The view out of my room onto the pool and mountains.

Wooded cabins, quaint inns and rustic lodges are quintessential Vermont lodging options. But as Vermont becomes more of an international destination in all seasons, luxury resorts are stepping up their game and becoming popular choices for families and couples alike—and especially in ski towns. Topnotch Resort, located on 120 acres off the Mountain Road in Stowe, is making the legendary ski town of Stowe even more of a destination. The property is a true oasis with chic decor and a welcoming Vermont vibe.

A recent renovation of the hotel has helped make it even more of a destination. It’s a place to enjoy your family or partner with privacy, comfortable accommodations and extensive amenities. Topnotch Resort helps make Stowe a weekend (or weeklong) getaway in the summer too. For me, personally, Topnotch Resort is even more attractive for a summer vacation in Vermont with its lush gardens and outdoor pools.

When traveling, I typically prefer staying at smaller, more personal establishments, like inns and B&Bs, in order to take advantage of a local’s knowledge of the area. There is something to be said, however, for having a true resort experience, where you can be anonymous, receive a bit of pampering here and there, and enjoy not having to leave a property for activities or dining throughout the day.

Topnotch Resort’s Location

Topnotch Resort’s location on the Mountain Road splits the difference between access to the mountain and town of Stowe. Set up on a hill, the resort is private with stunning views of Mountain Mansfield in any season. When vacationing at Topnotch, you are positioned perfectly between the mountain, while only a few miles from restaurants, bars and activities in downtown Stowe. Quite literally across the street, you can take a carriage or sleigh ride through Gentle Giants and a half mile down the road from Topnotch is Pinnacle Ski and Sport for ski tuning and rentals.

The Rooms at Topnotch Resort

After a long day on the hill boarding, mountain biking or hiking, brewery touring, or simply exploring the Stowe area, having a comfortable place to relax and unwind is important. The room I stayed in at Topnotch—a Deluxe King—wasn’t over-sized or over-decorated. It was modern with crisp sheets, rugged “Vermonty” door pulls and quality linens. Topnotch describes their minimalist decor as “contemporary country-chic,” which the room certainly was.

Although comfortable for a night’s stay, the room wasn’t expansive enough to want to hang out in the space for an extended period of time. With so many common spaces on the property—both inside and out—I’m not sure why visitors would elect to spend much time in the room other than for a good night’s rest… and that I had. If you’re looking for more space and privacy, you can opt for an Executive King, located on the third floor of the resort, which features 13-foot vaulted ceilings; many also connect to Executive Queen rooms, in case you’re traveling with family or friends.  For someone staying at Topnotch for an extended stay, the resort does offer suites and resort homes with larger living spaces.

Amenities at Topnotch Resort

The amenities at Topnotch are extensive, from tennis courts to an equestrian center and the Nordic Barn, where you can rent equipment for everything from skiing and fly-fishing to mountain biking and cycling. There’s also a wellness spa with Aroma Mountain Massages, Carita Lagoon Hydration facials and Energy Healing sessions, among many other offerings. If relaxation is your thing (like mine is), there are two pools on the property—one an adult pool and whirlpool and the other a family pool.

There are two restaurants on location as well, should you decide to stay close for the night. Meals at both Flannel and The Roost are fresh and flavorful, yet not pretentious like dining at some resorts can be. Flannel has views overlooking the pool area and an open-kitchen, with menus from breakfast through dessert and children’s menus are well. The Roost, which is less family-friendly, is a bar and restaurant with a menu of “nibbles, bits and binge,”—the chef’s collection of bar nosh, from wings and poutine to kale bruschetta and duck egg rolls, along with sandwiches, burgers and simple suppers.

Tips for Visiting Topnotch Like a Local:

• Dogs are welcome! Just let Topnotch know you’ll be bringing a furry friend, and they can get you a dog-friendly room, complete with dog treats, a dog bed, water bowls and litter bags. Topnotch even has their own dog walking area as well. They also will arrange by the hour or day pet-sitting and “rover reiki massages” in your room. (Amazing, right?)
• No matter the season, sit outside with a glass of wine and enjoy the oversized fire pits. They’re a great place to meet other guests and share recommendations for things to do in Stowe, Vermont.
• If you’re in Vermont for a beercation, look further than Topnotch (unless you’re hunkered down for the evening and don’t want to drive). I do wish Topnotch had more Vermont beers on tap, and you can get Heady Topper other places in town for a few dollars cheaper than Topnotch offers.
• If you pick up the Stowe recreation path and don’t feel like walking back, you can always call the Topnotch shuttle and they’ll come and pick you up—a great perk.
• Be sure to check our Topnotch Resort’s specials and promotions before booking. In every season, they have unique deal to enhance your stay or provide some cost-savings (since staying at Topnotch isn’t cheap…). From a Stay More & Save More Package to a Babymoon Package to a Get Dirty Package, complete with muddy mountain bike tours and mud puddle cookies, their packages are a great way to get more of the resort and your visit.
• When visiting, check out Topnotch’s events calendar for ongoing events and some special deals too—in March, they offered 15% off to anyone wearing flannel at check-in.

Topnotch Resort
4000 Mountain Road, Stowe
802.760.6330
topnotchresort.com

Have you visited Topnotch Resort in Stowe? What are your tips for visiting? Share in the comments below.