Carroll, New Hampshire

The Omni Mount Washington Resort, formerly known as the Mount Washington Hotel, is a historic grand hotel situated in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

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About This Location

The Omni Mount Washington Resort, formerly known as the Mount Washington Hotel, is a historic grand hotel situated in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, near the iconic Mount Washington. This majestic hotel is not only a symbol of opulence and architectural grandeur but also a testament to the fascinating history of the region.

Construction of the hotel took place between 1900 and 1902 at the staggering cost of $1.7 million, equivalent to around $59.8 million in today's currency. The visionary behind this grand project was Joseph Stickney, a native of Concord, New Hampshire, who had amassed a considerable fortune before the age of 30 as a coal broker in Pennsylvania. Having purchased the Mount Pleasant Hotel in 1881, Stickney, along with his partner John N. Conyngham, set the foundation for his dream hotel – the Mount Washington Hotel. Stickney's vision was to create a luxurious escape for urban residents seeking refuge from the city's hustle and bustle.

The construction of the Mount Washington Hotel was a monumental undertaking that employed 250 Italian artisans. These skilled craftsmen played a pivotal role in the creation of the hotel's signature granite and stucco masonry. The construction began in 1900, giving rise to a Y-shaped hotel that opened its doors to the public on July 28, 1902. The hotel was a feat of architectural marvel, boasting over 2,000 doors, 12,000 windows, and more than eleven miles of plumbing. During the opening ceremony, Stickney humorously addressed the audience by saying, "Look at me, gentlemen ... for I am the poor fool who built all this!" Sadly, just a year later, Joseph Stickney passed away from a heart attack at the age of 64.

Following her husband's passing, Carolyn Stickney spent her summers at the hotel for the next decade, making significant additions such as the Sun Dining Room with guest rooms above, the fourth floor between the towers, and a chapel in honor of her late husband. Under the capable management of John Anderson, the hotel thrived. However, the advent of income tax, the era of Prohibition, and the Great Depression all presented challenges to the hospitality industry. In 1936, ownership of the hotel passed to Mrs. Stickney's nephew, Foster Reynolds, but it closed in 1942 due to the impacts of World War II.

In 1944, a Boston syndicate purchased the property for approximately $450,000. That same year, the Mount Washington Hotel was chosen as the site for the historic Bretton Woods Conference. The conference brought together 730 delegates from all 44 allied nations to regulate the international monetary and financial order after World War II. The agreements signed at Bretton Woods led to the establishment of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Monetary Fund, shaping the Bretton Woods system for international commercial and financial relations.

Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the Mount Washington Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 27, 1978, with reference number 78000213. In 1986, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Over the years, the hotel has undergone renovations and improvements, allowing it to remain operational throughout the year. In January 2009, a 50,000-square-foot addition was completed, which included a 25,000-square-foot spa and a 25,000-square-foot conference center. The Mount Washington Hotel and Resort stands out as one of the few remaining grand hotels in the White Mountains, featuring an 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross, as well as the original 9-hole course designed by A.H. Findlay.

In December 2015, the hotel and the Bretton Woods Mountain Resort were acquired by Omni Mount Washington LLC from the CNL Financial Group, based in Orlando, Florida. They continue to be operated by Omni Hotels & Resorts under the official name of Omni Mount Washington Resort. The hotel is also a proud member of Historic Hotels of America, which is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

For visitors looking to catch a glimpse of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, a public parking lot is conveniently located just off Route 302, across from the hotel's entrance. This parking area offers a perfect vantage point for viewing the hotel, with the majestic Mount Washington as a backdrop. Guests visiting the hotel are welcome to utilize the parking facilities provided on-site.

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Locations

Address:
310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Carroll, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
44.257266, -71.439545
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There is a wonderful public parking lot located just off Route 302 across from the entrance to the hotel. This parking lot offers visitors a view of the hotel and Mount Washington in the background. If you are visiting the hotel, you are welcome to park at the hotel.

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