Loon Mountain Escape: Your Dream NH Vacation Awaits!
Loon Mountain Escape: My Honest, Messy, and Totally Worth It Review!
Okay, so I just got back from Loon Mountain Escape, and honestly? My brain is still buzzing from the fresh mountain air and the sheer amount of pampering I crammed in. They claim it's your "Dream NH Vacation," and… well, they're not completely wrong. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be a rollercoaster, just like the gondola ride up the mountain!
First Impressions & Accessibility (the good, the… not-so-good):
From the moment I pulled up, I was hit by the "wow" factor. The lodge is gorgeous, all rustic charm and inviting warmth. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I'm not exactly an expert on accessibility, but I did take a good look. The website claims to be wheelchair accessible, and there are definitely elevators and ramps around. However, navigating a place this sprawling can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you're relying solely on a wheelchair. I'd definitely recommend calling ahead and asking some very specific questions about room accessibility and routes. Don't be shy!
Internet & Tech Stuff (because, let's be real, we all need it):
Alright, internet. This is where Loon Mountain Escape shines. FREE Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Thank the heavens. Plus, they have Internet access – LAN if you're still rocking that wired connection (who are you?!). And the Wi-Fi in public areas was surprisingly strong. I even managed to stream a movie in the lobby without any buffering, which, considering I was surrounded by mountains, is a small miracle. They offer Internet services, which I assume means they'll help you if you're having tech issues (I didn't need it, thankfully!).
Cleanliness & Safety (because 2024):
Okay, this is where Loon Mountain Escape really impressed me. They take COVID precautions seriously, and that's a huge relief. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, please! They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were all masked and looked super professional. They have a Doctor/nurse on call, a First aid kit, and they even offered individually-wrapped food options which felt very safe. They also have Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, which is reassuring. The Staff trained in safety protocol and the Hygiene certification gave me a real sense of peace of mind.
The Food & Drink (because, again, priorities):
Okay, let's talk food. I'm a foodie, and I came hungry. There are Restaurants galore and a Poolside bar (essential!).
- The Restaurant: I dined at a few of the restaurants. The International cuisine was a highlight, and I devoured the Salad in restaurant during lunch. I also enjoyed the Asian breakfast, and international cuisine.
- Breakfast: I got a Breakfast in room service one day. I loved the Breakfast [buffet] and the Western breakfast.
- Bar: There's a pretty cool bar, and the Happy hour was definitely a highlight of my trip.
- Coffee: the Coffee/tea in restaurant was excellent, and I had a Bottle of water by my bed.
- Snacks: I definitely hit up the Snack bar and grabbed a quick bite.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (the real reason we're here!):
This is where Loon Mountain Escape really delivers. Forget "relaxation" – this is full-blown pampering.
- The Spa: Okay, let's get real. I practically lived at the spa. I got a Body scrub, a Body wrap, and, oh my god, the Massage. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the best massage of my life. I'm still dreaming about it.
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, especially with that Pool with view.
- Fitness Center: I attempted to hit the Fitness center a few times (I swear!), but honestly, the massage kind of trumped everything. They also have a Gym/fitness, and a Sauna.
- Other Relaxing Stuff: I didn't try the Steamroom or the Foot bath, but they looked pretty tempting.
My Crazy-Good Experience:
I'm not the easiest person to please, but this place made me feel like a queen. I'm not sure how they do it, but they manage to create this sense of serenity. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere was just… right.
Rooms & Amenities (the nitty-gritty):
- The Room: My room was spacious, comfortable, and had a stunning view. All the basics were there: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free].
- Extras: They offered a lot more than just the standard stuff. They have Additional toilet, Additional toilet, Additional toilet, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, and Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (if you're traveling with little ones):
I didn't have any kids with me, but I saw plenty of families having a blast. They have Babysitting service, they're definitely Family/child friendly, and they have Kids facilities and Kids meal.
Other Odds and Ends (because I'm nothing if not thorough):
- Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. Getting around was easy.
- Safety: The hotel seemed safe and secure. They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms.
- Other Services: They offer Cashless payment service, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Invoice provided, Room service [24-hour], and Wake-up service.
The Quirks (because every place has them):
- The Elevator: The elevator situation could be improved. Sometimes, it felt like it took forever to arrive.
- The Price: It's not the cheapest place, but you're paying for the experience.
The Verdict:
Loon Mountain Escape is a winner. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn close. The location is stunning, the amenities are top-notch, and the staff are fantastic. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in the mountains, this is it.
My Absolutely Honest, Totally Unsolicited Recommendation:
Book it. Seriously. Treat yourself. And definitely, definitely get the massage. You won't regret it.
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- Unparalleled Relaxation: Indulge in luxurious spa treatments, from rejuvenating body scrubs and wraps to the most incredible massage you'll ever experience. Melt away stress
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Loon Mountain, VRI Resort, Lincoln, New Hampshire, unfiltered. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough maple syrup jokes to make you want to cry. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
Loon Mountain Mayhem: A VRI Resort Ramble (and a bit of a breakdown)
Day 1: Arrival and the Illusion of Calm
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL. "Welcome to Chaos!"
- Okay, so the drive up was… long. Like, "are we there yet?" levels of long. My GPS, bless its digital heart, seemed to think we were attempting a cross-country odyssey instead of a scenic jaunt. We finally stumble into the VRI Resort, and the lobby looks like a slightly more upscale ski lodge. I am immediately overwhelmed by the smell of pine and the sheer number of puffy jackets.
- Anecdote: The check-in process was a disaster. Turns out, I booked the wrong type of room. Apparently, "studio with a view" doesn't mean "balcony and a mountain vista". It means "a glorified closet overlooking the parking lot". Cue minor internal screaming. I’m trying to channel my inner zen, but the screaming child behind me is making it difficult.
- 2:00 PM - The Room: A Love-Hate Relationship Begins
- The "studio" – yeah, it’s cozy, alright. And by cozy, I mean "can barely swing a cat without knocking over a lamp." But hey, it's clean (mostly) and the bed looks inviting. The view… well, let's just say I'll be relying on the mountain's reputation to boost my mood.
- Quirky Observation: The tiny kitchen is adorable. I'm already imagining myself whipping up gourmet meals… followed by the reality of instant ramen and microwaved leftovers.
- 3:00 PM - Grocery store and the quest for sustenance.
- I need to find a grocery store, and I'm already dreading the task. I've heard there is a store nearby, but I have no idea where to go. I'm also really craving a good beer. I'm going to need to find a liquor store as well.
- 5:00 PM - Unpacking and the "Oh God, What Have I Done?" Moment
- Unpacking! The highlight of any vacation, right? Wrong. I surveyed the damage. Clothes strewn everywhere, toiletries scattered like a bomb went off in a CVS. I started to question my life choices. Why do I do this? Why do I travel? I started to question my life choices. I'm already regretting not packing more snacks.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: The Culinary Gamble
- We decided to eat at the resort's restaurant. I'm cautiously optimistic. The menu sounded pretty decent, and I'm starving.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, the food was…meh. My burger was okay, but the fries were soggy. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. I should have just made ramen.
- 7:30 PM - The Pool: A Brief Escape from Reality
- The pool! A beacon of hope. The water was warm, and I managed to forget about the parking lot view for a glorious 30 minutes.
- Messy Structure: I'm already feeling a bit sunburnt. I'm not good at this.
- 8:30 PM - Bedtime and the Promise of Sleep
- I fall asleep, maybe. I have no idea.
Day 2: The Mountain Beckons (and Possibly Humiliates)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: The Morning After
- I woke up in a good mood, and the bed was comfortable, I ate some cereal and tried to make some coffee. It was a disaster. The coffee maker was broken. I'm starting to think this is a sign.
- 9:00 AM - Skiing/Snowboarding: The Great Descent of Doom
- Doubling Down on the Experience: Okay, let's be honest. I am not a pro. I am, at best, a slightly clumsy intermediate skier. But hey, I'm here to embrace the mountain! So, I rented some gear, slapped on some sunscreen, and headed up the lift. The view from the top was stunning. Truly breathtaking. And then I started skiing. Or, more accurately, attempting to ski.
- Anecdote: The first run was a disaster. I fell. A lot. I may or may not have screamed. I may or may not have taken out a small child. (I didn’t, but the thought crossed my mind.) I was overtaken by a wave of panic, and I started thinking I would break a leg. I spent most of the morning on the bunny slopes, but still. I'm going to need a stiff drink after this.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Fueling the Fiasco
- I needed sustenance. I was exhausted and covered in snow. I grabbed a burger and fries.
- 1:00 PM - Back to the Slopes: The Redemption Attempt
- I went back to try again. I fell again, but I was better. I made it down the mountain, and I felt good about myself.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt a rush of adrenaline! I'm actually doing this! I'm skiing! And then I fell again.
- 4:00 PM - Après-Ski: The Sweet Release
- After a day of skiing, I was exhausted, but triumphant. I went to the bar and had a beer. I deserved it.
- Opinionated Language: The beer was amazing. It was the best beer I've ever had.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the Aftermath
- I'm not hungry. I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed early.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime and the Promise of Sleep
- I fall asleep, immediately.
Day 3: Farewell, Loon! (Until Next Time, Maybe?)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: The Final Meal
- I ate some cereal and tried to make some coffee. It was a disaster. The coffee maker was still broken. I'm starting to think this is a sign.
- 10:00 AM - Packing and the Great Escape
- Packing. I hate packing. The end.
- 11:00 AM - Check-Out: Adieu, VRI Resort!
- Check-out was uneventful. I have no complaints.
- 12:00 PM - The Drive Home: Reflections and Regrets
- The drive home. I am already planning my next trip to Loon Mountain.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm sad to leave, but also relieved. It was an adventure!
And there you have it, folks. A messy, honest, and hopefully entertaining account of my Loon Mountain experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. Even with the parking lot view and the questionable skiing skills. Because, let's be real, the memories (and the bruises) are what it's all about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a therapist.
Luxury Awaits: Vijay Parkinn Hotel, Coimbatore - Unforgettable Stay!
Loon Mountain Escape: Your Dream NH Vacation Awaits! (Maybe... Let's See!)
Okay, so *is* Loon Mountain Escape actually...escapy? Like, a real escape?
Alright, deep breaths. "Escape." That's a loaded word, isn't it? For me? Yeah, mostly. It *felt* like an escape from the endless email, the screaming kids (mine, not yours... hopefully!), and the sheer mundanity of, well, *life*. But let's be real, you're still *you*. You're still going to worry about whether you remembered to feed the cat. You'll probably still have a slight existential dread about the state of your retirement fund.
I went expecting pristine perfection, you know? Like those flawless Instagram photos. Spoiler alert: It wasn't. The first day, the Wi-Fi was spotty. Spotty! In the 21st century! I almost lost it. My phone was buzzing with work emails (yes, even on vacation, they hunt you down!), and I could barely load a webpage. But then, the sun hit the mountains, and I had a massive, "Oh, right, I'm supposed to be relaxing!" moment. So, yes, *mostly* escapy. Just pack your patience along with your hiking boots.
What's the deal with the lodging? Cozy cabins or…more like cramped condos?
Okay, lodging. This is where it gets... nuanced. I stayed in a "luxury" condo. Luxury, in my book, usually means a place where you don't have to clean the toilet yourself. And, thankfully, it *wasn't* cramped. Plenty of room to spread out, which is a huge plus when you've got a mountain of ski gear and three overstuffed suitcases (I overpack, it's a problem). The fireplace was awesome, and I spent one blissful evening just staring at the flames with a glass of wine. Pure bliss.
But…and there's always a but, isn't there? The "luxury" part? It had some quirks. The hot water in the shower took approximately the length of the Nile to heat up. And the "fully equipped kitchen" was missing, I swear, a can opener. A CAN OPENER! I actually had to *improvise* with a butter knife (don't judge). Still, I'd go back. The views from the balcony made up for the minor inconveniences, and the comfy bed was pure heaven after a day on the slopes. So, cozy-ish, with a side of mild frustration. Bring your own can opener, just in case.
Loon Mountain: Is the skiing actually good? Or is it just…there?
Oh, the skiing! This is where things get *passionate*. I'm a pretty average skier, let's be honest. I can get down a blue square without ending up in a snowbank, and that's about the extent of my skills. Loon? Loon was... *amazing* for me. The trails were well-groomed (most of the time – one day they were a bit icy, which, you know, New England), the lifts were efficient (no hours-long waits, thank the ski gods!), and the views... the views were breathtaking. Seriously, I almost crashed into a tree a couple of times just staring at the scenery.
I'd heard horror stories about icy conditions and overcrowding at other resorts, so I was a bit nervous. But the snow conditions were surprisingly good the week I went, and I never felt too crowded. It felt like the mountain was big enough to spread out. I actually *enjoyed* skiing, which is a rare and beautiful thing for me. So, yeah, the skiing is good. Really, really good. Just…remember to wear a helmet (I saw a guy eat it *hard* one day).
Beyond skiing and boarding, what else is there to *do* at Loon? I'm not a hardcore skier.
Okay, this is where I'm going to get a little...scattered. Because, honestly, I spent most of my time skiing. But I did wander around and peep the other options. There's ice skating! I tried it. I fell. A lot. Let's just say I'm better on skis. There's a tubing hill, which looked like a blast (especially for kids, though I saw plenty of adults getting in on the fun). They have snowshoeing trails, which I didn't try (because, you know, skiing). And there's the gondola, which is a must-do even if you're not a skier. The views from the top are insane.
But here's a confession: I spent a solid afternoon in the lodge, by the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and reading a trashy novel. And it was glorious. Sometimes, the best thing to *do* on vacation is absolutely nothing. So, yes, there's plenty to do, but don't feel guilty about just chilling out. Embrace the laziness. You deserve it.
Food! What's the grub situation like? Am I going to be stuck eating overpriced burgers and fries?
Alright, food. This is *crucial*. Fueling a day of skiing is serious business. And the good news is: Loon has options. Yes, there are burgers and fries. There’s also pizza, sandwiches, and all the usual ski resort fare. It's not gourmet, but it's decent and gets the job done. The cafeteria at the base of the mountain is... well, it's a cafeteria. Functional. But they do have a pretty good chili.
However, and this is the important part, there are also some better options. The restaurant at the hotel I stayed in (can't remember the name, the memory's a blur of slopes and snow) was actually quite good. I had some excellent pasta one night, and the service was friendly. And there are a few off-mountain restaurants in the town of Lincoln. I ate at a place called… something with a mountain in the name. (See, memory's shot!) They had amazing maple-glazed salmon. So, you won't starve. Just do some research and don't be afraid to venture off-mountain if you're craving something special. And bring snacks! Always bring snacks! Especially if you're traveling with kids (or me, for that matter).
What about the crowds? Are we talking shoulder-to-shoulder on the slopes?
Crowds... that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? I went during the week, which, honestly, is the *only* way to do it if you can swing it. The slopes weren't *empty*, but they weren't a total zoo either. I could actually *ski* without constantly dodging other people. The lift lines were manageable. I'd say the longest I waitedDelightful Hotels
