The Valley Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

Positioned as a distinct choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, The Valley Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, located at 17 Tecumseh Rd, Waterville Valley, NH 03215, USA, offers a unique and convenient lodging experience in the heart of New Hampshire's scenic White Mountains. As part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, it maintains its individual charm while providing the reliability and amenities expected from a recognized brand. The hotel is particularly well-suited for guests looking to immerse themselves in the outdoor adventures and village atmosphere of Waterville Valley.

The Valley Inn boasts a truly advantageous location within Waterville Valley, a self-contained resort village surrounded by the expansive White Mountain National Forest. This prime setting means that guests are often treated to incredible views of the mountains directly from their windows. The hotel's position allows for easy exploration of the village on foot, with various shops, restaurants, and the lively Town Square just a short walk away. For outdoor enthusiasts, the proximity to the White Mountain National Forest offers immediate access to a vast network of hiking and biking trails. During the winter months, the Waterville Valley Ski Area is easily reachable via a complimentary ski shuttle, and Nordic ski trails are also close by. The hotel is also conveniently located near the Waterville Valley Ice Arena and the Waterville Valley Golf Course, providing year-round recreational opportunities. The overall environment is one of tranquility and natural beauty, making it an ideal escape from urban bustle, while still providing convenient access to amenities.

The Valley Inn offers a range of comfortable and clean rooms and suites designed to accommodate both couples and families. While exact room configurations vary, common features include comfortable beds, private bathrooms with toiletries and hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and Keurig coffee makers. Some rooms may also feature kitchenettes with a two-burner stove-top and full-size refrigerator, providing added convenience for longer stays or for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals. Air conditioning is available in rooms, and some guests appreciate the presence of a fan for comfortable sleeping. The hotel's interior often evokes an "old mountain vibe," contributing to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and many rooms boast scenic mountain views.

As an Ascend Hotel Collection property and a participating lodge of the Waterville Valley Resort Association (WVRA), guests at The Valley Inn receive significant benefits, most notably the complimentary "Freedom Pass." This pass unlocks access to a wide array of resort amenities and activities, adding considerable value to a stay. Key services and features include:

• Recreational Facilities: The hotel itself features a seasonal outdoor pool (typically open in summer), a game room with video games and a pool table, and a library for quiet relaxation. Crucially, the Freedom Pass grants guests unlimited admission to the White Mountain Athletic Club, which boasts an aquatic center with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, a fitness center with cardio and weight rooms, and an indoor jogging track.
• Outdoor Activities: The Freedom Pass covers access to numerous outdoor activities, varying by season. These include bike rentals, boat rentals (canoe, kayak, paddleboard) on Corcoran's Pond, one 9-hole round of golf daily at the Waterville Valley Golf Course (tee time and proper dress required), ice skating sessions at the indoor ice arena, and access to open gym programs at the Recreation Department. Guests can also enjoy the Waterville Valley Resort Shuttle for quick transport around the village and to the ski area.
• Dining and Refreshments: While the hotel does not have a full-service bar or restaurant on-site, it provides a complimentary "on-the-go breakfast" daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, featuring options like coffee, tea, and continental items. Freshly ground coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day in the spacious lobby, which features a large two-sided stone fireplace and comfortable seating. For other meals, numerous restaurants and dining options are within walking distance in the Town Square, and some Freedom Pass benefits may include discounts at local eateries. Barbecue grills and a picnic area are also available for guest use during the summer.
• Guest Services: The Valley Inn offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property and in all rooms, free self-parking (including wheelchair-accessible parking), laundry facilities, and ski storage. The front desk operates during limited hours (typically 4 PM to 9 PM), so guests planning late arrivals should make arrangements in advance. The staff is frequently praised in reviews for being friendly, accommodating, and helpful in planning guest activities.
• Meeting and Event Spaces: The hotel provides multiple meeting rooms and conference space, with a total of 5 meeting rooms and over 3,200 sq ft of event space, suitable for events, small conferences, or group gatherings.

The Valley Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, is often promoted as an ideal choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts due to its central location and the invaluable "Freedom Pass" inclusion. The pass, which provides access to activities valued at over $100 per person per day, is a significant draw, allowing guests to enjoy a wide range of recreational pursuits without additional costs. Promotional efforts often highlight the hotel's accessibility to hiking and biking trails right from the property, the convenience of the free ski shuttle, and its proximity to the lively Town Square. Special packages might be offered seasonally, focusing on specific activities like skiing in winter or hiking and pond activities in summer. The "Ascend Hotel Collection" branding emphasizes the property's unique character and integration into the local community, promising an authentic experience. The availability of diverse room types, including those with kitchenettes and two-bedroom suites, is also a key selling point for various travel needs, accommodating groups of up to six people or more. The hotel may offer discounts for AAA and AARP members, as well as special rates for direct bookings.

Guest reviews for The Valley Inn are largely positive, with particular commendation for the hotel's location and the friendliness of its staff. Many guests appreciate the "old mountain vibe" and the comfortable, clean rooms, often highlighting the great mountain views. The availability of amenities like the fan in the room and the overall spaciousness are also frequently mentioned. The hotel is noted as being very kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families. Guests consistently praise the "awesome service" and the convenience of having biking and walking trails directly accessible from the hotel.

However, some points of consideration emerge from customer feedback. The lack of an on-site full-service bar is a disappointment for some guests. While the rooms are generally clean, some reviews suggest that bathrooms, though clean, could benefit from updating. Occasional mentions of water pressure issues in showers or issues with sofa beds not being perfectly cushioned have also appeared. The complimentary breakfast is described as "on-the-go" or continental, implying a lighter, less elaborate offering, which some guests found limited. While the hotel states a seasonal outdoor pool, some reviews indicated a preference for year-round availability or mentioned issues with pool temperature. Despite these minor critiques, the overwhelming sentiment points to a highly positive experience, with guests expressing a strong intent to return. The exceptional staff service and the unbeatable location for accessing Waterville Valley's attractions are consistently cited as major strengths, often outweighing any minor drawbacks in room aesthetics or on-site dining options. The Freedom Pass is a recurring highlight, greatly enhancing guest satisfaction and value for money, making it a "10/10" recommendation for many.

The hotel's phone number for inquiries and reservations is (603) 236-8425 or +1 603-236-8425.