Lodging choices at Jay Peak Resort are plentiful. Families can stay in condos, cottages, townhouses or hotel rooms and suites. Each type of accommodation is unique in its own way. You can stay on the mountain, close to the golf course or just a short walk to either. Some units have full-sized kitchens, others have kitchenettes. With so many options there is certainly one that is right for your family.

A few years ago we stayed in a two bedroom suite at the Hotel Jay. I loved the convenience of being right on the mountain and inside the same building with the water park, arcade, and restaurants. However, as my kids have grown into teenagers, I have discovered that it is optimal to have a bit more space when traveling with them. Not only are they bigger, but their gear is bigger and the amount of stuff they travel with seems to have grown exponentially. Plus, they like to have their space and honestly so do we.

Golf and Mountain Cottages

On our most recent visit to Jay Peak, my family had the opportunity to stay in a multi-level two bedroom cottage, near the golf course and just a short walk from the Tramside Base.

From the moment we walked in I knew this space was going to work well for us. In the entry way, there is large mudroom with tons of hooks. It had plenty of space for our skis and snowboards. We were able to store our wet boots under the bench and use the shelf to put away our other gear. Leaving our ski stuff out here kept our living space dry. There is nothing worse than walking through puddles of melted snow in your socks.

The main living space had a full sized kitchen, dining area with seating for six, and comfortable living room with a fireplace. There was even a deck off the back. Having a full kitchen is a big plus for families on a ski trip. It gives you the ability to make some, if not all, of your meals at home, which can save you time and money.

Our unit consisted of three floors. The queen sized master bedroom is located on the top level while the second bedroom is on the lower level. This was not an issue for us as our teens prefer to be as far away from us as possible. However, if you are staying here with younger children you might want to consider there are two flights of stairs that separate you.

The master bath is located on the main level. As there is no separate powder room, it serves as a restroom for all guests. Again, this didn’t bother us, but keep in mind that you may have to go down a flight of stairs in the middle of the night to use the toilet.

The ground floor bedroom is a split king with its own bathroom. Upon request, the beds can be made up as two twins which is a nice option for families. There is also a queen sleeper sofa in the living room which means these cottages can comfortably accommodate 6 people.

The Convenience Factor

At first, I was concerned about the proximity of these cottages to the main base lodge, water park, Ice Haus arena and other amenities. I shouldn’t have worried because Jay provides a convenient free shuttle service to all of the resort’s attractions. It runs on a continuous loop around the property or you can call for a pick up at any time. Having door-to-door service was fantastic, plus we never had to worry about finding a parking spot.

Although some families might prefer the full-service accommodations of the studios or 1-3 bedroom suites in Hotel Jay, I am willing to trade that for the space and privacy of a cottage anytime.