The Chase House at Mill Falls

The balcony view was spectacular, as long as I didn’t look behind me, and the bed was very comfortable. The room itself needs a major update. I stayed in a queen suite for the weekend, and it had the musty smell of a 1970s visit to your grandparents’ house. The carpet by the dorm fridge was wet, the Keurig didn’t work, and the back of the balcony air conditioner was speckled with mold. The large jet tub had dirty trim, and the vanity was sized for a four-year-old. I booked the two nights separately and asked at check-in to have the room linked to both bookings. After lunch, we found ourselves locked out, and had to go to the property up the street to get my key card reactivated. I also got excessive chatbot texts asking how they could improve my stay, but never heard back from a person. This place could be a gem with upgraded rooms, but more than $1,000 for two nights is outrageous given their condition.

The nearby food and lakefront walks were convenient, and parking was decent, one of the supposed perks of the resort fee. But we didn’t enjoy our hotel stay much, even though the surrounding area has plenty to offer. We’d stayed at another Mills Properties location last year. It was nicer, with a beautiful lake view, but also needed updating. Our room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and the room itself was decent but dated. We were looking forward to the balcony, but it was messy, with cobwebs on the walls and ceiling, spiders appearing as night came on, and dirty chairs and table. The lake view and people and boat watching were great, though the balcony’s condition took away from it. Around the premises, rugs were very worn, chairs were stacked in the hallway, and the place looked forgotten. Outside, the trash door was falling off and a fence was leaning with a snapped post. CAMP onsite looked okay, but we didn’t eat or drink there. There was no one at the hotel desk. We wandered around until we spotted a sign directing us to check in up the road. That was new to us, though the reception desk staff treated us well once we drove over. A lobby sign showed planned upgrades with renderings for new rooms, but the whole facility needs funding: carpets, doors, lighting, wall coverings, balconies, and the spider and insect issue all need attention. Glass balcony railings might help preserve the view. A desk attendant would help too. We weren’t aware of the resort fee when booking. Maybe it was buried in the fine print somewhere.

The views and location are great, and the staff were really nice and helpful. Chase house feels detached from the rest of the hotel, and could become a place I’d return to again and again with a little TLC. Right now, though, it needs a refresh. The halls and my room smelled musty, and the furniture and carpet have seen better days. Next time, I may stay at one of the other parts of the mill.

We had a great stay, and the early morning views over Lake Winnipesaukee were breathtaking.