There are two types of homes at Trapp, the Villas & the Guest Houses. The Guest Houses (which is where we stayed) were nice. I would not call them 5 star by any means, but they were clean and spacious. I think they were built in the 80's and you can tell. They do appear to have had the furniture and carpeting replaced not too, too long ago. If the TV is important to you, then you might want to think twice because the TV is very, very small .. especially for the large living room. I'm guessing the TV is only 21". Fortunately, there is plenty to do here in the area, and so the TV was not that important to us on this trip.
The lodge itself was nothing spectacular (very nice, but not spectacular) itself, but the whole experience of staying here, watching the Sound of Music, learning more of the rest of the story of the Trapp family made this trip, and staying here worthwhile. The fitness center is 5 star. The pool is very new and the locker rooms are great too. There is an outdoor heated hot tub ... open in the winter. The outdoor pools were closed when we were here. There is a rock climbing wall at the fitness center that the kids loved. Also, the massages were great as was the Yoga. They had kids yoga that was lead by one of the von Trapps ... the kids loved it!
I found it interesting that the staff did not necessarily go out of their way to offer 5 star service, however, if we asked for anything at all the staff immediately went out of their way to help us out. For example, they did not have Kids Yoga on the schedule for the week we were here. When we expressed our disappointment because the kids had been looking forward to it, the person at the desk called one of the von Trapps on her cell phone and set it up to fit our schedule and then opened it up to the others staying here. Another example, was when my wife and I wanted to both get massages at the same time ... they set up a kids club activity specifically for our kids during our massages.
The grounds really are spectacular. We were here over Thanksgiving which due to unseasonably warm temperatures did not allow for snow. In the summer, there is plenty of hiking and mountain biking. Don't worry, you can rent whatever you need. In the winter they have plenty of cross country ski trails (this is the first cross country ski resort in the world!) and they even make snow on the cross country trails.
The location is nice, on the top of the mountain just a couple of miles from the main road in Stowe, so your close to everything to do in the area. I definitely recommend the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory tour. Also, the kids loved making candy canes at Laughing Moon Chocolates downtown. I recommend the sugar house hike where the guide is one of the crew of the maple sugaring crew here. Again, the kids loved it, and it was very interesting and educational.
Note that there are 3 "villages" of the Guest Houses ... village #1 & 2 have much better locations closer to the lodge and recreation center than village #3. Due to it's awkward location, we found ourselves frequently driving up to the lodge and rec center when we would have preferred to walk more often. If coming here again, I would try to stay at the Villa's instead. They look much nicer and newer and much closer to 5 star facilities.
Keep in mind that everything here is very expensive. This is definitely not a place that you will want to stay on a lean budget. Though the recreation and exercise facilities are included at no charge, but everything you do here costs at least $10 or $15 per person, which is reasonable, but it adds up quick with a family, especially when you add in the tips. The food and drinks are expensive as well in the bar and in the hotel restaurant. The food and drink is good, but again, it adds up quick.
Overall, we enjoyed our Thanksgiving stay here in 2009 and would recommend it others.
