The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa Review

The staff is always pleasant and helpful and the facilities are beautiful. The Junction restaurant is ALWAYS a highlight

Attended a professional meeting, could not have been more perfect or beautiful location.

I really wanted to give this resort 4 stars solely because of the price. The rooms were spacious although the bathrooms we're small. Everything was fresh and new considering this is a much older hotel. The price of this hotel is way to high given the slightly above average quality. It is also called a culinary resort but the one meal I had at one of the restaurants was subpar.

Visited for a wedding. The grounds and rooms were beautiful and the food was fantastic!

They had very nice rooms but the staff was obviously straining to be nice with us and we did not appreciate the back handed comments given at the front desk. But other than that the ammenities were nice and there IS a lot to do. Would go back and give it a second chance. Not any time soon though!

Fantastic. Booked for business with little research (okay no research) and absolutely lucked out. Room clean and modern and QUIET. Lobby / reception area has pastries /deserts and tea, accompanied by a mild Provencal atmosphere. Was not feeling my best, so ordered room service. Check out my steak salad!

Love this place. A little expensive but worth it. Cosy with plenty of good eating.

Feels like staying at grandma's house. Staff is super friendly. Food is great too.

Rooms have been updated since my last visit (over 5 years ago). Modern, clean, great food, good service, and great location.

Beautiful property, beautiful room and amenities. We loved the demos and totally loved getting to speak with the chef. Loved that they were dog friendly and had such friendly people. The staff behind the front desk of both the spa and the hotel needs to more training. After the amazing caliber of customer service from the booking staff I was super excited. The front desk completely fell short. Border line rude, and looks absolutely miserable to be there. We were so uncomfortable and felt very unwelcome upon check in. Thankfully everything else made up for that.

Beautiful Inn! Wonderful services included in stay, at the spa. Great reception. Junction was out of this world!!! The Tavern, not so much.(wouldn t waste one there again, definitely go elsewhere for breakfast or lunch)

A culinary school and a resort. I was there for a class so I did not see the rooms. It looks like they go the extra mile.

The Tavern is a cozy place to get a drink with friends. Nice atmosphere, nice staff, relaxed vibe. In the warmer months, the porch is lovely. All around good experience.

Had dinner at the Tavern last night... our first time at this establishment. I've been to the Inn at Essex for quite a few events over the years and have never been dissatisfied. That was not the case last night. First, let me say that the waitstaff were friendly and efficient... nothing bad about their work last night whatsoever. Our disappointment came from the quality of the food versus the price that we paid for it. Salads and burgers are not complex, either in the ingredients to make them or the skill that it takes to do that. Sorry folks... $16 for a salad and then another $12 for a chicken add-on on top of that... $28 for a salad!! I had something very similar for lunch yesterday for exactly half that price and really no big difference in the quality or ingredients. We'll let someone else take our place going forward, since others don't seem to mind laying out that kind of money.

Enjoyed our stay here. Beautiful hotel, and friendly staff. We only stayed one night but made good use of the hot tub and pool, and explored the grounds which were beautiful. If we had more time we would have loved to play tennis on the clay courts!

Such a relaxing place to stay. I love that they have both the spa/salon services on site and an amazing culinary experience with nightly cooking classes. They even have their own bakeshop and give out samples daily!!

This is the second time my wife and I have stated at The Essex. This is the first time, however, that we have taken part in one of the cooking classes offered. The hotel and amenities are good, but the class and instructor were phenomenal. I would absolutely recommend taking a course, learning some new skills and recipes and enjoying the fine dining experience.

It's a beautiful location and the rooms are very nice.

Beautiful hotel and venue. Can't wait to get married here!

After having gone to Topnotch Resort in Stowe, VT for three summers, we decided to try Essex as something new. Big mistake. The food is downright average with little variety in their breakfast menu. The pool is small and uninviting. We spent the majority of our first evening killing 9 different small dragonfly-like bugs in our room- including one IN MY BED. Waiter service is very slow and resort is disorganized and old. I had to ask three times to get a glass of water. Locker rooms remind me of a public bathroom and for some reason they only have one shower and bathroom. I do like how tennis courts are free for recreational use and staff are polite and helpful.

This is a classy resort, without all the stuffy attitude. the room my wife and I stayed in was cozy and clean. The whole property was just right and the staff was very good at making us feel at home. free coffee and tea in the lobby is a nice touch. Although we didn't use the spa it looked amazingly modern and up to the task of creating a relaxing / rejuvenating experience. indoor pool is incredibly clean and modern. And the best part is the two amazing restaurants right on the property. also, the most comfortable movie theater I've been to in years is literally within walking distance. plenty of shopping and great restaurants within 2 minutes of the resort, and of course great skiing within 30 minutes.

Nice place so far, here for a few nights for our honeymoon and having a good time. The BBQ cooking class was a good time and the room we are staying in is a nice little suite with a hot tub. They are dog friendly which is amazing as we have our pooch with us and the service is warm and friendly.

Attended for a social event. The space appeared nice from the little I experienced.

Went to the Essex to see the grounds as a potential facility renter. Staff. We very friend and helpful. The grounds were immaculate. They also had free cookies and I got to meet a pair of pygmy goats.

All the staff was extremely accommodating and friendly. Services in the spa were incredible we cannot wait to make this trip a regular event!

This used to be the shining star destination in the Essex/Burlington environs. Unfortunately it has seen the best of times and although the service and staff is above average, for the cost you would expect much more. If you do go, stay in the main building or the adjacent building that connects through an underground tunnel and offers first-hand looks at the kitchen and cooking class areas.

Great hot tub, sauna, steam room and pool. Rooms were great!

Excellent spa experience. Very professional and skilled staff. On-site dining at The Junction was also exceptional.

Rooms are each pretty unique. Everything has some age on it which gives it some character. I don't feel like I had enough time to truly give it 4 or 5 stars or 1 or 2.

The food was alright! Plenty of standard american/bar food-y options available.

Great experience. We stayed for a 4 day weekend, took the bistro favorites cooking class and had a blast. The instructor was excellent and involved everyone in the class, Spa Package was very good and competitively priced, rooms were excellent and nicely furnished. A ton of stuff to do locally within half an hour drive, including vermont teddy bear and ben and jerrys. Their in house restaurant was also very good but they had some issue with the lights which was a little distracting, did not really detract from the experience as the food was delicious. I would not hesitate to come here on vacation again.

What a let down... Our adult family went for a getaway weekend as a Christmas present. From the outside and social media it looks charming, resort-like, what you'd expect. When people go to a Culinary Resort and Spa, you assume the culinary and hospitality would be top notch... Not here.

Cons that have been reported to management:

-5 out of 7 ppl of our family had wanted to send back our entrees at the Junction ($$$) for an outrageously spicy Parpadelle pasta dish and overcooked Filet Mignon

-The hotel tries to cut costs by not heating the hallways and walking areas... Hallway thermostats are set to 60 degrees but average at 57.5.You are uncomfortably cold everywhere you go.

- Rooms are upscale, quaint, and charming until you turn your heating on and you feel like youre in the tunnel on the red line going into the city.

- Housekeeping did not pick up room service dishes outside of people's rooms the whole weekend we were there.

- 5 o'clock complementary cookies and refreshments, don't happen unless you wait half past five and politely ask the two managers on staff (who could care less if you exist). They will tell you "you haven't missed anything, it's coming." If you come to five o'clock cookies and refreshments just know they are served when ever the heck the staff feels like it. So don't delay any plans for this "charming treat". The time and taste won't make you feel special.

-Morning breakfast bakery case only has 2 of each item to purchase on a busy weekend day. They will not refill if requested, what is out is what they have to offer. So at 8:30 AM if you and your sister want to each have a ham and cheese croissant... You have to play rock paper scissor shoot for it...

Pros that have been reported to management:

-The front desk staff male associate (who had been employed there for only four days) was the only staff member that had the resort, hospitality etiquette people are looking for in a resort.

-The pasta making course with Chef Dante was extremely fun, exciting, and delivered such a passionate view on learning how to cook. Our whole family was involved, it was spectacular.

-The MapleApple wings at the Tavern were the best wings we have ever tasted in our lives.

-The outdoor jacuzzi was relaxing and refreshing

We don't know if the staff could really care less if you feel like an unwelcomed guest since they have new guests every weekend, or if management hasn't done anything to fix the reported complaints from previous guests?

For the money that you spend here, it is not worth it. We were extremely disappointed after having the normal excited expectations.

Thank God for good family relationships and conversations.

Excellent cooking class, covered some basics then went into more in-depth techniques.

Attended a wedding very friendly staff and beautiful location.

Great place and the food is excellent, but our room was above the pib and it was very noisy until the wee hours of the morning. Avoid rooms 229 and 230.

Very nice, good staff post card nice, food outstanding 25 yard lap pool massage gym pricing good ....check this place on line it's a must

We had a wonderful time food was fabulous enjoyed the atmosphere our server was top notch so pleasant & made the evening most special.

The spa was great. Cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

Staying two nights. Comfy beds, nice staff. Got a couples massage at the spa, it is nice to relax. You can deny housekeeping and get a $5 voucher for their restaurants at the resort too.

As a local, it is always a treat to relax and grab a bite at the Tavern.

Thank you so very much very hospitable highly recommend it

The rooms are clean and well furnished. Has two restaurants attached a pub like and fancier style. Has a indoor heated pool, outside non heated pool, hot tub and steam rooms.

The staff seemed to consist heavily on college aged, but fully professional and very nice.

Enjoyed my stay overall.

Last June was under construction, walking into the front lobby I appreciate it will be more when finished for now one does not expect plastic tarps hanging. It was easy enough to locate the relocated front desk.

Rooms are clean, sheets and beds very comfortable. The six pillows on the king bed was a slice of heaven. Not sure what the smell was in the hallway to the rooms but was a bit odd I was happy to find it was not in the room. Was disappointed outdoor pool wasn't open. Cover off and water was clear. Having stayed here previously we were looking forward to a swim after a day on the bike trail in almost 90 degree weather and the hammocks. They were not out yet either. The indoor pool offers an alternative. They request a shower prior to getting into the pool which would not be a problem except there is only one shower and swim lessons in progress. I waited behind three children getting hair washed and conditioned. Once getting to the pool area, there was a sectioned off a part of the pool for guests. The other for swim lessons. After ten minutes of the instructor yelling, in part about where her tattoos should be when swimming, we left. Her voice was a challenge.

At a point were I prefer my room very cool for sleeping, I was disappointed that the controls on the AC did not allow it to be set below 67 degrees. There were no outlets near the bed for charging electronics, there are electronics but plugged some place mysterious. Unless you have an Ipone 4, in which there is a charging station in the alarm clock. If you are traveling in 2010, you are all set.

I sincerely appreciate the green effort but only two towels in the room. Housekeeping staff was very pleasant and helpful.

Had dinner with a few friends at the Tavern. The food was good, chicken wings were delightfully crispy. Service was good, not too fast (in a good way). We had time to chat and enjoy the present company.

Excellent resort with lots of New England charm. Clean, relaxing pool area. The food in the tavern was delicious too. I did not done at the other place on property but others did it was great. Went for a wedding recently and fun was had by all.

We went to the Tavern for brunch, food was good and the server was friendly!

I love The Essex! I have worked there in the past which was great and I'm getting married there in the fall!

Truly super - a fantastic experience and delight
This is my second visit to this hotel and once again I have not been disappointed. This is a fantastic hotel with excellent service great choice of rooms and overall a fantastic experience. Everything seems to be perfect from the moment you check in and you are greeted by the friendly staff to the moment you get to the restaurant to enjoy a nice meal with a great selection of local beers.

The rooms are tidy, well equipped and very clean. This time the room had its own couch, kitchen, fridge and work area so really everything you could want. I love this hotel and its surroundings and its just a great experience every single time I come. I would not hesitate to come here again and probably will do so again soon.

The Essex is a 2.5 star hotel with 4-5 star prices. We arrived on 10/19 to a freezing room that stayed cold the entire two days we were there. The fireplace in the room is for show and provided no additional heat. There are a ridiculous amount of hidden fees within the "Romantic Package". There is absolutely no deal here as the spa, Junction restaurant, and hotel act as single entities with absolutely no communication between in order to benefit the guests. At no time, was there any discussion or communication regarding rates at the spa, when in reality gratuity was not included and they stick you with $150+ bill after the massage....so much for the relaxing. The "complimentary" champagne and strawberries? Really? A tiny little bottle and two strawberries. Again, not very romantic. The only thing we enjoyed at the Essex was the food. Everything else is for the birds, which we felt like in order to find anything worth attending outside the compound. If you're going to be 20 minutes by car from the nearest attraction (i.e. downtown Burlington had a great farmer's market on Saturday), and clothing outlets don't count when you're charging $800 a night when adding all the fees, then you just can't charge those kind of prices, peak season or not. My expectations were way to high for this price and place, and I will never make this mistake again nor would I recommend the Essex to anyone. The Woodstock Inn is far better and worth the money!

We live in Vermont and the Essex is an easy fun staycation, especially this year (2020)! We like having a kitchenette, my husband is a lap swimmer so the lap pool is great. It's affordability makes it doable for us but the customer service is really what keeps us coming back.

This year we really appreciate the adjustments they've made to protect customers and staff. It felt very safe. Noah at the front desk was always helpful, Justin was a great server at the Tavern. We stayed an extra night because we were having too much fun.

Spent the afternoon at the spa. Came for a massage but lingered before and after to take advantage of the spa amenities. My massage was the best I've had anywhere in large part due to how kind and thoughtful my massage therapist was.

Great place to stay. Some novel foods on the menu that we enjoyed.

Paint and sip event. I tried wings and they were delicious

The first two beers I asked for were kicked. I did not like my dish but others enjoyed theres so I will blame personal preference. I would go again.

We went for the Mother's Day brunch. The food was pretty good, and there was good variety. However, for a hotel that calls itself a "culinary experience," I would expect stellar food. It used to be stellar when it was run by the New England Culinary Institute and the students practiced their skills every Sunday for the brunch. The Mother's Day and Easter brunches would be even better. Although I would still return to the current brunch, and the wait staff was good, it's not the same as it was years back.

I spend a cold day at the spa. The facility us beautiful and relaxing.

Went to the tavern for a some beers and dinner. Everything tasted great and they had a great selection of local Vermont beers

Treated myself and a friend to a day at the spa. Very nice accommodations and friendly staff.

I booked this trip for my fiance for a birthday weekend getaway, only to find that I booked the wrong room somehow... But a nice young woman named Jenny saved the weekend by moving us to an available room with a kitchenette that I had wanted.

Great customer service.

Rooms are nice enough. Food was mediocre and expensive. Average spa facilities. Staff was great. Nice place that I would not go out of my way to go to unless there was a meeting or function there.

Outdated room decor, but comfy beds and hospitable staff. A little far from downtown Burlington

Food is amazing, everyone is extremely nice and courteous. The rooms are perfect on the smaller side, but we were in a room with a fireplace and it was extremely cozy. We stayed at Christmas time and it was just as described. It looked just like the picture when we arrived. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. It is is only 45 minutes from Ben and Jerrys and sleigh rides, next door is a nice cinema, and of course the spa!!! We loved our weekend getaway!

Good service, clean, beautiful room design, we stayed for one night and we enjoyed every moment.

Such a great place for dinner! Food always cooked to perfection, great selection, and they wine is great too!

Wonderful experience and great staff we got the room with the whirlpool

Clean rooms, the restaurants offer great food, pool is big and clean, spa is awesome. Sauna and steam rooms available to resort guest eben if you're not getting a treatment.

Only visited the pool for swim lessons. Beautiful facility.

Iconic place , beautiful for relaxing, wedding or just a place to stay