Lodging (Area Code 603)

Accommodations at the resort:
All Bretton Woods properties can be reached through 800-258-0330 or 278-1000. In winter, a complimentary shuttle operates to and from the slopes. Be sure to ask about packages, as Bretton Woods offers plenty, including themed weekends such as ballroom dancing, a food and wine festival, Mardi Gras and more. And new this year, guests of The Mount Washington Hotel Ski FREE!

At first sight of the Mount Washington Hotel ($$$–$$$$; right) children will gasp, “It’s a castle!” And it is. Flags fly from the two octagonal towers that anchor the huge hotel—the largest wooden structure in New England—set on a knoll overlooking the Presidential Range. From the antique light poles on the meandering drive to the expansive lobby defined by its rows of square Corinthian columns to the classic operator-run elevator, The Hotel is the very definition of Old World Charm. Staying here is a step back in time, with excellent service and a touch of class: an orchestra plays in the dining room, and guests are asked to dress appropriately (that means jackets suggested for gentlemen and are required May-November) in the dining room after 6 p.m. Shops, and a couple of great bars including The Cave (a former Speakeasy!) are on the lower level, while the first floor has sitting areas in the main lobby, lounges and several private rooms for smaller functions or quiet reading. The Nordic Center, indoor and outdoor heated pools, ice skating and tubing hill are all at The Hotel or right nearby; the Alpine area is across the street.  Newly opened, The Spa is located right at The Hotel, and features a variety of treatments perfect before or after a day on the slopes.

The restored 1896 Bretton Arms Inn ($$–$$$), a National Historic Landmark, is more intimate. It has spacious rooms, old-fashioned charm and an excellent dining room, and guests have full use of all resort facilities.  NOTE: The Bretton Arms Inn is currently closed for the winter season.

The Lodge ($–$$) is a good choice for those on a budget. Rooms are nice, but not fancy; there’s an indoor pool; and guests have full use of all Bretton Woods facilities, including the shuttlebus and the Rosebrook Recreation Center. Ski & Stay Packages available.

Bretton Woods also has The Townhomes, ($$$$; left), a group of privately owned condominiums ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms, featuring all the comforts of home.  Ski & Stay Packages available.

Other area accommodations:

Built of granite, the romantic and isolated Notchland Inn (800-866-6131; 374-6131; $$–$$$$; right), in Hart’s Location, has 13 rooms, all with fireplaces. It has a hot tub, skating, and cross-country skiing from the door.

The Mulburn Inn (800-457-9440; 869-3389; $$–$$$) is an elegant Tudor-style B&B with oak staircase and stained glass windows. It’s in Bethlehem, once considered one of the fresh-air centers of New England, only about 10 minutes from Bretton Woods.

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s new Highland Center (466-2727; $–$$) at Crawford Notch combines state-of-the-art environmental engineering and green policies with grand architecture. Rates include a hot buffet breakfast and a multi-course, all-you-can-eat supper. The lodge has 45 rooms for 122 people, including private and family rooms (with private baths), and shared rooms/baths. Educational programs are offered.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.