I get asked, “What’s your favorite place to stay in Vermont?” on a pretty regular basis. And while I’ve been fortunate to stay at some spectacular inns, hotels and resorts throughout the state, my answer has remained the same for years.
The Pitcher Inn Local favorite: The Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vermont.
I’d had this beautiful property on my bucket list for years before finally booking my first stay. Every time I drove through Warren Village, I’d admire the stately white inn across from the Warren Store Local favorite: Warren Store and imagine what it would be like to spend a night there.
Eventually, a mud-season special brought the rates down just enough for me to justify treating myself. And that first visit exceeded every expectation.
I loved it so much that I returned with my mom and sister for my bachelorette weekend. I wanted them to experience the wonderful accommodations, exceptional food and, more than anything, the service that makes The Pitcher Inn so special. Since then, I’ve stayed a handful of times, always eager to experience a new room.
It’s luxurious without being stuffy. Elegant without taking itself too seriously. And despite being one of Vermont’s most celebrated inns, it still feels very much like Vermont.
A Luxury Inn in the Heart of Warren Village
Warren has long been one of my favorite Vermont towns. It’s tiny, with a beautiful historic village, a handful of businesses and the Mad River running nearby.
I’ve made countless stops at the Warren Store over the years, often for a BLT, a little shopping or to stock up on Vermont craft beer. And Warren’s annual Fourth of July parade? It’s one of my favorite examples of how much personality a small Vermont community can have.
Directly across from the store stands The Pitcher Inn, one of the village’s most recognizable buildings.
The location is ideal for exploring the Mad River Valley. Sugarbush Resort is a short drive away, as is Mad River Glen. Waitsfield offers wonderful restaurants and shops, and the surrounding countryside is full of scenic back roads, swimming holes and hiking trails.
But here’s my advice: don’t plan too much. Part of the appeal of staying at The Pitcher Inn is spending time at the property itself. And trust me, you’ll want to.
The History of The Pitcher Inn
The Pitcher Inn’s history dates back to the Civil War era, when a lodging house welcomed travelers passing through Warren.
The original building was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1993, which also damaged much of the surrounding village block. Winthrop Smith, a businessman from Greenwich, Connecticut, helped bring the inn back to life, rebuilding it on the original footprint. The reimagined Pitcher Inn opened in 1997 and became part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
The inn faced another major challenge during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, when flooding damaged its lower level, including Tracks Tavern and the wine cellar.
Thankfully, the property was restored, preserving an important piece of Warren Village.
Today, the white clapboard exterior fits beautifully into its historic surroundings. Inside, however, you’re in for a few surprises.
Eleven Guest Rooms, Each With Its Own Personality
One of my favorite things about The Pitcher Inn is that no two guest rooms are alike. There are nine individually designed rooms and suites in the main inn, plus two spacious accommodations, Hayloft and Stable, in the adjacent carriage house.
I’ve been fortunate to peek inside nearly every room, and choosing where to stay is half the fun.
The more traditional rooms, including Colonial, Chester Arthur and Calvin Coolidge, have beautiful period-inspired furnishings, distinctive wallpaper and thoughtful architectural details.
Colonial is one of my favorites, with its blue fireplace and charming farmhouse-inspired design. Chester Arthur has a balcony overlooking Main Street, while Calvin Coolidge incorporates historical references and patriotic details.
Then there are the more whimsical accommodations.
School takes inspiration from a one-room schoolhouse, complete with a chalkboard-inspired headboard. Mallard features carved wood, antique decoys and a rather intimidating goose suspended from the ceiling. As someone with a serious fear of birds, I’m still not sure why I originally booked that room.
Lodge is another favorite, with its dramatic eagle-topped bed, blue ceiling and beautiful fireplace.
And on the third floor, Ski and Mountain take Vermont’s outdoor heritage to a completely different level.
My goal? Eventually stay in every room. So far, I’ve checked Mountain, Ski, Mallard, and Stable off the list.
My First Stay: An Unexpected Upgrade to the Mountain Room
On my first visit, I’d reserved Mallard. But when I arrived during mud season, the staff generously upgraded me to the Mountain Room. I couldn’t have been more excited.
Located on the third floor, the Mountain Room is designed around a mountaintop fire tower. The king bed sits inside its own little structure, complete with shades you can lower to create an enclosed sleeping space.
The suite also features large slabs of Vermont stone, salvaged old-growth wood, vintage mountain equipment and a fireplace with a mantle carved from a boulder found on the property.
And then I discovered the steam shower. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so excited about a hotel bathroom.
The Mountain Room remains one of the most unusual and beautifully designed accommodations I’ve experienced anywhere. I loved every minute of that stay, even though it was mud season and I had absolutely no intention of hiking or skiing.
Sometimes a great hotel room is the destination.
A Bachelorette Weekend in the Stable Suite
My second visit was even more meaningful.
When I was planning my bachelorette weekend, I knew I wanted to bring my mom and sister to The Pitcher Inn. It was an opportunity to spend some quality time together, enjoy wonderful food and treat ourselves to a little luxury.
We stayed in Stable, a two-bedroom suite in the renovated carriage house.
With its exposed wood walls and ceilings, comfortable furnishings and separate bedrooms, it felt more like having our own private Vermont retreat than staying at a hotel.
My mom and sister shared the bedroom with twin beds and their own bathroom, while I had the king bedroom with a large Jacuzzi tub.
They couldn’t stop talking about how comfortable the beds were. And I have to agree. The linens alone are worth mentioning.
We spent time enjoying tea in the inn’s common areas and shared a charcuterie board on the carriage house porch before dinner.
Nothing particularly extravagant. Just a wonderful weekend together. It’s a tradition we’ve talked about repeating, and I can’t think of a better place to do it.
The Food at The Pitcher Inn Is Worth the Trip
I’d happily visit The Pitcher Inn just for the food.
Breakfast has been one of the highlights of both my stays. I still remember the berry muffins and scones, which rank among the best I’ve had, along with a vegetarian breakfast featuring eggs, sweet potatoes and avocado.
And the pancakes? Soft, buttery and absolutely worth ordering.
The inn’s dining options include its fine-dining restaurant and Tracks Tavern, a more casual spot downstairs.
Tracks is one of my favorite spaces in the building, with rustic wood interiors, a pool table, shuffleboard and a comfortable atmosphere for an after-dinner drink.
The main dining room offers a more refined experience, with beautifully prepared dishes and an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
One of the most memorable dining spaces is the wine cellar, which can accommodate private dinners. I can think of few more romantic settings for a proposal or special celebration.
And don’t overlook afternoon tea if it’s offered during your stay. On my visits, the little sandwiches and macarons were a welcome excuse to take a break before dinner.
What Makes The Pitcher Inn My Favorite Mad River Valley Hotel?
I’ve stayed at plenty of beautiful properties, but what sets The Pitcher Inn apart for me isn’t simply the accommodations or food. It’s the service.
The staff manages to anticipate what you need without making the experience feel formal or uncomfortable. They’re attentive, friendly and genuinely interested in making your stay memorable.
And I say that as someone who sometimes struggles to let other people do things for me.
I can carry my own bag. I can start my own fire. I don’t need anyone fussing over me. But at The Pitcher Inn, I’ve learned to enjoy being taken care of a little.
During both visits, the staff made us feel welcome and comfortable, and those personal touches have stayed with me long after checking out.
It’s also a property that doesn’t feel out of place in Vermont. You can enjoy an exceptional dinner without feeling like you need to dress for a black-tie event. You can spend the afternoon exploring dirt roads and return to a beautifully appointed suite.
And you can enjoy an entire weekend without much of an itinerary at all.
For someone who usually wants to see and do everything when traveling, that’s saying something.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- The Pitcher Inn is located at 275 Main Street in Warren Village, Vermont, directly across from the Warren Store.
- Accommodations
- The property features nine individually designed guest rooms and suites in the main inn, plus two spacious carriage house accommodations, Hayloft and Stable. Take time to explore the different room designs before booking.
- My Favorite Rooms
- Mountain is my favorite room I’ve stayed in, followed by Stable for a getaway with family or friends. Lodge and Colonial are high on my list for future visits.
- Reservations
- Book directly through The Pitcher Inn. With so few rooms, I’d recommend making reservations well in advance for foliage season, ski weekends and holidays.
- Pricing
- This is a luxury property, and rates vary significantly by season. Look for midweek availability and off-season specials if you have flexibility. My first visit during mud season was considerably more affordable than peak-season rates.
- Dining
- The Pitcher Inn offers fine dining and the more casual Tracks Tavern. Make dinner reservations in advance, particularly on weekends. Ask about private dining in the wine cellar for a special occasion.
- Accessibility
- Some accommodations are located on upper floors or in the carriage house. Contact the inn directly to discuss accessibility needs and the most suitable room.
- Nearby Attractions
- Warren Store, Sugarbush Resort, Mad River Glen, Warren Falls, Waitsfield Village and the Mad River Valley’s many scenic roads and hiking trails.
- Best Time to Visit
- The Pitcher Inn is beautiful year-round, although the property may close for a short period during quieter shoulder seasons. Winter is wonderful for skiing, fall for foliage, and summer for exploring the valley. Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to return during mud season if the inn is open and the rates are right.
- Contact
The Pitcher Inn
275 Main Street, Warren, VT 05674
802-496-6350
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