If you are going to Killington, you must stay at the Birch Ridge Inn! After spending a long weekend here, I don't think I would stay anywhere else unless I scored a deal at the Grand Hotel (and that would just be for the ski-in/out convenience). Bill and Mary, the owners, have set up a warm, welcoming, quiet place to lay your ski boots at night, and they are truly wonderful and gracious hosts. Spend some time in the great room/bar and get to know them; you will feel like you are staying in a friend's home. This is what an inn/bed & breakfast experience should be. This is not your typical ski lodge overrun with kids and college students.
With your room rate, you are getting an immaculate room with a comfortable bed that is uniquely and thoughtfully outfitted. You are also getting a cozy, comfortable place to eat, sleep and unwind with free Wifi and a real, wood-burning fireplace. Oh, yes, and you are getting a full breakfast every morning (starting at 7:30am) of your stay, and it is a homemade, complete meal. We had stuffed French toast with bacon, veggie or ham and cheese quiche, and apple pancakes with sausage. Each morning's meal also includes fresh fruit (told you it was a complete meal!), your choice of three juices, and coffee or tea.
We did decide to dine in the restaurant for dinner one night (not included in the room rate). While dinner is served in the same room as breakfast, they really manage to transform the space so it feels more like a fine-dining experience. The service is excellent, and the menu is well-inspired. I had trouble deciding what to order. I started with the potato and mushroom soup, which was good -- what you would expect from a potato soup. For my entree, I had the special seafood risotto, which included shrimp, mussels and lobster. It was delicious and satisfying; I had trouble finishing it all, even with a little help! The seafood was prepared very well, which is always a concern of mine. A nice glass of sauvignon blanc and some apple pie for dessert rounded out a hearty meal. I will say that this is not an inexpensive meal, and the pricing could stand to be rolled back a tiny bit, but you are supporting the local economy in a big way.
I highly recommend a visit to the bar, which closes around 11pm. They have the coolest martini glasses -- just don't misplace your base, as Mary warns! If you're skiing, definitely chat up Marissa, the bartender. She knows the mountains in the area inside and out and back around. Mary and Bill can also give you some pointers on conditions and good trails to ski.
I have two minor suggestions for improvement. First, there is no hot tub here, and with the secluded, beautiful location, it would be a nice addition to the back patio area (which was otherwise unused in the winter). Second, we stayed in room #3, which was lovely and very comfortable... except for the bathroom sink. It was so tiny, like something you would expect on a cruise ship! And that wouldn't be so bad, except there is a glass shelf right above it, which is nice for storage but terrible for using the sink to wash your face or brush your teeth. You just can't bend down over the sink at all. I would just suggest to move the shelf to the wall next to the sink to save a little frustration and mess.
I will definitely return to Birch Ridge whenever I return to Killington. It is top-notch. read more