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3-star hotels in Waitsfield
Three-star stays in Waitsfield, the lower village of Vermont's Mad River Valley, on VT-100 just before Sugarbush ski country. This shortlist covers inns and condos with free parking, easy access to skiing and the Mad River, and picks for couples, families and dog owners.
Staying in Waitsfield
Waitsfield is the lower, larger village in the Mad River Valley, sitting between Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, with a covered bridge, a market, everyday shops and the Mad River for swimming and paddling. VT-100 through the valley is one of the classic leaf-peeping drives. The hotels and condos here cluster along Mill Brook Road, Marble Hill Road, Route 17 and the Fayston Hollow and Snowside addresses on the valley's slopes and side roads, with several others on Fiddlehead Road, Henrys Way and S Hollow Road.
It suits skiers and summer hikers above all: Mad River Glen and Sugarbush are separately owned, sell separate tickets and lie about fifteen minutes apart, so skiing one each day of a weekend is a common plan. Couples get quiet inns and fireplaces, families get family rooms, kitchens and pools, and dog owners have a handful of pet-friendly rentals. A car is effectively required.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Swanson Inn
533 Mill Brook Road Waitsfield Vermont 05373, Stowe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereWith a guest rating of 4.8 from 73 reviews, The Swanson Inn is the best-reviewed 3-star stay on this shortlist. A fireplace, a garden and a terrace give it the feel of a classic Vermont country inn, and guests can hire bicycles or head out skiing. Breakfast is served, with a buffet and coffee. It suits travellers who want character and comfort rather than a plain motel room.
See The Swanson InnTucker Hill Inn
65 Marble Hill Rd Waitsfield Vt 05673 Usa, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereTucker Hill Inn keeps things simple on Marble Hill Road: free car parking and free wifi cover the essentials, and a shuttle service makes it easy to get around without driving. Wheelchair accessible, it is a straightforward 3-star base for guests who plan to spend their days out in the Mad River Valley and just need a quiet, easy place to return to.
See Tucker Hill InnMad River Barn
Route 17 2849 Mill Brook Road, Stowe, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereMad River Barn pairs a restaurant and a bar with a garden, so dinner and a drink are already on site after a day outdoors. A 24 hour front desk takes the stress out of late arrivals, and breakfast is included. Free wifi and free car parking round out the practical side. It suits couples and groups who want a lively, sociable 3-star base.
See Mad River BarnWhite Horse Lodge
999 German Flats Road, Burlington, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereWhite Horse Lodge is the most game-oriented option here, with darts, a games room and a golf course alongside skiing and fishing. Family rooms and non smoking rooms are available, and air conditioning keeps summer nights comfortable. A lounge, a pool bar and room service add an easy holiday feel. Good for families and active guests who like something to do at the hotel itself.
See White Horse LodgeSugarbush Snowside Condo 14
14 Snowside Unit 14, Lincoln, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereSugarbush Snowside Condo 14 is a self-catering 3-star unit with a full kitchen, a fireplace and an outdoor pool. Skiing and fishing are within reach, and the condo has its own bathroom, laundry service and free parking. It suits families or small groups who prefer to cook and spread out rather than stay in a hotel room, especially on a ski trip.
See Sugarbush Snowside Condo 14Weathertop Mountain Inn
755 Mill Brook Rd Waitsfield Vt 05673 Usa, Burlington, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereWeathertop Mountain Inn stands out for its wellness facilities: a sauna and a jacuzzi, plus a garden and terrace for warmer days. A bar and lounge, a library and an arcade mean there is plenty to do indoors, and skiing is on the doorstep. Special diets can be accommodated. It suits guests who want a relaxing 3-star stay with a bit of quiet luxury.
See Weathertop Mountain InnMad River Lodge
2354 Mill Brook Road, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereMad River Lodge offers practical 3-star comfort on Mill Brook Road, with air conditioning, a kitchen area including a microwave and refrigerator, and a 24 hour front desk. Express check in and 24 hour security make arrivals and stays hassle free, and parking is free. A solid pick for road-trippers and skiers who want a clean, well-equipped base close to the slopes.
See Mad River LodgeCozy Mountainside Condo
325 Fiddlehead Road #5, United States
Best for: Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Lounge
Why stay hereCozy Mountainside Condo lives up to its name with a fireplace, a jacuzzi and a sauna, plus both an outdoor pool and a games room. Table tennis and a restaurant round out the on-site options, and skiing is nearby. Non smoking rooms and a full kitchen make longer stays easy. Ideal for families or friends who want space and shared amenities.
See Cozy Mountainside CondoBattleground 2
Battleground Rd #2, United States
Best for: Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBattleground 2 is a roomy 3-star rental with a kitchen, laundry service, a playground and an outdoor pool. Fishing, golf and skiing are all within reach, and the unit includes entertainment such as a CD player, DVD and video. It suits families travelling with children who want space, cooking facilities and plenty to keep everyone occupied.
See Battleground 2Mt Ellen Minikin
331 Fayston Hollow Road, United States
- Kitchen
Why stay hereMt Ellen Minikin is a compact 3-star unit with a kitchen, microwave and refrigerator, plus a patio for sitting out. Skiing, fishing and golf are nearby, and a restaurant is available on site. It works well for couples or small groups who want a simple, self-catering base in the Fayston Hollow area rather than a full-service hotel.
See Mt Ellen MinikinSnowside 20
105 Snowside Unit 20, United States
Best for: Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Kitchen
Why stay hereSnowside 20 adds a balcony, terrace and fireplace to the standard condo setup, alongside a full kitchen and an outdoor pool. Skiing is close by, and a sofa bed gives extra sleeping space. Non smoking rooms and a picnic area make it comfortable for longer stays. A good match for families or couples who want outdoor space and self-catering flexibility.
See Snowside 20Mt Ellen Ski Chalet
331 Fayston Hollow Road Upper Unit, United States
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
Why stay hereMt Ellen Ski Chalet is the upper unit at 331 Fayston Hollow Road, with air conditioning, a fireplace and a full kitchen including a dishwasher and oven. Skiing, fishing and golf are all nearby, and laundry service is available. It suits larger groups or families who want a roomy, well-equipped 3-star chalet with plenty of entertainment options indoors.
See Mt Ellen Ski ChaletWaitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub
120 S Hollow Rd, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereWaitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub does exactly what its name suggests: a private jacuzzi for soaking after a day out. The 3-star rental has a full kitchen with an oven and microwave, plus free wifi and parking, and pets are allowed. It suits couples or small families who want privacy, cooking facilities and a hot tub of their own.
See Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot TubThe Nest
112 Henrys Way, United States
Best for: Travelling with pets
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Nest combines a fireplace and a jacuzzi with a full kitchen and laundry service, and it welcomes pets. Skiing, fishing and golf are within reach, and entertainment includes an iPod dock and video. It is a good fit for couples or small groups who want a cosy 3-star self-catering base and do not mind bringing the dog along.
See The Nest1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home
80 S Hollow Rd, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay here1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home is a 3-star rental with a fireplace, a full kitchen and free wifi, and it welcomes dogs. A shuttle service helps guests get to the slopes, and laundry service is available. It suits ski parties and families who want to bring a pet and stay close to the resort without relying on a hotel.
See 1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Swanson Inn | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Tucker Hill Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| Mad River Barn | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| White Horse Lodge | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Sugarbush Snowside Condo 14 | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Weathertop Mountain Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| Mad River Lodge | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| Cozy Mountainside Condo | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – |
| Battleground 2 | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – |
| Mt Ellen Minikin | ★★★ | – | – | – | – |
| Snowside 20 | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – |
| Mt Ellen Ski Chalet | ★★★ | – | – | – | – |
| Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| The Nest | ★★★ | – | – | – | Yes |
| 1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples
The Swanson Inn pairs a 4.8 guest rating with a fireplace, garden, terrace and bar. Weathertop Mountain Inn adds a Jacuzzi, sauna and library. The Nest brings a fireplace, Jacuzzi and pet-friendly policy, all in compact, adult-oriented settings.
For families
White Horse Lodge has family rooms, a games room and a pool bar. Sugarbush Snowside Condo 14 and Cozy Mountainside Condo both offer kitchens, outdoor pools and laundry service, while Battleground 2 adds a playground, table tennis and a washing machine for longer stays.
White Horse Lodge · Sugarbush Snowside Condo 14 · Cozy Mountainside Condo · Battleground 2
For pet owners
Only three of these hotels allow pets. Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub has a private hot tub, The Nest has a fenced-in sense of home with a Jacuzzi and kitchen, and 1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home adds a shuttle service toward the resort.
Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub · The Nest · 1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home
For easy access to skiing
Tucker Hill Inn and Mad River Lodge list shuttle service or 24-hour front desk backup, while The Swanson Inn and Weathertop Mountain Inn both list skiing among their facilities and sit on Mill Brook Road toward the slopes.
Tucker Hill Inn · The Swanson Inn · Weathertop Mountain Inn · Mad River Lodge
Where to stay in Waitsfield
Mill Brook Road
Mill Brook Road runs toward the ski country from the village end of the valley. The Swanson Inn sits at 533 Mill Brook Road, Weathertop Mountain Inn at 755, Mad River Lodge further up at 2354, all with free car parking for the drive to the slopes.
Our picks here: The Swanson Inn · Mad River Lodge
Fayston Hollow Road
Fayston Hollow Road is a side road on the valley's western slope, named in the addresses of Mt Ellen Minikin and Mt Ellen Ski Chalet. Both are upper-unit or slope-side style lodgings with kitchens and laundry service, aimed squarely at skiers.
Our picks here: Mt Ellen Minikin · Mt Ellen Ski Chalet
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Waitsfield is on VT-100 about 14 miles south of Waterbury and I-89 exit 10, which puts Burlington International (BTV) roughly 45 minutes to an hour away and Montpelier about half an hour east. Amtrak's Vermonter stops in Waterbury, the nearest rail access. A car is effectively required here: the valley is strung out along VT-100 with no regular public transport beyond seasonal ski-area shuttles.
When to go
It is a leaf-peeping valley, but less crushingly busy than Stowe or Woodstock. VT-100 through the valley is one of the classic leaf-peeping drives, so expect slow traffic and full rooms in the first two weeks of October, and book well ahead. Winter brings the skiers. VT-100 is ploughed and salted promptly, but the access roads up to the ski areas and many dirt side roads are a different matter, and Lincoln Gap Road is simply closed for the season.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Waitsfield?
The Swanson Inn at 533 Mill Brook Road and Tucker Hill Inn at 65 Marble Hill Rd sit closest to the village end of the valley, within the Mill Brook and Marble Hill cluster that serves Waitsfield itself.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
Three do: Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub at 120 S Hollow Rd, The Nest at 112 Henrys Way, and 1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort: Dog friendly Home at 80 S Hollow Rd. All other hotels on this list either state pets are not allowed or list no pet facility.
Which hotels have a pool?
Sugarbush Snowside Condo 14, Cozy Mountainside Condo and Battleground 2 all list an outdoor swimming pool, and Battleground 2 adds a playground. White Horse Lodge lists a pool bar rather than a pool itself.
Which hotel is best rated by guests?
The Swanson Inn carries a 4.8 guest rating from 73 reviews, the highest on this shortlist. It also offers breakfast, a bar, a garden, a terrace and free car parking.
Is parking available at these hotels?
Almost all of them list free car parking, including The Swanson Inn, Tucker Hill Inn, Mad River Barn, White Horse Lodge, Weathertop Mountain Inn and Mad River Lodge. Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub, The Nest and 1 Mi to Sugarbush Resort list parking too.
Which hotels are best for families with children?
White Horse Lodge has family rooms, a games room and a pool bar. Sugarbush Snowside Condo 14 and Cozy Mountainside Condo both have kitchens and outdoor pools, and Battleground 2 adds a playground and table tennis.
Which hotels have a spa or sauna?
Weathertop Mountain Inn lists both a Jacuzzi and a sauna, and Cozy Mountainside Condo lists a sauna with a Jacuzzi. Waitsfield Vacation Rental w Private Hot Tub has a private hot tub, and The Nest has a Jacuzzi.
Do any of these hotels serve breakfast?
The Swanson Inn and Mad River Barn both list breakfast among their facilities. The Swanson Inn also lists a buffet and coffee, and Mad River Barn has a restaurant on site.