As we settled into our room at the Omni Mount Washington Resort and strolled through the grand lobby, my daughter’s eyes lit up at the sight of a portrait depicting a woman in Victorian attire. “It’s Princess Bonnie! She’s still here!” she exclaimed, evoking memories of our family visits to this historic hotel in Bretton Woods, NH, where she used to imagine one of the staff, Bonnie, as the princess in the painting.
For a child, the Omni Mount Washington Resort (omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington) truly feels like a setting from a fairy tale. Now, at 32 years old, here she was with me, escaping for a mother-daughter workcation, just as captivated as she had been all those years ago.
That’s the enchantment of this place. Regardless of age, lifestyle, purpose of visit, or time of year, the hotel offers and fulfills a perfect blend of luxury, history, enjoyment, and plenty of warmth.
We arrived on a snowy Sunday evening, taking the straightforward route north on Route 93, a welcome journey since I planned to hit the slopes the next morning. The hotel, with its classic design topped by a vibrant red roof, was originally built in Spanish Revival style in 1902 and has retained that aesthetic charm through various renovations, including a significant one in 2006 that expanded the rooms, added business facilities, and introduced a sprawling spa building spanning a full square mile. Since being acquired by the Omni brand in 2015, the resort has continued to maintain its allure.
While we had visited many times during my daughter’s childhood, both in summer and winter, it had been over a decade since our last visit.
Our plan was straightforward: she would focus on work while I hit the slopes, with breaks to reunite throughout the day, and a dedicated spa day to indulge ourselves. In between, we looked forward to savoring delicious meals and drinks, relaxing by the lobby’s crackling fire, and enjoying the scenic views from numerous windows. It promised to be a fantastic getaway.
We selected one of their recently updated corner rooms, a pricier but entirely worthwhile choice. Upon stepping into the space, we immediately felt at ease. Two queen beds faced a spacious sitting area furnished with a couch, two wing chairs, and a well-appointed television setup. The highlight was undoubtedly the working gas fireplace, effortlessly adding ambiance day or night.
For dinner, we chose Stickneys, one of the resort’s dining venues, and opted for seats at the bar to enjoy the lively atmosphere while cheering on Travis and Taylor, and later the Lions.
Every meal was exquisite, from the rack of lamb to the swordfish, accompanied by craft cocktails like the Presidential Espresso Martini and their signature Old Fashioned.
Given that it was midweek, aside from a large conference occupying their own space, we found ourselves among a smaller group of guests. By the second day, most of the staff not only greeted us by name but also shared friendly conversations. While it may have occasionally meant a slight wait at dinner as staff chatted with other guests, the personal connection made it all worthwhile. Those little touches truly made a difference.
The resort offered a plethora of activities, from Nordic skiing and snowshoeing to spa treatments and historic tours (a must for first-time visitors), not to mention the nearby Bretton Woods Ski Area, accessible via shuttle.
Our spa day was pure relaxation. We enjoyed quiet time together in a serene relaxation room, reading the same book for later discussion. She indulged in a facial while I opted for the Northern Lights Treatment, a luxurious combination of foot scrub, hand softening, massage, and scalp treatment.
We also found time to unwind in the private outdoor hot tub, steam and sauna rooms, and savored hibiscus tea. It was the perfect mother-daughter bonding experience.
Though my daughter is now an adult, like me—and I’m sure like all visitors—she remains enchanted by the beauty of The Omni Mount Washington Resort. With two granddaughters now, I believe it’s time for them to discover their own “princesses.”
The Omni Mount Washington Resort stands out against the horizon – no matter the season. (Photo Philbrick Photography)
Treatments at the resort spa feature local botanicals. (Photo courtesy Omni Mount Washington Resort)
