DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont

The Sheraton Burlington Hotel has a lot more style and charm than many Sheraton outposts, with a four-story atrium in the lobby that elevates the architecture and atmosphere of this busy, corporate hotel. The interior is designed to look like an outdoor courtyard, with lots of windows and skylights letting in natural light. The lobby feels like the hotel’s town square, with business travelers holding meetings or working on laptops, families planning excursions, and guests using the Link@Sheraton business center. The decor includes exposed brick, lots of wood and leather, wainscoting and elaborate woodwork, fireplaces, and overstuffed plaid furniture, all in genteel shades of brown and beige, with bright touches of blue, red, and rust. There are also elegant smaller spaces that resemble upmarket country homes. Expect to see travelers of all stripes here, including those visiting the nearby University of Vermont, or those in town for events and conferences.

The Sheraton Burlington Hotel is located on a busy commercial street, in the vicinity of shops, hotels, and restaurants. Tourists and business travelers will find the location convenient -- it's a 10-minute walk to the center of the University of Vermont. Downtown Burlington is a five-minute drive, and the Sheraton runs a frequent (and free) shuttle between popular locations, including to and from the Burlington Airport. There are an abundance of golf courses and hiking trails in the area, and five ski resorts within approximately an hour’s drive. The shops and restaurants of Church Street Marketplace are six minutes from the hotel by car, and the Magic Hat Brewery is 10 minutes away. For families, the Shelburne Museum, Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and Ben & Jerry’s Factory are within a 25-minute drive. The Burlington Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

The 309 rooms at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel are spacious, clean, and serene, with either mountain or interior courtyard views. Interior rooms overlook the busy lobby, and may be noisy at certain times of the day. The decor is elegant, but not stuffy, with plenty of tasteful neutral tones, and pops of dark wood in the handsome furniture. The on-trend dark taupe walls are hung with funky, eclectic art that reflects the outdoorsy, bohemian vibe in this mountain town, and pops of slate blue in the headboards add a polished touch to the look. The are all large enough to have a small sitting area next to the window. Rooms and suites come in a wide range of configurations, but the beds are super-comfortable and include a stack of different pillows, so guests have a choice for their own comfort. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, but plain, with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and long vanities with magnifying mirrors. Amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels and in-room movies, and in-room safes but no minibars or mini-fridges. Guests who opt for Sheraton Club Rooms have free bottled water plus access to an elegant lounge with added free amenities that are detailed below.

As might be expected from the Sheraton brand there's plenty on offer here when it comes to features, though many are a step above what some guests may expect. Given its out-of-city-center location, the free shuttle is a nice perk. It runs to and from locations within a four-mile radius, including the Burlington Airport, the University of Vermont, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and downtown. Additionally, the hotel has an indoor pool with a spacious deck that's lined with lounge chairs and tables, and a skylight roof making it bright and pleasant. The fitness center is roomy and includes several treadmills as well as other cardio machines, and a rack of free weights. Breakfast and a Sunday brunch buffet are served at G's Restaurant in the lobby atrium (surcharge); lunch and dinner are served at Tuckaway's Pub, an old English-style bar and restaurant that serves light American fare and local craft beers. Foodie guests at Tuckaway's can opt for the restaurant within the restaurant, called Paired, which creatively pairs small plates with intriguing wine or beer. The Sheraton Club, limited to guests who book club-level rooms, offers free snacks and beverages all day long, a free breakfast buffet, evening hors d'oeuvres, business supplies, and plenty of private space for quiet work or meetings. The Sheraton's conference and banquet facilities are top of the line, with more than 21,000 feet of meeting space (including 18 meeting rooms), a technology support staff, and on-site event planners. The lobby gift shop is stocked with newspapers, magazines, snacks, and necessities, and serves Starbucks coffee. Unfortunately Wi-Fi is only free in public areas and is subject to fees in guest rooms. Parking is free.