I’ve always gravitated toward smaller Vermont inns and B&Bs when planning a getaway. I love getting recommendations from the people who own or operate a property, hearing about their favorite restaurants and finding places I might otherwise drive right past.
But I can also appreciate a great resort.
Sometimes I want a comfortable room, a little pampering and the option to spend an entire afternoon by the pool without feeling like I should be out exploring. And in Stowe, Topnotch Resort offers exactly that.
Set on 120 acres along the Mountain Road, Topnotch Local favorite: Topnotch Resort is a luxury resort with mountain views, beautifully landscaped grounds, a full-service spa and plenty of activities for guests who want to do more than sit around.
Although Stowe is best known as a ski destination, I’d argue Topnotch is even more appealing in the summer. The gardens are lush, the outdoor pools are inviting, and there’s no shortage of things to do nearby.
I’ve stayed in one of the resort’s Deluxe King rooms, spent time exploring the property and enjoyed the amenities. Here’s what I’d recommend knowing before booking.
Topnotch Resort’s Location on the Stowe Mountain Road
One of Topnotch’s biggest advantages is its location.
The resort sits along Route 108, better known as the Mountain Road, between Stowe Village and Stowe Mountain Resort. You’re close enough to enjoy the restaurants and shops downtown without being right in the middle of the activity, and the ski mountain is only a short drive north.
The property itself is set back from the road, with landscaped grounds and views toward Mount Mansfield.
I love this stretch of Stowe because you have so much nearby. The Stowe Recreation Path is accessible in the area, there are several breweries and restaurants within a short drive, and Smugglers’ Notch is just up the road during the warmer months.
Across from the resort, Gentle Giants has historically offered carriage and sleigh rides, although I’d confirm its current availability before planning around it.
For anyone visiting Stowe for the first time, Topnotch makes a convenient base for exploring the area.
The Rooms at Topnotch Resort
During my stay, I booked a Deluxe King room. It was comfortable, modern and tastefully decorated without feeling overly designed.
The room had crisp linens, a beautiful bathroom and subtle Vermont touches, including rustic hardware. Topnotch describes its style as contemporary country-chic, which I think is pretty accurate.
My room wasn’t particularly large, but I slept wonderfully. And with so many places to relax around the resort, I didn’t spend much time in it anyway.
If you’re planning a longer stay or traveling with family, I’d consider upgrading.
The Executive King rooms are located on the top floor and feature 13-foot cathedral ceilings. Several connect to Executive Queen rooms, which is convenient for families traveling together.
Topnotch also offers suites with separate living areas, fireplaces and private decks. The Moss Glen Suite even has its own kitchen.
For larger groups, the resort’s two- and three-bedroom homes offer full kitchens and additional privacy while still providing access to resort amenities.
I’d choose a standard room for a short spa weekend and a suite or resort home if I were staying for several nights.
The Pools Might Be My Favorite Part of Topnotch
While Topnotch is popular during ski season, I think summer is when the property really shines.
The landscaping is beautiful, with colorful gardens, manicured lawns and outdoor seating areas. And the pools are a big part of the appeal.
Topnotch has three pools: a heated indoor pool, a smaller outdoor pool that operates year-round and a larger seasonal family pool.
During the warmer months, the upper outdoor pool and soaking tub are reserved for adults, while families can enjoy the larger pool.
I love having the option to spend a few hours outside without needing to drive anywhere. Bring a book, find a lounge chair and enjoy the mountain views.
There’s also an outdoor hot tub, along with indoor hydrotherapy facilities.
And when the sun starts to go down, I’d recommend finding a seat near one of the outdoor fire pits with a glass of wine.
It’s a great way to end a day in Stowe, particularly if you’ve spent the afternoon hiking or biking.
The Spa at Topnotch Resort
If you’re visiting Topnotch for a little relaxation, the spa is probably going to be high on your list.
The full-service spa offers massages, facials, body treatments and salon services. There are also saunas, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and private spa lounges.
I’m a big believer in taking advantage of spa amenities rather than booking a treatment and immediately leaving afterward.
I’d schedule a massage, spend some time in the sauna and make an afternoon of it.
Topnotch also has a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, Peloton bikes and scheduled fitness classes.
One thing to know: spa services and certain facilities carry additional charges. Day passes are available for non-hotel guests when space allows, and the resort recommends booking treatments several weeks in advance.
Tennis, Biking & Other Activities at Topnotch
Topnotch has long been known for its tennis facilities, with indoor and outdoor courts, lessons and organized programming.
Even if tennis isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The resort connects directly to the Stowe Recreation Path, one of my favorite ways to explore Stowe during the warmer months. The paved path follows the West Branch of the Little River for more than five miles, passing fields, swimming spots and several places to stop for food or drinks.
Bike rentals are available at the resort, making it easy to spend an afternoon on the path.
There’s also an equestrian operation offering horseback and carriage rides, with reservations handled separately.
And in winter, you’re close to Stowe Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding, with shuttle options available during ski season.
I appreciate having all these activities nearby, particularly when traveling with people who have different interests.
Dining at Topnotch: Flannel & The Roost
One of the benefits of staying at a full-service resort is being able to enjoy dinner without leaving the property.
Topnotch has two dining options: Flannel and The Roost.
Flannel is the resort’s more traditional dining room, with an open kitchen and views toward Mount Mansfield. It’s a beautiful space for breakfast, particularly when the morning light is coming through the windows.
The Roost is more casual, with a bar, comfortable seating and an outdoor patio with a fire pit and bocce court.
I’d gravitate toward The Roost for an evening cocktail or a casual dinner. The menu features small plates, burgers and seasonal dishes, along with Vermont beer and creative cocktails.
During my visit, I appreciated that the dining felt relaxed rather than overly formal. You could spend the afternoon hiking and still feel perfectly comfortable heading downstairs for dinner.
One thing I’d love to see more of is a broader selection of Vermont craft beer, particularly considering how many excellent breweries are located around Stowe.
Of course, you’re also just a short drive from The Alchemist, Idletyme Brewing and von Trapp Brewing if you want to explore the local beer scene.
Is Topnotch Resort Worth Staying At?
Topnotch isn’t the most affordable lodging option in Stowe, particularly during peak foliage season and ski weekends.
But you’re paying for more than a room.
Between the pools, spa, tennis facilities, restaurants and mountain setting, there’s plenty to enjoy without leaving the property.
For me, the appeal is strongest in summer. I love the gardens, outdoor pools and proximity to the Recreation Path. I could easily spend a weekend splitting my time between exploring Stowe and relaxing at the resort.
And while I still tend to prefer smaller inns for their personal touches, I can appreciate having a few days when someone else takes care of the details.
Sometimes a comfortable lounge chair and an afternoon without an itinerary are exactly what I need.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- Topnotch Resort is located at 4000 Mountain Road in Stowe, Vermont, between Stowe Village and Stowe Mountain Resort.
- Accommodations
- Choose from Deluxe, Premier and Executive rooms, larger suites, and resort homes with full kitchens. Executive rooms feature 13-foot cathedral ceilings, while select suites have fireplaces and private decks.
- Check-In & Check-Out
- Check-in begins at 4 p.m., and check-out is at 11 a.m.
- Resort Fee
- The current resort fee is $39 per night for standard rooms and $78 for premium suites. It includes access to pools, the fitness center, parking, Wi-Fi and select resort activities. Some amenities and services cost extra.
- Pools
- The indoor pool and smaller outdoor pool operate year-round. The larger outdoor family pool is seasonal. The upper outdoor pool becomes adults-only during the warmer months.
- Spa
- Book treatments in advance. Spa day passes may be available to non-hotel guests, subject to availability.
- Dog-Friendly
- Dogs are welcome in designated first-floor guest rooms and select suites. The current pet fee is $100 per night, and resort homes are not pet-friendly. Dog beds, bowls and welcome treats are provided.
- Dining
- Flannel serves breakfast, while The Roost offers lunch or dinner depending on the current dining schedule. Confirm hours and reservations before visiting.
- Parking & Transportation
- Parking is included in the resort fee. Seasonal ski shuttle service is available, and the Stowe Recreation Path connects directly to the property.
- Best Time to Visit
- Topnotch is open year-round. Summer is my personal favorite for the outdoor pools, gardens and easy access to the Recreation Path. Winter is ideal for skiing and spa weekends, while fall offers beautiful mountain views.
- Reservations
- Check the resort’s website for seasonal packages and midweek specials before booking.
Topnotch Resort
4000 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-8585
Talk with locals
Comments
Be the first to chime in
Been here? Your tip could save the next visitor a wrong turn.