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3-star hotels in Grand Isle County

A shortlist of the 15 three-star hotels, inns and lakeside cottages listed in Grand Isle County, Vermont. It is for anyone planning slow days on Lake Champlain, whether you want a bed and breakfast, a private beach or a whole house for the family.

15 hotels

Staying in Grand Isle County

Grand Isle County is a chain of low, green islands in Lake Champlain in the far northwest of Vermont, with more shoreline than any county in the state and its longest growing season. The lake is the point: apple orchards and small farms, quiet cycling on flat back roads, the Hyde Log Cabin on Grand Isle from the 1780s, and birdwatching around the Missisquoi wetlands north of the islands. It suits people who want slow days rather than a list of attractions.

The properties here sit along US-2 and the shore roads that run with it, in Fairfax, Colchester, Saint Albans, Swanton, North Hero and on Isle La Motte. Most are cottages or homes with kitchens and private or nearby beaches, plus a few inns with restaurants and breakfast. Couples can take a quiet inn or a waterfront house, families the larger cottages with playgrounds and high chairs, and anyone on a short break a base within a day trip of Burlington.

The shortlist

Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.

  1. The Inn at Grace Farm

    ★★★

    117 Highbridge Road, Fairfax, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA relaxed 3-star base on Highbridge Road in Fairfax, with free car parking that makes it easy to come and go around Grand Isle County. Air conditioning and a refrigerator keep a longer stay comfortable, and there is a TV for quiet evenings in. Couples and solo travellers who want simple, practical rooms will find it suits them.

    See The Inn at Grace Farm
  2. Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast

    ★★★

    493 Nichols Road, Fairfax, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Outdoor pool
    • Sauna
    • Free car parking

    Why stay hereOn Nichols Road in Fairfax, this bed and breakfast pairs a Jacuzzi and sauna with a garden and an outdoor pool, plus breakfast to start the day. Beach nearby and a canoe open up the lake side of the county, while free car parking and free wifi cover the essentials. It suits guests who want spa-style downtime and space to spread out.

    See Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast
  3. Cozy Colchester Cabin near Lake by RedAwning

    ★★★

    24 Marsh Lane, Colchester, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA cabin on Marsh Lane in Colchester, close to the lake and set up for self-catering with a full kitchen. The fireplace and garden give it a cosy feel, and fishing is available for guests who want to spend the day on the water. Free wifi and free car parking round it out. Best for families or small groups who prefer a private cabin over a hotel.

    See Cozy Colchester Cabin near Lake by RedAwning
  4. Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna

    ★★★

    222 Harriet Dr, Saint Albans, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Spa
    • Parking
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereNamed for its outlook, this home on Harriet Dr in Saint Albans offers a hot tub and sauna for unwinding after a day outdoors. A games room adds somewhere to gather, and a kitchen means meals stay easy. The lake is nearby, so swimming and shore walks are close at hand. It suits groups and families who want shared space and a bit of pampering.

    See Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna
  5. Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit

    ★★★

    126 Georgia Shore Rd, Saint Albans, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Spa
    • Parking
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereOn Georgia Shore Rd in Saint Albans, this home comes with decks, kayaks and a fire pit, plus its own private beach on Lake Champlain. A kitchen and free wifi keep the practical side covered, and a tennis court is on hand for active guests. It is well suited to families and groups who plan to spend their days on the water and their evenings outside.

    See Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit
  6. Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach

    ★★★

    303 Holiday Point Rd, North Hero, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Spa
    • Parking
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereA cottage on Holiday Point Rd in North Hero with a private beach and lake frontage, so the water is the main event. The fireplace makes evenings comfortable, and the kitchen handles everything from breakfast to dinner. Free wifi is included for planning the next day out. Couples and small families looking for a quiet, self-contained lakeside stay will like it here.

    See Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach
  7. Cozy Solar powered Loft: Walk to Lake Champlain

    ★★★

    5700 Lower Newton Rd, Swanton, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Parking
    • Kitchen
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA solar-powered loft on Lower Newton Rd in Swanton, a short walk from Lake Champlain. It is compact and practical, with a kitchen, desk and shower, plus free wifi for anyone combining a break with some work. Guests who want a simple, low-key base near the water and easy parking will find it fits.

    See Cozy Solar powered Loft: Walk to Lake Champlain
  8. Hazen's Hideaway

    ★★★

    6582 Us Route 2, North Hero, United States

    Best for: Travelling with pets

    • Pets allowed
    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereOn Us Route 2 in North Hero, Hazen's Hideaway has a restaurant on site and a fireplace for cooler evenings, with darts for indoor entertainment. A kitchen and patio give flexibility, and pets are allowed, which is rare among the area's 3-star stays. It suits couples, small groups and travellers who want to bring the dog along.

    See Hazen's Hideaway
  9. Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch

    ★★★

    111 Savage Point N, North Hero, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Parking
    • Kitchen
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA waterfront home on Savage Point N in North Hero, with a screened porch that makes the most of its lake setting. Inside there is a fireplace, a full kitchen and a washing machine, so longer stays are straightforward. A 24 hour front desk and free wifi add convenience. Families and groups wanting room to settle in will appreciate it.

    See Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch
  10. Isle La Motte Cabin 3 Mi to Lake Champlain

    ★★★

    383 Church St, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Parking
    • Kitchen
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereThis cabin on Church St on Isle La Motte sits 3 mi from Lake Champlain, giving guests a quiet island base within reach of the water. A kitchen, coffee and a TV cover the everyday essentials, with free wifi included. It suits couples or small families who want a simple, private retreat and don't mind driving to the lake.

    See Isle La Motte Cabin 3 Mi to Lake Champlain
  11. The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant

    ★★★

    3643 U.S. Rte 2, North Hero, United States

    Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa

    • Spa
    • Free car parking
    • Breakfast

    Why stay hereThe North Hero House Inn & Restaurant on U.S. Rte 2 combines rooms with an on-site restaurant, bar and lounge, and a private beach nearby. Massage, a garden and free car parking are among the extras, and free wifi is available throughout. Breakfast is served, and pets are allowed. A good fit for couples and travellers who want dining and services in one place.

    See The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant
  12. Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain

    ★★★

    101 Cohen Rd, Swanton, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Parking
    • Kitchen
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA family cottage on Cohen Rd in Swanton, directly on Lake Champlain and set up for self-catering with a kitchen. Air conditioning and a washing machine make longer stays manageable, and free wifi keeps everyone connected. The lake setting and quiet road suit families and groups who want to swim, cook and relax without leaving the property.

    See Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain
  13. The Big Yellow Camp

    ★★★

    2093 Colchester Point Rd, Colchester, United States

    Best for: Pool and spa

    • Swimming pool
    • Kitchen
    • Beach nearby

    Why stay hereOn Colchester Point Rd, this camp offers a private beach and a swimming pool, so swimming is possible whatever the lake is doing. A kitchen and kitchenette, picnic area and playground make it work for children, and horse back riding is available nearby. It is aimed squarely at families and larger groups wanting space and things to do on site.

    See The Big Yellow Camp
  14. Lazy Lake Days

    ★★★

    33 Transom Way, Colchester, United States

    • Kitchen

    Why stay hereLazy Lake Days on Transom Way in Colchester puts guests near the lake, with a kitchenette and kitchen for easy meals and a patio for sitting out. A playground, squash and a restaurant on site mean there is plenty close by, and laundry service helps on longer trips. It suits families and groups who want a relaxed, activity-friendly base.

    See Lazy Lake Days
  15. Swim Boat & Explore Lake Champlain Retreat

    ★★★

    162 Marble Island Rd, Colchester, United States

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereA retreat on Marble Island Rd in Colchester with free car parking and free wifi, plus an arcade for entertainment when the weather keeps everyone indoors. Boat access nearby supports days spent on Lake Champlain. Its simple, no-fuss setup suits small groups or families who plan to be out on the water and want somewhere straightforward to return to.

    See Swim Boat & Explore Lake Champlain Retreat

The shortlist side by side

HotelClassParkingBreakfastPool or spaPets
The Inn at Grace Farm★★★Yes–––
Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast★★★YesYesYes–
Cozy Colchester Cabin near Lake by RedAwning★★★Yes–––
Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna★★★Yes–Yes–
Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit★★★Yes–Yes–
Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach★★★Yes–Yes–
Cozy Solar powered Loft: Walk to Lake Champlain★★★Yes–––
Hazen's Hideaway★★★–––Yes
Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch★★★Yes–––
Isle La Motte Cabin 3 Mi to Lake Champlain★★★Yes–––
The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant★★★YesYesYesYes
Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain★★★Yes–––
The Big Yellow Camp★★★––Yes–
Lazy Lake Days★★★––––
Swim Boat & Explore Lake Champlain Retreat★★★Yes–––

From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.

How to choose

For families

Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit has cots and high chairs, while The Big Yellow Camp and Lazy Lake Days add playgrounds. The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant also takes cots, so families can eat in without driving.

Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit · The Big Yellow Camp · Lazy Lake Days · The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant

For couples

Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna pairs a Jacuzzi and sauna with a lake setting, Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast has a jacuzzi, sauna and massage, and Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach and Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch offer fireplaces and private shores.

Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna · Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast · Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach · Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch

For pets

Only Hazen's Hideaway, with a patio and restaurant(s), and The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant allow pets. Both are in North Hero, so you can walk or drive the short way to the water with the dog.

Hazen's Hideaway · The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant

Where to stay in Grand Isle County

North Hero

North Hero sits in the middle of the island chain on US-2, between Grand Isle and Alburgh, so the whole county is easy to reach by car.

Our picks here: Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach · Hazen's Hideaway · Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch · The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant

Colchester

Colchester lies on the mainland side east of the islands, close to the Sand Bar causeway and within a short drive of Burlington by US-2 and I-89. Listed stays include a cozy cabin near the lake, a camp and a lake days house with playgrounds, and a retreat with arcade games, all useful for a short break.

Our picks here: Cozy Colchester Cabin near Lake by RedAwning · The Big Yellow Camp · Lazy Lake Days · Swim Boat & Explore Lake Champlain Retreat

Swanton

Swanton is in the far northwest, where VT-78 links the islands east toward the town. Cozy Solar powered Loft: Walk to Lake Champlain and Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain both name the lake in their addresses, putting you near the water and the Missisquoi wetlands north of the islands.

Our picks here: Cozy Solar powered Loft: Walk to Lake Champlain · Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain

Fairfax

Fairfax lies inland east of the islands, so these two are for travellers who want a country base rather than a waterfront one. The Inn at Grace Farm and Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast both offer free car parking, and the second adds breakfast, a garden and a lounge.

Our picks here: The Inn at Grace Farm · Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast

Plan your stay

When to go

Late spring and early autumn are lovely and much emptier, with good light over the water and the Adirondacks across it. South Hero is roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Burlington by US-2 and I-89, so a spring or autumn stay still allows dinner or a museum in the city. Winter is stark: many seasonal businesses close, though ice fishing shanties appear on the bays in a cold year, and skiing is listed at several of the properties.

Questions, answered

Which of these hotels have free parking?

The Inn at Grace Farm, Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast, Cozy Colchester Cabin near Lake by RedAwning, The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant and Swim Boat & Explore Lake Champlain Retreat all list free car parking. Most of the remaining properties, including Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna and Hazen's Hideaway, list parking as well.

Do any of the hotels allow pets?

Yes. Hazen's Hideaway in North Hero and The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant both list pets allowed. No other property on this shortlist names pets among its facilities, so plan accordingly if you are travelling with a dog.

Which hotels have a pool or spa facilities?

Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast lists both an outdoor pool and a sauna, plus a jacuzzi and massage. Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna has a Jacuzzi, sauna and spa, and Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach, Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit and Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain also list spa facilities. The Big Yellow Camp lists a swimming pool.

Which hotel is best for families?

Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit has cots and high chairs, and The Big Yellow Camp and Lazy Lake Days add playgrounds and kitchens. Waterfront Family Cottage on Lake Champlain is a whole cottage on the lake, while The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant provides cots and a restaurant for easier mealtimes.

Which hotels offer breakfast?

Back Inn Time Bed & Breakfast and The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant both list breakfast. They are the only two properties on this shortlist that name it, which makes them the straightforward choice if you would rather not cook in the morning. Most other stays here have their own kitchens.

Which hotels are closest to Lake Champlain?

Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach in North Hero, Lake Champlain Home w Decks Kayaks & Fire Pit and Waterfront North Hero Home w Screened Porch all name the lake or list a private beach, as do The Big Yellow Camp and The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant. Cozy Solar powered Loft is a walk from the lake.

Which is the top-rated hotel on this shortlist?

Every property on this list carries the same 3-star class, so none stands out on rating alone. Choose by facilities instead: hot tub and sauna at Lake View Champlain Home w Hot Tub & Sauna, a private beach at Cozy Lake Champlain Cottage with Private Beach, or breakfast and a restaurant at The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant.

Can I stay here without a car?

Practically, no. A car is necessary in Grand Isle County, though the flat terrain makes the islands unusually good for cycling once you are here. US-2 links the islands to I-89 at Milton, and a year-round ferry crosses between Grand Isle and Plattsburgh, New York, in about twelve minutes.

More ways to stay in Grand Isle County