Opened in 2007, the Courtyard Burlington Harbor still feels brand new, with an upscale seafood restaurant (a rarity at the chain’s other properties) and a lovely little courtyard where you can bask in the sun by day and then huddle around a fire at night. The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool, plus complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms that include the conveniences of mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers.

The Courtyard Burlington Harbor is centrally located in Burlington, Vermont, though it’s not directly on the water like the name may suggest. It is, however, just a few blocks from Waterfront Park, where you’ll find the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center and Burlington Bike Path, and in the other direction, Church Street Marketplace, a picturesque hub for shopping and family-friendly dining.

The hotel has a total of 161 accommodations, all of which are equipped with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi. Microwaves are available in some rooms, and can also be requested free of charge for rooms without them.

Pullout sofas are included in all guestrooms, but not suites. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request, as are connecting guestrooms on all floors of the hotel.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms are equipped with one king bed or two queens, plus a sofa bed - which means that in the rooms with two queen beds, you can sleep up to six guests! Options for room views include City View (which likely means you'll be looking at a parking lot), Lake View (partial view of the lake), and Lake Champlain View (fully fronts the water).

Suites
The hotel has three suite options, all of which feature a whirlpool tub and king bed; they are truly best for single travelers or couples since they only sleep up to two guests. A rollaway bed or crib can be added to them, though, or you can request a connecting room.

Of note are the two Hospitality Suites, featuring large balconies with tables and chairs and stellar views of Lake Champlain. The outdoor spaces are great for large or multi-generational family gatherings. Grandparents can claim the Hospitality Suite and let the kids and grandkids in as they please!

Pool
The hotel has an indoor saline pool, ranging in depth from three to five feet. It's open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There's also a hot tub.

Bleu
Open for breakfast, dinner and on weekends, brunch, Bleu features locally sourced seafood -- including fish from Lake Champlain. Dishes include Pan Roasted Rockfish, Cod & Clam Bouillabase, Seafood Paealla and Whole Maine Lobster. You don't have to like seafood to enjoy Bleu, though; the indoor-only restaurant also serves steak, a pasta dish, and sandwiches, along with a menu for kids. Bleu is undeniably upscale, however, so it may or may not be a good fit for your family.

The Courtyard Burlington Harbor is actually one of just five hotels within the popular budget chain to offer an upscale dining option. Bleu is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Fitness Center
The hotel's fitness center, located adjacent to the pool, is open 24 hours and offers a few cardio machines, dumbbells, a lift chair, and a multi-use strength training machine. Key cards are required for access to the gym.

The Art of Smart Timing
The Courtyard Burlington Harbor is busiest in the summer, as well as the early fall, when the weather in Burlington, Vermont (and the overall area) invites visitors to enjoy outdoor excursions on Lake Champlain.

Getting There
Fly into Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Canada (Quebec; two hours away) or Albany International Airport in New York (about three hours away). While Burlington, Vermont has an airport, it is serviced by regional flights only.

Getting Around
You don't need a vehicle to get around Burlington; most Burlington, Vermont attractions -- including Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park -- are within a short walk of the hotel. But you'll want a vehicle to explore the rest of the Lake Champlain Byway and its other charming Vermont towns.

Parking
You can park your car at a parking garage adjacent to the hotel for $12 per night. Upon arrival, guests can park in a 15-minute spot close to the hotel's private entrance, check in, and unload their luggage.

For Mom and Dad
Sip on a glass of local wine or beer at the Bar at Bleu, or, if time allows, enjoy dinner for two at Hen of the Wood, part of the Hotel Vermont next door. The dim-lit restaurant sets the tone for a romantic evening, as does the delicious selection of small and large plates.