Year 2012
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Michael Chagnon
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Press Kit: History
Manchester Village, Vermont – The roots of The Equinox resort go back to 1769, when the town of Manchester was less than a decade old. The original structure, a stoic, wooden two-story building called the Marsh Tavern today still serves as a restaurant at the hotel. One of the state's first lodgings, the tavern quickly became a popular gathering spot for locals, many of whom would become memorable figures during the Revolution, including the legendary "Green Mountain Boys." The Marsh Tavern was also the first Tory (British loyalist) property seized by revolutionaries to support their war efforts. In 1780, new owner Thaddeus Munson expanded the territory of the tavern by adding a new inn next door. More than six of the subsequent owners modified the resort structurally and architecturally over the next two centuries, resulting in 17 major architectural changes in six distinct styles.
The name "Equinox" first emerged in 1853, when owner Franklin Orvis opened his own hotel, the "Equinox House," in his father's home next door to the Marsh Tavern. The hotel's reputation as a “premier summer resort” was solidified in 1863, when Mrs. Abraham Lincoln and her two sons vacationed there.
The lifestyle enjoyed by guests during these years was a lavish one. During its peak, guests were treated to four meals a day – breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper – and tea and gingerbread snacks. A typical Sunday breakfast at Equinox House offered veal cutlets, codfish balls, eggs, smoked beef and potatoes. Breakfast was included in the price of the hotel room, but "The Equinox Sparkling Water," a natural, mountain mineral water advertised for its "health maintaining properties" was extra. A scale from the period, uncovered during the 1980s renovation, was used to weigh guests at the end of their stay to ensure they had put on a few pounds! To attract the well-heeled, an 1856 advertisement offered this dramatic cost-cutting slogan: "children and servants half-price.
Through the following three decades and three ownerships, The Equinox continued to operate and was saved from destruction on November 21, 1972, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Francesco Galesi of The Galesi Group took over the hotel in 1974. After years of careful planning and an extensive $20 million restoration, the resort reopened to year-round vacationers in 1985. In April 1991, when the property was purchased by Equinox Resort Associates -- a partnership of Guinness Enterprise Holdings (Vermont), Inc.; Callaghan & Partners, Ltd.; and The Galesi Group -- The Equinox began an ambitious revitalization program designed to make it the premier resort destination in the Northeast. In 2000, Olympus Real Estate Partners purchased an 85 percent share of the hotel, and on November 15, 2001, Olympus contracted with RockResorts (Vail resorts) as the management company.
In the fall of 2002, The Equinox continued its renovations with the addition of the Rockwell Room, a state-of-the-art multi-function meeting space to fit a variety of guests’ needs. In January of 2003, The Spa at The Equinox was completed offering an intimate, personalized spa experience like no other in the Northeast, reflecting the transcendent beauty and nature of Vermont’s pristine environment in both its treatments and the spa’s decor.
In March, 2007 HEI Hotels & Resorts, the hotel ownership and operating company, acquired the historic property and in the spirit of continuing this legacy, commenced a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the guestrooms and public spaces led by renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield. HEI Hotels & Resorts also acquired the 1811 House, a historic bed and breakfast in Manchester Village, VT, adding another piece of history and old-world charm to Vermont’s legendary resort, The Equinox. Located across from the main hotel building overlooking the Golf Club at The Equinox, the 1811 House is both a natural and graceful extension of the historic The Equinox resort. The former home of Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter, the impeccably maintained 13-room 1811 House was originally built in the 1700’s and features Federal period styling with fireplaces, private porches, private baths, oriental rugs, authentic antiques and original artwork throughout the property. Additional dining and lounge options were also added to The Equinox; Falcon Bar and Chop House.
About The Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village
Located in Manchester Village, Vermont; The Equinox has served as one of the country’s most historically significant and luxurious destinations since 1769. The 195-room resort, including the Orvis Inn and the 1811 House, is a luxurious year-round destination nestled on 1,300 acres of pristine countryside within a four-hour drive of New York and Boston. The British School of Falconry, Orvis Fly Fishing, off-road driving at The Land Rover Driving Experience School and Archery are among some of the unique activities available at the resort. The Golf Club at Equinox, an 18-hole championship-quality course designed by Walter Travis and Rees Jones, was voted as one of the top 75 golf courses in North America by Golf Digest, and the #1 golf club in the state by Golfweek magazine. There are five elegant restaurants on property including the new Chop House and Falcon Bar. The Spa at The Equinox, a 13,000 square-foot full-service resort spa, encourages guests to awaken their spirit and reconnect with nature. In 2008, The Equinox underwent a $20 million renovation overseen by renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield. For more information please visit www.equinoxresort.com or call 1-800-362-4747.
About HEI Hotels & Resorts
Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., HEI Hotels & Resorts is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates first-class, full-service and focused-service hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Embassy Suites and Hilton. Get more information at www.heihotels.com.