Big buncha visitors seek lodging advice!

[PeterPL]

Dear Lake folks,

Congratulations on your active Lake W on-line community. It's impressive. I really learned a lot of new things about Winnipesaukee just in the short time I've been browsing.

Hope someone has advice to help me. We are setting up a week-long family reunion next year, July or August 2006, for 35-40 adults and kids. We do this every 4 years, different place each time, so right now the e-mails are running hot with ideas. I know Winnipesaukee will appeal greatly to lots of them including me. We do have some west-coast-o-philes but hey! we're a democracy and New Hampshire can easily carry the day. My immediate family lived in the Monadnock region many years and loved it, so I'll be extolling the state's virtues.

Our problem as a large group is accomodation that we can enjoy and yet afford. For instance the Inn at Mills Falls / Church Landing looks great, but at $200/night(+) per room it's beyond us. Ideal would be houses, condos or up-scale cottages all reasonably close together, weekly rental, close to the shore, swimming nearby, and some restaurants not too far away. (Cooking's fine but not every day! It's vacation after all!). Rustic cabins are charming but only in our memory; we're looking for a bit more comfort than that. One or two really big houses to hold 40 would be great to find!

I see many postings in your site's "Lake Links: Rentals" section, but thought I'd ask here first. You know, I'd love to avoid making 40 time-wasting inquiries, and even more valuable is your local insight. Do you know of resorts or cottage colonies that would really fit our needs, or any of them that really won't?


Thanks very much.

[SAMIAM]

Peter,I'll bet if you called Mark Borrin at Prefferred rentals,he could hook you up.Or try Strickly Rentals in Center Harbor...both are good agencies.

[Boater]

For a group that size you should be asking about room blocks when you call the bigger hotels like the Inns in Meredith. Hotels routinely give discount rates for room blocks for weddings and other occasions like your reunion. Hotels like the Meredith Inns, the Margate, the Naswa, B. Maes (although not on the water), Sandy Point and the Wolfeboro Inn might be good choices although I'm sure there are others.

I have no personal experience but I've heard that the Oliver Lodge is popular for Wedding groups and is often used for groups of your size.

There are so many options and you have so much time that you should be able to find something in your price range that can be fun for your group.

Good luck with the search!

[Rinkerfam]

We are heading to Oliver Lodge this August for the fourth time in 5 years. We truly enjoy everything about it. From what I've seen, it would be the perfect venue for a large reunion. It's worth mentioning that it is a very "kid friendly" location. I don't know the demographic of your group, but if it's like ours it encompasses all ages. Check them out. I think you'll be impressed.

[lakershaker]

I would try Ames Farm in Gilford. Lots of cabins, and some rooms in the main house. They fill up, so dates may be a problem. Otherwise, it's a great location. We have our extended family up every year over the 4th for the past 40 years or so.

[PROPELLER]

Try this resort. Its on the lake links, its in a nice quiet area on the lake with a beach & swimming, it has cottages & motel style accomodations, it appears reasonably priced & is a short drive to Wolfeboro, one of the more desirable lakeside towns with shopping, dining etc. I've never stayed there but it looks very well maintained from the outside & the photos of inside on their website also appear desirable. Good luck with your search.

[BroadHopper]

Sounds like Oliver's Lodge will be your best bet. I had a class reuinion (200 heads) there and it was wonderful. Alec Ray of Common Man catered a chicken/lobster buffet that was outstanding. Give them a call.

[jrc]

You can try these condo's. I own one but don't rent it out.

http://samosetnewhampshire.com/2001_rates.htm

[Frdxplorer]

You might want to check out the Piping Rock Resort in Wolfeboro. Not sure of the price but I have heard good things. Ther eis also the Heritage, but I think they are a bit more pricey. Both can be found on the web. Best of luck.

[PeterPL]

Thank you all for these great tips! At least two places got recommended by two or more posters, so I'll definitely check them out. Also the two rental agencies.

A little question about the Lake area in late July/August: Mosquitoes ? I'm sure they're there but how bad? The answer's probably: Just get used to using the insect-repellant.

Anyway I appreciate the help and I'll try to close out the thread when we make a final decision on our destination. Probably not until August though.

-- Peter

[SIKSUKR]

The mosquitoes apparently don't like the lake during the day when you will be enjoying it.The only time they bother you during the day is in woodsy shaded areas.But around dusk and a few hours later they can be pretty hungry.Bring the repellant. SS

[Fargo]

I'd check out www.centerhaborinn.com The place always looks neat as a pin, has a beach, docks, walking distance to coffee shops and two great restaurants (best in NH) plus the activity of Center Harbor. Won't need a car once you arrive.