Snowy Owl Inn

For those searching for "Hotels Near Me" in the scenic White Mountains, the Snowy Owl Inn in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, presents itself as a charming and highly convenient option. Located at 41 Village Rd, Waterville Valley, NH 03215, USA, this inn offers a rustic and quaint atmosphere combined with a prime location that has garnered significant praise from past guests. For reservations and inquiries, the inn can be contacted directly at (603) 236-8383 or +1 603-236-8383.

The environment surrounding the Snowy Owl Inn is one of its most appealing features. Situated in the heart of Waterville Valley, guests enjoy immediate and unparalleled access to the vibrant Town Square. This means shops, restaurants, and various recreational activities are all within easy walking distance. The location is particularly advantageous for families participating in hockey tournaments, as it's "no question walkable to the rink!" as highlighted by a satisfied guest. Beyond the immediate village, the inn is nestled within the breathtaking White Mountain National Forest, offering stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and the fresh mountain air. A pleasant surprise for many guests is the presence of a stream out back and an adjacent walking trail, providing tranquil spots for relaxation and exploration right on the property. The overall ambiance is that of a cozy, rustic New England inn, with natural wood and a three-story fieldstone fireplace dominating its award-winning lobby atrium, creating a warm and inviting communal space. The inn has a total of 80-85 rooms and was last renovated in 2014, maintaining its classic charm.

The services and features at Snowy Owl Inn are designed to enhance a guest's stay, blending comfort with access to a wide array of activities. Guests receive a complimentary light fare breakfast served daily in the parlor off the main lobby, typically from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM. This breakfast usually includes options like muffins, donuts, juice, and coffee/tea, providing a convenient start to the day with "enough options to get something for everyone." On peak season weekends and holidays, the Snowy Owl Inn Restaurant may also open for a more extensive menu breakfast or buffet service from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The inn features an octagon-shaped heated indoor pool, with hours typically from 9 AM to 9 PM, offering a refreshing swim regardless of the weather. Men's and women's saunas are also available, located near the main lobby, providing a perfect way to unwind (guests might need to call the front desk to have them warmed up). A fitness center with cardiovascular equipment is open from 7 AM to 9 PM daily, encouraging guests to stay active. Complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel, though it tends to be stronger in common areas. For guest convenience, coin-operated laundry facilities are located on the first floor. The front desk operates during limited hours (e.g., 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM), but staff are consistently praised for being "very friendly and accommodating" and always around to assist. Vending machines are also available on-site.

A significant value-add for guests of the Snowy Owl Inn, as a participating lodge in Waterville Valley, is the inclusion of the Waterville Valley Freedom Pass. This pass, typically included with most nightly rate plans, is a "passport to fun," offering access to a wide array of resort amenities and activities valued at over $100 per person per day. Benefits often include unlimited admission to the White Mountain Athletic Club's Aquatic Center (featuring indoor/outdoor pools, whirlpools, kiddie pool), fitness center, indoor track, saunas, and steam rooms. Depending on the season, it might also include one hour of complimentary indoor tennis court time (non-holiday weekdays), access to open gym/basketball sessions at the Recreation Department, one hour of boating per day on Corcoran Pond (kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, SUPs), two-hour standard mountain bike rentals (seasonal), and daily rides on Snow's Mountain Chairlift (seasonal). The Freedom Pass also provides unlimited access to the complimentary Waterville Valley Resort Trolley/Shuttle Bus, making it easy to navigate the valley and access all activities without needing a car, including the ski area. Additional perks often include discounts on food orders at various Waterville Valley restaurants, and discounts on activities like the Bear Factory and Legends Adventure Arcade.

The rooms at the Snowy Owl Inn are designed to offer comfort and practicality. While some reviews note that bathrooms might be "a bit dated," they are consistently described as clean, and the rooms themselves are spacious, accommodating families of four or more comfortably. Each room typically includes a mini-fridge, which is a convenient feature for storing snacks and beverages. Guests can also utilize a microwave in the breakfast area for heating up food. Rooms feature climate-controlled air conditioning and heating, ensuring comfort year-round, along with cable/satellite TV service. Hair dryers, private bathrooms, and alarm clocks are standard amenities. Various room types are available, from smaller cozy rooms (e.g., 255 sq ft) to larger lofts (e.g., 40-435 sq ft) and executive suites, some with mountain views or specific bed configurations to suit different group sizes, including options with queen, double, twin, and king beds, and sofa beds. Some premium rooms may also feature Jacuzzi tubs and separate showers. The "Dog Friendly Queen/Double" rooms are a notable feature for pet owners, allowing for "a couple dogs" at an additional non-refundable fee of $15 per pet per night, with a maximum of two dogs. It's important to note that these specific dog-friendly rooms must be booked directly with the front desk and cannot typically be reserved through third-party vendors. The inn is otherwise a 100% non-smoking lodge.

Promotional information for Snowy Owl Inn emphasizes its "rustic and quaint" charm, its family-friendly atmosphere, and its prime location in the heart of Waterville Valley's Town Square. It is often marketed as an ideal base for experiencing the year-round outdoor adventures of the White Mountains, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, biking, and swimming in summer. The inclusion of the Freedom Pass is a major selling point, highlighting the exceptional value and access to a wide range of activities. The complimentary light fare breakfast, indoor pool, and the overall friendly and accommodating staff are consistently featured in promotional materials. The inn's unique architectural design and comfortable common areas, especially the grand lobby with its fireplace and several smaller lobbies also with fireplaces, are highlighted as appealing features for guests seeking a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Special packages may be offered seasonally to attract different types of travelers, from ski enthusiasts to summer adventurers. The inn also offers meeting and event space, with three meeting rooms capable of holding up to 295 people.

In conclusion, the Snowy Owl Inn offers a compelling option for those searching for "Hotels Near Me" in Waterville Valley, NH. Its unbeatable location, range of amenities including an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast, access to the extensive Waterville Valley Freedom Pass activities, and a reputation for friendly service make it a highly desirable choice. Despite minor points like potentially dated bathrooms, the overall guest experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors, especially families and those participating in local events, expressing a strong desire to return. It provides a comfortable and authentic New Hampshire mountain resort experience.