AMC Cardigan Lodge & Campsites — Hotel in Alexandria

My family (2 adults; 2 kids ages 9 and 12) just spent a mid-October weekend at the Cardigan Lodge. The staff could not have been friendlier or more helpful--they were the highlight of the lodge. The naturalist, Rick, led interesting morning bird walks and led a lot of fun activities for the kids, such as identifying "skulls and skins" and piecing together a moose skeleton. He also did a great job entertaining everyone at the campfire and organizing the "talent" at the campfire. ||||The furnishings in the common areas and the guest rooms were very basic and worn, like you are visiting a friend or relative's beloved old cabin. We had a private room with a bunk bed and two single beds and a small dresser. We did not have a private bath, but used the shared bathrooms one floor down. Our room was very tiny and dark, but do-able for a weekend. The bathrooms were large enough, with several toilets, showers, and sinks (I never experienced any waiting). They were kept very clean; however, the air was very stagnant and smelly--better ventilation and/or air freshener would be a plus. Noise travels throughout the building as the walls are thin, but the staff does emphasize that "quiet hours" begin at 10pm, which is much appreciated and helpful for getting a good night's sleep. There are 2 full size refrigerator/ freezers and plenty of storage cubbies in the lower level for guest use.||||It was still "full service" season when we were there, so linens and towels were provided. Breakfasts and lunches were served family style at the picnic tables in the dining area, and were very tasty (hat tip to the chef, Tom). Vegetarians were readily accommodated. For lunches, you fill out a paper the evening prior, indicating what salad or sandwich you want, and they are made for you and packed in a paper bag along with several tasty snacks, and available for you to take after breakfast and eat on the trail or wherever you might be around lunch time.||||We only had time for one good long hike, and the staff were very helpful in directing us to the best route for us. It was a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Cardigan (including some crawling/scrambling up some large portions of rock), but the views were amazing, especially with the fall foliage, and so the payoff was well worth it.||||All in all, we had a great time at the...

Cardigan Lodge is basically one of the AMC drive-up huts. Although, instead of merely including dinner and breakfast, it also includes a packed lunch. The "croo" are friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The access to various hikes, including easy hikes for kids/out-of-shape folks and strenuous hikes for anyone wanting to push themselves, is fantastic. Add a pond to swim in (complete with small floating platform) and plenty of frogs and spotted newts to keep the kids busy, and you've got a great, relaxing spot. With no cell phone coverage at the lodge (though there is on many of the trails, including up Cardigan itself) you can disconnect if you want. Or get on their WiFi and share pictures with friends. They've got a couple of fridges to store guest food or, more likely, drinks (remember, all 3 meals are included, with snacks) -- great place to keep the beer cold and have one next to a big campfire, often with included smores. They can usually cater to most dietary restrictions, too, whether vegetarian or gluten free or nut free or whatnot. To cater to various types, there are even some rooms with their own bathrooms and door locks. Others are typical hut rooms with lots of bunks and the shared bathrooms. Showers are included, too. It's a great place to stay for quick trips or to take the grandparents to get a light hut-like experience. Highly recommended, and still fun for those who regularly visit the high huts. And don't forget, My Cardigan is above the tree-line, despite not even being a...

I drove about 90 minutes from Dover, NH to spend two days at the Cardigan Lodge, which is owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. I was really impressed with what I found there.

Check in was low key and easy. The lodge is well built and really well maintained. I made my reservation earlier enough so that I could get a room of my own, understanding that showers and the bathroom were at the end of the hall.

The rooms are a lot like dorms you might find in a European hostel: bunk beds and nearby storage space. My room had a queen sized bed and a desk; with a fan and a screened window that opened.

I arrived at 3 pm and relaxed in rustic rocking chairs and picnic tables until dinner was served at 6 pm. Because I opted for the meal plan I would be able to have breakfast and dinner in the group dining room (I got a sack lunch each day, based on choices I made the day before).

This is a hiking destination. Large and small groups of hikers came and went throughout my stay. I found the trails to be well marked and well maintained. I saw no litter and very clean campsites throughout my hikes.

I probably should have brought a compass and a water bottle, but having forgotten to pack them I kept my hikes to 2 miles or so, and got in three such hikes during my stay.

I thought the kitchen staff did an outstanding job with both the menus and the cooking. This is lodge vacationing...