Best Things Nearby:
Location is the greatest asset of this resort as it is nestled among the natural wonders of the White Mountain Region. The Mountain Club on Loon is right on the Swift River and the Kancamangus Highway. The Kancamangus is a highly regarded scenic byway that winds through the White Mountain National Forest for 32-miles of breathtaking mountain views, perfect for picnics, hikes, or strolls. There is no development during this stretch of highway, it is all preserved and protected, offering multiple national park spots along the way. The Swift River is a fast running cold mountain river that is surrounded by large smooth bolders and features natural stone pools, waterfalls, and ledges. You can climb, walk, swim and investigate the river for hours; finding natural stone perches to sit in with rushing water all around. To me Swift River and Kancamangus Highway are essential parts of childhood. As a native NH resident, exploring the wonder and magnificance of this area is a must do for any adventuresome or nature loving spirit.
Best Things About the Resort:
The timeshare we had was a one-bedroom lock-out. Very spacious and well-appointed, it was a welcoming, comfortable retreat. There were accommodations for at least six people. The private bedroom was large (with a nice big whirlpool tub). The adjoining suite-style room was a living room/dining room space with two daybeds and a pull-down queen size bed. The balcony overlooked the Swift River and the White Mountains, offering calming and inspiring views. The resort offers many spa-type features adding to the getaway relaxation experience: spas, pools, massage, facials, yoga, sauna, steam, and more. We went for a relaxing retreat and took advantage of these many 'creature comforts' to pamper and indulge. The active vacationer has numerous activities to choose from such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, skate board park, climbing wall, racquet sports, and "real" rock climbing. They even offer gondola rides up the mountain in summer for a small fee. A store in the main lobby is open 24-hours a day and sells essentials like coffee, milk, and snacks.
Resort Experience:
The Mountain Club on Loon is a luxury resort for the active family. It is kid-friendly, illustrated by the widescreen TV outside the pool that is always tuned to Sponge Bob Squarepants. I couldn't help but think "my kids would love it here" while I was visiting. I was there, however, for a girls' weekend. But there weren't other people's children underfoot all the time. During our weekend getaway we found plenty of solitude, elegance, and relaxation. The family spirit of the resort doesn't hinder couples or adults from enjoying their time away. There are ample opportunities for quiet reflection or romance, given the expansive size of this resort and the unspoiled natural surroundings.
Rooms are well appointed, comfortable, and quiet, with no invasive noise. There were no mascots or characters marching around giving away lollipops. You don't feel like you are at a theme park.
There are two restaurants and a lounge that were just an elevator ride away for us. The portions at the lunch restaurant were enormous. Our side salad was by itself a meal. Since the resort is self-contained, you can easily access the indoor health club, pool, or spa without leaving the building--a real plus for winter vacationers not wanting to bundle up for an outdoor walk to the pool.
The resort is basically the base lodge of a ski area, offering unparallelled convience and comfort for winter sports enthusiasts.
Of Note, Parking Is a Problem: All parking is underneath the building, some larger SUVs may not fit comfortably in the narrow spaces or under the low clearance of parking garage. My sister's Hummer was too tall to get into the parking garage. Even if you park under the building, unloading is somewhat cumbersome and time consuming, given distance you must travel to the rooms. Luggage carts are available, but you usually have to go searching for one. The parking was the only drawback I found. In winter, however, when plowing and snow clearing are underway, protected parking could be an asset.
- Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
- Activities: Excellent
- Amenities: Excellent
- Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
- Family Friendliness: Excellent
- Service: Very Good