The Equinox Resort, Manchester, Vermont – Hotel Review

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The Equinox Resort, Manchester, Vermont – Hotel Review

By Jonathan Spira on 25 November 2011

DINING

The Equinox has several dining rooms and each is worth a visit. The Falcon Bar has a friendly bartender and a wide assortment of wines and drinks. I was impressed with the wine menu, which included Heidi Schöck’s Ried Vogelsang from the town of Rust in the Burgenland in Austria. Ried Vogelsang is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Furmint, Welschriesling, and Muskateller.

One of the cheeses I selected for my cheese platter was Oma (grandmother), a cow’s cheese from the Von Trapp family farm, which was just as the menu described it, rustic, earthy, and buttery.

In the Chop House, I enjoyed a wonderful grilled rack of lamb, having started off with a Wagyu beef sushi roll accompanied by tuna tartar. The room was a gathering place for the Green Mountain Boys (whose leader was Ethan Allen) in the mid-1700s, and its stone hearth dates to 1832.

For lunch, the Marsh Tavern, situated in the resort’s original building, is warm and cozy. Bread was served in a wooden tray with compartments and accompanied by butter, oil, and root vegetables. The French onion soup, made with aged Grafton cheese and a toasted brioche, was in itself good enough to justify the drive up. I considered the meatloaf, made from short ribs, but I opted for beef stew, which was excellent.

Breakfast is served in the Colonnade and also available via room service. I couldn’t make up my mind but, fortunately, the menu has a solution for that: a sampling of waffles, French toast, pancakes, eggs (any style), sausage, and bacon. I skipped lunch the day I had this but it was worth it.

BOTTOM LINE

Small touches can create an experience that lasts a lifetime. The resort’s staff appeared to genuinely enjoy working at the Equinox and particularly seemed to enjoy working with guests, be it to plan an activity or simply answer a question. Most of the staff knew my name and the names of other guests and quickly learnt our preferences. My wake-up call from Arlene on my second day demonstrated this. The prior night, there had been a bit of noise from the neighboring room which had interrupted my sleep. When she rang on day two, she wanted to make sure I had slept soundly. And indeed I had. I just need to find out when the next major winter storm will be so I can plan a trip back.

The Equinox Resort
3567 Main Street Manchester, VT 05254
+1 (802) 362-4700
www.equinoxresort.com

VIRTUAL TOURS

THE EQUINOX – THE ROOM

THE EQUINOX – DINING

THE EQUINOX – LAND ROVER OFF-ROAD DRIVING SCHOOL

THE EQUINOX – BRITISH SCHOOL OF FALCONRY

THE EQUINOX – TOUR

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