Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club

Housed in a lovely white building dating back to 1879, the Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club has lots of historic and local charm. A large porch with a line of rocking chairs looks out over the manicured grounds and the mountains beyond, and American flags and cute flower pots add to the ambience. The lobby has a strong New England lodge feel, with red, green, and blue carpet throughout, wooden furniture, plaid prints, and dark-brown tufted couches. A small area with burgundy chairs around a fireplace is inviting and cozy, and the library off the lobby is a favorite among guests for colder days. On a closer look, however, the property is showing wear, such as frayed carpets, scuff marks on furniture, and peeling wallpaper in some areas. To some, creaky hallways, dated decor, and loud pipes are part of the charm of staying in a property that’s been recognized as a Historic Hotel of America. But others feel that the maintenance issues and neglected details overshadow the hotel’s historic charm. 

The hotel is located in a quiet, secluded area surrounded by forest just north of Jackson. There's nothing but a couple of homes and a hotel nearby, but the location directly on Carter Notch Road/16B allows for easy access to several nearby towns. Restaurants, bars, and shops in downtown Jackson are just a five-minute drive away, and Attitash Mountain Resort can be reached in about 15 minutes. Story Land amusement park is just about a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Boston is a three-hour drive away. 

Rooms at the Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club all have traditional New England decor, with moss-green or navy carpets, flower-printed bed skirts, burgundy touches, and plaid accents. Many also have vintage chests with flower designs and the date of the hotel’s opening painted on the front. The decor, while charming, feels dated, and worn carpets, exposed pipes, cream-colored walls, and simple wood furniture don’t help either. Although some units can fit up to two queen-size beds, rooms tend to be smallish, as in many other historic properties. Many rooms have serene mountain views, and a few allow pets for a daily fee. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, window air-conditioning units, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Bathrooms are average, with white tiles, moss-green accents, and shower/tub combos, but flower-printed wallpaper adds some charm. 

The hotel is known for its nine-hole, par-32 golf course, which is surrounded by forests with mountains as a backdrop. Complete with a pro shop, a driving range, and electric golf cart rental, the course is a good spot for a quiet morning. There's also a fitness center complete with a sauna and a hot tub, but the gym is housed in an unappealing room with only one stationary bike. There's also a large empty room with a wall-to-wall mirror for stretching.Highfields Restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine in a homey dining room with mountain views, inn-style wood furniture, and moss-green walls. Additionally, the Eagle Landing Tavern has a bar food menu as well as cocktails and a cozy area with two couches and a fireplace. Veranda Cafe is open seasonally and has expansive mountain and river views. Popular with children, the seasonal outdoor pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and the hotel offers free towel service. Fire pits and a game room with arcade machines round out the hotel’s family-friendly features. The hotel also features lots of indoor and outdoor meeting space, making it a popular spot for weddings and family events. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and coin-operated laundry facilities are also available.