AWOL Stowe

The free bus stops across the street and takes you right to the hotel after dropping off near the resort, which is about a 20-minute drive away. There are plenty of good places to eat nearby, too. It’s a quiet spot, the breakfast is very good, and the staff are great. The area by the office is for foot traffic only and has good lighting at night.

The fireplace in my room and the lounge cocktails were a couple of my favorite parts. Breakfast at the artisan toast bar was really nice, and there are good restaurants close by. Stowe is an easy drive from here. I had a very enjoyable stay, and the staff were friendly.

The bathroom was freezing, and the shower water temperature was unpredictable. After five inches of snow fell on our arrival day, the grounds could have been cleared better. We ended up parking by Cady Hill because its driveway was plowed. Also, you have to go outside to reach the lobby and lounge from any room, so bring warm, comfortable clothes in winter. We booked a King Jr. Suite for three nights. It was cozy, with a handy entry area for boots and comfortable couches. The location made it easy to walk to plenty of places and drive around Stowe. Breakfast was delicious, with homemade bread and lots of toppings, plus a different protein option each day, including smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, frittata, and prosciutto. The amenities were a big reason we chose AWOL Stowe, so it was disappointing to find the outdoor hot tub closed for our whole stay. At check-in they said we could use the facilities at family-friendly Cady Hill Lodge. That was an okay substitute, but not the same as an adults-only outdoor tub just steps away. We had to ask to learn the tub was broken, and the outdoor wood fire pit wasn't lit until day three. The gas fire pit was lit each night but not well shoveled or maintained. We asked twice to have the sauna warmed up and got no reply either time. The amenity fee was refunded, which we appreciated, but we were frustrated not to hear about the broken tub beforehand. Knowing that, I could have booked Cady Hill for much less, since we were walking there for amenities anyway. Lobby drinks were expensive. Even as someone who lives in Manhattan, an $18 cocktail felt steep when the room was already $500. I’d call ahead if the advertised amenities are important to you.

In winter, the place felt like a cozy, snow-covered Christmas wonderland, and both rooms I stayed in were beautiful. I accidentally booked a regular room when I thought I’d chosen a cabin, so double-check the room type. At check-in they were very helpful: they arranged a cabin for us the next night and offered to move our bags. The lounge and bar are incredibly cozy, like something from a book. The free breakfast, especially the homemade bread, was divine. Hospitality was great throughout. I’d ordered a charcuterie board and bubbly before the trip, and they had it waiting in our room. Stowe has plenty of places to stay, but this one stands out to me for its location, amenities, and character.