Frolic Like a Bunny
Written: Aug 24 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: impeccable service, luxuriously appointed rooms, gourmet cuisine
Cons: you'll have to go back home sometime
The Bottom Line: Quality amenities and impeccable service in a uniquely appointed setting with a four star dining experience, close to mountains and lakes... what more could you want for romance?
|
|
|
| ChristineDale's Full Review: Rabbit Hill |
For my Fiftieth Review (yikes!), I thought I’d write about a place that’s near and dear to my heart. Of course, I considered NOT writing this so that it remains a quasi-secret and I can still book anytime I want, but since my readers generally number about forty, I’m willing to let you in on the best kept secret in Vermont as a thank you for your loyalty.
I honeymooned several years ago at the Rabbit Hill. Of all the places we could have gone, it was my number one pick for two reasons: 1) my husband has such an Irish complexion that the islands were definitely OUT; 2) they sent me a handwritten note within days of my inquiry!
What is the Rabbit Hill Inn?
Rabbit Hill is an inn situated in Lower Waterford, VT, near the border of New Hampshire. Originally built in 1795, the inn boasts 21 rooms and suites for its guests. Every room has individual climate control (ours had remote control air conditioning), thick bathrobes, luxurious towels, specialty toiletries, cd or tape players and much more.
When we stayed for our honeymoon the original innkeepers John and Maureen Magee were running the place, supported by Brian and Leslie who have steeped into the original owners’ shoes.
Every care is taken, with fine attention to detail, to make your stay relaxing and luxurious. I was impressed by the personal touches, from the handwritten note I mentioned to the greeting at the front door, “Welcome to our home”. When my husband was sick on our honeymoon (that’s a long, long story) and we asked if we could dine one night in our room instead of the dining room so he could stay in bed we were not only accommodated, but THANKED for allowing them to serve us!
If you have never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast or an Inn, you will find that Rabbit Hill is a refreshing change from cookie-cutter rooms, functional settings and rude housekeepers. Rooms are individually appointed, so no two rooms are the same, and you can experience privacy and service which go hand in hand.
The Rooms
If you are considering a honeymoon or anniversary get-away, I strongly suggest you splurge on a suite. Rabbit Hill has nine luxury suites, each with a fireplace and Jacuzzi for two. These include the Tavern's Secret in the original inn building, The Nest and The Loft, with private entrances. The grandest room is called Jonathan Cummings, which boasts a 44-jet hydromassage tub for two.
In addition, many of the regular rooms have fireplaces, and several of these are themed. There is the music room, complete with an antique organ which you can play to your heart’s delight. Another room is appointed with period costumes and a collection of antique love letters. You will find that certain rooms may appeal to your taste more than others. They range from very feminine Victorian style décor to more rustic paneled wood interiors. Every room has its own name and its own special ambiance. The list goes on and on.
We never saw the cleaning staff, never heard vacuums running, never lacked for anything, including fresh towels. One of my favorite experiences was returning from meals to find everything in perfect order, and fresh towels folded by the Jacuzzi.
In the evening we would return from dinner and there would be candles lit by our bed and the tub, soft music playing from the cd player, and a gift on our pillows. And I don’t mean mints, mind you – I mean everything from maple sugar candy to the recipe for their signature molasses wheat bread! It all begins on your first night, when you are left a stuffed homemade pillow to hang on your doorknob as a “do not disturb” sign – you know immediately this is no chain hotel.
Dining
As a “European Plan” Inn, Rabbit Hill includes breakfast, tea and supper in the room rate. Never fear about not having a full lunch – breakfast will hold you over and then some!
Breakfast includes a candlelit table in the formal dining room, fresh squeezed juice, a choice of two hot selections (eggs or griddle selections), and a buffet spread that could feed a third world country: homemade granola, yogurt, fruit, muffins, cold soups, juices, you name it. Everything is exquisitely prepared and mouthwateringly delicious.
Tea is offered in the two common rooms and varies depending on the time of year. In the Summer (when I was there) they offer iced tea and lemonade and an assortment of cookies and sweets. In the winter, there is hot tea and coffee with cookies and occasionally a hot local option, such as venison stew.
For the adventuresome, you can ask for a picnic lunch to be packed for you. The details don’t stop there – they’ll even enclose a kite for you and your special someone to fly!
Dinner is a five course meal: appetizer, salad, sorbet, entrée and dessert. While I can tell you I enjoyed everything from Vermont sausage to roast duck and white chocolate raspberry cake, I cannot be more specific than to say this is fine dining at its best. Small touches such as pansies grown in the garden and used as garnishes are second nature here. Even the rabbit theme which whimsically marks nooks and crannies throughout the inn plays a part in bunny-shaped butter pats at each table… these innkeepers are masters of detail!
Common Rooms
Books and games are available in the common areas of the inn which resemble my great-aunts living room and sunroom more than any hotel lobby I’ve ever seen. These areas feature Stave puzzles, jigsaw puzzles with irregular pieces and no picture on the box which can keep you busy for an entire week!
The Snooty Fox Pub is a small offset room where you can have a cocktail or cordial and play board games by yourselves or join in the banter of other friendly guests. It feels like you’ve been swept away to England.
Activities
You name it. In the Summer, there is hiking, antiquing, canoeing, hot air ballooning, gliding, swimming in a stream-fed pond (it’s like swimming in a pool of light, trust me).
In Winter there is skiing, sledding, Currier and Ives style sleigh riding, maple sugaring, etc, etc. around Christmas time you can cut down your own tree to bring home for the holidays.
You can just stay around the inn and relax, playing games inside or on the porch, reading, listening to music. Or you can visit the many sites of interest nearby: Ben and Jerry ice cream factory, Vermont Teddy Bear factory, Cabot cheese company, State Park.
Prices and Availability
Now don’t pass out when you read how much this costs. If you’re planning a honeymoon, for instance, remember the rooms include all your meals, and tipping is not allowed at Rabbit Hill.
Individual Rooms start at $245, with Fireplace are $275, and suites range from about $310-350, depending on time of year. Also, suites can be reserved a year in advance, and rooms become more costly and less available during the peak foliage and skiing seasons, less expensive in the Spring.
Truly a Gem
Rabbit Hill is a worthwhile experience, certain to delight the weary traveler or the stressed out mom, the romantic honeymooner or the long-married romantics. While it is not really suited to children, it is a perfect place to get away from your own kids and rekindle the romance.
You can visit their website at www.rabbithillinn.com to view rooms, rates and availability and special seasonal events. Special deals are provided for guests who stay longer, such as a onetime breakfast in bed or complimentary night’s dinner.
We loved our stay so much that my sister went on her honeymoon at Rabbit Hill, and my brother just confirmed his plans to honeymoon there next year. Rabbit Hill holds a place in my heart and as soon as we can save up, we’ll be there again to take in the puzzles, the romance and royal treatment. As the logo says: Rabbit Hill Inn – a paradise for the senses, vacation for the soul.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
ChristineDale
|
|
Member: Christine
Location: Warren, NJ
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
God Bless America
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.