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Smugglers' Notch Buildings - Advice Needed

JudiZ

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I am booking a unit at Smuggs for next summer (after reading about their SNAP program here) and have the choice of Aspens, Sycamores, Balsams or Tamaracks, Owls, Kestrels. There will be four of us and we need a two bedroom. I searched here but it is pretty daunting and I can't seem to find something definitive enough. We aren't terribly picky but was wondering if there was a preferable location. We like to be closer to the pool but a refurbed unit will probably trump that. Any insights would be much appreciated. Thank you for your help.

Best,
Judi
 

WinniWoman

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Hi, Judi! I am personally partial to the Sycamores (in West Hill) as that is where we own. Also- it is a community with it's own outdoor heated pool (best one there imo with a lovely view of the Notch) and clubhouse, with a gym and game room, etc. It is, however, away from the main village. We like that, but some people like being in the village for convenience. No worries, because Smuggs has an excellent shuttle system or you can do what we do- we either walk down or take our car!

We also like Aspens. The units are the same as Sycamores. They also have their own pool and small gym. No game room or clubhouse.

Balsams are right in the village. I have never been in one. For those, you do have to use the so-called "public" pools only.

Now- as for Tamaracks, Owls and Kestrels- well they are all in the North Hills community. The North Hill has an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tubs and a gym. I personally do not care for their recreation/pool center and they have had a lot of issues over the years with repairs in there as well. Again- way far from the main village. Tamaracks are like the Sycamores- but newer. Very lovely units.

The Kestrels are part of what I believe RCI calls the Mountain Estates. Again- lovely and they have screened in gazebos attached to the units. And the Owls- most are Presidentials and very upscale and the newest.

Hope this helps. We have owned there for 20 years so ask away.
 

JudiZ

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Thank you, Mary Ann!
 

uscav8r

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I’ve been to Smuggs and have stayed almost exclusively in North Hill. I’ve done Tamaracks, Owls, and Kestrels. All are fantastic newer or Presidential units.

I don’t think it is that far removed from the main village. Sure, you might not want to walk back and forth, but that’s what the shuttles are for. North Hill is close to trail heads on that side of the resort.

I just checked out the pool and community center in North Hill last week. No issues there that I noticed, though the indoor hot tubs were closed. The Kestrels 3BR units have a community hot tub by the building entrance, but cost extra points. I’d just get a Tamaracks unit or upgrade to the Owls Presidential for a 3BR in the future.


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JudiZ

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Thanks, Chris!
 

WinniWoman

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One good thing with the North Hill recreation center is there is an indoor pool for those rainy days.
 

hk4481

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Is anyone familiar with the 'Mountain Laurel' section/buildings? We have reservations for the week of September 15. Are they nice, how old, etc (or should I request a different area)? Any advice / recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 

WinniWoman

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Is anyone familiar with the 'Mountain Laurel' section/buildings? We have reservations for the week of September 15. Are they nice, how old, etc (or should I request a different area)? Any advice / recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Yes. I have never been inside one, though. They are somewhat older- but certainly not the oldest of the buildings. They are up at the Highland Hill area which is very quiet and private. Away from the village- but there is good shuttle service if you do not want to walk (downhill- but coming back is steep) or take your car. Wooded- no views.

I hear they are fairly nice. They also have their own outdoor pool, though it is small. But then again, there are not a lot of Mountain Laurel buildings- just a couple.
 

hk4481

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Yes. I have never been inside one, though. They are somewhat older- but certainly not the oldest of the buildings. They are up at the Highland Hill area which is very quiet and private. Away from the village- but there is good shuttle service if you do not want to walk (downhill- but coming back is steep) or take your car. Wooded- no views.

I hear they are fairly nice. They also have their own outdoor pool, though it is small. But then again, there are not a lot of Mountain Laurel buildings- just a couple.
Thank you!
 

nerodog

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Hi.what buildings have Saturday check in...I have a choice between a 2BR 2 bath, 8/4 or 8/6. I called and was told the 4 privacy is Evergreen , older. I need an elevator. Any thoughts?
 

Crafty71

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I believe Evergreen, Aspens and Owls Presidential (3-bedroom) are the only buildings that have an elevator...and if you are booking through RCI, I doubt it would be an Owls unit...

Villmarksauna (and Evergreen, I believe) have a Saturday check-in

Evergreen is right in the middle of the village...very well situated for just about everything.

Aspens are at the end of the road...you need to take a shuttle for just about everything except the pool that is attached to the building and the hiking/walking trails right out the door (and the Notchville Park is a downhill walk...but uphill all the way coming back).

I hope this helps.

Cheers!
 

nerodog

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Hi.what buildings have Saturday check in...I have a choice between a 2BR 2 bath, 8/4 or 8/6. I called and was told the 4 privacy is Evergreen , older. I need an elevator. Any thoughts?
I got my answer... what units are attached to Rci mountain estates ??
 

Crafty71

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Kestrels are Mountain Estates in RCI.

Kestrels are located in the North Hill Community. No elevator but at least two (2) units per building are ground floor access (no stairs).

Very conveniently located near the North Hill Community Center with indoor pool (year-round)/outdoor pool (seasonal).

Cheers!
 

nerodog

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Hi... have an opportunity for a 3 BR unit 10/8 in Sept with a Friday check in. Any idea what units ?

Also a Sunday check in 2BR 8/6.

Many thanks.
 

nerodog

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I have 5 to 6 people coming so want a newer unit if possible with space.
 

nerodog

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If anyone is looking for Sept 2020, there are about 5 units of various sizes available through RCI.
 
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