The Essex Resort And Spa, Essex Junction

Everyone was friendly, professional and accommodating - and while we had some concerns, as did many others based on conversations overheard, the staff provided a high level of service. The resort is charming - and the complementary cider and chair massage upon arrival was certainly enjoyable, the food was delicious, but the room we had was not anywhere near as charming as described on line or in the official website, and could have been cleaner. We were particularly turned off by the mildew and rust in the bathtub area. We were offered an alternative room, which had the same problem in the bathroom and ladybugs flying all over the room. Housekeeping needs work, and some furniture/bedding needs replacement to make this a place I would return to. We did enjoy our stay overall because of the great staff, food and location, but it's not a must-go-back place for me.

I am from New York City and my girlfriend (now my fiance) and I wanted to get away from the city for a weekend. She did not know but I planned to propose to her at The Essex Resort and Spa. This was going to be our first time in Vermont but for some reason looking at their website I knew that this was the place where I wanted to propose. I am (and she definitely is as well) glad that this was the place that I chose to propose. Everything about the Essex is wonderful. I am from New York City and I've been to many hotels but from the moment, we checked-in to the Essex I knew that there was something different about it. Everyone was genuinely warm and caring. It didn't feel rehearsed or fake like other hotels. The staff at the Essex genuinely wanted to make sure we had a great stay. The rooms were spacious and beautiful. We stayed in a mini-suite with the fireplace and the hot tub. The Resort grounds were great. There were activities to keep us both busy. We booked a spa appointment which was wonderful. We also worked out in their gym which was a good size for the guests at the resort. Their gym also had better cardio equipment than the gyms I work out in Manhattan. The food was amazing. From breakfast to dinner, I understand why they are considered a culinary resort and spa. My fiance and I still talk about the food. There are so many great things to say about this resort. You leave knowing that you had a great stay, knowing that the staff really cared about you and realizing that you will miss the place when you are gone. We miss it now and are looking forward to going back. And, I forgot to mention - my fiance said YES when I proposed to her at Essex. Thanks Essex, Loyan

We stayed over father's day weekend. The room we had (dog friendly) was cute; painted a bold color and some little touches. However, it was absolutely no better that what you could get at a moderate hotel and was over $200 per night. There were cracks in the window pane and the chair had a big bleach stain on it. Not four star material. I completely agree with the other reviews that state the photos make it look charming and it is not. It is a little beneath a Country Suite Inn. It is not in the country and there is nothing particularly scenic nearby. You need to drive over half an hour to the scenic stuff. Also, very expensive. Mostly student food fare is reduced but this place was more than four star restaurants in Boston. I think you would do better to stay at a medium priced hotel in Burlington. I would not recommend it really. Also, lacked other touches you would expect in some place so expensive. There were no afternoon teas, no free breads or cheese or cookies. There were a few cookies for sale in a jar. There was no conceriege so if you wanted to ask a question or rent a car there was no one to help but to wait behind people checking in.

This hotel is beautiful and clean. Great country atmosphere that makes you feel at home. We had the express breakfast pastry basket and the food was outstanding. A little on the expensive side, but worth it.

The Inn is very clean. The rooms were large. However, dont be fooled by the pictures. The web site makes it look very quaint. The Inn isteslf is nice, but the photos dont reveal that the Inn is just a 100 yards from major hiways, and there really isn't anything picturesque or scenic from any veiwpoint on the Inn's grounds toward the surrounding area. You dont feel you're in rural Vt. The food is very good, as expected, but it is expensive, even breakfast. Check you bill, there are lots of add on costs. I'm glad I brought my printout of my reservation, they listed my bill at $40 more than what my reservation listed....then there's the resort fee, you get the idea. The weekend bon fire was just a big camp fire in the back yard........I'd think twice about the Inn at Essex Overall, there are many better options in Vt.

A very ordinary experience at a four star price. Not a good value.

We loved our visit! We participated in a hands-on cooking class by the New England Culinary Institute (which runs the Inn's kitchens) that was great fun. Their staff is very attentive and the hotel is in the middle of everything. We went skiing one day at Bolton Valley (20 minutes away) and went out in Burlington one night (10 minutes away). We'll be back!