How To Be a Boston Brahmin
Boston is no stranger to gorgeous historic hotels and restaurants, and you don’t need to go far to experience old-world luxury. But the REAL old-world luxury is emulating our Bostonian ancestors and escaping the city for a retreat to the New Hampshire mountains. Just three hours from Boston lies a place that has welcomed the city-weary for over a hundred years: The Omni Mount Washington Hotel.
The first glimpse of the hotel is dramatic, a winding driveway up to a white and red palace, with the backdrop of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range. Walk through the doors and you are transported back to 1902. A moose holds watch over a lobby that is frozen in time, meticulously restored to look the same as it did to the hotel’s first guests.
Once you have your key, exploration is a must. Take note of the little details – especially the Tiffany stained glass and historic photos around the property.
The Rooms:
The Omni recently added a Presidential Wing to the hotel, which is where we stayed. Crossing the threshold it is evident you are in a new part of the building, but it maintained the iconic red roof, and the hallways all had views of the main hotel. The room paid homage to the historic roots of the hotel, while providing modern luxuries including a gorgeous spa-style bathroom and soaking tub. The highlight was a stunning balcony that overlooked the river and the entire mountain range. The clouds were low the whole time we were there, but it still provided exquisite views of the river and the Notch to the East. While the charm of the historic rooms remains a draw, the Presidential Wing is the perfect place to stay for those who want the best of the old world and the new.
Dining:
The main restaurant in the hotel is the Main Dining Room, now also called the 1902. When I first heard the plans for renovation, I was apprehensive. The Main Dining Room for years looked exactly like the photos from 1902 itself, and the elegance and charm was beautifully preserved. The renovations were incredible – a more modern and colorful take while still maintaining the historic light fixtures and details that make the room so special. The changes optimized the use of the space but maintained the class. Breakfast there was a delight. Peek into the Sun Dining Room if you can.
The Rosebrook Bar is the place to go for lunch, and they serve you in the lounge, Conservatory, and spacious porch (weather permitting). Is there anything better than sipping cocktails, eating a cheeseboard, and looking out on all of Mother Nature’s glory?
Stickey’s, named for the founders, is a more casual spot but still spectacular with its dark wood and big windows. There you will find a wide range of comfort food – steak being the star player. It was hard to choose from a menu that had a little bit of everything, but you can’t go wrong with a filet mingon! Sweet tooths rejoice – the dessert menu was exquisite.
Activities:
In winter, there is no lack of activity – primarily skiing, since the hotel is part of the larger Bretton Woods ski resort. More snowy activities include Nordic skiing, tubing, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing. During ski season, most guests are hitting the slopes, so the hotel has the feel of an elevated ski lodge.
Warmer weather brings in an even more diverse crowd, with hiking, biking, fishing, tennis, and golfing.
There is a beautiful spa, an indoor and soon-to-be-completed outdoor pool, and in better weather there is a lovely riverside trail that meanders past the golf course. The resort has something for everyone both outdoorsy and indoorsy, and caters to solo travelers, couples, friends, and families. There is also a good chance you will be there for a wedding weekend, keep an eye out for the bride! (Ours made an appearance in the speakeasy.)
A historic tour of the hotel is a must, it brings the building alive.
Staff:
The staff at this hotel are one-of-a-kind. As well as knowledgeable locals, students from all over the world are employed, their home countries are printed on their nametags. It is evident how incredibly hard-working and passionate they are, and I saw them often going above and beyond to connect with guests. They truly elevate the experience.
Overall:
What makes this resort so special is that the best thing to do here is to simply slow down. Grab a drink in the former speakeasy, the Cave. Sit by a roaring fire. Lounge on the deck. People-watch in the lobby. After all, that was what the Stickney’s intended when they built the Mount Washington – a place to step back from life, and to truly relax. There’s a reason people come here again and again – in a world of modern boutique hotels, it stands out as true old-world elegance.
(Full version of the edited post published in Time Out Magazine Tuesday April 4 2023)