A Grand Hotel Within the White Mountains

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we find that much is the same after 120 years in a majestic New Hampshire hotel.

Looming near the original structure of the hotel is the Presidential Mountain Range, part of the Appalachian Mountains. Mount Washington is the highest peak in the range that includes Mounts Jefferson, Adams, Monroe, and Madison. Prominent in this exterior view is the main turret, one of three, and its red standing-seam, metal roof. The New Hampshire state flag flies at the tower’s top. Two dozen Juliette balconies, a balustrade connection to the building façade without a deck to walk on, serve more as decoration than for practical enjoyment. Courtesy of the Mount Washington Hotel

Since the completion of the grand Omni Mount Washington Hotel in 1902, the structure stands as a window to majestic nature. To honor what guests can view of the imposing mountains from windows and experience while traipsing through surrounding woods and fields, the outdoors comes indoors in subtle ways.

“The hotel has always told the story of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, no matter where you look, inside or out,” said Craig Clemmer, director of marketing and history tour guide.