Snowy Owl Inn And Resort

We stayed at the Snowy Owl over the Presidents' Weekend holiday, which we knew would be crowded and with many children. We have a child too and that is when we are all able to go. We don't mind kids running around and even making noise. What we experienced was beyond what even the most easy going family friendly kid loving people can handle. Most of the Inn was booked by an entire boys' grade school hockey team, and also a high school group. It is a great venue for large groups, and I can see why they would book it year after year. It was just too much. The extreme noise level, especially during the evening hours when everyone came back from skiing before 10pm "quiet hours" was beyond the pale. There was nowhere to sit outside of our room because all public spaces were filled, except the entrance lobby. We tried to play a card game there but it was honestly hard to focus it was so loud. Someone was playing a video game at the volume of 11 - like I was in an action movie at the theater but louder. It was uncomfortable even in our room, with the very loud noise and shaking from the hard running down the halls and banging into walls (hockey in the halls?), and the screaming and shouting, shrieking even at times, were so loud that it was painful, even in our room. Again, we expected and have no problem with some noise, and we are not quiet. It was three hours of mind-bending inescapeable racket. I could not comprehend that those who run the Inn don't put any limits at all on these groups who behave beyond limits that they would have at any home or any other public space. The owners clearly do not care about any other hotel guests. It is a cheap place to stay in a great location, but beware of school holidays. No one should stay there who isn't a part of one of these groups. I am not exaggerating. I like children and this is a great place for kids and parents to have fun, but the lack of any limits by hotel staff (and parents) made it a torment.

The hotel is extremely outdated, with old furniture and fixtures from at least 30 years ago. The room fridge had mold in the freezer portion, and noise from rowdy guests went unchecked all night despite being emailed "rules". The restaurant service was poor, with long waits even when it wasn’t busy, and the breakfast was barely edible. It has a lot of potential but unfortunately did not deliver.

In August, we hosted a Wedding Welcome Reception for 90 guests on the Snowy Owl Inn’s patio. Everything worked out really well. The staff were friendly, responsive, and easy to work with – answering questions, sending photos, and worked with us on setup and cleanup. The patio was spotless, the chairs and tables in great condition, and the cocktail samosas with sauces were a huge hit. The on-site Indian restaurant is also excellent, giving guests a great dining option before the event. Highly recommend for gatherings in Waterville Valley.