Northern Vermont Hotels

Guidebooks

The Essex

Exterior

At a Glance

    Pros

  • daily cooking classes
  • free airport shuttle

    Cons

  • odd location in suburb of Burlington
  • sterile feel
  • no local scene

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

The Essex Review

"Vermont's Culinary Resort" is a hotel and conference center about 10 mi from downtown Burlington, with two restaurants run by the New England Culinary Institute. Enjoy access to cooking classes offered each day in professional test kitchens on-site. Comfortable Susan Sargent-designed rooms are adorned with her vibrant colors; 30 rooms have fireplaces. A large spa opened in 2009.

    Hotel Details

  • 60 rooms, 60 suites.
  • Rate includes no meals.
  • Credit cards accepted.

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Room  
    Décor  
    Service  
    Value  

    A wonderful weekend in Vermont

    Got a great Travelzoo package at this hotel and was very pleased. For $159 a night - got 2 1 hour massages (great), movie and treats in the room, and complimentary breakfast or money off the menu. (We chose the menu items and paid very little extra - great homemade sausages). Everyone was so friendly and attentive - took the cooking class and enjoyed it immensely. Inn is near outlet shopping and movie theater and nearby Burlington. Lots of winter activities if that your desire. Ate dinner in Butler restaurant catered by the 2nd year Culinary students - excellent value. Overall a very nice weekend.

    by jbean1016, 2/5/09
  • Room  
    Décor  
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    Value  

    Poor value

    We were very disappointed with the Inn on the Essex. It was simply far overpriced ($258/night) for what we received: an adequate but thoroughly undistinguished room, with a view from a small window overlooking the parking lot (where we could watch employees go on smoke breaks). The common areas of the Hotel were also unremarkable and lacked charm, and the service at the front desk was uneven. Finally, I accidentally left my jacket behind, and although I didn't hear from the hotel, I realized a few days I had left it behind. I phoned and they were able to find it. However, the hotel then stuck me with a $35 bill for sending the jacket back to me despite the several hundred dollars we had spent over the course of the weekend at the hotel.

    by JamesAnthony, 10/21/08

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