The Best Hotels to Book In and Around Barre, Vermont

Take a trip back to the Victorian era at this bed and breakfast, located an hour from Barre. Kick your boots off by the roaring fireplace in your suite, before ducking into the onsite tavern, where you can enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival. Breakfast is a highlight here – ask for the English muffin, topped with farm-fresh eggs and Green Mountain Smokehouse bacon.

The Sound of Music fans, brace yourselves. This hotel was owned by the real Von Trapp family, who inspired the Oscar-winning family movie. Sleep in a simple deluxe room, decked out in traditional Austrian style with mountain views. Sample real Austrian bratwurst and weiner schnitzel in the lounge or stop by the Bierhall for a lager, brewed onsite, after a day cross-country skiing. Note: the lodge is 40 minutes from Barre in Stowe ski resort.

Owners Mary Anne and George lovingly restored this 1835 farmhouse nearly 30 years ago into the Brass Lantern Inn. Just nine rooms make up this rural property, each with comfortable beds, topped with cozy quilts. Some even have their own fireplace. Tuck into maple cinnamon raisin French toast or blueberry pancakes, drenched in Vermont maple syrup for breakfast. After a day hiking or skiing in Stowe, kick back in the outdoor hot tub and admire the views of Mount Mansfield.

Golf lovers should look no further than the Killington Mountain Lodge, an hour south of Barre. Situated on the sixth hole of the local golf course, you can roll out on bed and onto the green in moments. Come winter, the slopes of Killington Ski Resort are just two miles (3.2km) away. Sink into the outdoor, illuminated whirlpool, surrounded by snow, before digging into a pub-style meal at the sports bar.

The name doesn’t lie – this hotel lies atop of Central Vermont Mountain, surrounded by 700 (283ha) acres of meadows and woodland. In summer, you can swim from the resort’s private lakeside beach. Once snow falls in winter, explore cross-country ski trails from the front door. For ultimate privacy, book one of their rustic cabins, which are not only dog-friendly but come with a wood-burning fireplace to warm up after a day in the snow.

Families should head to 506 On The River Inn, a boutique hotel just an hour south of Barre. Kids will love their Explorer’s Program with animal track hunting in summer, and snowman building, plus roasted s’mores in winter. You can quietly slip off with your other half for much needed ‘adult time’ in the pool and sauna, or sip a black pepper negroni in the bistro, infused with herbs from the inn’s own garden.

For true Victorian charm, book a night at the Maplecroft Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1887 by Scotsman George Mackenzie, the circular tower is reminiscent of a Scottish castle. Today, there are two suites and three rooms, one of which is located within the tower. While the manor is over a century old, the furniture and décor is cozy and inviting. Breakfast is served every morning at 8am; the zucchini and goat cheese frittata is worth trying, as well as the homemade muffins, pancakes and granola, washed down with fresh coffee.

Though the Quality Inn may be a nationwide chain, the Barre location feels like a boutique hotel. Stay in one of the comfortable rooms or suites, which are complete with queen-sized beds, plush blankets and plenty of pillows. Those on a budget will appreciate the reasonable price, complete with a complimentary buffet breakfast (make sure you try the waffles). It’s just a five-minute drive from the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry. Plus it’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged friends can come too.