Sun Lodge’s greatest asset is its location. Perched on a dramatic overlook, the rooms boast private balconies with sweeping views of Bromley, Magic and Stratton mountains. This scenic golden triangle provides a wealth of possibilities for outdoor recreation—from the best skiing in Southern Vermont to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Pulling up to the unassuming chalet-style lodge, I wasn’t immediately sure what made this resort special. The exterior is somewhat unassuming and the lobby is a comfortable yet simple take on a contemporary mountain lodge. It wasn’t until we checked in and traveled up to our room, however, that I came face-to-face with the jaw-dropping view that sets Sun Lodge apart. That, coupled with the ease of the ski-in/ski-out access to Bromley Mountain, makes this Vermont hidden gem worth your time.
Why stay at Sun Lodge?
The hotel that is now Sun Lodge has been welcoming guests for 50 years at the base of Bromley Mountain. Originally known as The Lodge at Bromley, the resort was recently overhauled by Saltaire Hotels and reopened in October, 2024. The renovation updated the common areas to create a warm and welcoming environment that also feels comfortably contemporary. The main level features the lobby, gathering spaces and on-site dining at The Trailhead. The lower level features a game room, storage space for ski gear and an area to boot up before walking a few feet to the chairlift. In the summer, the property isn’t far from the Appalachian Trail and Battenkill River to take advantage of all they have to offer.
What are the rooms like at Sun Lodge?
As previously mentioned, the true wow factor at Sun Lodge comes from the dramatic views of the West River Valley that can be enjoyed from every room’s balcony. When it comes to the interior of the bedrooms, the aesthetic is fairly sparse. If you’ve stayed at a classic Vermont ski lodge, you probably already know the gist: vintage artwork, simple furniture and bright walls. Our standard room had a bed, a chair and—most importantly—enough room to store all of our ski gear. The bedding was plush and comfortable and the bathroom offered Salt & Stone Bath Amenities which elevated the experience of the simple space.
What is there to eat and drink at Sun Lodge?
In the mornings, a convenient grab-and-go station on the main floor serves up basic offerings like coffee and egg sandwiches so you can get out to the mountains without a delay. My first morning there, I grabbed a delicious egg and sausage sandwich, went downstairs to boot up and was on the main Bromley chairlift all within 15 minutes. The hotel’s main restaurant is The Trailhead. Also recently reimagined, the restaurant places an emphasis on the culinary heritage of the surrounding area and many of the ingredients are sourced from nearby farms and producers. We had the Statler Chicken Breast, paired with broccolini and a creamy goat cheese polenta, and a Cheese Board showcasing various Vermont cheeses. The perfectly cooked chicken was a highlight and it was fun to hear the story behind the different cheeses.
What is the service like at Sun Lodge?
From the moment we checked in, the staff at Sun Lodge went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed for a fantastic Southern Vermont weekend—from detailed information on the runs at Bromley to excellent local recommendations for shopping and dining. The servers were friendly with a wealth of information on the restaurant’s offerings and everyone at the hotel seemed eager to talk about the region, its history and its quirky New England culture. It was very helpful to get the lay of the land from the staff when it came to the many local ski offerings and which of the tiny local towns to visit on a day trip.
What’s the area like around Sun Lodge?
West River Valley has the best skiing in Southern Vermont and we skied at both Bromley and Stratton while staying at Sun Lodge. Stratton is a 20-minute drive away and features a faux-European village at the base of the mountain with shopping and dining options. The Fire Tower and Mulligan’s are both good bets for dinner. East of Bromley is the tiny town of Peru. (It’s actually where they filmed that Diane Keaton movie Baby Boom.) Peru is worth an afternoon trip just to visit JJ Hapgood, a delightfully curated general store with food and coffee. Another must-visit in that direction is the restaurant at Seesaw’s Lodge, a historic log building with fantastic food and a colorful history. (No less than three different people informed us that it was once a 19th-century brothel.) The main town near Sun Lodge is the upscale Manchester with luxury outlets, outdoor supply stores, antiquing and one of the country’s best bookstores: Northshire Bookstore.
Why you should book a stay at Sun Lodge.
Sun Lodge is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking to spend a weekend skiing Bromley Mountain. (It’s hard to compete with ski-in/ski-out access.) However, it’s also great if you’re looking for a home base to explore the main small towns and outdoorsy offerings of Southern Vermont. While the rooms are basic, you’ll most likely be spending almost all of your time outside of them on the mountains and trails or taking advantage of the unique local shopping and dining offerings. Still, at the end of the night you may want to travel back to homebase early to take in the spectacular sunset from your private balcony.
Address: 4216 VT-11, Peru, VT 05152
Price per Night: Rooms start at $139/night.
Book Now: sunlodgevt.com
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