Is the Brass Lantern Inn a Good Fit for Your Family? (Spoiler: Yes - Here's Why)
When most people picture a bed and breakfast, they picture a romantic getaway for two. Candlelight, quiet mornings, a room all to yourselves. And yes, we do that beautifully. But a question we get more than you might expect is: "Is a B&B really right for a family trip?"
It's a fair thing to wonder. And the honest answer - at least when it comes to the Brass Lantern Inn - is yes, with a few things to know going in.
Here's what a family stay at our 1810 historic Stowe inn actually looks like.
The Space Works in Your Favor
We have nine guest rooms arranged in natural clusters throughout the inn. For families, this is a real advantage: you can book two adjacent rooms in the same wing and enjoy a semi-private experience that feels almost suite-like - without the sterile hotel corridor feel or the price tag of an actual suite. We had a few families do this over the holidays and winter break and it worked very well for them!
Here's how the clusters work for different family sizes:
Families of 4-8: Our two largest rooms sit right next to each other. Mount Mansfield is our grandest room - commanding Green Mountain views, a large fireplace, sectional sleeper sofa, coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave. Dewey Mountain, next door, offers a king bed plus a queen, accommodating up to four guests at no extra charge. Together these two rooms create a spacious family setup that is perfect for a larger family. We have a family that returns year after year to enjoy these rooms, and so can you!
Families of 4-6: Our economy rooms, Sugarloaf Mountain and Roundtop Mountain, are clustered in the same section of the inn as The Pinnacle, making a natural two-to-three-room pairing for a family that wants comfortable, value-conscious accommodations without sacrificing proximity.
Families of 4: Spruce Peak and Sterling Mountain are another natural cluster, ideal for two adults and two kids who want their own space without being far apart.
Sugarloaf Mountain and Roundtop Mountain are also ideal for when older kids and parents want their privacy. These economy rooms sit in the central part of the inn, so parents can book the premium room they prefer and can still easily keep tags on the kids - no long corridors or separate elevator banks separating the kids' room from the parents' room.
This isn't a workaround - it's how the inn is laid out, and it allows us to provide a home away from home feel while still delivering excellent service that neither a hotel or a short term rental can provide.
The Amenities Are Genuinely Kid-Friendly
Let's be honest: kids need things to do. Here's what we've got:
Game Room / Tavern - Our game room is a genuine gathering place. It features an Infinity Game Table (think a giant digital game table with dozens of titles built in) as well as board games, puzzles and cards. It's become one of the most-loved spots in the inn for families and couples alike, especially on rainy Vermont afternoons.
A Very Large Yard - Our outdoor space is extensive, with a sweeping lawn, patio, porch, and Adirondack chairs set against views of Mount Mansfield and the Sterling Mountain Range. There's room to run around, throw a frisbee, play volleyball, or just let the kids decompress after a day on the mountain or trail. You can even make a fire in the fire pit for some hot dog roasting and marshmallows on a cool summer evening.
The Hot Tub - Our four-person outdoor hot tub is open year-round until 10 PM with views of Mount Mansfield and the night sky. It's the perfect way to end a day of skiing or hiking. Adults can soak while kids wind down - and then everyone sleeps well.
Snacks, Coffee, and More - We keep 24/7 coffee, tea, and cocoa available throughout the day, with complimentary evening snacks included with every stay. Beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink cocktails are available for purchase from our tavern (for the grown-ups, of course).
Breakfast Is Included - And We Mean It
At most hotels, breakfast is either a soggy buffet or a line item that adds $25 a head to your bill. At the Brass Lantern, a full three-course Vermont Fresh breakfast is included with every stay, every morning.
We're talking fresh fruit or parfait to start, housemade baked goods, locally sourced ingredients, and a hot plated entrée - all made by Andrew, who brings artistry and flair to every dish. And we're very good at accommodating dietary restrictions, preferences, and picky eaters. Just let us know ahead of time and we'll make sure everyone at the table is taken care of.
For families who have to hit the mountain early, we offer a complimentary to-go breakfast option - just request it by 8 PM the night before.
When you factor in what a family of four would pay for breakfast at a resort or restaurant in Stowe, the math starts to look quite a bit different (and we have mimosas and Bloody Mary’s for the parents too!).
Stowe Is a Summer Paradise for Families
Winter gets most of the attention, but summer in Stowe might actually be the best-kept secret in Vermont family travel.
The Stowe Recreation Path - one of the most beloved multi-use trails in New England - runs right through town and is perfect for biking, walking, and exploring with kids of all ages. We offer secure bike storage if you're bringing your own.
From the inn, you're a short drive or 13-minute walk to the village center, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and the kind of small-town Vermont charm that is increasingly hard to find. Shaw's Grocery is right next door for easy provisions if you want to have a picnic on the lawn or grab supplies for the day. And, our large dining room is available for your take out or delivery meals if you want to eat in.
Hiking, swimming, kayaking, and mountain biking are all within easy reach. Stowe in summer is active, beautiful, and genuinely fun for families with kids who like being outdoors.
A Few Things to Know
We want every stay to be a great one - for your family and for our other guests - so a few honest notes:
We welcome children ages 8 and up. Younger children are welcome when a family reserves the entire inn (which we love to arrange - contact us to discuss).
Breakfast is served 8:00-9:30 AM daily, with the to-go option available for early departures.
We live on-site, which means there's always someone available for whatever you need - and it means the inn is maintained with a level of care and attention you simply won't find at a larger property.
Ready to Plan Your Family Summer?
Summer 2026 dates are filling up. The inn is small by design - nine rooms means you'll want to plan ahead, especially for peak weekends and school vacation weeks. And summer isn’t just for the weekends as our mid-week rates are the most affordable, and we provide discounts on longer stays, making Stowe your perfect base of operations for your Vermont adventure.
If you have questions about whether the Brass Lantern is the right fit for your family's trip to Stowe, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out at info@brasslanterninn.com or text/call (802) 253-2229.