The Palmer House Resort, an Ascend Collection Hotel

This property offers a unique, sprawling layout with rooms spread across vast grounds, often in a motel-style, allowing for convenient parking directly in front of the door. Its signature feature is its extensive outdoor amenities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and a fire pit, making it an appealing choice for families seeking recreational activities and couples looking for a quiet retreat. The hotel's prime location, within walking distance of downtown, also makes it ideal for sightseers and skiers visiting nearby slopes. Guests frequently commend the staff's exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. To enhance your stay, consider requesting an upgraded suite, which often provides a more spacious and comfortable experience, and be aware that some areas of the property may show signs of age.

Facilities & Amenities
The property boasts a variety of facilities designed for guest enjoyment, though their condition and availability can be inconsistent. There are both an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, but reviews frequently mention the indoor pool being cold or both pools being closed for repairs or lacking proper maintenance. The hot tub is a popular feature, though some guests noted it could be cleaner. A fitness center is available, but its equipment is sometimes described as outdated. The advertised golf course is more akin to a pitch-and-putt and often appears unmaintained. Guests appreciate the presence of tennis courts, shuffleboard, and a communal fire pit, which are generally well-received. Many rooms, particularly suites, include convenient kitchenettes with a refrigerator and microwave, though some report issues with appliances not working. Wi-Fi is available, but its reliability can vary across the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is quite mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be spacious and clean, especially those in upgraded suites, often highlighting comfortable beds and a quiet atmosphere conducive to rest. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as dated, having a musty odor, or even smelling of smoke. Common complaints include stained carpets, peeling paint, broken blinds, mold in showers, and rusted fixtures. Some guests reported issues with hot water availability and non-working coffee makers or microwaves. Noise can be a concern, with some guests noting thin walls that allow sounds from neighboring rooms to be easily heard. Bathrooms are frequently mentioned as being small or outdated, with some experiencing issues like clogged drains or small sinks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers an included continental breakfast that receives varied feedback. Most guests appreciate the convenience and the availability of hot options such as scrambled eggs and bacon, along with standard continental fare like boxed cereals, waffles, yogurt, toast, and bagels. Coffee quality is inconsistently reviewed, with some finding it good and others describing it as undrinkable. While some guests found the breakfast to be good and filling, others considered it "barebones" or limited in variety. There are mentions of an on-site restaurant or bar, but reviews frequently indicate that these facilities are often closed or do not exist as advertised, leading to disappointment for guests expecting dining options on the property.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. It is praised for being centrally located and within easy walking distance to downtown Manchester, offering convenient access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and outlets. This proximity allows guests to explore the town without needing a car. The property is also well-situated for those interested in skiing at nearby mountains, making it a practical base for winter sports enthusiasts. Parking is readily available directly in front of most rooms, which guests find very convenient. The setting is described as beautiful and peaceful, providing a quiet retreat while still being close to local attractions and amenities.

Staff & Service
The staff at this property consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going "above and beyond" to assist guests, whether it's resolving room issues, providing local recommendations, or offering assistance during unexpected situations. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and efficient, even for late arrivals. Guests appreciate the staff's responsiveness to concerns, though the ability to fully resolve issues like maintenance problems can be limited by the property's overall condition. The positive interactions with the staff are a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a more enjoyable stay despite other potential shortcomings.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the property, despite its "resort" designation, is often perceived as a motel due to its layout and general condition. There are frequent mentions of an additional resort fee being charged, which some guests find unexpected and question its value, as it covers amenities like Wi-Fi and parking that are often included elsewhere. A significant concern is the widespread deferred maintenance across the property, including potholes in the driveway, unkempt grounds, and various broken or worn features. Some guests reported booking issues or being assigned rooms different from what they reserved, though staff often tried to rectify these situations. The property does offer a pet-friendly policy, but guests note challenges in finding suitable areas for pets.