Joel Geerling

Review of Omni Mount Washington Resort

The view can't be beat in this region of the US (M...

The view can't be beat in this region of the US (Mount Washington and the entire presidential range; Google it). Reading, working, or just gazing at the mountain through the many large windows (or from the large porch) is worth the trip.

Casual hiking options out back are easily accessible, and you are close to all the Mt. Washington amenities (& less than one hour from North Conway and surrounding crags and trails). The Connecticut river trail ("Bridle trail?") has nice water and water falls ambiance. The view is best from the resort, unless you hike up the mountain, above the tree line.

Lots of standard family-resorts stuff to do (heated pools indoor and out, video games, cheesy tourist shop, golf course, board games). The historic hotel with its creepy decor and photos of late 1800s & early 1900s White Mountains stuff evokes The Shining... without the isolation or terror. It's a noisy place. At 8 am, an ear-piercing fire alarm went off for about 15 minutes, waking the entire hotel (some sort of construction fire in the pool downstairs). Even without that, the walls and floors creak, and the steam heating system sizzles and hisses; plus, there are noisy toddlers everywhere, so if you're a light sleeper, don't forget ear plugs.

The food is the worst part of this hotel. Clam chowder at lobby-level restaurant (great view) was thick and tasty, but I had major belly problems for the rest of my one-night stay. Food options are mediocre and greatly over-priced relative to the quality. Pick up some food/snacks before you arrive, lest you feel trapped without decent dining options.