The Inn at Manchester

This inviting family-owned inn occupies three buildings set on lovely, well-maintained grounds: a large white main house with shuttered windows and a wraparound porch, and two red buildings with white trimming (a former carriage house and barn). The atmosphere and decor is all country charm, with vintage wooden furniture, dark wooden floorboards dotted with Persian rugs, paintings adorning the walls, and cozy touches like brick fireplaces and seating that invites lingering. Interiors are filled with natural light thanks to the many windows, and there are plenty of charming corners to retire to, like the homey yet elegant living room that's stocked with books and offers a chess board, or the lounge with its plush couches and collection of board games. There are rocking chairs on the porch, a living room-like bar, and a friendly resident dog that enhances the already delightful atmosphere. Clientele is mainly tourists, most of which are couples, though some families stay here too. It's also a popular spot for events like weddings, when guests rent out the entire property. 

The hotel is situated on Manchester's Main Street, a bit outside of the town's center. There's a pub/restaurant just across the street and a handful of other dining options, a supermarket, and a post office within a 10-minute walk or two-minute drive. The town center, with several shops (including the Manchester Designer Outlets), restaurants, and fast food dining, is a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk away. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is a two-minute walk down the road, while other attractions include golfing at the Equinox Resort (eight-minute walk), the Manchester Music Festival (eight-minute walk), the Southern Vermont Arts Center (five-minute drive), Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home; six-minute drive), and Equinox Mountain (half-hour drive). Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport is a 45-minute drive from here. Albany International Airport can be reached in about an hour and 20 minutes.

Rooms are individually designed and vary in both size and decor, but all feature a homey country-chic style and are kept spotlessly clean. Some rooms feature padded floral-patterned headboards with matching bedskirts and armchairs, while other rooms feature wooden two- or four-poster beds. Wooden floors are topped with Persian rugs, though some rooms have carpets. Paintings or vintage prints dot the walls, which are cream-colored or brightly hued, while wooden furniture includes vintage pieces. The best rooms have fireplaces or private porches, and suites have separate living rooms. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, alarm clocks, irons/ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms lack coffee/tea-making facilities and mini-fridges, but these are available in the communal pantry area. Bathrooms, some of which can be quite small, are equipped with showers, though some suites have both soaking tubs and separate showers. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Most rooms have lovely views of the grounds and barn. 

One of the best perks here is the free homemade breakfast, which is served in a sunlit dining room and includes a different cooked-to-order daily special, like buttermilk pancakes, French toast, and tomato basil quiche, as well as homemade granola, fresh fruit, and cereal. Free hot and cold drinks, as well as baked goods, are available 24/7 in a small pantry area where guests can also make use of a microwave and fridge. There's also a cozy bar where guests can enjoy beers, wines, and cocktails. The inn has several inviting common spaces, like a lounge and a living room, that are stocked with books and board games. There's also a small outdoor pool on-site. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, free parking, and a free electric car charging station. Event and wedding space is available at the Celebration Barn.