Vermont's Topnotch Offers Reduced Rate During Renovations

Topnotch Resort at Stowe Mountain in Vermont is undergoing a face lift this ski season, redoing the lobby to provide views of Mt. Mansfield (Vermont's highest peak). The construction will also result in updated guest rooms and a new restaurant.

Despite the work being done on property, the resort is still open for business as usual (FYI there are no longer cranes on property as the project has entered "phase two"). The resort is offering a reduced rate during the revamp , a gesture we can appreciate. The discounted "Renaissance Rate" starts at $200 per night. Normal rates begin at $250. So, you're basically saving the cost of a tank of gas. Pretty decent.

Many hotels remain open during renovations, but with something so central as the lobby under the knife, we wondered how it might affect a guest's experience. So we did some digging around to see what people were saying.

While two reviews on TripAdvisor caution that the renovations have slowed things down, there are plenty of good reviews from the same time period that mention no hassles or disappointments. Norma's, the #1 restaurant in Stowe according to TripAdvisor, is still operating as usual. The spa is also fully open and providing 100% of its services.

The only differences in operations appear to be minor. Valet parking is mandatory (and included) due to the work being done on the self-parking lots, and the main check-in is now located at the spa counter. No official completion date has been announced by the hotel, however we would guess you'll be back to normal poolside lounging this summer at Topnotch in the beautiful Vermont valley.

We don't think you should be scared off if you had hopes of a stay this winter, although we would recommend calling prior to booking and asking the right questions (and that goes for all other renovating hotels as well). For example, if you plan to ski and then hit the spa, you'll want to be sure nothing has changed and that the shuttles and spa are still operating as usual. If so, enjoy the discount!

Have you stayed at Topnotch during the construction? Let us know how it was.

[Photos: Topnotch Resort]

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