6 Best Hotels in Burlington, Northern Vermont

Few accommodations in Vermont find a dynamic balance between the traditional inn and trendy boutique spirit, but this eminently charming and quirky 1881 house topped with a cute cupola has done it. The art is in the detail, which delights at every turn, from vinyl collections and chalkboards in the rooms, guitars and ukuleles in the hallways, board games in the lounge, and a 24-hour spread of snacks and drinks.

Formerly the Willard Street Inn, this ivy-covered house high in the historic hill section of Burlington got a sleek update when it rebranded as part of the Lark Hotels family in 2023, making the most of its mansion-like building with an exterior marble staircase, plant-filled solarium and English gardens. Guest rooms are all individually decorated and have loads of modern character; a few have lake views.

At "Vermont's Culinary Resort," about 10 miles from downtown Burlington, the Essex's open kitchen allows diners to watch and interact with the chefs, and a sprawling spa incorporates culinary ingredients like salt, honey, lavender, hop oil, and malted barley into the body treatments. Vibrant colors set an upbeat mood in comfortable guest rooms, many of which have fireplaces. The resort partners with the nearby Essex Experience, a smartly redeveloped outlet mall full of locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and a performing arts venue, to host events.

This more playful edition of the Hilton family sits on an ideal location halfway between downtown Burlington and the lakefront, putting both in easy walking reach. The splashes of colorful design and public art add an element of fun, particularly in common areas, to the otherwise standard hotel rooms.

Renovated and rebranded as part of Hilton's Curio Collection in 2024, the former Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain has a fresh identity that captures its location overlooking Lake Champlain; it also has a new seafood-focused restaurant, Original Skiff Fish + Oysters, developed by the team behind Hen of the Wood. Catch an outdoor movie or a dog-focused Yappy Hour on the Garden Terrace, or lounge with a coffee from Lily May's all-day café.

Within walking distance of downtown in the historic hill section, this grand 1881 Victorian home charms completely with its period furnishings, fine woodwork, plaster detailing, stained-glass windows, and sunlit dining area. Each of the guest rooms has its own character, especially the two with sitting areas in the three-story turret.