Trapp Family Lodge

The lodge offers a distinctive Austrian-style experience, deeply rooted in its rich family history and set amidst a breathtaking natural landscape with stunning mountain views. This unique blend makes it an ideal destination for history buffs eager to explore the family's legacy through engaging tours and memorabilia, as well as outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the extensive network of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. Families find the spacious accommodations and diverse on-site activities particularly appealing, while couples appreciate the tranquil setting for a relaxing getaway. The property is consistently praised for its high-quality dining and the genuinely friendly and attentive service provided by its staff. To maximize your visit, guests are advised to book dining reservations and popular activities well in advance, and to fully immerse themselves in the property's unique historical offerings.

Facilities & Amenities
The property offers a wide array of facilities and amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. A well-equipped fitness center is available, featuring a large indoor pool, a relaxing sauna, a popular hot tub, and even a climbing wall and ping pong tables. While the fitness center is located across the street, guests find it a valuable addition. Many common areas provide a cozy atmosphere with fireplaces, game rooms, and libraries stocked with books and puzzles, encouraging relaxation and social interaction. For convenience, EV charging stations are provided, and a shuttle service transports guests around the expansive grounds and to nearby Stowe. Most rooms feature private balconies or porches, offering picturesque views, and umbrellas are thoughtfully provided for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing accommodations as clean, spacious, and featuring comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. While some rooms have been updated, others retain a more dated or old-fashioned charm, particularly in areas like the bathroom and carpeting. Many rooms boast private balconies with stunning views, enhancing the overall experience. However, some guests reported issues with in-room amenities such as non-working refrigerators or limited functional outlets. Temperature control can be inconsistent, with some rooms experiencing stuffiness. Noise levels are mixed; most find the rooms quiet, though some are disturbed by early morning delivery trucks or car horns. Additionally, some guests noted dim lighting in bathrooms and expressed dissatisfaction with the comfort of sofa beds or the quality of pillows.

Dining & Food Quality
The property offers a diverse and generally highly-praised dining experience. The breakfast buffet is consistently described as excellent with a wide variety of options, though some guests find it pricy and wish for more a la carte choices. The Main Dining Room provides an elegant setting for gourmet meals, featuring delicious European cuisine and attentive service, despite occasional issues with the reservation system showing full capacity when tables are visibly empty. The Bierhall is a popular choice, known for its great food, including Bavarian-inspired dishes, and its selection of beers from the on-site brewery, all enjoyed in a lively atmosphere. The Kaffeehaus is a convenient spot for morning coffee and pastries, though feedback on the quality of baked goods can be mixed. Overall, guests commend the high quality and flavor of the food across all venues.

Location & Accessibility
The property's central location is a significant draw, offering stunning mountain views and convenient access to the charming town of Stowe, which is just a short drive away. Guests appreciate the extensive network of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails directly on the property, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. A dedicated shuttle service is available to transport guests to various on-site locations and into Stowe. While parking is provided, some guests found it inconvenient or costly. Accessibility can be a minor concern for some, with cobblestone entries posing challenges for wheelchairs and certain room locations being a considerable distance from elevators. Despite these minor points, the natural beauty and proximity to attractions are consistently highlighted as major advantages.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly, helpful, and attentive demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Most guests report a smooth and quick check-in process, and appreciate the staff's accommodating nature in addressing requests. The housekeeping team is frequently commended for maintaining clean rooms, while restaurant and bar staff are noted for their professional and attentive service, though some instances of slow service have been mentioned. Tour guides are highlighted as knowledgeable and engaging, enriching the historical and activity-based offerings. While overall service is excellent, a few guests experienced inconsistencies with bell service or found front desk staff occasionally overwhelmed or defensive when addressing billing or room issues.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain policies and unique offerings that shape the overall experience. The cancellation policy is noted as strict, with limited flexibility even in unforeseen circumstances, and some guests expressed frustration over resort fees charged despite perceived inability to fully utilize amenities due to booking constraints. The property excels in its unique family history tours and lectures, often featuring family members, which are highly recommended. Other distinctive activities include interacting with farm animals like Highland cows, seasonal maple sugaring tours, and engaging wine tastings. The lodge embraces an old-world charm and offers various common areas with puzzles and board games for relaxation. A pet-friendly policy is in place, though finding suitable outdoor areas can be challenging.