Best Hotels in the Mad River Valley
Both Sugarbush and Mad River Glen boast strong, character-laden lodging options.
Photo via: Sugarbush
Mad River Valley is home to two of the most renowned ski mountains in Vermont: Sugarbush and Mad River Glen. Both boast an impressive variety of terrain and an inimitable old-school, down-to-earth vibe. Sugarbush has dreamy, naturally beautiful skiing, and Mad River, which maintains a skier-only access policy, claims one of the world’s two Single Chairs. When planning to visit either of these two mountains, it is important to consider the location and style of your lodging.
There are many factors to consider when picking a hotel in Mad River Valley. Because of its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, you might want to stay in a hotel that, while farther from the mountain, gets you closer to the local feel. On the other hand, you might be a person who wants to be on the lift before others have started their coffee, so proximate hotels will work better for you. This article will cover both on-site and off-site hotels, ranging in style from casual to fine, ensuring the best range of quality choices for a potential visitor.
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Sugarbush
Photo via: Sugarbush
On-site: Claybrook Hotel
As mentioned in our Sugarbush review, there is no on-site lodging on Mount Ellen. However, at the base of Lincoln Peak, there is one slopeside hotel.
Built in 2006, the stunning red Claybrook Hotel is unmistakable with its giant silver silo. While not cheap, the Claybrook offers a decidedly luxury stay, with options ranging from hotel rooms to five-bedroom suites. The amenity list is extensive: concierge services, underground valet parking, a private fitness room, outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, full ski valet and boot warming services. Dog friendly residences, playpens, rollaway beds, and grocery service upon request. Complimentary access to the Sugarbush Health & Recreation Center is available, but must be booked through Sugarbush Resort reservations.
22 Gate House Ln, Warren, VT 05674
(802) 583-6822
Photo via: Sugarbush
Off-site: The Lodge at Lincoln Peak
Located less than a mile from Sugarbush is the renamed and newly renovated Lodge at Lincoln Peak. Previously called the Sugar Lodge, over $1 million was invested in spring ‘23 to modernize each of the 22 rooms and two suites. The Lodge’s new exterior is a sleek charcoal. Indoors it offers modern, cozy rooms. It is the quintessential ski lodge for families, couples or groups, complete with the apres-ski Black Sheep Bar.
2197 Sugarbush Access Rd, Warren, VT 05674
(802) 552-4007
Mad River Glen
Off-site: The Mad River Lodge
Mad River Glen has no slopeside hotels. However, the Mad River Lodge is just 2 miles from the mountain, and it is a great upscale choice to stay.
Each of the 22 new guest rooms are bright and warmly decorated. There are five two-bedroom units, each featuring queen beds, a spacious living room, and a full kitchen. The one-bedroom units have separate living areas. Finally, there are a variety of studios. Each room has a private bathroom, 50 inch TV, refrigerator, and keyless entry.
2354 Mill Brook Rd. Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 400-2390 | info@madriverlodge.com
Photo via: Mad River Lodge
Photo via: Mad River Barn
Off-site: Mad River Barn
Another great option is the Mad River Barn. Mad River Barn is a boutique inn, located 1.7 miles from Mad River Glen. The main building is the Barn. Many skiers and boarders stop here for an apres in their lively pub, drinking a local brew by their fireplace. The space is family friendly, with the adjacent large game room.
They have 18 guest rooms spread across four buildings; the Barn, the Farmhouse, the Longhouse, the Annex. Each has varying room layouts and sizes for travelers of all types.
2849 Mill Brook Rd, Waitsfield, VT
(802)-496-3310 | info@madriverbarn.com
Culture Hotels
Photo via: The Pitcher Inn
The Pitcher Inn
The Pitcher Inn opened in the 1800s, and carries over every authentic ounce of rustic charm to now. This white clapboard building nestles along the Freeman Brook in the town of Warren. Indoors offers an intimate, luxury stay, complete with a lovely stone fireplace, landscape paintings, and five-star dining. A true winter wonderland lies outside large windows in the dining room, where you can sit with excellent cocktails by the fire. Three miles from Sugarbush and 15 minutes from Mad River Glen. Just across the street is the local favorite Warren Store, which serves thick sandwiches and hot drinks downstairs and shopping upstairs. There are two family/children friendly suites in the barn adjacent to the inn. The nine in the inn are for adults only. Guests receive complimentary access to not only snowshoes, walking poles, sleds, but also the Sugarbush Health and Racquet Club, less than 10 minutes from the Inn.
275 Main Street, Warren, Vermont, 05674
(802) 496-6350
Photo via: The Round Barn
The Round Barn
The iconic Round Barn hotel, one of only five remaining round barns left in Vermont, is the quintessential bed and breakfast. Built in 1910, its beautiful 45-acre grounds host weddings throughout the year and it is easy to see why.
Hills roll behind, mountains rise ahead. The Round Barn sits a short five-minute drive into the Valley, which bustles with shops, breweries, restaurants, and 15 from both ski mountains. There are 12 rooms, each with its own unique decor, style, and view. The Luxury rooms include “a gas fireplace and a glass enclosed shower or oversize whirlpool tub.” They note that a two night minimum stay is required for weekends, and a three night minimum for certain times of the year.
Included is their fresh farm-to-table breakfast, freshly baked afternoon cookies, and early evening hors d’oeuvres.
1661 East Warren Road, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673
(802) 496-2276 | events@theroundbarn.com
Photo via The Featherbed Inn
The Featherbed Inn
Our final traditional hotel recommendation has glowing reviews across the board: an 1806 farmhouse bed and breakfast called The Featherbed Inn. It is one of just 25 inns to be ranked as a TripAdvisor 2023 Traveler’s Choice, and for good reason. In every room is a renowned “featherbed,” along with clean, bright, rustic and beautiful decor. You can rent out options ranging from traditional hotel rooms to full private cottages.
On their 20 acres of land is The Featherbed Connector, which provides access to miles of snowshoe trails and backcountry skiing. Children and everyone are welcome, and dogs are in some rooms (call if you plan on bringing your dog). They charge an additional cleaning fee for dogs.
The three-course breakfast included, which they describe as “often surprising and always delicious and satisfying” is included. It always has scones, and sometimes non traditional BnB food like shakshuka, or breakfast cubanos. They are eight minutes from both Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, and Mad River Valley is just down the road.
5864 Main Street, Waitsfield, Vermont
(802) 496-7151 | info@featherbedinn.com
Budget Accommodations
Hostel Tevere
Mad River Valley’s hotels are traditionally not cheap, but you don’t have to break the bank in order to stay there. Enter Hostel Tevere, a shared-room hostel with rates as low as $40 per night, making it a steal for the quality of slopes and activities nearby.
While the rooms may not be private, Tevere isn’t exactly no-frills — the stay comes with free breakfast pastries and features an on-site bar and restaurant open Thursday through Sunday. If you’re looking to meet others, Hostel Tevere also offers perhaps the most communal vibe of any accommodation on this list!
203 Powderhound Rd, Warren, VT 05674
(802) 496-9222
Final Thoughts
There are many excellent places to stay in Mad River Valley, and more exist beyond this article. However, all of these accommodations either stand out for tried and true Central Vermont hospitality — or have recently opened and really made a splash on the Valley scene in the past few years.
All of these options will be great whether you are eager to get on the slopes or just want to explore the area — or both!
For more information on the Mad River Valley, check out our Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski resort reviews and Vermont ski resort rankings.
