The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, Colebrook

I have stayed here in the past and just wanted to report it is closed for renovations. Hopefully they are adding A/C and TV to the rooms, because there was none.

Sixteen girls enjoyed a two day golf package. The golf course was in excellent condition, the views breathtaking. The accomodations, the meals, the service were excellent. We are planning to return for our 8th year in 2010.

My wife and I have stayed at the Balsams three times over the past few years, and keep returning. This is a place to relax and disconnect; it is a bit old fashioned; rooms are a bit on the small side without TVs, and cell phone service is spotty. But the food is great in both the dining room and the recently re-done tavern; the location and grounds are stunning; service is top-notch, and it is significantly cheaper than most luxury resorts I have visited. If you get a package without breakfast or dinner and you are there multiple nights, try skipping the formal dining room for the great food in the tavern or the complementary continental breakfast. But if you are there one night, splurge on the formal dining room - it is gorgeous and fantastic food.

Lets just say when we asked how much it would cost to upgrade our room to something a bit nicer (by nicer i mean with a clean carpet, none rusty water, bathroom tiles that are not coming up as i walk, drafty, smelly, outdated, and a disgusting bathroom) and perhaps a TV. We were told "Those rooms would not be in your price range" and "maybe you would be more comfortable at home." I think this review speaks for itself. I have seen picture of the suites and they look beautiful, but we couldn't even get a nightly rate for those rooms (we are only in our 20's so of course it must be assumed we have no money) Unfortunately we were willing to spend a large amount of money, we took our money else where. This hotel is not for anyone who is only willing to pay for a standard room and not for the younger crowd in fear or being embarrassed, belittled, and driving all the way just to leave.

This historic hotel provides a nice experience if you are looking for a trip back in time. Although the rooms have a retro charm, they need maintenance. We were not able to get any hot water for the shower and the hair dryer provided did not work - nor did they replace it. The mattress was as hard as the floor - probably the most uncomfortable I have slept on in years. Although the staff was generally courteous, the wait staff in the restaurant was totally inexperienced. We were served different food than we ordered, our wine seemed to have been stored next to the furnace (it was actually hot!), and I make better food at home. I was surprised that so many people had rated this hotel as having exceptional food. Maybe we visited when the kitchen staff had a couple of off days. For the price, we were disappointed with breakfast. We've been to truck stops that served just about the same thing. It's a pretty location - but we were surprised to find some decrepit spots located on the grounds. We did, however, find the experience relaxing and enjoyed meeting other guests there. The common rooms are beautiful. It's worth a visit, but I would not spend a week.

When you first arrive you see a European-like chateau across a scenic lake. Your names are posted on an elegant arrival board. Your choice of dining facilities includes the more formal dining room (including a background pianist) or the incomprable vista of the golf clubhouse with its incredible sunset view of the mountains. The food at the clubhouse is just as good as in the dining room, and you can dress as you please. The activities we chose, including hiking to the top of a mountain, badminton, rowing, and strolling, and 18 holes on a manicured putting green, were great filler. Everybody has cameras out all the time. Our primary activities were golf on the aptly-named pqanorama course, golf on the 9-hole course, tennis/tennis events, and swimming in the wonderfully heated pool. The music at this resort was magnificent: the band included a singer, great soloists on trumpet, trombone, sax, clarinet, piano, and bass, and the drums were a special performance in themselves. They played indoors and outside, both for listening and dancing. Some nights you could win $ by playing whats my line with them. Cap this all off with fireworks and the ambience of meeting other guests around the facility and you've got a winning recipe.

I have been to the balsams for four years now and it still is my favorite place to go. The mountain is great for people just trying to have fun, the hotel has so many activities including games, movies, tournaments, and much more. I highly recommend this hotel and it is perfect for kids.

The Balsams is average. You pay for the location. The Hotel is not that great. If you want a good hotel in NH go to the Wentworth in New Castle or the Mountain View Grand. Both are much nicer and offer much more bang for the buck. Our bathroom was old and outdated. Right out of the 1940s. Cracked tile and plaster, Frayed towels (every day - you would think they would have thrown them away by now), rust on the bathroom floors, need I say more? If you claim to be a grand resort, these should have been updated, not the original from years ago. The food was average. Yes, it's a 5 course meal, but average at best. The Tavern Food is some of the worst I have ever had. We went to Subway in Colebrook, NH for a decent meal the 3rd night. Yes, subway was better than some of the food at the hotel. The golf course lunch was the best meal we had the entire time at the resort. The breakfast buffett was ok. The manager of the hotel is sarcastic. My fiance wanted to see a different room and he treated her rudely. Luckily there was a man there roaming the hotel (Walt) who seemed to be the guy who was there to monitor the place for the owners. He was courteous and took the time to show us other rooms, but in reality they weren't better than the one we had. If you go here, be forewarned that it's for the location. Not the hotel experience. It's an average hotel on par with the Hampton Inn. Overrated and overpriced.

I have been going here since for almost 10 years and I am 15 years old. I just got back today. It is the best place ever. The staff is extremely nice and carring. There is always stuff to do and the food is amazing.On the last night I ordered an 2 appetizers a salad a soup a main meal and 2 deserts! all included its an amazing deal. Services are great, when you go to dinner they come to you room, unmake your bed for you and leave you 2 chocolates ontop of ur pillow. They turn on the nightlamp and the radio. When u go to brekfast they make your bed and clean the room. Ive never ever had a bad expirence and everyone at the hotel is so nice. Made friends with so many people over the years and have had many great visits with them! Best place ever!!!

A beautiful resort that will become a tradition. No matter what season one chooses; the next canvas is still as beautiful as the last. Vintage is in, so experience what has been a popular vacation spot for decades. The cuisine is truly delectable. Service is old fashioned-polite, friendly and caring. Enjoy!