Essex House and Tavern

For those searching "Hotels Near Of Me" in the heart of Vermont's magnificent Northeast Kingdom, the Essex House and Tavern in Island Pond presents itself as an integral and highly-regarded destination. Situated at 138 Cross St, Island Pond, VT 05846, USA, and reachable via phone at (802) 723-9888 or +1 802-723-9888, this historic establishment seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern comforts, making it a crucial stop or stay for anyone exploring the area.

The Essex House and Tavern is housed within a beautifully renovated century-old building, dating back to 1866. The renovation has successfully preserved the building's historic character, incorporating elements like original wood supports, while infusing a modernized, antique aesthetic. The tavern, located on the first floor, boasts a vintage industrial look that complements the historic charm, and the aroma of the chef's creations is often cited as immediately appealing. The overall ambiance is described as welcoming and cozy, providing a perfect respite after a day of outdoor adventures.

One of the most notable features of the environment is its direct connection to the outdoors. The large, paved parking lot is conveniently located near the VAST trail system, which flows directly into it. This makes it an ideal hub for snowmobilers and ATV/UTV riders, as town roads in Island Pond are also open to these vehicles. Furthermore, an enclosed pavilion measuring 20'x36' overlooks the serene Clyde River, offering a picturesque setting that can be enjoyed in all seasons thanks to its overhead infrared heaters. In warmer months, additional outdoor seating can be added, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Northeast Kingdom.

The Essex House offers a total of eleven renovated hotel rooms, including multiple suites, each designed to provide a fresh, comforting feel. The rooms have been updated with new amenities while retaining the building's quaint, historic style. Guests can expect new bedding sets, including crisp sheets, fluffy pillows, and elegant throw blankets, with sleet white duvet comforters that are changed with each new guest to ensure cleanliness. Additional highlights in every room include light-limiting curtains and flat-screen TVs, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay for both business and leisure travelers.

The focus on guest comfort is evident in the attention to detail, aiming to make each stay as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. While specific room types like "Deluxe King" or "Standard Queen" are not detailed, the consistency in positive reviews regarding room cleanliness and comfort suggests a high standard across all accommodations. The hotel's smaller, locally-owned nature allows for a more personal touch compared to larger chain hotels.

The Essex House and Tavern prides itself on putting guests first, striving to make every stay enjoyable. While detailed service lists are not readily available, customer reviews consistently highlight the friendliness, helpfulness, and good service provided by the staff, particularly in the tavern. This indicates a commitment to attentive and accommodating service.

A major draw of the Essex House and Tavern is its renowned on-site tavern and restaurant. The food is "undeniably tasty," with guests frequently expressing satisfaction with their meals. The menu is described as simple yet bursting with flavor, offering a variety of options including appetizers, burgers, wings, soups, sandwiches, main entrees, and daily specials. While there have been occasional mentions of excessive wait times for food, particularly during busy periods, the quality and taste of the dishes consistently receive high praise. The tavern features a full bar with a POS system and several desktop stations, catering to a lively atmosphere. An attached dining room, capable of seating an additional 65 guests, is perfect for hosting events or providing a more formal dining experience. This dining room also includes a dry bar. The fully-equipped kitchen, complete with a 16' vent hood, walk-in cooler, and dry/liquor storage, supports the comprehensive culinary offerings. The restaurant has been featured in local dining tours, underscoring its reputation.

Beyond the rooms and dining, the Essex House and Tavern provides several key features that cater to its diverse clientele:

• Connectivity: High-speed internet access is available, ensuring guests can stay connected.
• Parking: A large, paved parking lot is available, suitable for trucks, trailers, snowmobiles, and ATVs, given its direct access to the VAST trail system.
• Outdoor Space: The heated enclosed pavilion overlooking the Clyde River is a significant amenity, providing a comfortable outdoor space year-round.
• Turnkey Operation: The business is described as a turnkey operation staffed by capable and experienced employees, indicating a smooth and efficient service delivery for guests.
• Housekeeping and Laundry: Rooms are maintained by a team of housekeepers, with a separate laundry room and facilities on-site, offering convenience for guests on longer stays.

The hotel is particularly well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, acting as a pivotal location for those engaging in snowmobiling, ATV riding, and other winter sports, as well as warmer weather activities.

The Essex House and Tavern is deeply integrated into the local community and serves as a vital establishment for both residents and tourists. Its consistent appeal to snowmobilers highlights its importance in the region's winter tourism. Island Pond, located in the Northeast Kingdom, is known as the "Snowmobile Capital of Vermont," offering hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails that connect to New Hampshire and Canada, making it a popular destination for long-distance rides. The hotel's proximity to the VAST trail system is a major promotional point, making it an ideal choice for riders looking for convenient access and secure parking.

Beyond snowmobiling, Island Pond is a four-season destination. Guests can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in Island Pond lake, and explore the nearby Brighton State Park and Bluff Mountain. The hotel's location also offers relatively easy access to world-class mountain biking at Kingdom Trails and classic Vermont skiing at Burke Mountain, both within an 18-mile drive. This positions the Essex House and Tavern as a versatile lodging option for various outdoor adventures throughout the year.

While specific ongoing promotions were not detailed in the provided information, the hotel's long-standing presence and positive reputation, particularly among the snowmobiling community, suggest a consistent appeal. Potential guests are encouraged to contact the Essex House and Tavern directly at (802) 723-9888 or +1 802-723-9888 for the most up-to-date information on room availability, rates, and any seasonal packages or special offers that might be available. Given its status as a local gem with a loyal customer base of boaters, snowmobile enthusiasts, seasonal visitors, and second-home owners, booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, would be advisable.

In summary, the Essex House and Tavern in Island Pond, VT, offers a compelling option for those searching "Hotels Near Of Me" in the Northeast Kingdom. With its blend of historic charm, comfortable and clean accommodations, a highly-rated on-site tavern, and unparalleled access to the region's outdoor recreational opportunities, it provides a memorable and convenient stay for all who visit.