Escape to Paradise: Omni Bretton Arms Inn's Unforgettable Mount Washington Experience
Escape to Paradise? Omni Bretton Arms Inn: Mt. Washington Edition - My Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from the Omni Bretton Arms Inn, and I’m still mentally unpacking. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was… well, it tried to be an experience. And let's be honest, it kind of worked, but with some serious hiccups along the way. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious breakdown.
First Impressions (and a Plea for Accessibility):
The initial drive up was stunning. Seriously, the views of Mount Washington are breathtaking. You feel like you're entering a postcard. Getting there, though… that’s where things get a little… complicated.
Accessibility: Now, I'm not going into specific wheelchair dimensions, or anything, but I'm calling out some general observations. They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests." The website claims accessibility. Let's just say – and I’m being kind here – it's a work in progress. Navigating some of the common areas, especially the older sections, felt like a treasure hunt for ramps and elevators. My friend had to navigate some tight spots and that's just unfair to some users. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but if you have specific needs, call ahead and ask specific questions. Don't take their word for it.
Getting Settled In (and My Battle with the Blackout Curtains)
The Room (or, My Temporary Fortress of Solitude): They've got a laundry list of amenities in the rooms, from air conditioning (thank God, it was sticky!) to coffee/tea makers to in-room safe box (who uses those anymore?). They even boast blackout curtains. Now, those are what I want to discuss.
I'm a light sleeper. A serious light sleeper. I need pitch-black darkness to function. And these curtains? They sort of worked. Like, 70% blackout. Which meant I was constantly fiddling with them, trying to eliminate those slivers of light that always seem to find their way in. I spent a good hour on the first night battling those things. In the end, I slept with a pillow over my head. (It didn’t work, but it felt good to make an attempt). It's these small struggles that can make or break a stay.
Internet, Glorious (and Mostly Reliable) Internet:
The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend. Okay, mostly a godsend. It went down a couple of times. But hey, I could still access my feed. You can't always expect perfection can you? At least there were options of Internet [LAN] and Internet services. When the WiFi was out just plug in!
Cleanliness and Safety (and My Obsession with Hand Sanitizer):
This is where the Omni Bretton Arms Inn shined. Okay, maybe it didn't shine, but they clearly took Cleanliness and safety seriously. I saw staff constantly cleaning, wiping down surfaces, and generally looking hyper-vigilant. All the required Covid protocols were there, there was hand sanitizer everywhere. I’m a germaphobe by nature, and it even soothed my anxiety a little bit. I also appreciated the individually-wrapped food options and the safe dining setup. They were definitely up on the whole Hygiene certification thing.
Dining: The Buffet Bonanza and My Search for the Perfect Croissant
The Buffet in restaurant. This is the centerpiece of the dining experience. Let's just say…it's a mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet] offered an array of options, from the usual Western breakfast fare like eggs and bacon to some more adventurous (for me, anyway) Asian breakfast items. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, thankfully, because I needed all the caffeine I could get.
Now, here's where the emotional rollercoaster begins: The croissants. Oh, the croissants. I have an obsession with croissants. I've searched the world for the perfect one (and haven't found it yet). These croissants… they were… okay. Not life-changing. Not even particularly memorable. I had such high hopes. Such dreams! But I’ll admit I loaded up on the Desserts in restaurant, because the A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant did not have my favorite.
They have some Restaurants there (I can't vouch for all of them, I was too busy croissant hunting). They have a Poolside bar. I saw people enjoying the Happy hour. There was a good selection of Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant if I felt like testing. I could also have some Soup in restaurant or a Salad in restaurant. It all was there, but I was a man on a mission. I wanted the perfect pastry!
Things to Do (Beyond Croissant Hunting!) and Ways to Relax (or, How I Almost Ruined My Massage)
They have a ton of amenities focused on making you relax. The Spa is the draw here, and they really seem committed to it! This is a Spa/sauna for sure.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] – they got them all!
I decided to indulge and booked a massage. I imagined fluffy towels, soothing music, and a blissful escape. I’m a big guy, and I was just a touch sweaty from my hike earlier. Now, I didn't expect the masseuse to be a miracle worker… but when I got on the table, my stomach let out a noise that can only be described as a low moan. It was loud. Really loud. The masseuse just kept going, though. I have to assume this happens.
But, beyond my noisy stomach, the massage was actually really good. I felt pampered and relaxed.
Services and Conveniences (The Usual Suspects):
They offer all the standard hotel Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, etc. Nothing particularly groundbreaking, but they were all useful, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Shoutout to the concierge, who was amazing.
For the Kids (And This Single Dude):
They cater to families here. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities are all available. I didn’t indulge here since I was on my own.
Getting Around (And the Dreaded Valet):
Airport transfer is available but I drove, which was a mistake because they have heavy amounts of Car park [free of charge], along with Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, and Valet parking. I hate valet parking. I just do. Something about handing over the keys to your car feels… wrong.
In conclusion: Do I recommend it?
Look, the Omni Bretton Arms Inn is not perfect. It's got issues. But it also offers a beautiful setting, decent food (and a lot of it!), and a real commitment to safety and comfort. It's a place that wants to be a luxurious escape, and it manages to pull it off, albeit with a few stumbles along the way.
Would I go back? Maybe. If they promised me an endless supply of croissants and they finally fixed those damn blackout curtains, I just might.
SEO and Metadata Optimization:
- Keywords: Bretton Arms Inn, Omni Bretton Arms Inn, Mount Washington, New Hampshire, hotel review, spa, accessibility, dining, activities, vacation, travel, family friendly, swimming pool, sauna, massage, resort, White Mountains
- Meta Description: A hilariously honest review of the Omni Bretton Arms Inn near Mount Washington. Dive into the good, the bad, and the croissant-related struggles! Includes accessibility, spa experiences, dining, and more.
- Titles and Headings:
- Main Title: Escape to Paradise? Omni Bretton Arms Inn: Mt. Washington Review (Messy Edition)
- H2s: First Impressions (and a Plea for Accessibility), Getting Settled In (and My Battle with the Blackout Curtains), Internet, Glorious (and Mostly Reliable) Internet, Cleanliness and Safety (and My Obsession with Hand Sanitizer), Dining: The Buffet Bonanza and My Search for the Perfect Croissant, Things to Do (Beyond Croissant Hunting!) and Ways to Relax (or, How I Almost Ruined My Massage), Services and Conveniences (The Usual Suspects), For the Kids (And This Single Dude), Getting Around (And the Dreaded Valet), In conclusion: Do I recommend it?
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak itinerary. This is my chaotic, glorious, probably-will-be-late-for-breakfast itinerary for the Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington Resort in… Carroll, New Hampshire. Yeah, Carroll. Never heard of it either, until now.
Day 1: Arrival and the Mountain's Grumble
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Escape (aka, the Drive): So, the drive. Let’s just say my GPS apparently enjoys scenic routes through… well, everywhere. I’m pretty sure we saw more foliage than actual civilization. I'm already regretting not packing more snacks because the hangry is real. Also, my partner, bless their heart, kept insisting on singing along to classic rock anthems at the top…of their lungs. By the time we actually made it, I was ready to check into a sensory deprivation tank, not a fancy inn.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in and Initial Impression…Whoa: Okay, now we're talking. The Omni Bretton Arms? Seriously classy. The lobby is all crackling fireplaces, enormous paintings of stern-looking dudes in powdered wigs, and that subtle, "I'm rich, but I don't brag about it" vibe. The room? Gorgeous. Four-poster bed, killer view of the mountains… It almost made me forget the drive from hell. Almost.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring the Grounds (and Possibly Getting Lost): Time to explore! I had visions of breezy walks, Instagram-worthy shots, and maybe even finding a secret garden. Reality? I got turned around about five times. The place is enormous! I did, however, stumble upon a little waterfall, which was lovely, and then… a golf course. Which, I'm pretty sure, is where rich people wander around looking important and yelling. I'd feel out of place just walking on that grass.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Main Dining Room (aka, The Fancy Pants Experience): Okay, this is where the real fun began. The Main Dining Room is exactly what you'd expect: white tablecloths, silverware that looks like it could be used for brain surgery, and waiters who float around like they've been trained by the same people who taught the Queen. I’m pretty sure I committed several faux pas. Like, I think I used a bread plate for dipping, which apparently is a HUGE no-no. The food? Delicious, of course! But I spent half the time worrying about the correct fork, and the other half trying not to spill wine down my front. It was a learning experience, that's for sure.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: The Fireplace Ritual and Contemplation: Back in the room and after dinner, for some reason, I went to the fireplace and sat alone. I needed to recharge. This is where it gets real, people. I stared at the fire, feeling almost…peaceful. The mountains outside (the ones I'd been trying to avoid) were a backdrop, and I realized I actually needed this. This escape. This moment of being a total tourist. And I might have shed a tear or two. Don't tell anyone.
Day 2: Mountain Majesty and My Uncoordinated Self
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast…and the Coffee Crisis: The coffee pot in my room? A disaster! It sputtered, leaked, and produced something that tasted suspiciously like flavored hot water. On the other hand, the breakfast buffet at the inn was a work of art. I swear, the chefs created an entire sculpture out of waffles.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Mount Washington Cog Railway – A Ride to the Clouds: Yes, yes, the Cog Railway. Everyone tells you it's a must-do. So, of course, I was skeptical. But, holy moly. It was breathtaking. The views? Unbelievable. The little train chugging along the tracks (it felt like it was going straight up!) was a bit terrifying, but I was more focused on the stunning, sweeping landscape. This is where I went from, "Okay, pretty good" to "Wow." I made some dumb jokes about going to space, but it was a pure, unadulterated experience of awe. I'm not even ashamed to admit I took about a hundred (mediocre) photos.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch, Mountaintop Edition…and the Wind: The top of Mount Washington. The famous wind. They weren't kidding! I nearly blew away. We had packed lunch and I was struggling to hold onto my sandwich and my hat. The food was getting a good dusting of dirt. The view, however, was still incredible. I felt like a tiny speck on top of the world.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the Resort (and My Inner Child): Time for more exploring! Because the cog railway takes a while, there was not much time left in the day. However, the resort had a pool and a spa. I opted for the pool. I love a good swim. Plus, it's a great place to people-watch - which is another of my favorite pastimes.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Spa of Self-Indulgence (or, My Attempt at Relaxation): I'm not sure I'm cut out for spas. Massages? I'm way too ticklish. Facials? I feel like I need to keep a straight face and not laugh because it seems like the person doing it is always trying to trick me. I tried, I really did. I even managed to stay relatively still. It was…pleasant.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Another Dinner, Another Adventure: This time, we hit up the casual pub. Fish tacos, local beer, a much more relaxed vibe. Thank goodness. The pretension of the fancy restaurant was a bit much.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening Relaxation: At the end of the day, I took a long bath. Bliss.
Day 3: Departure and the Unexpected
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Final Breakfast and the Bitter-Sweet Smell of Departure: The last breakfast. I ate all the waffles I could. No regrets. The view from the dining room this morning took on a different hue. The sunlight showed the colors of the landscape with more radiance. I knew I would miss it.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last Moments of Beauty: Before we left, I spent a bit of time roaming around the resort. I had time for a leisurely stroll through the grounds and ended up finding more hidden gems. There were secret paths I missed before. More waterfalls, babbling brooks, and serene landscapes. It was like the resort was saying goodbye in the best way, by revealing its secrets.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Drive Home (Round Two): The drive back. This time, I was prepared! More snacks, better music (my choice!), and a slightly more relaxed attitude. I couldn't help but smile as we started because I knew that no matter what, I'd never forget the mountain, the hotel and the magic, no matter how messy! The memories of all this beautiful place will last a lifetime; and, that's what matters.
Okay, spill the tea. What *exactly* is this "Escape to Paradise" at the Omni Bretton Arms all about? Sounds like a brochure's written it.
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercup, because it's *way* more than a glossy photo op. Essentially? It's a chance to escape, right? Pretend you're someone important. Think: sprawling views of Mount Washington, a whole lotta fancy (which I'm secretly a sucker for), and the chance to, you know, breathe. They offer different packages, but generally, think fancy rooms, mountain-gazing, maybe some spa stuff, and the promise of feeling a *teeny* tiny bit regal. Honestly, it's the kind of place where you can accidentally wear a bathrobe to breakfast and no one bats an eye. (Or maybe *I* just did. Whoops.)
Is the view of Mount Washington *really* that breathtaking? Because every brochure claims that.
Listen, I'm a cynical New Yorker. I've seen a lot of "breathtaking" views that turned out to be… kinda meh. But Mount Washington? Dude. It's… *holy crap.* I seriously walked in and just... stared. It's not just the height (though, wow, that's impressive), it's the *presence*. The way the clouds play around it, the way the light shifts... it's majestic. I swear, I think I might’ve actually teared up a little. Don’t tell anyone. The Bretton Arms itself, perched right there, frames the mountain perfectly. You wake up to it! You eat breakfast staring at it! You basically dream about it (and your stomach rumbles for that amazing breakfast after all that mountain air). Now, let's be real, sometimes the weather is… well, New Hampshire. But even shrouded in mist, it's still cool. Just… different. I'd go back JUST for that view.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they actually, like, *nice*?
Okay, the rooms. They *are* nice. Think: Old World charm, but with all the modern conveniences. I had a room with a fireplace (which I totally didn't use properly because I'm terrified of fire, but still...). Plush bedding, good toiletries (I love a hotel with fancy shampoo!), and, yes, some of them have those glorious mountain views. My one tiny (and I mean *tiny*) gripe? Sometimes the walls are a little thin. You *might* hear your neighbor's snoring through the night. But hey, it’s not a dealbreaker. Mostly just a chance to be grateful that I’m a light sleeper and don't miss a thing. The upside of this: the charm is undeniable. It feels like you're stepping back in time, in the best possible way. I felt like some Victorian-era lady of leisure, which is exactly what I needed after that work project from hell. Now, I'm not saying it was all perfect. I did spend a good five minutes trying to figure out that darned light switch...but hey, that’s part of the experience, right?
Okay, what about the food? Is it as fancy as it sounds? And does it live up to the hype?
Oh, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. There are several restaurants, all with different vibes. I'd say, yes, it's fancy. *Really* fancy. Think: white table cloths, multiple forks, and waiters who seem to anticipate your every need. My opinion? The food is good. *Really* good. But it’s not necessarily the *best* food I've ever had. However, I ate it every single day, it was so good. I'm a total sucker for atmosphere. The breakfasts are epic. Seriously. If you're a breakfast person, you're in heaven. The omelets! The pastries! (Okay, I think I gained five pounds just reminiscing…) And there's something about eating eggs Benedict while looking at Mount Washington that just... elevates the experience. It's definitely not cheap – be prepared for your wallet to take a small hit. But if you're there to indulge a bit, it's worth it. I did order the chicken sandwich at one point, and it was a bit… underwhelming. Don't tell them I said that. I wouldn't want to be banned!
Is the spa worth it? Or is it just overpriced pampering?
Okay, the spa. This is where I have a *strong* opinion. Yes, it's (probably) overpriced. It's a spa! But is it worth it? Absolutely. Especially if you're stressed, as I was. And trust me, you will be after all that sightseeing, or whatever relaxing things you'll be doing. I got a massage, and it was, honestly, one of the best massages of my life. The masseuse was incredible. She found knots I didn't even *know* I had. The relaxation room is lovely, all fluffy robes and herbal tea. I spent about an hour just…decompressing. If you're going to indulge somewhere, do it here. It's not just pampering; it's a reset button. It's where you can finally let go of all that negative stuff. And honestly? After a few days of hiking and mountain-gazing, you *deserve* it. I almost fell asleep. And hey! The scent of lavender is heavenly. In fact, just thinking back on it, I might need another spa day...
What is there to *do* besides stare at the mountain and eat fancy food?
Okay, you can actually *do* stuff! Hiking is the big one. There are trails for all levels of experience. I'm a *terrible* hiker, but even *I* managed a few easier ones. (Mostly because I was motivated by the promise of a hot chocolate later.) Seriously though, the trails are well-maintained. You can take the cog railway, which has the most *amazing* views, although, be warned: it can get a little crowded, and it's a bit of a commitment. They also do tours of the hotel, which is fascinating from a historical perspective. And don't forget the pool and all the other hotel activities that you can do. Personally, I spent a lot of time just…wandering. Exploring the grounds of the hotel. Taking pictures. Doing nothing. Sometimes doing nothing is the best activity. You can easily fill a few days just being *in* that environment. Though I wouldn't recommend trying to take a picture of a squirrel when it's raining (Speaking from experience, of course!)
Okay, be honest. Anything *suck* about this whole experience? Because nothing's perfect.
Alright, alright. Let's get real. The biggest downside? The price. It's not cheap. This is a luxury experience, and it comes with a luxury price tag. You'll want to budget accordingly. Secondly, depending on the time of year, it can get crowded. Particularly during peak foliage season. So, you might have to contend with slightly longer waitsBook For Rest
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