Topnotch Resort — Hotel in Stowe

This was my first time at the Spa at Topnotch, and my experience was so different from what I envisioned that it feels important to leave a review in the hopes that it helps others. My partner and I were expecting the spa to be a tranquil place to relax and destress. Unfortunately, the atmosphere at the Spa at Topnotch is quite social, and it was hard to find a quiet place, even though we were there on a day that wasn't crowded.

The indoor pool, waterfall hot tub, and all-gender saunas are open to hotel guests. There were many children playing in and around the pool and hot tubs with pool noodles and other toys. There were also adults drinking beer and socializing in the hot tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, and lounge chairs. It felt like a pool party, which would have been fine if that was what we were looking for, but we were there because we wanted a peaceful spa environment.

We asked the staff if there were any adults-only hours or quiet hours and they said that in the summer, there are two outdoor pools and the smaller one is supposed to be reserved for the spa. In the winter, the large outdoor pool is closed, so the outdoor spa pool is open to everyone. Even if the other pool had been open, I don't think it would have made a difference. The pools are right next to each other, so anyone relaxing in the spa pool would still hear the festivities from the larger pool. The staff also weren't enforcing the rules, so I think the spa pool would probably end up being an extension of the family pool.

We told the staff we were having trouble finding a quiet place to rest, and they suggested we use the women's lounge, which contains a relaxation room with a fireplace, and a locker room with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna.

Unfortunately, the hot tub in the women's locker room needs maintenance. Most of the jets didn't work, and the ones that did were so light that they didn't produce any bubbles. We asked several staff members for help, and they suggested we turn the nozzles, which we did, but their highest power was weak and they would randomly turn off, even when the hot tub was still on.

This left us with just the steam room and sauna to use, but most of the people using this area were also socializing, and it was hard to relax in a small space with people having full conversations.

Unfortunately, the spa atmosphere we were hoping for was also lacking in the women's lounge. For most of the day, there were groups of people in the fireplace lounge talking, and some were even working on computers, despite signs that say electronics are not allowed.

This was a big investment for us, and it was disappointing that it wasn't a spa experience. While the staff were all pleasant, we didn't see any attempt to curate a peaceful environment or to meaningfully address our concerns. We will not visit again.

If you are looking for a relaxing, quiet, serene spa environment, this isn't the place for you. If you are looking for a lovely place for your kids to play, or a place for a friends' weekend where you can chat and catch-up over some drinks, the Spa at Topnotch would be a good fit for you. It is a nice place that has spa services, but it isn't a...

We just left Topnotch after a 4 day weekend getaway. We really hate to be negative people or put down a good business if they don't deserve it, but we also need to be honest here. Based on the website, photos, and reviews other people left, we were really looking forward to this stay. And now, thinking about the amount of money we spent, we were very underwhelmed and a little disappointed in many ways. To give credit whet credit is due, here are the positives. The staff was incredibly welcoming, friendly and helpful. No complaints there at all. There are a couple of fitepits outside and recreational areas with a pretty view. There's a tennis court/basketball hoop to use for fun and the indoor and outdoor pools are great. Right across the street from the main entrance, you can walk to a lovely long walking path along a river which was a nice thing to do. However, my husband and I were most looking forward to that big hot tub. The waterfall wall is a nice touch, but none of the jets for your back were working so it was just soaking in the warm water without the traditional massage of the jets. We felt our room, for the rate we paid was only ok. We've stayed in nicer rooms for less money other places. Yes, I will say we traveled with our dog so we were limited to the dog friendly rooms, but still. Lots of scratches on the wall, lots of cracked, peeling paint on the walls and ceiling. The ac only worked half of the time then it would decide to stop working and get uncomfortably warm for a while until it would start up again. Lots of kids running around on the floor above us seemed very loud and obnoxious. The food was well made and tasty. Good menu options in each restaurant, but certainly nothing spectacular for the very very high prices. If traveling with kids, we'd recommend bringing food in the room or going out somewhere in town because it's just astronomical prices for regular decent food. The grounds could surely use some maintenence as far as everywhere we walked, there were pieces of stone, all the walkways and stairs were just chipping away. There were large chunks of stone all around the grass that can have sharp edges so we were worried to have our dog step on it too much. I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting to mention, but this is getting too long. Unfortunately, the bottom line to our review is that we'd love to come back up to Stowe sometime (without our dog would be nice) and do some other things we didn't get to do with him. The area is lovely. But we know that we would look for another place to stay that might just be a little bit better...

I was disappointed in my spa day. I was facing a difficult trauma anniversary and took the suggestion of my therapist. She said make it spa day. It sounded like a wonderful idea to be cared for and pampered i did explain that when I made my call to schedule and go over the services that I might want. The staff member that I spoke to set up my day, including a manicure, pedicure, facial and massage and we spent a long time on the phone over this schedule. When I arrived, it would have helped if I'd been shown where to get a robe. This caused a problem as I had my manicure first and I was ushered immediately afterwards into the room to do the facial My nails were wet, and if I had agreed to remove my shirt as the esthetician requested, I would have ruined my nails It took about fifteen minutes to get this straightened out, with the manager ( while I was left hanging feeling quite uncomfortable and vulnerable as if I was in the wrong) and I have to say it wasn't pleasant. The aesthetician said that she was booked and she would have to shorten my facial, and that my facial should have been scheduled later, and as I said yes. And. Not my doing. I was simply not having it. They did accommodate me by changing up my day. But I had to hurry through lunch. they sent me down to the restaurant during my break but the restaurant had just closed for breakfast and wasn't opening for lunch for another half an hour. Strike 2 for my relaxing day. Though I rather feared returning to the aesthetician, given the unpleasantness, I have to say she was very professional I will say that the nail technicians and my massage therapist were fantastic and so warm and friendly If I reviewed those 3 staff members, it would be 5 stars. An awful lot of money, $700. and for the first time in my life. I don't think I will do it again at least at this place. Not the treat I dreamed of. I'm really pretty...