Topnotch Resort

My wife and I just returned from our trip to Stowe Vermont. We were very excited about our stay at the Topnotch Resort after seeing all of the photos. The property is beautiful and offers some nice amenities although most at an additional cost. We have traveled the world and stayed at mid to highend hotels so we have a very good idea typically of expectations at certain price points. The fact that there was no complimentary breakfast at this price point is very disappointing. We stayed at 3 other hotels on this trip that were much less expensive and they all offered a complimentary breakfast and all day coffee bars. The staff seemed friendly but the rooms are in need of a refresh. The walls were all scuffed, the TV stand and dresser veneer were all bubbling and peeling and the shower and tub had mildew in the grout . I would not expect any of this things at this premium price point. The recipe is there for an amazing property but it seems like things are not being maintained. Overall I think there are better options in the area for much less $$.

Checked in today. I guess I was expecting a more luxurious experience. The check in area is on the small side. There were cookies to entice you, but how long had they been sitting out? The concierge sits across from the check in desk, but she didn’t acknowledge us upon entering the resort. The desk clerk was busy with another guest upon us entering, but again, no one acknowledged us until it was our turn to check in. There was an abrupt nature from the desk clerk. Then as there were two of us checking in separately, the concierge came and helped me check in and my friend worked with the desk clerk. I received a map and explanation of the amenities from the concierge, my friend received nothing from the desk clerk. We were clearly together and they gave us rooms on different floors. Upon entering my room, it felt off. I took a look around and was not impressed. I had a more luxurious room at the Hampton Inn in Amesbury MA, than this place. I inspected the beds and found the laps over one of the beds were both installed incorrectly, so I felt that if I adjusted them, they were going to fall out. People in the hallway, you can hear their conversations easily. I felt uncomfortable in the room and thought about getting a different one, but when I talked to my friend, she said here’s was the same. There are scuff marks on many walls. It makes me wonder what else is not clean in the room. I’m an energetic healer, so I cleansed the room with sound and that seemed to help clear the room of negative vibes as well as leaving a window open. I’m very grateful the windows open! The bed seems comfortable and there was turn down service which was kind. The Roost restaurant was 3star. The blue cheese dressing on the house salad was perfect and the lemon meringue pie with raspberry sauce was a brilliant balance - not too tart, not too sweet! The duck flatbread on the other hand… meh! Staying here has been a good lesson that not all resort spas are alike. On my next trip to Stowe, I’ll look into staying at a BNB.

The Spa was exceptional! I can't remember the girls name, but she did a very good job at making me feel comfortable as for it was my first time receiving a massage. The staff was very friendly, and the facilities were super clean!