pets stay free, and it was fun seeing our dog and all the other pets around the hotel. The Taconic has a laid-back feel and beautiful interiors. Our room was spotless and nicely equipped, and the staff went out of their way to help. The location is handy for local shops and attractions. A really great stay, and we'll absolutely return when we're in the area.

For a hotel describing itself as a “luxury, 4 stars hotel,” I expected more as an IHG Platinum member. It felt maybe one step above a Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn, nowhere near luxury. Our room was on the small side, and the walls were extremely thin. For both evenings of our two-day stay, we heard the neighbors' dog barking nonstop for about 1-1.5 hours. We were there to celebrate a birthday, and I'd emailed ahead to ask about a few arrangements and share how excited we were about the stay. The hotel's reply was underwhelming: “we gave you an upgrade. excited to have you as well” was all I got. When we arrived, there was no welcome or even a quick “Happy Birthday.” I know nobody owed us anything, and expecting a gesture isn't fair, but I do expect a certain kind of hospitality from a luxury hotel. At other hotels, we've received handwritten cards or small congratulations for special occasions.