This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier adventure destination.
Picture your perfect summer getaway: friends gathered around a fire pit after a day of tennis, families lounging by a heated saltwater pool while kids explore acres of manicured grounds, and groups spreading out across historic cottages that feel like your own private estate. This isn't a fantasy - it's exactly what happens when guests discover the Inns of Dorset, where "Vermont's own small resort" delivers that magical grown-up summer camp experience to the entire family.
Just six miles from Manchester's bustling outlets and restaurants, Dorset offers something distinctly different: an authentic Vermont village where marble sidewalks lead to white clapboard buildings, and hospitality feels genuinely personal. "People come here and say, I feel like I've just stepped into something special," says Renee Wymer, who helps manage the collection of distinctive properties. Here, multiple properties for every type of guest and group, create the perfect base camp for your Southern Vermont adventure.
The beauty of the Inns of Dorset lies in their ability to accommodate any group configuration imaginable. Whether you're planning a multigenerational family reunion, a girls' getaway, or a romantic escape, the staff excels at matching guests with their ideal accommodations across four distinct property types.
For the Classic Vermont Experience: The Dorset Inn stands as Vermont's longest continuously operating inn, offering elegantly appointed guest rooms in a building that has welcomed travelers since 1796. The rooms feature period charm with modern amenities, and the inn's prime position directly across from both the Dorset Union Store and the charming Dorset Library (complete with resident pugs) puts you at the absolute heart of village life. Step out your front door and you're instantly immersed in Dorset's walkable charm.
For the Resort Experience: Barrows House sprawls across six acres as a true small resort with a delightful story to tell. Originally built in 1804 as the pastor's house of the nearby Stone Church on the Green, today it houses 27 guest rooms and suites scattered across eight enchanting buildings. The main inn holds eight upstairs rooms, while the remaining accommodations occupy wonderfully converted outbuildings that spark the imagination - stay in the former blacksmith's cottage where iron was once forged, the elegant stables that now house luxury suites with soaring ceilings, or the whimsical former chicken coop transformed into a cozy retreat. Each space tells its own story while providing authentic historic character seamlessly balanced with modern amenities like air conditioning, fireplaces, and spa-quality bathrooms.
For Group Getaways: The 1880 House offers whole-house rental accommodations perfect for larger groups, sleeping up to 14 guests in a stunningly restored historic farmhouse setting with multiple bedrooms and common areas for gathering.
For Varied Group Needs: The Guest Houses collection offer an impressive range of options located throughout the village. Church Street Cottage features three bedrooms including a King Master Suite, plus a screened porch and fully equipped kitchen for those wanting a home-away-from-home feel. For truly spectacular gatherings, Seven Springs House sits on 70 private acres with five bedrooms, multiple living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing mountain views, and an optional barn that can accommodate four additional guests - making it ideal for family reunions or special celebrations.
Here's where the Inns of Dorset truly shine: their room configurations work for real groups, not just the standard hotel setup.
Planning a girls' getaway weekend? The lower level of Bluejay cottage at Barrows House offers three king rooms, each with its own ensuite bath, plus a common living room where you can gather for morning coffee, afternoon wine, and late-night conversations. The wood-burning fireplace (complete with kindling and firewood service) creates the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with friends.
Traveling with family? Properties like Cardinal Retreat include separate spaces with fold-out sofas - perfect for kids while giving parents their own retreat. Multiple cottages offer exactly what multigenerational families need: private rooms for everyone with shared common areas that feel like your own vacation house.
For couples traveling together, several buildings provide the ideal setup: individual suites with shared outdoor spaces, pool access, and tennis courts just steps away - creating the perfect setting for a romantic weekend away where you can enjoy both privacy and resort-style amenities.
What transforms these accommodations into something special is how they create that grown-up summer camp atmosphere. At Barrows House, the heated saltwater pool becomes the social hub, surrounded by tennis and pickleball courts where guests challenge each other to friendly matches, then cool off with poolside snacks. A convenient cabana features classic summer fare like ice cream sandwiches and cold drinks, plus you can order lunch from the amazing Dorset Bakery menu and they'll pick it up for you.
The pool house offers the perfect spot to grab refreshments between activities, while the courts provide endless entertainment. Tennis and pickleball equipment is provided for all Inns of Dorset guests, making it easy to start an impromptu game.
Common spaces throughout the properties invite gathering - lending libraries stocked with books and games, cozy living rooms with fireplaces for evening conversations, and outdoor terraces perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.
All properties share a remarkable breakfast experience - full sit-down service where you order off the menu rather than face a typical hotel buffet. It's served each morning at either The Dorset Inn or Dorset Bakery, bringing together guests from across the collection to start their day properly fueled.
From any of the properties, you're perfectly positioned to explore some of Southern Vermont's best hiking. The Gettysburg Quarry Hike offers a nearly half-mile trek with 800 feet of elevation change, perfect for intermediate hikers seeking spectacular quarry views. For something easier, the Lower Prince Quarry takes just 30 minutes along mostly flat terrain to reach a peaceful viewpoint. Adventure seekers should tackle Gilbert Lookout - 1.6 miles with over 1,200 feet of elevation gain leading to views of the Adirondack Mountains.
For gentler pursuits, the 35-acre Pinnacle Forest provides perfect family-friendly walking, while Cutler Memorial Forest features quaint walking trails and a charming bridge crossing the Mettawee River - you can explore the entire property in about 45 minutes.
The village itself rewards exploration. H.N. Williams General Store might look like a simple gas station but plan at least an hour (or more!) to wander through the rambling space where you can buy everything from maple syrup and cozy sweaters to tractor parts and horse feed - plus they make some out-of-this-world lunches! The Dorset Union Store also offers excellent sandwiches and local products, while the village green provides the perfect spot for picnics or simply soaking in that quintessential Vermont atmosphere.
You'll immediately recognize how walkable and welcoming Dorset truly is. From your inn, you can stroll marble sidewalks to the village green, pop into the library or art gallery, catch a show at the renowned Dorset Theatre Festival (read more about that here), or simply wander the streets admiring the white clapboard architecture that defines authentic Vermont.
This accessibility means you can truly relax - park your car upon arrival and explore everything on foot. The village rewards this slower pace with unexpected discoveries: hidden gardens, historic markers, and those perfect photo opportunities that capture why people fall in love with Vermont.
Each property offers something different, but all deliver that elevated summer camp feeling that makes Dorset special. Whether you're drawn to The Dorset Inn's historic charm, Barrows House's resort amenities, the 1880 House's group-friendly setup, or the intimacy of the guest houses, you're choosing more than accommodation - you're choosing a temporary membership in one of Vermont's most authentic communities.
Reserve ahead for late summer and early fall - this is prime time in Vermont, when weather is perfect for outdoor activities and fall foliage begins to really show off. Call directly to discuss your group's needs; the personal service starts with that first conversation about finding your perfect match.
Ready to experience Vermont's own small resort? Visit Inns of Dorset to explore all four properties and find your perfect Dorset escape.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier adventure destination.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier adventure destination.
You wouldn't expect a chain hotel to feel like a local secret, but step into the Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester and you'll understand why guests keep writing things like "the support was what you might expect from a family member, not the hotel you happened to be staying in." Under the leadership of Director of Operations Fuad Naser, this 97-room property has cracked the code on something most hotels struggle with: delivering chain-level consistency while maintaining the kind of authentic Vermont hospitality that makes visitors feel genuinely welcomed.
The secret? They've figured out that Vermont charm isn't something you manufacture - it's something you cultivate through the people who deliver it.
That cultivation shows in concrete recognition. The Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester recently earned the prestigious 2024 Connie Award from Hilton, ranking #1 in North America - an achievement that reflects the collective effort of every single employee across all departments. Named after Hilton founder Conrad Hilton, the Connie Award recognizes properties based on exceptional customer loyalty scores, service excellence, and overall quality performance.
Fuad mentions that what makes this recognition particularly meaningful is how it reflects the pride every employee takes in their work here. From housekeeping to front desk, from maintenance to breakfast service, the award represents a unified commitment to hospitality that guests notice immediately and remember long after checkout. It's the kind of consistency that only happens when an entire team genuinely cares about the experience they're creating together.
The first thing that sets this Hampton Inn apart is what you see before you even walk through the door. Designed to resemble a historic New England farmhouse, this uniquely designed hotel embodies tradition with modern sensibilities. Outdoor seating areas with a fire pit and lush landscaping welcome you and make you feel right at home - details that signal this isn't your typical corporate property.
Located on Main Street in downtown Manchester, guests are within walking distance to local shops, retail outlets, farm-to-table restaurants and cafés, seasonal attractions, and historic landmarks. The architectural choice isn't just aesthetic - it's strategic. When your building looks like it belongs in Vermont rather than looking like it could be anywhere, guests immediately understand they're somewhere special and welcoming.
But what really makes the difference is how the team uses that foundation to create experiences that feel distinctly local while maintaining the reliability Hampton Inn guests expect.
Guest reviews consistently highlight staff members by name, with Fuad and team members making such positive impacts that couples are frequently recommending the hotel to their wedding guests. This level of personal attention shows up in the details that matter most to travelers. Front desk staff provide restaurant recs upon check-in, with team members offering local tips and insider knowledge about the area.
These aren’t recommendations by rote or something being pushed uniformly through a memo. The staff who works here lives in the area and are able to provide their genuine tips and inside information that comes from years of calling a place home. The team understands that Vermont hospitality isn't about being overly familiar - it's about being genuinely helpful and paying attention to what guests actually need.
Every Hampton Inn offers complimentary breakfast, but not every Hampton Inn turns breakfast into a daily celebration of their location. Staff members take time to give instructions on making the perfect waffles at the complimentary breakfast - the kind of small gesture that transforms a standard amenity into a memorable moment.
The property also offers Hampton On the Run Breakfast Bags as take-away Monday through Friday, perfect for guests heading out early to explore the many hiking trails nearby, or spend the day at the outlets. It's this kind of thoughtful adaptation to how people actually travel that separates good hospitality from great hospitality.
The hotel offers both traditional guest rooms with microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers, as well as spacious suites including a wetbar and comfortable sleeper sofa - accommodations that work whether you're a couple on a romantic getaway or a family exploring the Green Mountains.
The property also features a heated indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and fitness center, amenities that serve Manchester's year-round appeal. After a day of hiking or shopping, guests gravitate toward those fire pit areas where conversations naturally happen between travelers sharing their Manchester discoveries..
What truly distinguishes this Hampton Inn is how the team connects guests to Manchester's authentic experiences. Close by to Bromley, Stratton, and Magic mountains, and Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, the staff doesn't just point guests toward the obvious attractions - they share the kind of local knowledge that helps visitors discover what makes Manchester special.
This expertise becomes especially valuable during Manchester's busy summer season, when knowing which restaurant takes reservations, which trails offer the best morning light, or which shops are worth the walk can make the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.
Here's what really shows the property's commitment to Manchester's growth: the team isn't just maintaining their current level of excellence - they're preparing for what's next. With Lost Marble Brewing Company opening right next door in Fall 2025, the Hampton Inn is positioned to be part of Manchester's evolving hospitality landscape while staying true to what makes them special now.
The brewery development, led by the same hospitality group that owns the Hampton Inn, signals that this isn't just about adding amenities - it's about creating a hospitality ecosystem that enhances the entire Manchester experience.
Ready to experience Vermont hospitality done right? The Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester sits at 4519 Main Street, perfectly positioned for everything Manchester offers. During peak summer season, advance reservations ensure you won't miss out on staying at a property where the award-winning staff knows the difference between good service and genuine hospitality.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier adventure destination.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
The first thing you can’t help to notice are the mountain views - Southern Vermont's rolling peaks stretched across the dining room windows like a living postcard that changes with every shift of light. Then comes the warmth beneath your bare feet as you pad across radiant-heated floors toward your morning coffee. This is life at the Vermontvacation-rentals.com Sanctuary Houses, where the line between vacation and living well gets delightfully blurred.
View Matterport Tours of each property here: Sanctuary I and Sanctuary II.
Andy Tarantino has created something special in Manchester Center with his two Sanctuary properties. These aren't just places to crash between activities; they're homes designed for the way people actually want to live, with thoughtful details that make daily life a pleasure, and with views that never stop impressing you.
The moment you step through the mudroom, you sense something different. This is functional luxury - spaces designed by someone who understands how families and friends actually use a home. The kitchen features wide angles and accessible design that doesn't sacrifice style, with the microwave positioned low and controls placed where everyone can reach them.
"I designed these houses using Chief Architect software," Andy explains, his pride evident as he points out the custom lighting boxes built into the SIP panel ceilings and the microlam beam wrapped in Douglas fir for visual appeal. "I believe in self-taught skills and practical experience. These homes need to work beautifully for everyone."
That philosophy shows everywhere you look. The master bath features a zero-threshold tile shower and roll-under sink - accessibility done so elegantly, you can’t help but notice the thoughtful engineering. Wide doorways and carefully planned sight lines make the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath homes feel spacious and connected.
What really sets these properties apart are the mountain views that serve as your daily backdrop. From the dining room windows, you can watch sunrise illuminate the ridgelines. The deck access from the master bedroom means your first coffee of the day comes with a panoramic view of Southern Vermont's rolling peaks.
"The views are what people remember," Andy notes. "You can see the mountain ranges from multiple rooms, and each time of day brings something different. Sunset from the deck, sunrise from the dining room - it never gets old."
The homes themselves were built in 2015 using insulated concrete forms and SIP panels, creating structures that stay comfortable year-round. Radiant heat in the cement floors keeps everything warm underfoot, while the tight construction includes an air exchange system that maintains perfect humidity and air quality.
What you won't find here is the corporate vacation rental experience. Andy personally manages both properties and takes genuine pride in creating memorable stays for his guests. His approach is refreshingly personal - he knows the area inside and out and genuinely enjoys helping visitors discover Manchester beyond the obvious attractions.
This personal touch extends to every detail. Andy's meticulous housekeeper ensures each arrival feels like you're the first person to stay, while his local knowledge opens doors to experiences you might not find on your own.
The Sanctuary Houses work especially well for longer visits and larger groups. With four bedrooms each featuring king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, these properties excel at hosting multi-generational families and multi-couple groups who want privacy without sacrifice. The thoughtful layout means grandparents have their accessible master suite while adult children enjoy equally luxurious accommodations throughout the house.
Both properties include full kitchens designed for real cooking, and spaces where groups can spread out comfortably. The lower level "kids room" features its own bathroom with a tub, while gas fireplaces and outdoor wood-burning options create cozy gathering spots for the whole group.
Andy books directly through his website at vermontvacation-rentals.com, maintaining personal relationships with guests rather than relying on third-party platforms. The properties accommodate various stay lengths, with weekly options that let you truly settle into the Vermont lifestyle.
Both Sanctuary Houses sit in prime Manchester Center locations, just a two-minute drive to downtown attractions with plenty of parking for multiple families' cars, positioned perfectly to maximize those mountain views. The combination of luxury amenities, thoughtful design, and Andy's personal attention creates something rare: vacation rentals that actually feel like an upgrade from home.
When you're sipping that morning coffee, watching the light change across the mountain ranges, you'll understand why guests return year after year. This isn't just accommodation - it's a better way to experience Vermont, one sunrise at a time.
View Matterport Tours of each property here: Sanctuary I and Sanctuary II.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont a premier destination.
Here's the thing about choosing where to stay in Manchester: it's all about finding the experience that feels right for you. Some travelers are drawn to that perfect intersection of history and hospitality. Others want every modern convenience wrapped in mountain views. And then there are those who just want to feel completely at home, like they're staying at their most stylish friend's place.
The beauty of Manchester is that it gets all of you. Whether you're the type who appreciates historic stories embedded in century-old walls or you're all about sleek efficiency with a Vermont twist, there's a lodging style here that speaks your language. We've matched Manchester's best stays to the personalities they serve best - because the right room can make your whole trip all the more perfect.
You know who you are: You read historical markers. You choose restaurants in buildings with backstories. You believe that staying somewhere with genuine heritage makes everything more meaningful.
Your Manchester match: The Dorset Inn, where, since 1796 travelers have tethered their horses at the front door before passing an evening by the fireplace - or in more recent times parked their horsepower. This isn't just historic charm for show - the Green Mountain Boys planned their exploits against the British right on the Dorset Green in 1775, and guests still gather in rooms where travelers have been welcomed for over 225 years.
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa brings a different scale of history - welcoming guests since 1769 and hosting four U.S. presidents including Theodore Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, William Howard Taft, and Benjamin Harrison. With over two centuries of stories embedded in its walls, The Equinox has served as everything from Marsh Tavern to various inns before becoming the grand resort that has helped shaped Manchester's identity.
What really sets this apart: At The Dorset Inn, you feel history in the marble steps quarried from nearby Dorset, the wide pine board floors, and the restored tavern where for the first 100 years, chefs relied on the inn's backyard chickens, cows, and vegetable garden for every meal. Inn proprietor Amy Ann Lapham's 1918 expansion - raising the roof over the ballroom to add guest rooms - still houses visitors today. The Equinox reveals secrets like hidden passageways discovered during renovations, connecting rooms across different parts of the building.
You are: The traveler who wants Vermont charm without sacrificing the conveniences that make a stay seamless. You appreciate thoughtful design, sophisticated finishes, and that perfect balance between local character and contemporary comfort.
Your Manchester match: Kimpton Taconic Hotel brings boutique sophistication to Manchester Village with a "free-spirited take on a New England escape that's both classic and highly curated". Inspired by Vermont's grand inns but executed with modern hospitality precision, The Taconic greets guests with luxurious Frette linens, plush bathrobes, and curated local artwork - plus thoughtful touches like complimentary bike rentals for exploring the surrounding areas.
Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester delivers reliable modern comfort with Vermont farmhouse aesthetics - designed to resemble a historic New England farmhouse but with contemporary sensibilities and all the amenities business and leisure travelers expect. Located right on Main Street in downtown Manchester, you're within easy walking distance of local shops and farm-to-table restaurants.
What makes the difference: These properties understand that "charming" doesn't have to mean "inconvenient." The Taconic's Copper Grouse restaurant exemplifies this - regional New England cuisine executed with precision, local craft spirits, but also the kind of service that anticipates your needs. Hampton Inn & Suites offers that perfect blend of traditional architecture with modern functionality - spacious rooms, outdoor seating areas with fire pits, and a complimentary hot breakfast to fuel your Manchester adventures.
This is you: You want more than a room - you want a base camp. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or planning an extended stay, you need space to cook, gather, and live like locals do.
Your perfect fit: VermontVacation-Rentals.com offers meticulously curated luxury homes with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and private outdoor spaces. These aren't just rental properties - they're homes designed exclusively for vacation rentals, with uncluttered spaces and everything from ice cream scoops to high-speed internet.
What sets this experience apart: Picture this - your whole group under one roof instead of throughout multiple rooms. Multi-generational families can give grandparents the master suite while kids claim the bunk room. Girls' weekends become more intimate with shared morning coffee in pajamas and late-night conversations around the kitchen island. Multi-couple trips mean everyone gets their privacy but you can all cook dinner together, play games in the living room, and actually spend time together instead of just meeting up for meals.
You're the traveler who: Wants to stay somewhere that could only exist in Manchester. You're drawn to family-run places with personality, where the owners aren't just hoteliers but locals who genuinely love sharing their corner of Vermont.
Your people are at: The Barnstead Inn, where the owners have created a unique boutique experience for "outgoing and social travelers". This isn't just accommodation - it's 23 beautiful rooms and suites tucked into restored 1830s New England buildings, plus three new patios with fire pits where guests naturally gravitate for evening conversations.
The Inn at Manchester delivers that quintessential Vermont bed & breakfast experience on immaculately maintained acreage, where pleasures are genuinely simple - rocking chairs on the classic front porch, fireplaces perfect for book reading, and a secluded pool for afternoon swims.
For the traveler who wants: Everything in one place. You're here for mountain activities, resort amenities, and that feeling of being completely immersed in Vermont's outdoor culture.
Your basecamp: Stratton Mountain Resort sits at 3,875 feet offering breathtaking Green Mountain views and a full slate of summer adventures. From Stratton's 10+ mile downhill Bike Park to scenic gondola rides ascending to the summit, this is mountain living at its finest. Take a UTV Mountain Tour through rugged terrain, strike a pose during Mountain Top Yoga at the summit deck, or serve it up on the tennis and pickleball courts.
What makes this different: Stratton transforms into a summer playground with events that capture Vermont's spirit. Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with the Stratton Doggie and Me 5K (yes, you can run with your pup), celebrate Fourth of July with "Mountain Friends and Freedom" featuring family-friendly activities, live music, and fireworks over the mountains. The summer music series brings tribute bands like Badfish (honoring Sublime) and Red Not Chili Peppers to outdoor stages with mountain backdrops.
The resort's dining scene keeps pace with the energy - from Fire Tower Restaurant & Tavern with its rustic Vermont comfort fare to Village Pie's authentic Italian pizzas made with fresh local ingredients. Green Door Pub offers that authentic après-adventure atmosphere with pool tables, foosball, and locally-made craft beer selections.
The Manchester advantage: Every lodging style here puts you within walking distance of local shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and seasonal attractions, while keeping you close to outdoor adventures at Bromley, Stratton, and Magic mountains, plus historic landmarks like Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home.
What you'll discover is that your lodging choice shapes your entire Manchester experience. Stay at a historic inn, and you'll find yourself lingering over breakfast, swapping stories with other guests, taking evening walks to appreciate architecture. Choose a vacation rental, and you'll start shopping at local farmers markets, cooking with Vermont ingredients, living like a temporary local. Pick a boutique hotel, and you'll discover that perfectly curated cocktail hour where fellow travelers become instant friends.
The right stay doesn't just give you a place to sleep - it gives you the Manchester experience that matches exactly who you are as a traveler.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester Vermont's premier destination.
