Hello,
I am planning to visit Mt Washington area in early Oct 03 (I like to plan ahead). Is the Mt Washington hotel worth the experience at about $280 (min)? Are there any reasonable alternatives in the area (budget pref around $100 per night). Stayed in N.Conway last time around which was OK apart from the TRAFFIC! Heard Jackson might be a better bet. Appreciate your thoughts on any or all of my questions. Thank you.

The Mt. Washington Hotel is unquestionably elegant, but they do charge for it. You can avoid the high prices and the traffic by staying a bit to the west in Franconia or Sugar Hill. I usually stay at the Franconia Inn, which is wonderful and just about at the price you prefer - www.franconiainn.com.

Elegant, yes...in the public areas. The rooms are not worth that price.
They're decent but not up to that price range for that area of New England.

A few years ago we stayed at a separate inn on the grounds of the Mt. Washington, but owned by the Mt. Washington. We had access to all the facilities, and it was about half the price. Sorry I forget the name, but the MW will tell you. Though we stayed there initially because there were no rooms at the MW, after we saw the rooms at the MW, we were glad we had the less expensive (and in some ways nicer, more modern, if not quite as "elegant")accommodations. I hear the Balsams in Dixville Notch is nicer.

The name of the other inn is the Bretton Arms. I've stayed there also and it is definately a better value. The room we had was huge (2 adults and 2 kids). Bath was nice, furniture was comfortable. No AC though and not the views offered at the main hotel. You can use all the facilities and if you wish to dine in the main room of the larger hotel you can but a ticket for $75 a person. Our friends stayed at the main hotel on the same trip and were paying through the nose. I thought our room was nicer and was 1/3 the price. There is also a motor lodge that is across the street from the Mt. Washington but you still have use of the facilities - which are extensive.

Jackson is another lovely alternative - we've stayed at the Nordic Village condos. Very comfortable, clean, lovely setting with beautiful landscaping.

Enjoy your visit.

Thank you for your suggestions, I think I'll give the Mt Washington hotel a miss (perhaps just have breakfast there to absorb the ambience!) and look at one of the other options for accommodation.

Ian - even if you take a pass on staying at the Mt. Washington, definately plan to spend an hour or two sitting on their back porch. If it is a clear day you will have the most beautiful view of Mt. Washington. The porch is full of white wicker chairs, and there is bar service out there also. It is very relaxing to hang out there. And no one would be able to tell if you are a guest or not.