The Tamarack

Located at 6447 Holiday Valley Rd, Ellicottville, NY 14731, USA, The Tamarack is a prominent condominium-hotel nestled directly at the base of the Holiday Valley Ski Resort. As a key player within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in Ellicottville, The Tamarack offers a unique and amenity-rich experience, particularly appealing to those seeking immediate access to outdoor activities. Guests can reach the hotel for inquiries and reservations at (716) 699-7000 or via mobile at +1 716-699-7000.

The environment of The Tamarack is defined by its prime slopeside and golf course location. It boasts true "ski-in/ski-out" access, allowing guests to step directly from the hotel to the chairlifts during winter, and being steps away from the pro shop and the first hole of the Holiday Valley Golf Course in warmer months. This direct access to recreational activities is a significant part of its appeal. The building itself is a modern condominium/hotel built in 2009, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and slopes. While the setting provides beautiful vistas, the internal environment and general atmosphere, as reflected in some guest reviews, can be quite lively and energetic. Being directly adjacent to the pool area and elevators can sometimes mean a higher level of noise, including music, children playing, and general guest activity, which might impact those seeking a purely tranquil and quiet retreat. It's an environment designed for activity and social interaction, which can be a draw for some, and a potential drawback for others.

The services and features at The Tamarack are extensive, aiming to provide a comprehensive resort experience. As a condominium-hotel, it offers a range of accommodations from standard hotel rooms to one, two, and three-bedroom condominiums, often including kitchenettes or full kitchens. Key features and amenities generally available include:

• Diverse Accommodations: Units often come with features like fireplaces, kitchens or kitchenettes (with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers), and DVD players. Some are designed as studio units, while larger condos provide separate bedrooms and living spaces, catering to various group sizes.

• Recreational Facilities: A major draw is the heated indoor/outdoor pool, open year-round, along with two outdoor hot tubs. There is also a fitness room, a Cedar Sauna, and a full-service Ellicottville Oasis Spa on-site, offering massages, body wraps, facials, and more. For golf enthusiasts, there's an 18-hole golf course directly accessible.

• Ski and Snowboarding Amenities: Beyond ski-in/ski-out access, the hotel offers ski check, ski storage, ski equipment rentals, and lessons, maximizing convenience for winter sports enthusiasts. A winter shuttle service to base lodges is also available.

• Dining Options: The property often features an on-site restaurant (such as John Harvard's Brew House) and a coffee shop/cafe, providing convenient dining choices. Room service may also be available during limited hours.

• Guest Services: A 24/7 front desk, bell staff/porter services, underground and valet parking, free Wi-Fi, and coin-operated laundry facilities are typically provided. The hotel is also pet-friendly (for service animals, but generally not pets) and offers a non-smoking environment in its guest rooms.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The Tamarack often includes a children's pool, playground on site, and can arrange babysitting services (for a surcharge), making it suitable for families. There is also a game room/arcade.

• Outdoor Spaces: Beyond the pools, guests can enjoy outdoor gas fire pits and terraces, providing additional areas for relaxation and socializing.

Customer reviews for The Tamarack, while appreciating certain aspects, also provide crucial insights into the overall guest experience, particularly concerning the hotel's atmosphere. While the "stunning views" and convenience of the location are consistently acknowledged, several guests describe an environment that is more "lively" and "energetic" than "relaxing." Concerns frequently raised include:

• Noise Levels: Proximity to elevators and the pool area can lead to significant noise, with reports of "non stop music by the pool, kids screaming, and parents just living it up," extending late into the night (e.g., "until 11 pm"). Guests have also noted noise from "drunk and hitting the walls as they came off the elevators" late at night, suggesting that bachelor/bachelorette parties or large groups contribute to a party-like atmosphere, which may not align with expectations of a quiet retreat.

• Crowded Facilities: The pool area, in particular, is noted as being "completely packed," diminishing the sense of relaxation for some guests.

• Room Comfort and Amenities: While generally nice, some specific feedback points to issues like "scratchy blankets and sheets," "no comforter," leading to feeling "freezing all night." Minor inconveniences like having to unload the dishwasher upon arrival are also mentioned.

• Service Issues: One review highlights a negative experience with staff when attempting to change rooms due to noise, describing them as "really kind nasty about it," despite the hotel being full. This suggests that while overall staff and service might be rated well on some platforms, individual experiences can vary.

• Discrepancy in Expectations: The most prominent theme is the misalignment between how the hotel is advertised ("chill and somewhat relaxing") and the actual experience, which leans towards a more boisterous and activity-filled environment. This has led some guests to state definitively, "We deff will not be back."

From a promotional perspective, The Tamarack's key selling points, within the "Hotels Near Of Me" search, are its direct ski-in/ski-out access, comprehensive on-site amenities (including pools, spa, and golf), and its suitability for active groups and families looking for an engaging and dynamic resort experience. It is ideal for those who value immediate access to outdoor sports and a vibrant social atmosphere over complete tranquility. The convenience of having everything on-site, from dining to recreation, is a major draw. Potential guests should be aware that while the views are indeed stunning and the facilities extensive, the hotel's environment can be lively and noisy, especially during peak seasons or when large groups are present. It's recommended to inquire about specific room locations (e.g., away from pools or elevators) if a quieter stay is desired. For the most up-to-date promotional offers and packages, it is best to visit the official Holiday Valley website, as The Tamarack is part of their resort offerings, or contact the hotel directly via phone at (716) 699-7000 or +1 716-699-7000.