Lodging (Area Code 603)

Accommodations at the resort:
All Bretton Woods properties can be reached through (877) 873-0626 or 278-1000. In winter, a complimentary shuttle operates to and from the slopes. Be sure to ask about packages, as Bretton Woods offers plenty, including themed weekends such as ballroom dancing, a food and wine festival, Mardi Gras and more.

At first sight of the Mount Washington Hotel ($$$–$$$$; right) children will gasp, “It’s a castle!” And it is. Flags fly from the two octagonal towers that anchor the huge hotel—the largest wooden structure in New England—set on a knoll overlooking the Presidential Range. From the antique light poles on the meandering drive to the expansive lobby defined by its rows of square Corinthian columns to the classic operator-run elevator, the hotel is the very definition of Old World Charm. Staying here is a step back in time, with excellent service and a touch of class: an orchestra plays on weekends in the dining room, and guests are asked to dress appropriately (that means jackets for gentlemen) in the dining room after 6 p.m. Shops, massage rooms and a great bar are on the lower level, while the first floor has sitting areas in the main lobby and several private rooms for smaller functions or quiet reading. The cross-country center, indoor and outdoor heated pools, ice skating and tubing hill are all at the hotel or right nearby; the Alpine area is across the street.

The restored 1896 Bretton Arms Inn ($$–$$$; below), a National Historic Landmark, is more intimate. It has spacious rooms, old-fashioned charm and an excellent dining room, and guests have full use of all resort facilities.

The Lodge ($–$$) is a good choice for those on a budget. Rooms are nice, but not fancy; there’s an indoor pool; and guests have full use of all Bretton Woods facilities, including the shuttlebus and the sports center.

Bretton Woods also has The Townhomes, a group of 70 condominiums.

Other area accommodations:

Built of granite, the romantic and isolated Notchland Inn (800-866-6131; 374-6131; $$–$$$$), in Hart’s Location, has 13 rooms, all with fireplaces. It has a hot tub, skating, and cross-country skiing from the door.

The Mulburn Inn (800-457-9440; 869-3389; $$–$$$) is an elegant Tudor-style B&B with oak staircase and stained glass windows. It’s in Bethlehem, once considered one of the fresh-air centers of New England, only about 10 minutes from Bretton Woods.

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s new Highland Center (466-2727; $–$$) at Crawford Notch combines state-of-the-art environmental engineering and green policies with grand architecture. Rates include a hot buffet breakfast and a multi-course, all-you-can-eat supper. The lodge has 45 rooms for 122 people, including private and family rooms (with private baths), and shared rooms/baths. Educational programs are offered.

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less.