Lake Champlain VT Resorts Inns Vacations

A Guide to Middlebury, Burlington, Essex & Lake Champlain Inns, Resorts, Hotels & Vacation Lodging

The Champlain Valley is Vermont’s business, transportation, arts, entertainment, and education center. Whether you are visiting UVM, Saint Michael’s College, Middlebury College, the Hero Islands of Lake Champlain or shopping in famous Downtown Burlington or flying into Burlington airport, you’ll find some wonderful Champlain Valley VT resorts, hotels, country inns, and B&B’s.

Browse some of our selection of the Best hand-picked lodging in the Champlain Valley.

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The Champlain Valley of Vermont is a region of painterly landscapes, shimmering lake shores, and small towns rich with history, culture, and hospitality. From the collegiate charm of Middlebury to the lakeside vibrancy of Burlington, the wellness-and-gastronomy hub of Essex, and the timeless appeal of Lake Champlain inns and resorts, this guide is crafted for adult travelers seeking sophistication, relaxation, and authentic Vermont experiences.

Champlain Valley Vermont Vacations

The Champlain Valley lies along Vermont’s western flank, framed by the broad expanse of Lake Champlain to the west and the rising Green Mountains to the east. This fertile region blends pastoral beauty, historic settlements, and abundant recreational opportunities. It’s a four-season destination where you can paddle on the lake, bike rural roads, leaf-peep in the fall, or cozy up in charming inns as snow blankets the landscape.

The towns of Middlebury, Burlington, and Essex each bring distinct flavors to the Champlain Valley: college-town sophistication, metropolitan energy, and luxurious tranquility. Throughout, you’ll find a rich tapestry of lodging—from Victorian B&Bs to full-service resorts—with local character, refined comfort, and warm hospitality.

Middlebury, Vermont: Culture, Countryside & Quiet Sophistication

Middlebury, tucked into the southern Champlain Valley, is an elegant college town known for its cultured ambiance, classic architecture, and gentle natural beauty.

Why Visit Middlebury?

• Experience Lunch, Dinner or an extended stay Vermont vacation at the historic, top-rated Middlebury Inn and Morgan’s Tavern Restaurant.

• Stroll through a charming downtown with boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops

• Visit Middlebury College, its museum of art, and its performing arts center

• Explore historic covered bridges, waterfalls, and nearby Green Mountain trails

• Tour local farms, orchards, and vineyards

• Savor farm-to-table cuisine and artisan products

Middlebury offers a peaceful balm to travelers who want to slow down, soak in beauty, and connect with Vermont’s intellectual and pastoral heart.

Lodging in Middlebury

Middlebury Inn • Located at 14 Court Square, Middlebury, VT 05753
This historic inn is a centerpiece of downtown Middlebury, offering Victorian elegance and modern comforts. The Middlebury Inn features cozy common rooms, refined guest rooms, on-site dining, and a welcoming front porch. It’s a classic pick for travelers wanting to stay centrally in charming Middlebury. Top-rated dining at Morgan’s Tavern.

Swift House Inn • Located at 25 Stewart Lane, Middlebury, VT 05753
Located on a tranquil country estate just outside town, the Swift House Inn exudes romance and serenity. Each room at the Swift House Inn is thoughtfully furnished with antiques, and guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast, a sauna, and peaceful garden walks. It’s ideal for couples or anyone seeking a quiet escape.

Courtyard Middlebury • Located at 309 Court Street, Middlebury, VT 05753
For a more contemporary option, the Courtyard Middlebury delivers dependable service, modern amenities, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and easy access to Middlebury College and local attractions. The Courtyard Middlebury is great for mixed-purpose travelers—those balancing work, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Inn on the Green • Located at 71 North Pleasant Street, Middlebury, VT 05753
Set in a beautifully restored Federal-style mansion, the Inn on the Green offers intimate charm, personalized service, and delivering breakfast to your room. With its leafy garden and quiet elegance, the Inn on the Green is a top choice for those who want heritage, comfort, and central accessibility in Middlebury.

Burlington, Vermont: Lake Life, Culture & Urban Energy

Burlington, the largest city in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, brings vibrant culture, waterfront activity, and creative spirit. Overlooking Lake Champlain and framed by the Adirondacks, Burlington is a city made for walking, savoring local food and drink, and enjoying a lively arts scene.

Why Visit Burlington Vermont?

• Explore the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s pedestrian shopping and dining district

• Enjoy music, art, and performances at local theaters and galleries

• Walk, bike, or sail along the lakefront

• Sample craft breweries, cideries, and farm-driven restaurants

• Access nearby attractions, including the University of Vermont and ferry connections to the islands

Burlington suits travelers who want a refined yet energetic base, combining outdoor recreation with cultural sophistication.

Lodging in Burlington

Hotel Vermont • 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Hotel Vermont is a boutique gem that marries Scandinavian design with local craftsmanship. Guests at Hotel Vermont enjoy modern rooms with natural materials, locally inspired décor, and a restaurant and bar that celebrate Vermont flavors. Its downtown location puts you in the heart of Burlington’s walking scene, making Hotel Vermont perfect for travelers who want style and convenience.

Burlington Hilton • 60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Positioned just steps from the Lake Champlain waterfront, the Burlington Hilton offers sweeping lake or city views, spacious rooms, a full-service restaurant, and an indoor pool. Staying at the Burlington Hilton provides guests with comfort, reliability, and easy access to both downtown and lakeside attractions.

Essex House & Tavern (Downtown Burlington) • 94 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Essex House & Tavern is a small, welcoming boutique inn with character and charm. With stylish rooms and a cozy tavern on-site, the Essex House & Tavern offers a distinctly local experience, steps from Church Street’s shops and the city’s nightlife. It’s ideal for travelers who want intimacy, walkability, and character.

Courtyard Burlington Harbor • 25 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401
The Courtyard Burlington Harbor offers polished, modern lodging with water views, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and well-appointed rooms. Guests at the Courtyard Burlington Harbor enjoy both waterfront access and proximity to downtown, making it a strong pick for business travelers or vacationers wanting both convenience and comfort.

DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont • 870 Williston Road, Burlington, VT 05403
The DoubleTree Burlington Vermont is a full-service hotel offering generous public spaces, a restaurant, meeting rooms, and shuttle access. Its convenient location near I-89, the University of Vermont, and the Burlington airport makes the DoubleTree Burlington Vermont a reliable choice for business, family, or airport-adjacent stays.

Lang House on Main Street • 360 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Lang House on Main Street is a beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian bed-and-breakfast, combining 19th-century charm with modern comforts. With 11 distinct guest rooms furnished in antique and contemporary styles, the Lang House offers personalized service, plush Turkish towels, bathrobes, and eco-conscious toiletries. Guests at the Lang House start the day with a gourmet breakfast featuring seasonal, inventive fare. Its location makes the Lang House ideal for travelers who want a walkable, boutique experience close to downtown, UVM, Champlain College, and Lake Champlain.

Essex, Vermont: Wellness, Culinary Craft & Relaxed Luxury

Just east of Burlington, Essex offers a tranquil retreat with upscale amenities, culinary offerings, and a peaceful setting. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a resort feel without sacrificing proximity to Burlington’s energy.

Why Visit Essex?

• Recuperate in a full-service resort spa

• Take part in cooking classes or culinary events

• Explore nearby trails, parks, and nature

• Golf, paddle, or simply relax in a peaceful setting

Lodging in Essex

The Essex Resort & Spa • 70 Essex Way, Essex, VT 05452
The Essex Resort & Spa is a premier destination in the Champlain Valley, offering luxurious rooms, two restaurants, a world-class spa, an indoor pool, tennis courts, and a golf course. A stay at the Essex Resort & Spa provides access to wellness treatments, cooking classes, guided activities, and tranquil grounds. Guests cherish the Essex Resort & Spa for the combination of indulgence, recreation, and culinary excellence.

Essex Junction Inn & Suites • 27 Susie Wilson Road, Essex, VT 05452
Essex Junction Inn & Suites provides an affordable yet comfortable base just outside Burlington. Rooms here include kitchenettes, workspaces, and restful bedding, while guests enjoy ample parking and modern amenities. For travelers who want close proximity to Burlington and convenience without the resort price, the Essex Junction Inn & Suites is a practical and welcoming choice.

Lake Champlain Inns, Resorts & Waterfront Hotels

The shores of Lake Champlain are dotted with idyllic inns, historic estates, and waterfront resorts that capture the essence of Vermont’s lakeside serenity.

Basin Harbor • 4800 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT 05491
Basin Harbor is a storied, lakeside resort set on expansive grounds along Lake Champlain. Offering cottages and guest rooms, Basin Harbor includes boating, water sports, hiking trails, a golf course, and dining. Guests at Basin Harbor love its laid-back elegance, family-friendly feel, and direct lake access, making it a top choice for memorable summer getaways.

Lake Champlain Inn • 234 Lake Shore Drive, North Hero, VT 05474
The Lake Champlain Inn in North Hero offers an intimate waterfront retreat. With comfortable rooms, private seating areas, and quiet views, the Lake Champlain Inn appeals to travelers who want to escape the bustle and sink into lakeside rhythm. Its location in the Islands region of the Champlain Valley makes the Lake Champlain Inn a serene base for exploration.

North Hero House Inn & Restaurant • 3643 U.S. Route 2, North Hero, VT 05474
The North Hero House Inn sits on Lake Champlain’s edge, offering timeless charm, tastefully decorated rooms, private docks, and cozy porches. The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant is especially appealing to couples or travelers seeking a romantic, restful getaway surrounded by lake views and warm hospitality.

Lodge at Shelburne Bay • 147 Shelburne Bay Avenue, Shelburne, VT 05482
The Lodge at Shelburne Bay provides a lakeside stay just minutes from Burlington, with apartment-style suites, fitness facilities, and a calm residential ambiance. Guests at the Lodge at Shelburne Bay appreciate the spacious suites, convenient location, and tranquil setting near Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms.

Inn at Shelburne Farms • 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482
Set within a 1,400-acre historic working farm, the Inn at Shelburne Farms evokes timeless elegance and pastoral luxury. With manicured gardens, walking trails, lake views, and refined architecture, the Inn at Shelburne Farms is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Vermont’s heritage, peacefulness, and natural beauty.

Outdoor Recreation & Seasonal Activities in the Champlain Valley

Visiting the Champlain Valley isn’t just about where you stay; it’s about how you move, explore, and connect with the landscape.

• Spring: Witness maple sugaring season, walk through orchards, birdwatch in wetlands.

• Summer: Swim, paddleboard, or sail on Lake Champlain. Bike the Island Line Rail Trail. Join outdoor concerts or farmers’ markets.

• Fall: Drive or cycle along scenic roads, enjoy spectacular fall foliage, sample cider at local orchards.

• Winter: Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, skate on frozen lake sections (weather permitting), and cozy up in your inn by a fire.

Many inns, resorts, and lodgings provide seasonal packages, guided excursions, or equipment rentals to help guests fully embrace the region all year.

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Food, Drink & Agritourism in the Champlain Valley

The Champlain Valley’s culinary heart is its farms, water, and traditions. Food and drink are deeply rooted in local soil and community.

• Dairy & Cheese: Sample Vermont cheeses at local creameries and markets

• Breweries & Cideries: Explore tasting rooms in Burlington and surrounding towns

• Lake-to-Table: Enjoy fish and produce from nearby waters and farms

• Maple: Try maple syrup, desserts, and culinary creations during sugaring season

• Farm-to-Table Dining: Many Burlington and Middlebury restaurants emphasize hyper-local ingredients

Lodgings like the Essex Resort & Spa offer cooking classes, while inns such as Swift House Inn or Lang House may provide curated food experiences or locally sourced breakfasts that highlight the region’s bounty.

Planning Your Champlain Valley Vermont Vacation

Here are some practical tips to help you plan a smooth, fulfilling trip:

• Choose your base carefully:

  • Burlington for culture, nightlife, and lake access

  • Middlebury for countryside calm and college-town charm

  • Essex for wellness, culinary retreats, and resort amenities

  • Lake Champlain shores for waterfront serenity and historic inns

• Mind the seasons:

  • Peak: summer and fall (especially leaf-peeping season)

  • Shoulder: late spring and late fall offer fewer crowds and better deals

  • Winter: quieter stays, but check road and trail conditions

• Book early:
  Popular inns and resorts in Burlington, Middlebury, and the lake islands often fill up quickly—especially on weekends and during peak season.

• Transportation:
  Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, but Burlington has walkable districts, and public transport or ferries can connect you to key areas.

• Package up:
  Many inns offer romantic getaways, wellness retreats, cooking packages, or seasonal specials—ask when booking to tailor your experience.

A Champlain Valley Vermont vacation is a layered, enriching journey: serene lakeshore mornings, cultured downtown evenings, countryside stillness, and quintessential Vermont hospitality. Whether you choose to stay at the historic Lang House on Main Street, the boutique elegance of Hotel Vermont, the full-service luxury of the Essex Resort & Spa, or a lakeside inn like the North Hero House Inn, your accommodation will enhance your experience of the region—not just as a place to sleep, but as a place to connect and restore.

For any questions about Vermont vacation lodging, feel free to reach out to VTInns.com – A Vermonter’s Guide to the Best of Vermont.

Ask us about Champlain Valley Vermont Vacations.

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