This is a fabuous place to stay if you want to vacation in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Think quaint country charm meets luxury and comfort.
The Inn is one of four hotels that comprise "Mill Falls at the Lake" -- one is a few steps away, one aross the street, the third is a wee bit of a walk, but it's a beautiful lakeside walk and you can even stop for a cocktail on the way. Due to the interrelationships of the hotels, you can take advantage of events/specials at the other properties based on being a guest at the Inn. For instance there was a complimentary Manager's reception at one of the other hotels on Friday evening, so down the path we went for wine and cheese (and fruit, and crackers). They had four reds and three whites, offering generous pours and no limits. Oftentimes you get discount coupons to the various restaurants at the Inn as well as the other properties.
This is the oldest of the hotel group, and was actually built over an orginal mill -- hence the beautiful waterfall. It is built on a hill, so the lobby entrance which is ground level as you walk in is actually the second floor, and you go down the elevator to floor one, which is where we stayed and where you'll also find the big indoor pool with hot tub and sauna. Plenty of nice big towels for your comfort, and chairs/tables all around.
We found the front desk staff very helpful; upon checkin we were given a map of all the properties, our various discount coupons, and a list of goings-on (including that wine reception). Within the hotel itself are two restaurants: a lovely, homey little breakfast-lunch cafe and a casual Italian eatery with a bar. Also, a number of shops are located inside the property: boutique clothing, jewelry, outdoorsy clothing, gifts, sweet shoppe. The shortest access to the Italian restaurant is through this indoor shopping area and down the stairs. Guests who cannot climb stairs can enjoy these features, though it's a big of a longer journey using the elevator to ground level, then going outside to enter through the handicapped entrance. It's not super convenient, but it is accessible.
Beds were big and very comfy, wonderful pillows. High quality shampoo/conditioner/lotions, probably to tempt you to consider a visit to the spa. Good bathroom lighting, loads of towels provided. There was a neat circular fluorescent nightlight that doubled as the hair dryer station. This made it very comfortable to have a night light in the bathroom and still get a good night's sleep. Speaking of which, the blackout curtains kept it nice and dark, as our room faced the rising sun. Housekeeping was very prompt, each day of our three-day stay the room was nicely done when we returned after our touring. When we requested fresh sheets, we got them. I was pleased that our double room actually came with two suitcase racks. First time since I don't know when I didn't have to fight with my husband over who gets to use the suitcase rack! Wi-Fi was fast and dependable. Big flat screen TV with good channel choices. Comfortable wingback chairs. Two of them! The room key cards used contactless technology -- like tap to pay. Never saw this in a hotel. Olde New England meets hi-tech gadgetry. Love it.
I would recommend calling the property directly to book, as they helped us find a better rate and also got us the discount coupons for two of the days. The rooms vary in size, some have much better views, so the prices will vary accordingly. We opted for a room that was on kind of a floor 1 1/2 -- after you took the elevator down to the first floor, you needed to walk up seven steps to access a few rooms over there. I think there were three or four rooms in that little nook. It was exactly as described to me when I booked. These would be the only rooms not handicap-accessible. However for a rate of only $109 a night I didn't mind the seven steps at all. Granted, it was still 'off-season' but it was mid-May, so still a lovely time to be there.
The lobby features a cozy seating area before a fireplace, with complimentary newspapers, and free coffee and tea (quality stuff, not Lipton) all day long. Smoking is prohibited in all the rooms, but most have either a balcony or a little patio where you can go to puff to your heart's content. Ours had the patio, which had two chairs.
Would most definitely return, and in fact hope to do so in the Fall. read more