Omni Mount Washington Resort

I have had the pleasure to step foot into many extraordinary hotels. Among them are the Hotel Coronado near San Diego, Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, and Atlantis in the Bahamas. All are truly stunning in their unique way. The most impressive though, in my opinion, is the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. 

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire is a (deservedly) popular tourist destination. It combines natural wonders such as the Basin, the Flume, and zillions of nature trails with family-fun amusement parks, ice cream parlors, and mini-golf courses. Attractions such as Clark’s Trading Post, the Hobo Railroad, and Conway Scenic Railroad have a bit of rustic charm about them. These have been popular for years and are certainly not shiny and new.

Mount Washington is the tallest in New England. It is purported to have some of the worst weather in the world on top. It is a popular mountain to climb, to drive up or to take the old fashioned Cog Railway to the top. Although the mountain provides hours of recreation for scores of visitors, for this post we are digging into the world-famous Mount Washington Resort, situated at the foot of the “hill.” 

Omni Mount Washington Resort- “The Grande Dame” 

New Hampshire is home to a handful of iconic, classic 19th and early 20th century hotels such as Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, the Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch, and Mountain View Grant Resort in Whitefield. The grande dame of all of them is the Omni Mount Washington Resort.

Viewing the elegant hotel from Route 302, it seems to rise from the base of the mountain. With its white exterior and red roof, it is a sight to see. Its majesty only grows as you get closer. Just from the outside, you know you’re in for a treat. (If I were a golfer, I would make sure to book a tee time on the golf course that spreads out in front of the resort.)

On the inside

In my opinion, I have been to some impressive looking hotels from the outside that leave something to be desired once inside. Additionally, there are those whose lobbies are incredible, but the rooms themselves are mediocre at best.

Stepping inside the Omni Mount Washington it feels as if you are entering the past. With its gorgeous hardwood floors covered with expansive rugs, the lobby is large and airy, with enough seating for all. Unlike some hotels, the lobby and the hotel, in general, encourage the visitor to stay awhile, to relax and enjoy the property, not to rush out to the room. Moose heads and fireplaces remind us that we are still in New Hampshire. 

There is a room where the International Monetary Fund agreement was signed in 1944. This conference was attended by representatives from 44 countries. The gold standard was set at $35 an ounce. This place is so cool! Visitors literally lounge around in history. 

Stickney’s restaurant on the first floor offers spectacular views out of the backside of the hotel. The resort also includes wide, wrap-around porches with ample seating, including rocking chairs and couches. The waitstaff is attentive, but not overbearing as they inquire about food and beverages. 

There’s a basement at the Mount Washington Resort

Unlike the Alamo, there is a basement at Mount Washington and it is amazing, with shops, an arcade, and a speakeasy-like cave bar. The Cave is so full of atmosphere and truly different than anything else in this hotel! Its feel is completely subterranean! In the evenings, live music is often featured. A rock-lined passageway leads into this upscale dungeon-esque bar. It’s like a throwback to the Prohibition era, with guests enjoying contraband cocktails. Also on this level are a spa, pool, and health center.

On the outside

The grounds are just as fantastic. The east wing of the main hotel, past the porches on the outside, can be explored. A staircase takes you to the lawn. Poking around every which way among the exterior is just as exciting as the interior. It is especially neat that there is the ability for anyone to do this. Also on site are numerous walking trails, an outdoor pool, and seasonal activities such as a horse-drawn sleigh. 

Wrapping up

This place is, in a word, incredible, majestic, fantastic, breathtaking, and completely worth it! Although beautiful, I didn’t feel out of place wearing shorts (granted probably not to dinner at Stickney’s). Do yourself a favor and book a weekend at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. If you’re just passing through, also do yourself a favor and spend some time enjoying this hotel, grab a drink or dinner, take a stroll through majesty and history.