Perfect place for a relaxing weekend trip!
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.