The Weston

"Why book? The Sharp family’s latest endeavor combines the New York City style and service that The Carlyle is best known for with the charm and character of rural Vermont—a winning combo that creates an idyllic retreat for refined relaxation. Set the scene. Weston, Vermont, is a picturesque little town nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest, about halfway between popular ski mountains Okemo and Stratton. Centrally located on historic Main Street, The Weston consists of two white colonial-style buildings with porches and balconies to boot. But don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you—inside, the elegantly-designed space oozes sophistication without pretense, from the gorgeous vintage decor to the experienced hotel staff. The Weston’s restaurant and bar attract a hopping nighttime scene of local regulars and weekend warriors commuting in from their respective metropolises. During my two-night stay in mid-February, hotel guests included hip 30-something couples and extended family reunions (sans young children). Despite attracting its fair share of winter sport enthusiasts, the crowd here is more Vermont chic than ski-bum, but far from Aspen-level pomp. Come here to enjoy the finer things in life, whether that means croquet and cocktails, snowshoeing up Bromley Mountain, or an excellent burger and fries. The backstory The Weston is the latest endeavor of the Sharp family, whose impressive hospitality lineage includes The Carlyle and Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City and the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. Formerly the Inn at Weston, the two-building property underwent a sweeping two-and-a-half-year renovation that left no detail unattended. Visiting the exquisitely restored property feels like being hosted in your well-traveled aunt’s country home. (She has fabulous taste, is a talented gardener and chef, and will mix you a mean martini before regaling you with travel tales of African safaris and skiing in Switzerland.) Turns out, there's a good reason for the hotel’s worldly, yet distinctly personal, atmosphere: Much of The Weston’s decor is sourced from the Sharp’s personal art and antique collection. You may be wondering, as I did, why these accomplished urban hoteliers from New York decided to open a nine-room boutique stay in rural Vermont. The Sharps may have traversed the globe, but they spent many a summer together in the Green Mountain State at their vacation home, fostering a love for the simple pleasures and wild adventures that Vermont offers. So, while The Weston isn’t their familial enclave, it feels pretty darn close. Careful observers will slowly piece together their story, from the film photographs of Evelyn and Peter Sharp hanging on the wall in some suites to the Carlyle magazine clippings and coffee-table books dispersed throughout the property. The rooms The Weston is divided between two historic buildings. The main house, first built in 1879, is home to the hotel's restaurant, wine room, and sitting room on the first floor, as well as five one-bedroom guest rooms and a two-bedroom suite on the second. The charming guest rooms range from 195 to 310 square feet, and all but one have gas fireplaces. Meanwhile, the two-floor Carriage House suite (ideal for families or guests with pets) boasts two king bedrooms, two full baths, a private ground floor entrance, and an outdoor entertaining space. Two of the three larger suites are located in the adjacent mill building, along with a small gym, spa, and yoga room. I stayed in suite eight and had more room than I knew what to do with. The romantic space featured a mahogany bar, spacious living room (with a desk I’m convinced would allow me to write the next great American novel), two electric fireplaces, and the showstopper: a gigantic two-room bath with marble vanities, double rainfall shower, and soaking tub. Turn on one of the suite’s two electric fireplaces with a switch and instantly feel their warmth envelop the room—feel free to let it soothe you to sleep, as the flame will automatically click off after 30 minutes. All nine rooms are each uniquely designed, mixing East Asian and West Indies details with classic Vermont-Victorian charm. From the hand-painted fireplace panels and textured floral wallpaper to vintage Pan Am Airways posters and 18th century antique cabinetry, truly no detail was left unattended. Expect opulent touches like Lefroy Brooks hardware, plush bathrobes and slippers, and Diptyque toiletries. Too often, new luxury hotels feel cold and removed from real life, but The Weston's eye for comfort somehow captures that lightweight ease of coming home—the very best version of it, that is. Food and drink The Weston’s restaurant, the Left Bank, opened in May before the hotel started welcoming guests this fall. Attracting a dinner crowd of local regulars from across the street and travelers from afar, weekends are jam-packed at the casual French bistro—its popularity but a preview of the hotel’s future success. Michigan native and industry vet Chef Bretton Combs helms the kitchen, whose dinner menu ranges from burgers and steak—classics done to perfection—to delightful delicacies like caviar and escargot. The cocktails are lovely, but the real draw at the Left Bank is the wine list, featuring a diverse collection created in collaboration with Vermont Artisanal Cellars that includes both limited-edition bottles and affordable by-the-glass options. For breakfast, hotel guests can nibble on local yogurt and fresh-baked pastries, as well as egg dishes, plus espresso and French press coffee drinks. The spa Small but mighty, The Weston spa offers massages (think sports, Swedish, and essential oil variations) and facial treatments featuring the Natura Bisse skin care line. The signature facial infuses the skin with pure oxygen, advertised as a “breath of fresh Green Mountain air for your skin" (I can personally attest to the benefits). My favorite part, however, was the spa’s private steam room and sauna, perfect for a pre-cocktail aprés ski unwind. Guests can also book yoga classes in the gym’s petite but light-filled studio to stretch out after hitting the slopes or hiking the nearby trails. The neighborhood/area The Weston hotel is centrally located on Main Street and is walking distance to the Village Green, home to the town’s local playhouse, library, two historical museums, and a few artisanal shops (yes, it’s as quaint and lovely as it sounds). A great town for skiers and non-skiers alike, summer or winter, the town of Weston is New England charm personified—the rural location ensures fabulous views without the crowds, while still being just a short drive away from Manchester’s social scene and several bustling ski resorts. The service The staff at The Weston are incredibly knowledgeable—their friendly yet white-glove service is one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. All have years of top-tier hospitality experience under their belt, and many just recently moved to Vermont from New York City, bringing their customer-centric expertise with them. They will remember your coffee order, provide boot warmers for your room, and come armed with recommendations for local activities year-round. For families Families will enjoy The Weston’s many communal outdoor areas during the summer months, including bocce and croquet courts, firepits, and a back dining patio. The Carriage House is the ideal suite for families with children, while siblings and extended families could easily occupy the entire property for a reunion to remember. Eco effort All the food at The Left Bank restaurant is locally sourced, with vegetable and herb gardens onsite and farms located just down the street. Accessibility Guests with limited mobility may have difficulty accessing the suites, as most are located on upper levels and there are no elevators on property. There's one room (6A) on the hotel's lower level that is wheelchair accessible. Anything left to mention? I stayed at The Weston during a winter ski trip, but this would have been a lovely getaway in nature regardless of the season. Despite the hotel’s small size, I found myself not wanting to leave the property, with plenty of year-round activities available both on and off site." - Hannah Towey