Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conf Center, Sturbridge

My wife and I stayed overnight. It was clean and we liked the rustic feel. But it was overrated. It needed some upgrading. The sliding glass doors didn't shut completely, there was damaged drywall all around the sliding doors. The ceiling in the hallways were incredibly low, the elevator was slow and noisy. The pool area was a scene from the 80's. We will probably not stay here again.

This hotel's Web site makes it look much nicer than it really is -- and it's older than you'd think. The indoor pool was OK, but the kids quickly got bored because it's small. The miniature golf is a joke -- we laughed at how old and neglected and it was. The fitness room consisted of one small room with four aerobic machines. As for breakfast, the morning we went, the griddle was broken and there were no pancakes. This place seems like it caters to conferences and private parties more than anything else. The staff was very friendly and helpful -- no complaints there. If you are going to Old Sturbridge Village, save a few bucks and stay at the Quality Inn or the Motel 6 up the street.

My boyfriend and I decided to take a last minute weekend trip which led us to this hotel. When we arrived, we were welcomed by wonderful receptionists, who were able to accommodate us with a spectacular room overlooking the lake. We also received meal tickets for a complementary continental breakfast the next day, and it was all for the price of $134. Once we finished getting settled into our room, we took a walk along the lake, and dipped our feet in the water. Being that we got there so early, we were hoping to be able to do activities on the lake, unfortunately all the boats, jet skis, etc.. belonged to the locals, so there was nothing we could rent for a few hours. The only activity the hotel provided for lake entertainment were paddle boats, which you could rent for $9.00/hr. Needless to say, we got bored fast, so we decided to take a drive after making dinner reservations at the Oxhead Tavern. We needed to grab my boyfriend a pair of swimming trunks and nice jeans for dinner that evening so we went to the Eastfield Mall, which was only 35 mins away. On the ride there, you can stop at many local antique shops, there is also a yankee candle store, many local restaurants, a place where you can watch the revolutionary war reenactment, and car hops. We got back to the hotel around 7:00p, and decided to take a dip in the pool before dinner at 8:00p. The pool is gorgeous, but a bit cold compared to the lake water. There is also a jacuzzi next to the pool, however we didn't get a chance to test it out. We arrived for our dinner reservation at exactly 8:00p, but because it was so packed we weren't able to eat in the outside area like we had asked, instead we got a table inside by a fireplace. It was still very nice, and there was also a live band playing rock music outside. From our table, my boyfriend could see many couples getting up to dance. It was just a very fun and relaxed environment. For dinner, we ordered potato skins to split as an appetizer, which were delicious. I had french onion soup, and my boyfriend ordered clam chowder. Each entree came with a salad before the meal so we also had that with our own choice of salad dressing, and for my meal I had chicken and broccoli alfredo, which was very good. It was thick and creamy, and had a wonderful aroma from the grilled chicken I had specifically asked them make in that fashion (otherwise it would have been sauteed chicken). My boyfriend ordered the pot roast with a side of baked potato. He loved his meal, the beef just melted in your mouth. I would have to say we had a wonderful 4 course meal plus one rum and coke for the price of $51.00. After dinner, it was around 10:30p, the pool closes at 9:00p, so we went back to our room and ordered a movie, it was $12.99+tax. We had also brought a cooler filled with water, chips and salsa, and a fruit platter for the ride, so that was our dessert for the evening, and it was the perfect way for us to whine down together. The next morning we were up at 8:30a, went to breakfast where we had the option of getting the buffet or ordering off the menu. We got the buffet, which had a nice omlette station, where the cook would make it however you wanted it. After breakfast we walked around the hotel grounds again, picked out pamphlets of activities to do around the area, but ultimately went back to our hotel room to sleep until check out at 11:00a. Haha. We planned on going to Old Sturbridge Village, but it was $20.00/person, and in my opinion not worth it. So my boyfriend decided to take me to Mashapaug Lake, where we can swim. It's located in a state park called Bigelow Hollow in Union, CT. Only 15 minutes away, and $9.00/car. That was the best part of our whole weekend get-away, and we plan on going back this weekend with our friends, our puppy, and some food for grilling. All and all I do recommend the Sturbridge Host Hotel, it was a nice place to get away. I just wish they had provided more things to do on the lake.

My husband went to a conference here and kept saying we had to take a weekend away that I would love it!! He was right!! Our first visit(together) to the hotel was last Nov. we had an amazing time. The bartender was great, we loved her. The indoor pool was beautiful. The only problem we had was our balcony door wouldn't open, within 5 mins the maintanence man was in our room and unable to fix it so they gave us a new room. The staff was outstanding, courteous and kind. The breakfast was great and even for a late night room service everything was superb. They offer a wonderful military discount. We go back every few months for a weekend away. It is well worth the two hour drive from CT. We are going back this weekend and know our experience will be great!! Thank you to the amazing staff!! We have already recommended it to several friends and coworkers.

I really enjoyed our visit there. I was there with my kids for a karate tournament, and the hotel was filled with other families attending the same event. We had a room overlooking the pool area, and we never had any noise to complain about. The room was very clean and comfortable. I hope they continue to have the tournament there, because we had a wonderful stay. The breakfast buffet was really good too.

We love this hotel. We really enjoy bringing our children for a weekend away there. The restaurant is awesome, we had the best meal!! The rooms are a good size, and love the balcony. The grounds are beautiful. We even found a horseshoe pit whith horseshoes to play. The hustle and bustle in the lobby area makes it seem like a little village. We've decided to come every couple of months with the boys. Summer or winter it will be great because of the pool.

Disliked: The pool was a huge disappointment primarily because the temperature was only 68 degrees. Front desk was either unwilling or unable to correct the problem during our stay. Liked: The Oxhead Tavern had a great colonial atmosphere and the steak tips were tasty.

The Sturbridge Host was wonderful for a short family getaway. The hotel is located on a lake, my kids loved swimming and renting a paddle boat. The hotel also offers a few restaurants to choose from. The Oxhead Tavern is great for lunch or dinner. The hotel is also located near other restaurants that you can easily walk to. The Old Surbridge Village is located across the street. There is miniture golf and an indoor swimming pool located on the property. My family and I really enjoyed our stay. I hope to go back soon.

We arrived at the Sturbridge Host Hotel a little late due to a long drive in heavy rain. The hotel's driveway was dark and we were not sure we had arrived at the right place. Upon our arrival in the parking lot, we were assisted by the security officer that was checking the parking lot (I think he said his name was George) He assisted us into the lobby area with our luggage, since we both are up in age and can not lift heavy objects. After checking in, George assisted us down to our room, and provided us with extra blankets at our request. We didn't have time to stop on the way here to eat dinner, but George provided us with a phone book and pointed out some fast food places that were still open at that hour. He also recommended the restaurant's that were on the hotel property. We ate at the greenhouse restaurant for breakfast that morning, and later had lunch and dinner at the Oxhead Tavern. We were delighted with our weekend at the Sturbridge Host Hotel, and we are looking forward to spending several more weekends at the Host when we travel to Massachusetts. I would say this type of service and attention to the hotel's guests makes a very good impression and is a good business practice that keeps customers happy and coming back. I rate this hotel a 10 out of 10 for excellent service.

I attended a meeting at the Sturbridge Host several weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at the improvements they've made at the hotel. I talked to one of the staff at the front desk, and apparently the entire hotel is being completely renovated- we stayed in a new room- absolutely gorgeous. Ate dinner at the Oxhead Restaurant next to the lake- first rate fish and chips- I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this property to my family, friends or coworkers.