Sleep Inside a Fire Tower at The Pitcher Inn’s Mountain Room in Warren, Vermont

Sleep Inside a Fire Tower at The Pitcher Inn’s Mountain Room in Warren, Vermont

I’ve stayed in some pretty spectacular hotel rooms throughout Vermont, but I can’t say I’ve ever slept inside a mountaintop fire tower. At least, not until I checked into the Mountain Room at The Pitcher Inn in Warren.

Tucked away on the third floor of this luxury inn in the Mad River Valley, the Mountain Room is anything but your typical hotel suite. Its centerpiece is a sleeping area designed to replicate a mountaintop fire tower, complete with shades you can lower around the bed to create an enclosed, almost tent-like space.

Surrounding it are slabs of Vermont stone, salvaged old-growth wood, vintage ski equipment and a fireplace with a mantle carved from a boulder found right on the property.

There’s a lot going on in this room. Yet somehow, it all works.

I’ve always appreciated hotels that put thought into their design, particularly when the interiors reflect the history and character of the surrounding area. The Mountain Room takes that concept pretty far. It’s easily one of the most memorable hotel rooms I’ve experienced in Vermont.

Meet the Mountain Room at The Pitcher Inn

Located in the small village of Warren, The Pitcher Inn is a luxury boutique property with just nine individually designed guest rooms. Each has its own personality, drawing inspiration from Vermont’s history, landscape and traditions.

The Mountain Room, designed by architect John Connell, pays tribute to Vermont’s mountains and skiing heritage.

And this isn’t your typical ski lodge decor. Sure, you’ll find vintage skis and mountain equipment, but they’re incorporated into a much more elaborate design that uses architecture and materials to tell the story.

The suite occupies the inn’s third-floor attic space, giving it a tucked-away feeling that’s fitting for its mountain shelter inspiration.

Sleep Inside a Mountaintop Fire Tower

Let’s talk about the fire tower, because it’s undoubtedly the most memorable feature of the room.

Rather than placing the bed against a traditional headboard, the sleeping area sits within a structure designed to resemble a mountain fire tower. You can lower shades around the bed, enclosing the space and creating the feeling of sleeping inside a tent or remote backcountry shelter.

It’s such a clever use of the room’s architecture.

I love that the sleeping area feels separate from the rest of the suite without being tucked into another room. You can enjoy all the space around you, then close yourself into your little mountain shelter when it’s time for bed.

And unlike an actual mountaintop fire tower, you get the benefit of luxury accommodations, a fireplace and a pretty spectacular bathroom.

My version of roughing it, apparently.

Vermont Stone, Old-Growth Wood & a Fireplace With a Story

One of my favorite things about the Mountain Room is how much there is to notice beyond the bed.

Large slabs of local Vermont stone, some more than eight feet wide, are incorporated into the walls. The floors are made from salvaged old-growth wood, giving the space a warmth and texture you couldn’t replicate with new materials.

And then there’s the fireplace.

The mantle was hewn from a boulder found right on The Pitcher Inn property. I love details like this, particularly in Vermont, where so much of our architecture and craftsmanship is connected to the natural materials around us.

The room feels substantial, with heavy stone and aged wood contrasting against the more playful fire tower design.

It would have been easy to create a novelty hotel room around the bed alone. Instead, the rest of the suite is every bit as interesting.

A Tribute to Vermont’s Skiing History

Look closely and you’ll find vintage skis, authentic mountain equipment and historical references incorporated throughout the room.

Among them is a tribute to the 10th Mountain Division, the U.S. Army unit whose soldiers trained for mountain and winter warfare during World War II. After the war, veterans of the division helped shape the American ski industry, including the development of several major ski resorts.

It’s a fitting tribute in Warren, just minutes from Sugarbush Resort and surrounded by some of Vermont’s most celebrated skiing terrain.

I appreciate that the Mountain Room incorporates these historical elements without feeling like a museum. They’re part of the design, giving you something new to notice each time you look around.

And you certainly don’t need to be a skier to appreciate the craftsmanship or history.

More Than Just a Place to Sleep

As much as I loved the fire tower-inspired bed, the Mountain Room has plenty of other reasons to settle in for a while.

The suite includes a spacious bathroom with a steam shower, a private desk area and a fireplace. There’s enough room to spread out, relax and enjoy being at the inn rather than feeling like you need to leave as soon as you wake up.

And at The Pitcher Inn, I’d encourage you to do exactly that.

Sleep in. Enjoy a leisurely morning. Spend some time reading by the fire. Take advantage of that steam shower.

I’m usually someone who packs a lot into a day when traveling, but I also recognize when a hotel deserves a little more of my time. This is one of those occasions.

Nine Rooms, Nine Different Experiences

While the Mountain Room was my pick, it’s worth mentioning that all nine guest rooms at The Pitcher Inn have been individually designed.

Each draws from a different theme, with interiors that range from rustic and outdoorsy to more refined and whimsical.

I love the idea of returning to the same inn and having a completely different experience simply by choosing another room.

Of course, having slept inside a fire tower, I’m not sure which room I’d choose next. That’s a pretty tough act to follow.

With only nine rooms, I’d recommend booking well in advance, particularly during peak foliage season, ski weekends and holidays.

Exploring Warren & the Mad River Valley

The Pitcher Inn’s location is another reason I love this property.

Warren is one of my favorite small Vermont villages, and the surrounding Mad River Valley has plenty to keep you busy in every season.

In winter, Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen are nearby, along with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities. Summer brings swimming holes along the Mad River, scenic drives and hiking. And fall? Some of the prettiest foliage you’ll find in Vermont.

I’d also make time to explore Warren Village itself. Stop into the Warren Store, take a drive through the valley and head north toward Waitsfield for more shopping and dining.

But don’t fill every hour of your itinerary.

The Pitcher Inn is also known for its dining, including 275 Main and Tracks, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal without leaving the property. I’d recommend planning at least one evening at the inn.

Is the Mountain Room Worth the Splurge?

The Pitcher Inn is a luxury property, and a stay here is certainly a splurge. But for a special occasion, romantic getaway or simply an excuse to spend a night somewhere unusual, I think the Mountain Room delivers.

I’ve stayed in plenty of beautiful hotel rooms over the years. Some have incredible views, oversized soaking tubs or every amenity imaginable. But the rooms I remember most aren’t necessarily the most expensive or luxurious.

They’re the ones that surprise me.

I’ll remember the Vermont stone slabs, the old wood floors and the fireplace mantle made from a boulder found on the property. And I’ll certainly remember lowering the shades around my bed and sleeping inside a miniature mountaintop fire tower.

If you’re looking for one of Vermont’s most unusual places to stay, put the Mountain Room at The Pitcher Inn on your list.

What to Know Before You Go to the Pitcher Inn

Location

The Pitcher Inn is located at 275 Main Street in Warren Village, Vermont, in the heart of the Mad River Valley.

The Room

The Mountain Room is a third-floor attic suite featuring a fire tower-inspired sleeping area, fireplace, steam shower and private desk space.

Reservations

Book directly through The Pitcher Inn Local favorite: The Pitcher Inn. With only nine guest rooms, I’d recommend reserving well in advance for foliage season, ski weekends and holidays.

Pricing

This is a luxury property, and rates vary by season and availability. Check the inn’s website for current pricing and any minimum-stay requirements.

Dining

The Pitcher Inn is home to 275 Main, its fine-dining restaurant, and Tracks, a more casual tavern. I’d make dinner reservations in advance, particularly on weekends.

Getting There

Warren Village is approximately 10 minutes from Sugarbush Resort’s Lincoln Peak base area and a short drive from Waitsfield. You’ll want a car to explore the surrounding Mad River Valley.

Accessibility

The Mountain Room is located on the third floor. Confirm stair and accessibility requirements directly with the inn before booking.

Nearby Attractions

Sugarbush Resort, Mad River Glen, Warren Store, Warren Falls, Waitsfield Village and the Mad River Path.

Best Time to Visit

The Pitcher Inn is a year-round destination. Winter is ideal for skiing and cozy evenings by the fireplace, fall brings spectacular foliage, and summer is perfect for exploring the Mad River Valley’s swimming holes and hiking trails.