Owl's Nest

When searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the breathtaking landscapes of New Hampshire, particularly within the White Mountains region, Owl's Nest Resort emerges as a prominent and multifaceted destination. Located at 73 Lafayette Rd, Thornton, NH 03285, USA, Owl's Nest is not merely a hotel but a comprehensive resort experience, offering a range of accommodations, extensive recreational facilities, and dining options designed to cater to a diverse array of guests, from avid golfers and sports enthusiasts to families and those planning special events.

The environment at Owl's Nest Resort is a significant part of its appeal. Nestled amidst the majestic White Mountains, the resort boasts fantastic views, especially vibrant in the fall. The sprawling property integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for relaxation and activity. The resort concept focuses on offering guests a blend of luxury and connection with nature, making it an ideal escape for those seeking both tranquility and adventure. The overall ambiance aims for a sophisticated yet comfortable feel, inviting guests to "make it their own" vacation experience.

Owl's Nest Resort offers a wide array of services and features, designed to provide a comprehensive and memorable stay. A key highlight is New Hampshire's only Nicklaus Design 18-hole golf course, which is a significant draw for both serious and casual golfers. The course is known for its elevation changes and pristine conditions, offering scenic vistas throughout the seasons. Guests can also utilize a driving range and rent clubs from the Golf Shop.

Beyond golf, the resort features a premier three-sport racquet complex, which is the first in New Hampshire to offer pickleball, tennis, and platform tennis. These facilities are often praised for their quality and the active community they foster. For water activities, Lake Harold, a 10-acre private lake, is available for kayaking and swimming. The resort also boasts a seasonal outdoor heated pool and a hot tub, generally accessible from June to September, providing a refreshing escape during warmer months.

Accommodation at Owl's Nest is diverse, catering to different group sizes and preferences. Options include elegantly appointed guest rooms for shorter stays, and various types of private rental homes such as 1-bedroom Nano units, 2-bedroom, 2-bath suites, and larger 4-bedroom, 4-bath private homes. These homes are designed for comfort and self-sufficiency, often featuring fully equipped kitchens with modern appliances (refrigerators, ovens, stovetops, microwaves, dishwashers), separate living areas, and private outdoor spaces like yards, decks, or patios. Standard amenities across accommodations typically include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. It's noted that while some units are managed by Owl's Nest Resort, properties on specific streets like Lafayette Drive might be individually owned, and their amenities or condition could vary. Some guest feedback points to potential variations in the "luxury" aspect of older homes, with suggestions to choose newer properties for a more consistent high-end experience. Pet-friendly accommodations are available for dogs with an associated fee, and service animals are exempt.

Dining experiences at Owl's Nest are varied. Panorama Six82 is the resort's signature restaurant, offering creative cocktails and New Hampshire cuisine with breathtaking views of the White Mountains. It focuses on dishes crafted from local, seasonal ingredients and provides options for lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Slice Pizzeria & Sports Bar offers a more casual dining experience, serving pizza, wings, and other pub fare. There is also a coffee shop/cafe, a snack bar/deli, and a convenience store/deli on-site, offering quick bites and essentials. Room service is also available.

For events, Owl's Nest Resort is a popular venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and other celebrations. The Sunset Pavilion is an elegant open-air venue with panoramic views, an outdoor fireplace, and a fieldstone patio, ideal for ceremonies and receptions. The LakeHouse, overlooking Lake Harold, also offers a picturesque setting for gatherings. The resort provides dedicated event planning and catering services, with a culinary team capable of customizing menus to suit various styles and budgets.

Promotional information for Owl's Nest often highlights its unique positioning as a year-round destination. It emphasizes "Stay & Play" packages that combine lodging with golf or racquet sports, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the resort's active offerings. Seasonal events, such as trivia nights at Slice Pizzeria and various concerts or holiday galas, are regularly promoted to enhance the guest experience. The resort also actively develops and expands its facilities, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement and new amenities. Its strategic location, just two miles from I-93, offers easy access to the broader Lakes Region and White Mountain attractions, including hiking, skiing, and charming local towns.

Guest reviews provide valuable insights into the Owl's Nest experience. Many guests consistently praise the stunning mountain views, the excellent golf course, and the high-quality racquet sports facilities. The cleanliness of the newer accommodations, the efficiency of the keyless check-in/check-out process, and the cordiality of the staff, particularly in dining and event planning, frequently receive positive mentions. The on-site dining, especially Panorama Six82, is often lauded for its delicious food and pleasant ambiance. Wedding guests, in particular, highlight the exceptional service from event planners and the convenience of on-site lodging for their guests.

However, some reviews, especially concerning certain units on Lafayette Drive, indicate that not all accommodations meet the "luxury" standard consistently. Specific concerns mentioned include initial room temperatures (e.g., cold upon arrival), insufficient seating for larger groups in common areas (kitchen table, living room, outdoor seating), and a lack of adequate kitchen supplies for the advertised capacity of the homes. Issues such as a broken couch armrest and problems with water temperature consistency due to loose faucet handles have also been reported. These reviews suggest that while the resort as a whole is highly regarded for its amenities and natural beauty, the quality of individual rental homes can vary, with older units potentially not living up to the same "luxury" expectation as newer constructions. This highlights the importance of clarifying specific unit details and potentially requesting newer accommodations when booking, especially for larger groups or longer stays where self-catering and comfortable communal spaces are crucial.