I stayed at the Saxtons River Inn for a FASEB meeting. The place is a bit run down but does have a some charm. My understanding is that its very comparable to other local inns. Overall the Saxtons River Inn was an OK place to stay, very convenient to Vermont Academy and certainly a step up from the dorm accommodation available. The hotel has its own restaurant. I didn't eat there but the food looked good. Nice also to have the general store next door. The private bath for my room was down a lightless hallway and took some searching for. Needing to pee in the middle of the night required getting dressed. An annoyance, but I believe most of the other rooms have an attached bath. The mirthless couple running the hotel had all the warmth of Basil Fawlty but sadly none of the comedy. Saxtons River itself is quaint town but is practically lifeless.

I am in Saxton's River again for another FASEB meeting.

The only reason I am writing is that I see that someone has labelled this "the most charming Inn in Vermont, hands down." Tripadvisor should investigate because this person is either a relative of the owner or delusional.

This Inn is mediocre at best. The only reason to go there is as a member of the captive audience of the FASEB meetings at the local school.

The minute you step though the front doors of The Saxtons River Inn, you immediately step back in time when life was simple and the living was easy. You are generally greeted by the charming inn keeper or one of his delightful staff. The Inn itself is charming. The beautiful bar area, with it's two plasma t.v.'s is an immediate attraction. When mixing with the local residents during ball games, the place is electric. The dining area is elegant, with old world charm. The food is fantastic, with some specialties like wild venison chili, smoked maple chipotle barbecue ribs and sea bass are among some of my favorite entrees. The appetizers are wonderful to snack on while watching the ball game at the bar.The spinach and artichoke dip is to die for! I have been here to see the fall foliage, and it is second to none. Sitting by the fire pit outside is a great way to end your day. The accommodations themselves are full of old world charm. Upon entering your beautifully decorated room, you immediately feel at peace and ready for bed. As far as the service goes at the Inn, I have never been happier. After a day of adventure, you return to a well manicured room that has been meticulously cleaned. The staff is fantastic, especially the Bartender Jess. She makes you feel at home the minute you meet her. All I can say is that if you are looking for old world charm in one of the most beautiful little towns in Vermont, The Saxton's River Inn is it!

Yes, some wallpaper may be peeling. The ceiling may have a few cracks. One of the brass room numbers was missing from our door. But I felt the place was comfortable - like an old ball glove. Tattered around the edges or lacking the newer enhancements of newer gloves. But ultimately, it does the job. I really felt like I was in my grandmothers home (and I mean that in a good way). The moldings, the lacquered floor, the 10' ceilings, the wallpaper - it all felt comfortable to me.

Our third floor room was spacious. Hardwood floors with area rugs. The bed was comfortable. There was a flatscreen t.v. across from the bed. The presence of a tabletop fan indicates that there is probably no a.c. in the summer. The radiators heated the room quickly, and the digital thermometer regulated the temperature quite well. The bathroom was huge; probably 8' x 10'. It housed a large claw foot tub and a large pedestal sink. The room was quiet and any noise from the downstairs restaurant/pub was nonexistent. I was able to pick up the free wi-fi from the first floor. That was a plus.

The inn only serves a continental breakfast each morning (except Sundays). If you are expecting the personal breakfast service of a small B&B, with the innkeeper serving heaps of brioche pancakes, go someplace else. The dinner service seems well regarded. Both nights we were there, the dining areas were quite full (but since we had other plans, we did not partake in any dining). It appears dinner in the restaurant is a big draw to the inn. The other food option is down the street. Pleasant Valley Brewing seemed packed both nights we drove by. Standard pub food with a really good beer selection.

I would recommend this inn. Understand, however, that you are not getting something like the Pitcher Inn. Those of you that find a few rough edges somewhat annoying, I suggest you look for another inn. This inn has some blemishes, but it is clean, comfortable, and the value is excellent (~$150.00 per night in foliage season is fantastic in my mind).