Essex Resort Escape: Vermont's Hidden Gem Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the wonderfully messy, occasionally frustrating, and ultimately charming world of the Essex Resort & Spa in Vermont. "Vermont's Hidden Gem Awaits!" they say, and after my stay, I'm here to dissect whether that's truth or just super-cheesy marketing.
Metadata & SEO Shenanigans (Let's Get This Over With First, Yeah?)
- Title: Essex Resort & Spa Review: Vermont's Charming Chaos (and How I Survived!)
- Keywords: Essex Resort & Spa, Vermont, Spa, Hotel Review, Pet-Friendly, Accessible, Family-Friendly, Burlington, Vermont Hotels, Vermont Vacation, Restaurant Review, Pool, Fitness Center, Spa Review, Accessible Hotel, Vermont Travel.
- Description: A brutally honest (and often hilarious) review of the Essex Resort & Spa in Vermont. From the spa treatments to the accessibility, the restaurants to the kids' facilities, find out if this "hidden gem" is worth the trip. Includes personal anecdotes, quirks, and the REAL deal on what it's like to stay there.
My Essex Adventure: It's Not Just A Hotel, It's a Vibe
Right, let's get real. I booked the Essex because, honestly, the pictures online looked amazing. Lush green landscapes, a sparkling pool, and promises of gourmet food. I needed a getaway after that project at work (you know, the one that almost gave me a nervous breakdown). I was hoping for serenity. Instead, I got… well, let’s just say “interesting.”
Getting There & Settling In: The First Impressions (and a Mild Panic)
Accessibility: Okay, major props here. The resort is actually pretty darn good on the accessibility front. Wheelchair accessible, with elevators galore. Access to the pool area and restaurants seemed decent. I didn't have any issues, considering my recent knee injury, but I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm specifics for your needs. Definitely a plus in my book.
Check-in: Slightly confusing, but the staff was friendly. Contactless check-in/out – win! Elevator – also a win, especially after a long drive.
The Room: My Sanctuary (And Occasional Battleground)
I booked a standard room. Air conditioning? Check. Thank God. Blackout curtains? Bless. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Double bless. The basics were covered. The bed was comfy. The bathtub was glorious. And the slippers? Don't judge me, I live for the little things.
- Internet: Okay, let's talk about the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! …and it was… well, it was there. Let's leave it at that. I wouldn't rely on it for heavy-duty video conferencing. Streaming a movie? Maybe. But for an email check and a quick social media scroll, it did the job.
- Room Details: The mirror was large enough to admire myself, a critical component of any getaway. The desk was functional for a bit of work, which, sadly, I had to squeeze in. There was a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker, and the all-important free bottled water. The safe was a good idea. I used it (not that I had anything super valuable, but just in case).
- Rooms Sanitzied: I felt pretty safe and the room was very clean, but as a germaphobe, I did bring my own wipes.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Stomach's Odyssey
This is where things got really interesting. The Essex is renowned for its culinary offerings. They've got a full-blown culinary school on-site, so the expectation level is, well, high.
Restaurants: The Restaurants are a highlight!
- A La Carte in Restaurant: A beautiful experience with food from the Chef and the best service.
- Bar: Very nice, the staff is great!
- Cofee Shop: The first think you'll want is coffee!
Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] was my jam -- the buffet in restaurant gave a good start to the day.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: The food was incredible and the service was fast.
Room Service: 24-hour Room Service. A major plus!
Ways to Relax: Spa-ing and Swimming My Cares Away (Mostly)
Here's where the Essex really shines. The spa is the stuff of Instagram dreams.
- Spa/Sauna: The Spa is a must-do.
- Steamroom and Sauna: both are wonderful.
- Massage: The massage! Oh, the massage. I opted for the signature Vermont Maple Body Wrap treatment (because, Vermont, obvs). It was… ethereal. I nearly fell asleep. Almost. It was hands down the best massage I've ever had.
- Pool with view and Swimming pool: Yes. Just yes. The outdoor pool, with the view of the Green Mountains, is stunning. The water was a perfect temperature, and I spent a solid afternoon just floating, staring at the sky, and pretending all my worries didn't exist.
- Fitness Center: Did I use the Fitness center? Okay, I'll be honest. No. Post-massage, my idea of exercise was lifting a cocktail. But it looked well-equipped, and there were people in there, so, good for them!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feel Safe While Being Relaxed
I felt extremely safe, the Resort team did such a good job with the precautions.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays
For the Kids (And the Kid in Me)
They are family-friendly here. Seeing all the cute kids made me miss my own.
- Babysitting service: A must when the parents want a break.
- Family/child friendly: The kids were having fun! I saw a lovely playground.
- Kids meal: Cute!
Services and Conveniences:
They've thought of everything.
- Air conditioning in public area: yes, thank god!
- Concierge: very helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: they did a great job.
- Laundry service: needed it since a got my skirt dirty.
- Luggage storage: a great plus, too.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. Despite the occasional internet hiccup and the slightly overwhelming number of options, the Essex is a winner. The spa alone is worth the price of admission. The restaurants are top-notch. And, most importantly, it's a place where you can actually relax (or, you know, attempt to). It’s not perfect, it has its quirks, and that's part of its charm. So, Vermont, you've got a hidden gem, indeed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book another massage…
Escape to Luxury: Marriott Reforma's Unforgettable Mexico City Getaway
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Essex Resort adventure. Forget perfect itineraries; this is a messy, glorious trip – all the way from the pre-trip jitters to the post-vacation blues (and potential food coma).
The Essex Resort: My Vermont Confession (A Messy Itinerary)
Pre-Trip Mayhem:
- The Booking Debacle (and the Panic): Okay, so picture this: me, sprawled on the couch, trying to snag a good deal. I swear, comparing hotel prices is more stressful than finding the perfect shade of beige paint. After a solid hour of clicking and agonizing, I finally booked the Essex. Then I spent the next week second-guessing myself. Did I pick the right room? Will the spa be fully booked? What if I packed the wrong shoes?! (Spoiler alert: I always pack the wrong shoes.)
Day 1: Arrival & the "Vermont Vibe" (aka, the Chill)
- 1:00 PM: The Drive In - (Or, the "Almost-Missed-My-Exit Incident") Alright, so the drive was… long. And windy. I swear I almost sailed right past the Essex exit, lost in a John Denver singalong and daydreaming about Vermont cheddar. (Serious Vermont cheddar cravings, already.)
- 2:00 PM: Check-in and the Room Reveal: Walking into my room - oh yes, the room. It wasn't the palatial suite I thought I'd booked, but hey, it had a view of… some trees. And a comfy-looking bed. Good enough for a weary traveler. There was a distinct, almost earthy smell. Not bad, just… Vermont-y. I'm blaming that on the nearby maple trees.
- 3:00 PM: Spa Escape Attempt 1.0: Okay, here's the deal: I booked a massage. A spa massage. Visions of bliss. Reality? The spa was packed. Fully. Booked. Sigh. Commence minor internal freak-out. This is meant to be a vacation, people! But hey, I did score a slot for the next day. Okay, focus.
- 4:00 PM: Wandering the Grounds - (And Discovering the "Secret Garden" - or, just a slightly overgrown area): I'm officially obsessed with the Essex Resort's grounds. It’s a mishmash of manicured lawns and slightly wilder pockets. There’s even a… sort of secret garden, which, in reality, is probably just a slightly overgrown area. But I love it! It makes me feel like I’ve fallen into a Jane Austen novel, minus the eligible bachelors.
- 5:00 PM: The Culinary Experience – (Or, “I Ate Way Too Much Gouda”): They have this place called "Junction" which is like, the main restaurant inside the resort. I may have had a slight moment with the cheese board. Like, I'm talking Gouda. Serious Gouda. And some local wines. It was pure Vermont indulgence. (I already regretted the Gouda. It was worth it).
- 7:00 PM: Evening Plans – (or, a failed attempt at a movie night): My plan was to curl up in my room with a good book and maybe a movie. Instead, the movie-rental system was confusing, so I ended up reading a book - which turned out to be a romance novel that made me giggle.
Day 2: The Spa! (Take Two) & Farm-to-Table Fantasies
- 9:00 AM: The Spa, Finally! - (Or, “My Massage Was So Good I Almost Drooled on the Table”): Okay, this. This was what I was waiting for. The massage therapist was a goddess. I emerged feeling like a puddle of happy goo. Best. Massage. Ever. My shoulders feel like they’ve finally relaxed after years of being tense.
- 11:00 AM: A Stroll Through the Art Gallery (And a Brush with My Inner Artist): The Essex is home to a culinary school, but they have an art gallery showcasing local work. Honestly, it was inspiring. I almost bought one of the paintings, then remembered I can barely draw a stick figure. Maybe I’ll take an art class on my next trip!
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the Tavern (And a minor "what should I order" crisis): The Tavern is a good place. I spent about 10 minutes staring at the menu. I’m also convinced that I have, secretly, an eating disorder, because I constantly weigh up my food, and plan what I’m going to eat hours in advance. It's exhausting. I wound up with a burger, which was totally worth it, despite my internal conflict.
- 2:00 PM: Cook Academy Session (Or, "I Tried My Hands at Something Other Than Microwave Popcorn") The Essex has a culinary school, and they offer some guest classes. I took one! And I got to learn how to make some amazing, fresh pasta! Turns out, I can actually cook, if I have someone to guide me.
- **6:00 PM: Dinner at *** (aka, "The Best Meal of My Life")**: I made a dinner reservation at ***. Oh. My. GOD. This place. The food was just… *chef's kiss*. Every bite was an explosion of flavor. I may or may not have cried a little from pure joy. It's possible. The server was amazing, the atmosphere was perfect… It’s the kind of place where you want to dress up, even if you normally live in sweatpants.
- 8:30 PM: Stargazing - (Or, "Failed Stargazing" due to clouds): I tried to find the constellations. Instead, I saw clouds. A little bit depressing, but still good.
Day 3: "Almost-Departure" & The Vermont Souvenir Hunt
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast Bonanza - (Or, "Where Did All the Pancakes Go?!"): I had another breakfast at Junction. Their pancakes are fluffy perfection. Seriously, I could eat them every day. The breakfast spread was a bit picked-over, perhaps I came at the wrong time.
- 10:00 AM: A Final Walk Around the Grounds (And Some Mild Regret): One last stroll, one last look at the gardens. I already miss it. Maybe I should move here. Nope. Too cold.
- 11:00 AM: Souvenir Shopping (Or, "The Maple Syrup Mayhem"): I need to take stuff back for my loved ones! I got lost. The local shops were charming. I spent far too long agonizing over maple syrup, then ultimately, I settled on a variety of everything.
- 1:00 PM: The Drive Home… (Or, the "Vermont Hangover"): The drive was long. I think I'll be dreaming of Vermont for weeks. The car radio was playing upbeat pop music, when I needed some blues. I am already planning my return.
Post-Trip Reflections (And the Emotional Aftermath)
Alright, so the Essex Resort adventure was a success. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. I ate too much, I laughed a lot, I almost missed my exit, and I am already calculating when I can go back. This trip reminded me that the best memories are often the messy ones, the ones with unexpected detours and a little bit of cheese (a lot of Gouda). And that’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain of laundry to do and a serious craving for a good old Vermont pancake.
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans: Is this "Essex Resort Escape" *really* a hidden gem? Or just another overpriced Vermont thing?
Alright, alright, here's the unvarnished truth. Okay, sometimes, honestly, "hidden gem" feels like a cliché, right? But with Essex Resort, it's... kinda legit. Think of it this way: It's not a *totally* hidden. Like, *literally* hidden. It's not like you're gonna stumble upon it and go "WHOA, a resort! Never saw that coming!" (Though I did once stumble drunk into a cow pasture...different story). But it's *relatively* hidden in the sense that it's not plastered all over Instagram by every influencer and their chihuahua. It's a bigger property, with a bunch of different facets, and you can easily find space to breathe – which is a definite Vermont win. The price is... well, it's Vermont. Expect to open your wallet. But with the sheer variety of offerings? Look. I'm a cheapskate, I hate paying for "things." But, I’ve been before. I'd go back. So, yeah. It's a Gem. A slightly expensive, but lovely, gem.
What's the *deal* with this "culinary school"? Does it actually have good food or is it just… fancy?
The culinary school thing? That's the heart and soul. (And, yeah, it *does* get fancy.) Look, I'm not a foodie pretending to be a food snob. I'm more of a "stuff it in my face and hope for the best" kinda guy. But even *I* was impressed. I went to the restaurant, Junction, for brunch. The first time. I went in *skeptical*. Omelets with... *goat cheese* and... *arugula*? Come on. (Side note: I used to think arugula was a fancy weed. I've since learned…) First bite... BAM! I am converted. Every dish, from the simplest sandwich to the most complicated souffle (which I, frankly, only *looked* at, because I'm not *that* fancy), was made with passion, care, and actual, discernible FLAVOR. They'll make you feel like you're too important to eat fast food. I may have gotten a little teary-eyed over a really well-cooked egg. Don't judge me. The food is a massive draw. Especially if you're not me. Not a gourmand, but it was damn good! And the presentation? Forget about it. Instagram heaven for the foodies. And, honestly, it rubbed off on me. I started *slightly* caring about what I put in my mouth. (Emphasis on 'slightly').
Okay, fine, the food *might* be good. But what else is there to *do*? I'm not just gonna sit around eating arugula, am I? (Please say no.)
Alright, relax. Arugula-induced ennui is totally understandable. (Though, honestly, try it. Seriously.) The Essex Resort is, to its credit, good at the "other stuff." There's a spa! I've never been to one. I'm a dude. Spas are...different. But people *rave* about it. My wife, bless her heart, practically glowed for a week afterwards. It's apparently all fluffy robes and cucumber water and, I guess, whatever makes people happy. There's a gorgeous pool (indoor *and* outdoor!), a gym (the kind with equipment that I *pretend* to know how to use), and activities galore. They advertise cooking classes (which I did, and, well, let's just say I'm still working on my knife skills), golf, tennis... Even a brewery right there on the property! The thing is, the activities are more to choose from, not every single activities like other resorts where you must fill the time. And the best part? You're in Vermont! So, you're a short drive from hiking trails, charming little towns, and all the natural beauty Vermont has to offer. You can be all outdoorsy, or all indoorsy, or a beautiful mix of both. And, yeah, you can totally just sit around and eat arugula. No judgement.
How are the rooms? Are they those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel rooms, or something with...character?
Alright, the room situation... is good. Very good. They are *not* sterile. Thank God. That's my personal pet peeve – those soul-crushing, identical hotel rooms. The Essex has a more homey, comfortable vibe. It's got character. You’ll be able to relax! Comfortable bed, spacious, bright, clean... all the good stuff! The decor is well-curated, not some cheap imitation of Vermont rustic. It's actually *stylish*, which, you know, I appreciate. They have suites, too, some with fireplaces. (Fireplaces are a win. Always.) The only minor gripe I had was the TV - I'm a creature of habit, love my mindless television. Not the end of the day. You're too much fun and enjoyment too! The rooms are a good base camp for all the fun stuff. So, yeah, I liked them. They are comfortable, welcoming and they're a good space to unwind after a long day. Just don't expect to be blown away – it's not the *primary* reason to go, but they’re definitely a solid part of the experience.
Should I bring my kids? Is it kid-friendly? Or is it just a fancy place for adults to pretend they're sophisticated?
Oh, man, great question. Because honestly, this is a big consideration. From what I saw... It's *definitely* kid-friendly. They don't just tolerate kids; they genuinely seem to welcome them. There are pools, as previously mentioned, and I saw a ton of families using them. The kids had fun and weren't a nuisance. There are special kids' menus at the restaurants. And the general laid-back atmosphere means you don't have to worry about your little ones accidentally breaking something expensive or screaming at the wrong moment. There are often kid-focused activities, during certain times of the year. I wouldn't say it's *exclusively* geared towards children, but it's a solid option. I'd feel comfortable bringing my kids. It's not a stuffy, "shush your children" kind of place. So, yes, bring them! (Unless, of course, you're craving some true, uninterrupted adult time. In which case... maybe skip the kids. No judgment.)
Okay, final verdict: Is it worth the trip (and the money)? Give it to me straight!
Alright, the REAL answer. Is it worth it? Look, it's not a cheap getaway. Vermont rarely is. But the Essex Resort? Yeah. It's worth it. It's not perfect, I'm sure there are little things to gripe about if you look hard enough (I'm sure someone will find something), but the overall experience is genuinely enjoyable. The food is amazing. The atmosphere is relaxing. There's something for everyone. I walked away feeling refreshed – and not just from the cucumber water. It's perfect for a weekend escape, a romantic getaway, or even a family vacation. It’s got the right balance of luxury and comfortCheap Hotel Search
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